Ideas for Play Yards for Kids

Sand Activities

• Sand is inviting to run your fingers through and bury toys in and build sandcastles. Children ages 2 to 6, and sometimes older, will be entertained for hours in a sandbox. Make the sandbox a special shape or theme that your child enjoys. A fun idea is to make a wooden boat with varying platforms and make the sandbox in the bottom section. Some people use an actual old boat and bury it partially in the ground so it won't tilt. This makes an ideal sandbox with built-in seats. The kids can even pretend to drive the boat.

  A sun shade over the sandbox is a good idea. Make the shade by attaching a piece of canvas to a top frame and lower it to cover the sandbox when not in use. Covers keep rain and cats out of the sand. A wooden cover can also be used. Make the outer sandbox edges into seats.

  You can make a sandbox out of a large tractor tire, or purchase a small plastic sandbox that can be moved easily. According to the book, "Children's Rooms &Play Yards," by Sunset, an alternative to using sand is pea gravel. These tiny river-polished stones won't stick to clothes as much as sand, and don't attract cats.

Water Activities

• A water slide is fun and can be made out of a large polyethylene sheet (a paint drop cloth). Place it on the plushest area of lawn and squirt water on the plastic. The kids can slide on their bellies if the ground is not too hard, or use inflatable rafts to cushion their stomachs.

  A homemade sand-water table is a big hit with kids. The rectangular rolling table has a drain hole that can be plugged with a cork. Fill with a little sand and let kids play in it on a deck or sidewalk, adding water for more fun. Drain any water and change sand as needed.

  Sprinklers, kiddie pools, and small water tubs for floating toys, always make a fun time in backyards for everyone.

Climbing Activities

• Make a safe climbing structure with a sand, grass, or other soft base. Create safe treehouses, and forts with net ladders and plenty of safety railings and sturdy bases. Make a very short bridge-type climber for younger kids and add height as they grow older to make a clubhouse on a higher elevation, which all kids will love.

Swing Sets

• Swings are always popular, and making a combination swing and treehouse or climbing structure will save space. Add climbing ropes, tire swings, slides, or balance beams. Create a kids' play area in the backyard with hopscotch, sidewalk chalk on cement, or badminton. Let the kids use your deck for a stage for putting on plays or puppet shows.