How many times have you heard about a family moving to the suburbs, or the country, or a house with a bigger yard because of their kids? It happens all the time, doesn’t it? Although many children grow up just fine in urban areas, there’s just something about a big family backyard that speaks to the imagination of a kid.

If you’re lucky enough to have a great backyard for your children, take advantage of the space and maximize it while they’re still young. Of course, kids of different ages will be drawn to different things in the outdoors, so here are a few ideas based on age group.

Special Note: Very young children will find fun in almost anything. That’s a great quality, but be sure to kid-proof your yard to ensure their safety.

Backyard Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Install or buy a simple sandbox. Throw in a few toys for scooping and building, and your preschooler will be in heaven. Make sure your sandbox has a lid for protecting it from rainy days and neighborhood cats.

Other ideas: Any activity that involves playing with water, sidewalk chalk, or small playsets.

Backyard Ideas for Grade-School-Age Kids

Place a variety of balls of all shapes and sizes in a bucket or toybox outside. Kicking, throwing, and jumping on balls is great exercise, and fun for kids and adults alike.

Other ideas: Plenty of grass space, a large wooden playset or fort, a backyard vegetable garden, or a tree house.

Backyard Ideas for Teenagers

Establishing a large lawn area in your backyard creates a place where your teen can set up lots of fun group games including volleyball, croquet, and badminton.

Other ideas: Several seating areas or tables for hanging out with friends, a trampoline, or a fire pit or fireplace area.