30 Genius Kid-Friendly Backyard Ideas Your Family Will Love
*2024 Updated!*
It’s getting warmer over here in Georgia and so I thought it would be a good idea to update this post for backyard fun! Some of these are kid-friendly backyard ideas that I have incorporated into my own backyard and some of them are ideas or products that I think are amazing! I have linked the ideas so that you can get more information!
As always, It takes a lot of research to do these posts but its so worth it because I always get so many ideas!! So here is some of the awesome research I’ve been doing and I plan to update the site with some of my projects.
Whatever the size of your backyards; today I’ve collected all kinds of awesome ideas for how to tackle backyard designs for kids and really make good use of your space! Be sure to check out our Amazon Recommendations for more ideas!
We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Keep Toddlers Busy may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our links in my disclosure policy.
If you need ideas for more things to do with the kids in the backyard of simply just some ideas for inspiration, make sure you check out my post on Backyard Games For Kids and hopefully the list below will inspire you even more!
Backyard for Kids Design Tips
Here are a few kids backyard design tips!
1.Think about comfort when picking your seating. We want the kids to stay there for a while!
2. Recycle old furniture. Kids don’t have to have everything new! What can you re-purpose to save money?
3. Don’t be afraid of DIY. Sometimes it just takes planning and then it’s not as hard as it looks. And you save money.
4. Use color whenever possible. (if you want) Kids love it!
5. Allow for a mess to be made. Kids are messy. You will save yourself some stress if you plan for it.
6. Incorporate things that your kids love into the design or plan.
7. Give kids room to run
8. Try to create separate spaces if possible!
Kids Fun Backyard Ideas!
Kid Friendly Backyard Ideas for Toddlers
1. Small Splash Pad and Umbrella
What could be better than water fun in the backyard for a child? The great thing about a splash pad is the clean up is super easy and it’s not expensive as a pool. Throwing in a nice stand alone umbrella is the cherry on the top! This cute idea comes from collectivelycasey.com
Here is my baby girl running to the splash pad before I could change her clothes haha. I used this splash pad and it was great.
2. DIY Outdoor Chalkboard
This awesome idea can actually be built with wood and chalkboard paint or you can buy the chalkboard! It’s a great project for a handy person. Supplies for the build include the 2 Hardie boards, chalk paint, wood for the frame, outdoor paint for the frame, hooks to hang buckets, liquid nails / real nails and bolts for fence attachment.
Acrylic Painting Stand
3. Refurbish with Paint
Well, they are kids. Toys (and furniture) will get played with and will get old. The great thing is that we can always make it new again with outside paint!
4. Outdoor Kiddie Lounge
So in love with this idea and it even would look good in a playroom. Find a circular kiddie pool like this one, add some pillows and blankets, and Violà !
5. DIY Sandbox and Gravel Pit
Such a cool idea! I’ve seen sand boxes but not gravel boxes. All you need is a couple of garden trays (or plastic kiddie pools), play sand, gravel, toys, and a kid! Get the how-to at theimaginationtree.com!
Shop a similar bin here or here!
6. Classic Slide For Young Kids
Both my 5 year old boy and three year old girl still love their little slide. You just can’t go wrong with this addition. Get the red one here!

7. Jungle Kiddie Pool
You can’t go wrong with a kiddie pool! Especially on a hot day! Quick and easy to fill up and hours of fun. Pretty basic but I had to include it. Shop this cute jungle kiddie pool here.
8. Sand and Water Play Table
I’m telling you right now, if you have young kids then you NEED one of these in your life!! My kids play with their table Every. Single. Day. If you don’t have one, check out the water table below! You will be glad you did.
More Backyard Ideas For Kids
9. DIY Sandbox Tent
This is another one of my favorites. DIY is often times the best way to go if you want quality but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg. Get the how-to of the build at Tarynwhiteaker.com!
If you are not super handy, you can try this pre-made version! (on the more expensive side but still pretty awesome)
9a. Backyard Tight Rope
I found this cute idea at Kid’s Activity Blog! According to the author, all you need is soft rope, two trees, and adventurous kids! Even her 18 month old loved it! She stated “A backyard tight-rope will help your child develop his or her sense of balance, co-ordination, gross-motor skills, core strength, muscles and climbing skills”.
10. Inflatable Outside Paint Easel
Another favorite that is sure to please the kiddos. What’s more awesome than a paint surface that you can hose down outside?

Backyard Ideas for Kids of All Ages
11. Slip and Slide
Feeling adventurous? Add a slip ‘n slide! They have been around for years and honestly kids, teens, and adults still love them. You can find the version below here, but honestly there are so many fun versions out there.

