Children love plots. For them, it’s an incredibly appealing place. They learn to coexist with nature, discover plants and animals, and by engaging in small tasks they appreciate the effort involved in growing vegetables and fruits and in maintaining the aesthetics of the surroundings.
Of course, on the plot the kids mainly play, and it’s worth enabling that. The simplest solution is to designate a zone reserved just for them. There you can install a playground or build a domek for kids. Regardless of how you organize the children's space, the most important criterion for choosing accessories should be safety.
Safety is the most important
A child on the plot should never be left unattended, because – especially a preschooler – has amazing ideas and at the same time cannot yet recognize danger. Therefore install a lock at the gate exit, secure any water features, and for tools, garden machines and chemicals arrange a tool shed.
In the garden, avoid poisonous plants, stinging specimens and varieties dangerous for children with allergies. Within reach of a child it is much better to have juicy vegetables or sweet fruits.
Moreover, when preparing a safe play space for a child, pay attention to the technical requirements of the chosen equipment:
- trampolines, swings and ropes must be mounted on a soft surface that cushions possible falls,
- selected accessories should have around them an adequate safety zone, which typically is 1.5 m,
- it’s not worth choosing accessories higher than 3 meters, and if you decide, for example, on an extended tower in the playground, it must have protective railings, handrails and sturdy decks,
- all equipment must have safety certificates and required attestations,
- when choosing playground elements, it’s worth opting for modules that can be updated and expanded as the child grows,
- when buying a sandbox, be sure to check whether it can be protected from animals, fallen leaves or other contaminants.
Also pay attention to the child during your gardening work. Mowing the lawn, pruning branches, and even simply watering beds can be dangerous for a child.
Provide entertainment
Since a child quickly loses interest, it’s better to invest in modular toys that offer much more possibilities and provide varied fun. Such solutions are especially recommended when choosing a domek for kids.
Although plastic playhouses are light, easy to clean and move, and their bright colors invite play, they are usually intended mainly for the youngest and are difficult to expand. For older children wooden structures on the ground or on posts work well. They are durable and solid constructions that also fit nicely into the surroundings. A domek built on a foundation suits small and medium gardens, and for models with a platform it’s worth reserving more space on medium or large plots.
Each wooden playhouse for children is ecological and typically larger in size, and its construction is prepared for operation for many years. Thanks to the possibility of expansion, you can successfully add attractions, starting from swings, to a shop, a climbing wall, rope sets, slides, and even additional platforms.
Most importantly, over time, the ground-mounted wooden playhouses for children in the garden can be used as a tool shed.
How to paint a child’s playhouse?
Of course, playhouses for children need to be refreshed. While a plastic house can be quickly cleaned with water and detergent, a wooden house requires systematic care.
Therefore, wood preservation is extremely important, as it protects against moisture, fungi and insects and prepares the wood for applying a glaze, varnish or paint in the chosen color. Here you should be careful with the type of paints. Prefer special products suited for exterior wooden elements, which additionally have approvals allowing use on surfaces used by the youngest.
Are ready-made playhouses the only solution?
Of course, when preparing a play area for children, you don’t necessarily have to invest in ready-made playgrounds. You can successfully use trees to hang swings or bushes to create hiding spots. You can make great tents from willow branches, a pirate ship from an old pallet and a piece of fabric, and using tires you can create a sandbox or an obstacle course. There really are no limits, and only our creative ingenuity determines how to prepare the plot for the child.
