Natural Playgrounds

Two years ago, my husband and I were considering a swing set for our little one. We have such a small yard, so it would be crucial to find the right one that left us some area to run around in. I was so overwhelmed by all the features and choices.

That year, we held off on the swing set and put in a fence to keep our little one away from the street and secure in our yard. Throughout the summer, I took notice at what our little one enjoyed doing - digging, planting, gardening, watering our vegetable plants, jumping on our stepping stones, playing in puddles, climbing and hiding in our overgrown Pee Gee Hydrangea bushes, playing on the little hill in our yard, investigating all the insects, gathering sticks, and organizing our stone border.

Clearly, we did not need a swing set.

I started searching the internet for natural play and discovered Natural Playgrounds. The company designs natural playscapes and natural play environments.

My husband and I would like to incorporate a few natural features in our yard that will enrich our little ones play area. Here our a few ideas I found on their website:

PLANTINGS

trees, shrubs, shade trees, tree canopy, fruit trees, flowers, raised bed gardens, vegetable garden, a misting trellis, moss garden, wild flower gardens, butterfly gardens

WATER

flowing stream, pond, waterfall, water fountains, flowing water, mud banks, water hole, water play area, rain garden

DIRT

Mud, sand play area, dirt digging area

QUIET AREA

sitting area, sitting wall, sitting boulders, sitting rocks, tree benches, rock benches, wooden benches, stone walls covered with moss

RUNNING

open fields

HIDING

forts, a tree house

WILDLIFE

wildlife, ducks, insects

FENCES

stone fences, willow fences, wood fences

WALKWAYS

textures walkways, wood trails, winding paths, dry creek, bridge, tunnel

ACTIVE AREAS

sledding hill, embankment slide, rock climbing area, fitness path, post climb, rope climb, tree climbs, arbor swings, balance beam, natural rock piles for climbing

OTHERS

old-fashioned porch swing, arbor, willow tunnels entrance, arbor entrance, amphitheater, stage, zen garden, fairy village, a labyrinth, sun catcher, collection tables, sensory boxes, art wall

It is wonderful to create an area for your little one to explore with their senses.