Kid-Friendly Landscaping Ideas for Summer (and Beyond)
As soon as summer arrives, life naturally moves outdoors. The kids are playing and exploring, and you’re soaking in the sunshine. But here’s the big question: is your yard truly kid-friendly?
The right landscape design can turn your backyard into a dynamic, safe, and beautiful space where kids thrive and adults can relax. At Robert Thomas Landscape Environments, we believe the best landscapes evolve with your family—offering functionality, beauty, and joy long after the toys are put away.
Here are six ways to create a backyard that inspires play, learning, and lasting memories.
1. Summer is the Perfect Time to Plan
Think it’s too late to make changes once summer starts? Actually, it’s the best time. With kids home and outdoors, you get a front-row seat to how they play. Notice where they gravitate, what hazards exist, and where improvements could help—like shade zones, safer play areas, or cozy nooks for downtime.
From covered playhouses to outdoor living rooms with cushioned seating, your observations can shape a design that balances fun for kids and comfort for adults.
2. Create Play Zones with Hardscaping
Forget the clunky, plastic playsets. Today’s family-friendly landscapes integrate play directly into the design. Think custom treehouses, swingsets framed by natural stone walkways, or playhouses connected by paver paths.
Retaining walls or built-in seating double as parent perches or imaginative play stages. The goal: seamless design that looks intentional while sparking creativity.
3. Add Water Features for Endless Fun
Water is the heartbeat of summer. From classic sprinkler zones to custom splash pads, water features bring energy and excitement. For a natural touch, consider a mini stream with boulders and pebbles, or add a sleek bubbler fountain for a subtle, calming effect.
If you’re adding a pool, don’t overlook details like slip-resistant pavers, built-in lighting, and thoughtful fencing that keeps safety top of mind without sacrificing style.
4. Gardens that Teach and Delight
A garden can be more than just beautiful—it can be interactive. Raised beds full of strawberries, herbs, and tomatoes encourage kids to dig, taste, and learn. Sensory-friendly plants like lavender, mint, and lamb’s ear add touch and fragrance to the experience.
Winding garden paths, whimsical sculptures, and pollinator-friendly flowers make the space an adventure zone, blending learning with play.
5. Family-Friendly Outdoor Living Rooms
Outdoor living spaces don’t just belong to adults. With the right design, a covered patio or pergola can host movie nights, board games, or weekend cookouts. Pair weather-resistant furniture with picnic tables for an family-centered vibe.
6. Adventure Paths and Sports Zones
Transform wooded corners or underused areas into nature play trails, weaving in stepping stones, balancing logs, or living willow tunnels. Add “secret” nooks with benches, reading spots, or even a little library to spark discovery.
For older kids and active families, consider multi-sport courts, putting greens, or a dedicated lawn for soccer and frisbee—spaces that encourage movement while enhancing your property.
Build a Backyard Legacy
Summer is the season for play, and there’s no better time to transform your yard into a place where kids can grow, explore, and thrive. With thoughtful planning, your landscape becomes more than just grass and trees—it becomes the backdrop for family memories.
At Robert Thomas Landscape Environments, we’re here to design spaces that balance fun, function, and beauty. Ready to start? Let’s build your family’s outdoor legacy together.
We begin with a site visit to understand your property—sunlight, drainage, soil, existing features—then dive into what really matters: how you want to use the space, your style, your budget, and your maintenance preferences. From there, we build a plan that reflects your vision and fits your lifestyle.