12. Rainbow Numbered Hopscotch
I have seen this idea a couple of times and I must say, it just looks so inviting. My kids, again, would adore this and it’s a budget friendly project. All you need is outside paint and some cheap concrete pavers (curbside at Home Depot) of your choice!
13. Natural Rock Toy Car Roadway
I adore this idea because it’s both easy and a budget friendly backyard play space idea! Grab some cheap concrete pavers (curbside pickup at Home Depot), wood slices, some rocks, chalk/paint, and you are set!
Add flexible road way play to you deck, sandbox or pool! Check out this awesome toy road at here.
14. Wood Balance Beam
So simple yet so much time spent on something like this when I was a kid. After I really started getting into the materials phase of my planning, I realized that you can actually order this wood at Home Depot and then do curbside pickup!
15. DIY Tire Sandbox with Umbrella
This is so cute, I love it. Yours may not look exactly the same, but combine a painted old tire, sand, and a little umbrella, and Violà ! You will have a beauty! Go to a junkyard and pick up a tire if you don’t have one!
16. Repurposed Tire See-Saw
Another great DIY that will be loads of fun 🙂

DIY Backyard Ideas
17. Water Balloon Toss
This is a great game to have in the backyard for all ages. You can get creative and make a board, or buy one. Then grab some self sealing water balloons and let the fun begin.

18. Rainbow Balance Stumps and Tire Sandbox
This is so colorful and playful! I knew I didn’t have any stumps at home so did some research and found out that I could buy stump slices on Amazon! Pretty cool lol. Go to a junkyard and pick up a tire if you don’t have one!
19. Kids Backyard Oasis
The cozier, the better. Make it inviting for little one! Try a similar tent here and the rest can easily be found! Great for a smaller backyard!


20. Soccer Net
We can’t forget about sports if you have the space! A soccer net or a basketball hoop will go a long way with the kids!
21. Backyard Busy Cart
This to me is a genius backyard hack. Having a read-made cart available to go outside at a moments notice would literally save me hours every week due to all the time I spend looking for things lol. I got this idea from bystephanielynn.com! Shop the look here.
22. Rainbow Tire Balance
Another great tire idea 🙂
23. Toddler Climber and Swing Set
I love this so much. I know I say that about everything but I only include what I love in my posts lol. This isn’t exactly super soft on the budget, but I think it’s a great addition to the list! You can find this climber and swingset here.
24. DIY Backyard Movie
Is this cute or what? 🙂 If this is your style, check out the how-to at toolboxdivas.
25. Cardboard Card Movie Seats
This is just the cutest thing ever. Find out how to make a car seat here –> lifeispoppin.com.
26. Backyard Mud Kitchen
Turn an old cabinet, shelf, or bookcase into an outdoor play kitchen just right for mixing up mud pies other nature-based delights. I would use some old utensils around the house and possibly a cheap shoe rack and even a play sink! They also have full mud kitchens available as well. Great for pretend play and just adorable.
27.Indoor Outdoor RIWI® XXL building blocks
Very creative huge idea!
28. Family Inflatable Pool
This is perfect for the family. You cant go wrong with an inflatable pool.
29. Sandbox with Cover
Why is this soo awesome?? My kids would love it. Get the how-to here.
30. Picnic Table with Umbrella
This is super cool for eating in the backyard, especially if you have a deck or patio! This picnic table with umbrella is somewhat of a staple for backyardss in the summer 🙂
31. Hangout Pod
This is a pretty cool idea that I feel would actually keep the kids occupied! Find it here!
Looking For More Ideas?
32. Tree Swing and Giant Games
33. DIY Lemonade Stand
34. Garden Playhouse
Having fun outside is such an important part of our child’s life. If not just for the simple fact that they spend a significant amount of time there. I truly hope that this post is utilized and I hope you enjoyed this list.
It should give you some kid friendly backyard ideas that are budget friendly to try with you family! Also check out my post on Backyard Games For Kids as well.
Do you have any other ideas that you think I should add to the list? Please let me know in the comment section below! I would love to hear from you!
Also, remember to sign up for your FREE weekly activities planner on the top or the right side of the page and check out my printables page!


