What are some good ideas for designing a backyard for older kids?

Currently we have a wooden play structure in our backyard that is pretty basic with a slide. My kids are now 7, 9, 12 and 15. They rarely play with it anymore and it is getting older. We are going to be moving and won’t take the playset with us.

A tree house, fort, play house is always a good idea as it will give the kids their own special space which can also be used when it rains. Children love secret hide-a-ways, and gardens where children can interact and learn. Using plants or fences to separate the garden into different “rooms”, not forgetting seating. Anything with a flat surface can be used as a seat. Depending on the theme of the garden, a log balanced on two tree stumps, a pretty iron patio chair, or a couple of tyres stacked on top of each other can all make great seats for kids.

Don’t forget that designing the garden is a family event, just like the garden itself! Plan the garden together with your children. What would they like? What sort of play equipment is suitable for their current age and how suitable will it be as they get older?

Some sort of water feature incorporated in the garden would be a good idea, while obviously taking into account the safety aspect with regard to the younger children. Water need not be a danger if it is not sitting around in pools; make it work for it’s place in your child’s garden by being a pebble fountain or a series of jets to run through, or by falling gently down the side of a sheet of mirror or dripping inside a mossy rocky grotto.

A wildlife area to attract birds, butterflies etc can enhance the garden and let the children learn about their local wildlife.

Most children love to climb, As a parent, you can provide things of varying heights in the garden with soft surfaces underneath that will satisfy your child’s need to climb in a safe way. Log stepping stones, rope bridges, a slide built into a mound of earth covered with turf, or a small series of wooden decks are all great ideas to try, depending on the space available.

Once you have the bare bones of the garden in place and the plants all situated, try adding a few wind chimes (metal, wood, bamboo), or perhaps a large bell to a decking area to turn it into a pirate ship.

A few websites which should help;

3D Playset/Playground Design

Disney Pixar Cars Lightning McQueen Children’s Night Light $3.39 Need a little extra light to feel secure at night? Then Lightning McQueen is at your service! Let the soft glow of Team McQueen safely guide your steps through the night. This night light bathes the room in a soft glow as Lightning McQueen keeps a friendly eye on your little race car driver. A Disney CARS Design. On/Off Switch. Bulb is included. The lamp has a Max. of 7 Watts, Type C7. Warning: Ri…

Little Tikes Scream Beams Flashlight Ghost Fun Scary Sounds $10.07 Squeeze the handle to light up the night and hear each one make fun scary sounds!…

Farm and Ranch Playset Plan (Woodworking Plan) $11.50 All kinds of barnyard fun with this. Farm and Ranch Playset! The barn has a sliding door, a silo, a corral, stacked hay, a tractor, several animals, pens, feeding trough and a front gate. Sturdy fences hold up well during play. The house has a yard that includes a tree complete with swing, a teeter-totter, sand box, a dog and doghouse, a wellhead, shrubs and a picket fence and pathway to the front…

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland $8.98 MICKEY’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND – DVD Movie…

Josh and the Big Wall $2.54 Features include: •MPAA Rating: NR•Format: DVD•Runtime: 30 minutes…

Princess Castle Play Tent $33.99 Playhouse features a princess castle designUnique indoor/outdoor play tent provides hours of play for little princesses of any age Tent offers plenty of room for a whole tea party

Sunflower Table and Stool Set $39.49 Kids will enjoy playing on this Serec Sunflower table and chair set just their size. This design fits into any room decor and is great for indoor or outdoor use.

Barbie Make-a-match Game $9.99 This Barbie Make-a-match Game is a race to see who can make the most matches. This Barbie-themed game is designed for two to four players.

Playmobil Large Zoo with Animals Playset $105.99 This Large Zoo with animals play set from Playmobil is perfect for pretend play and learning. This play set features five figures and multiple animal enclosures for the elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lion family, all designed with realistic details.

Maze-N-Race $31.49 Design maze tracks and race with this Maze n Race game. The Winner is the one with the first racer that reaches his opponent’s start and goal card and get away from the maze. Then, modify the maze walls and start again.

Blue Rave Deck Slide Upgrade for Play Sets $499 Add the optional Blue Rave Slide to your 7-foot high deck for excitement. This deck slide is designed for safety and durability.

Blue Rave 5-ft Deck Slide Upgrade for Play Sets $396.05 Add the optional Blue Rave Slide to your 5-foot high deck for excitement. This deck slide is designed for safety and durability.

Alpine Custom Swing Set Hardware Kit $139.99 Family-friendly single-tower playset is sure to pleaseAlpine custom swing set kit includes award-winning bracket system that cuts building time in halfKit provides four design projects to choose from

Brentwood Wood Complete Swing Set Kit $1020.64 Brentwood ready-to-assemble playset kit includes all the lumber requiredPlayset kit designed for families that want everything needed in one boxKit comes complete with loads of activities

Ironkids Premier100 Fitness Playground $315.49 This Ironkids Premier 100 Fitness Playground was built aiming to prove that fun and fitness for kids can be the same thing. Designed for children ages 3-8 years old, this play set will get your kids having fun outdoors.