How to Design a Child-Friendly Patio

A child-friendly patio is built as an outdoor family space with fun designs and activities already in place. What this means to you may differ from what it means to the next family. From this concept, build the ultimate child-friendly patio for you. Always start with patio furniture and create a layout from there.

Here is how to design a child-friendly patio.

Use Fun Colours

If you don’t want to paint your patio, choose fun colours when selecting furniture, cushions, pillows, and throws. Browse a furniture store for fun colour schemes that will fit your room’s theme.

Add Small Play Structures

Create different zones on your patio. Add a few small play structures your kids can play on or with. A few play zones immediately give them something to do when they first step out on the patio.

Child-Friendly Plants

Any greenery on a patio should be safe and non-toxic if a young child accidentally ingests a part of the plant. To go the extra mile, you may move all your plants off the patio or place them somewhere unreachable to your child.

Have Adequate Shade

Sunscreen wears off, and some kids also head out to play on the patio without sunscreen. If you can, install your patio somewhere with shade. If there isn’t, consider a canopy or a roof extension to provide shade for the part of your patio.

Use Creative Cover Ideas

If appropriate, consider building pergolas, using string lights that aren’t within arm’s reach of the kids, and other decorative features. These add to your patio layout and are something you can do for yourself and the adults when they share with the kids.

Visibility from the House

A child-friendly patio should be conveniently situated close to the house so parents can always see it. This way, if there is an emergency, you can see it and respond quickly. It also gives you peace of mind if the kids are playing and you must leave for a moment.

Calculate Negative Space

Give your kids space to run, tumble, and play without bumping into a sharp corner. Ensure at least three feet of negative space between all furniture and the patio edges. This gives them run-around space and avoids the risk of a child on furniture falling over the edge or railing.

Toy Organizers

Kids will play and leave messes. Those messes are easy to clean up when you already have organizers there. A trunk, cube organizer, hidden storage, or similar organizer can help keep your patio child-safe and clutter-free.

Lay Down Some Turf

The turf makes for an excellent kids’ play area. Let the kids run wild and have fun. You can cut and remove any damaged or stained part with patio turf for kids.

Start a Board Game Collection

To settle kids when things are getting too tough, have a collection of board games to pull out. From snakes and ladders to chess, checkers, cards, and more, these can be a family-friendly activity all ages can enjoy.

Decorate Like a Treehouse

Consider decorating the wood like a treehouse to emphasize a ‘child theme’ for your patio. Add a fresh coat of paint and imaginative graphics, making it a world your kids will love.

Have Kid-Sized Tableware

Invite their friends and serve them a delicious lunch or dinner on kid-sized tableware. Small plastic plates, cutlery, and cups in a colour or design of your choosing can make get-togethers more pleasant.

Child-Safe Cooking Area

An important note to remember is that if you have a cooking area or BBQ, ensure it is not accessible to kids. They shouldn’t be able to turn knobs, activate gas or electric heat, or access stoves or ovens. Carefully decide where you want your cooking spot.

Kid-Sized Patio Furniture

Alongside regular-sized patio furniture, you also want kid-sized patio furniture. The only furniture you need in this context is a small picnic table or something similar. In addition, you need kid-friendly seats, i.e., individual seats, sofas, stools, couches, and more. Ensure you have enough seating for any guests your kids invite over.

Consider a Built-In Sandbox

Sandboxes are the ultimate sensory play spot for kids who want to dig, sift, and bury. Integrate a sandbox into your patio by building it into your flooring and using a movable panel to conceal it perfectly.

Take Care of Safety Hazards

There should be no loose boards, exposed nails or screws, or railings that aren’t perfectly affixed. In addition, there should be areas where a child could fall down the stairs or off the patio. Safety hazards should be dealt with immediately.