Welcome to my blog! I am an activity mom of three and I have over 15 years of experience crafting, writing, designing and creating. My mission is to bring fun, balance and learning to your busy homes with activities, tips, inspiration, and organization!
35 Comments
Leahrae
So many great ideas for the kids. We live close to the beach, but with this pandemic going on, it really is time to find something for the yard to keep the kids busy. I like anything that has to do with water, we live in Florida after all. The splash pad with the umbrella is really cool. I think that and the jungle kiddie pool both would be great and provide plenty of play time. Thanks for sharing!
Kayla
You’re welcome! I hope you get a chance to find something you like and enjoy the backyard during this time!
Dan Sicat
Awesome ideas! My son is a very active kid. He plays everywhere inside the house and you cannot imagine what would the house look like after he is done playing. He will surely enjoy your backyard ideas especially the outdoor chalkboard since he loves to draw, the sandbox and gravel pit and rock toy car roadway since he loves to play with his toy cars, and the soccer net and tire balance because he loves to run and do some climbing.
Kayla
Glad you enjoyed! I hope you are able to utilize some of the idea and your son enioys it too!
Samantha
Exactly the kind of thing we parents need during this lockdown. The kids have been inside homes for so many days and they get bored easily, which makes things difficult for us parents. Some great modifications in the garden have been suggested, which the kids are going to love for sure. And all this within a budget. I am so glad I came across this article! Thank you for sharing.
Kayla
You are so very welcome!
Sami
This is quite an impressive selection of backyard interest centers for kids. I can see some adaption for older kids as well. I think that having some of their younger kid toys or play area lets them escape. Finding different ways to use some of what we have is important, and you have found some of those. The idea of repainting faded older plastic was such a “DUH” idea to me lol but I never thought of it! That is why I love reading your ideas and posts, makes my creative mind kick in gear.
Kayla
I’m so glad you liked it! For more ideas definitely follow me on pinterest!
Philebur
Hello there thanks this insightful review it was really helpful. Having a backyard is one thing and having a friendly one that the kids would be comfortable with is yet another thing. I have always wanted to design my backyard like this but then I really did not know how to go about it. Well thanks to your review I now have a perfect idea of how my backyard should look like.
Kayla
You are very welcome!
edahnewton1
Hey nice article you have there. Wow, your backyard ideas are pretty awesome. I never really thought of having a backyard for my kids because I live in the city, but I I have seen more than a reason to really think about it and have one to enhance my kids fun and adventure. Especially during these times. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Kayla
Couldn’t agree more, backyards can be super helpful. Glad you enjoyed!
Helen Copson
These are such great ideas, thank you. We bought a slip and slide for my three boys (aged 4, 2 and 2) and it’s been the highlight of lockdown! #KCACOLS
Kayla
Thank you! I appreciate you comment. We Loooove slip and slides over here lol. Especially during quarantine like you said. Mk kids run around touching everything so I’m still slow walking it. I couldn’t agree with you more!
Shelley Whittaker
The outdoors kiddie lounge is such a good idea – we will have to try that! Thanks for the great ideas #KCACOLS
Kayla
I love that one too!
ohmummymia
You got me with ‘on a budget’ 😛 I love all those ideas some of them, I need to say, we have already tried. It’s amazing how many things we can do without spending so much money. #KCACOLS
Kayla
Right! If we use our heads a little, we can make it
Jade Page
So many great ideas to make the garden more fun. I really need to try more DIY as I always avoid it! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
Kayla
Will do! Thank you!!
Sarah-Marie
What fantastic ideas. I especially like the water balloon game. We’ve gone a drive in cinema too, using our Crazy Coupe car! #KCACOLS
Kayla
Awesome!!
Franca Desjardins
Wow! So many amazing ideas to have fun in the garden. Love the pool! Thanks for sharing it with us at #kcacols 🙂
PS: Please, I would really appreciate if you could do your requirement comments for this linkup. Thanks x
Kayla
done! Thanks so much!
josef
Wow what an amazing ideas. Love the pool
Kayla
Thanks!
Scott
Outdoor Kiddie Lounge looks awesome! Thank you for all these great ideas! I could just imagine how challenging it is for many to keep their children entertained during lockdown. As a parent, you are likely spinning a lot of plates at the minute. Setting your child up with games for them to play by themselves is something that can be incredibly beneficial to their development and should be encouraged. Consider including any of these quiet time activities to your children’s routines:
Carl Lyle
My kids enjoy dipping in their backyard pool. Great ideas, thanks for sharing!
Kayla
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the roundup!
Jed
Do you have a link to the garden playhouse?
Kayla
The garden playhouse was actually built but i do include a playhouse link under the pic. Thanks for stopping by!
How to make a paper airplane
Very nice post.
Bob
Great ideas for summer activities! 😀
Kayla
Thank you!
SNK Social Fame
This is one of the most amazing articles I have read so far. Really it was an awesome article…very interesting to read.