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Create a sensory garden -

This is a great way to stimulate your children' senses. Here's an example of a path they can walk on barefoot and feel the different textures.

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Create a sensory garden -

Bright flowers are great for sight, most herbs will smell great, and the sound of rustling grass and insects buzzing around will stimulate their sense of hearing.

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Teepee -

Kids love a place they can call their own. A refuge in the garden. Their fort! A teepee is pretty easy to assemble, and the kids will love it!

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Sandpit -

Why not bring the beach home with a cool sandbox. Kids can play with all sorts of tools and toys in there, and not being in a public park allows you to control how clean the sand is.

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Inflatable pool -

This is a no-brainer. The size will depend on how old the kids are, but if you can afford it, go for something a little bit bigger, so you too can dip your toes into the water with the kids!

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Chalkboard -

Easy to move around and store, and plenty of fun, chalkboards can transform any backyard into a classroom or art studio.

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Balance beam -

A beam, a log–any long and sturdy piece of wood will work. This is close enough to the ground so kids of all ages can have fun and not hurt themselves if they fall. 

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Splash pad -

Yes, your kids would love to have one of these at home. And maybe even you will try it, who knows?

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Sprinkler -

If you don't have a splash pad, a sprinkler will be as much fun, and probably something you already have at home. Just beware of where you do it, to avoid flooding the lawn.

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Swing -

Any swing will do, really. You can go the DIY route and use a rope and a piece of wood or a tire. Alternatively, you can just buy one. There are plenty of options to choose from.

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Mud kitchen -

You can go as elaborate or as rustic as you want with this one. Use your imagination, and be sure kids' will use theirs playing with it.

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Slip and slide -

Nothing beats this on a hot summer's day, right? This is just so much fun, regardless of your age!

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Hopscotch -

You might not like the idea of having a permanent hopscotch in your backyard, but what if you make one with stones? You can number it with chalk for kids to play, eventually wipe it off, and then it will be back to what it was.

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Soccer net -

Younger children will especially have a lot of fun kicking soccer balls, particularly when they haven't yet developed the motor skills to throw or catch with their hands.

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Camping -

Having a teepee or other type of DIY tent is great, but your kids would love to camp in your backyard for real.

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Trampoline -

This is always a winner. Kids have a lot of fun bouncing up and down, and so can you! If you want something that will merge better with the landscape, a sunken trampoline is a great option.

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Make paths fun -

If you're going to landscape your garden this way, why not make the paths quirky? Kids will have fun jumping around and playing amongst them.

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Gardening -

Get your kids involved in gardening. Even if you just have a small area to plant things, get them involved in the process.

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Gardening -

You can also assign them specific flowerpots that they'll have to look after and water. Being responsible is something "grown-ups do," so it can really be interesting and stimulating for kids.

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Climbing tires -

These are easy to set up in your backyard. Paint them in bright, fun colors, and voila!

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Slide -

There are numerous kids' slides on the market, for all ages. You won't go wrong with one in your backyard, that's for sure.

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Pond with fish -

These add a nice touch to any backyard, and are extremely soothing to look at. Kids will love feeding the fish.

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Bird feeder -

Placing food in the feeder and observing the birds can be a great way to connect with nature and have fun. 

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Zip line -

If you have a couple of trees where you can install one, or perhaps between a tree and your house, then this is a great way to have fun in the backyard.

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Rope -

A tight rope positioned not too high off the ground will be perfect for kids to play on while practicing their balancing skills. 

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Allocate storage -

Kids will have toys and other stuff they will use to play outdoors, so it's a good idea to have a specific storage place for them.

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Climbing wall -

Okay, we're not talking about a climbing wall tall enough that your kid can be in danger climbing it. A few "rocks" will do the trick. Just make sure to have a safe, soft surface for your kids to fall on to.

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Tree house -

This will obviously depend on whether or not you have a tree in your backyard. If you do, this is a great project to take up with your little one(s). Of course, a tree house can be as elaborate as you want it to be.

Sources: (Keep Toddlers Busy) (Budget Dumpster) (Love Your Landscape) (Dad Fixes Everything)

See also: Incredible tree houses you couldn’t have dreamed of as a kid

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