With the warmer weather arriving, it’s the perfect time to encourage the kids to get outside. While there’s plenty of great public playgrounds around, there’s something special about creating a play space in your own backyard. Not only is it convenient, but it could also become the envy of your children’s friends and a goto spot for BBQs and weekend gatherings. Below are some ideas for fun outdoor play equipment. Don’t forget to involve the kids in the planning and building process. After all, it’s their play space!

Sport Courts Imagine being able to shoot hoops or play tennis without leaving the house. That’s exactly what companies like DreamCourts (www.dreamcourts.com.au) and MSF Sports (www.msfsports.com.au) offer: custom-built, professional-quality courts in your backyard, whether it’s basketball, netball, tennis or even pickleball. For a more budget-friendly option, there’s standalone basketball hoops or a backboard- and-bracket combo that attaches to the side of the house. There are ‘pop-up’ style kits available for a range of sports. Stores like Rebel Sport (www.rebelsport.com.au) have options to explore.

Monkey Bars Swinging like a monkey comes naturally to most kids. Monkey bars are not only fun, but also great for physical development and social interaction. Funky Monkey Bars (www.funkymonkeybars. com), an Australian-owned company, sells award-winning, free-standing, adjustable monkey bars and swing sets made to last. Their range starts out as simple as classic standalone monkey bars, all the way up to a full jungle gym.

Cubby House Cubby houses are a timeless backyard feature for kids to play and imagine in. If you’re handy with tools, you can build one yourself with a sturdy base, wall frames, a roof, windows, doors, and a coat of paint. Get creative with themes like a spaceship, café, or fairytale castle. For inspiration and materials, Bunnings (www.bunnings.com.au) has step-by-step guides online, as well as ready-made cubbies. As for buying sets, Castle & Cubby (www.castleandcubby.com.au) is a Melbourne-based business that crafts gorgeous cubby houses. They have a healthy range of designs to pick from, some are beachy, others are country, one even has a fort top, and they all look very, very nice.

Backyard Playsets Playsets are the all-in-one backyard fun centre, combining slides, climbing walls, monkey bars, towers, and swings. If you’re up for the challenge, you can build your own, or buy pre-designed sets. Again, Bunnings has some great value kits, while Aussie company Lifespan Kids (www.lifespankids.com.au) has durable swing and playsets made for sliding, climbing, and bouncing fun.

Trampolines A backyard classic, trampolines never go out of style, until it blows away on a super windy day. Whoops. Oz Trampolines (www.oztrampolines.com.au) sells both above-ground and in-ground models, built for Aussie weather conditions. In-ground trampolines may be more expensive, but they’re trendier, safer and look pretty slick, blending neatly into your backyard. Plus, they won’t blow away.

Mud Kitchen A mud kitchen is an imaginative pretend- play space where children can enjoy making mud pies and all sorts of messy creations. You can build one using recycled materials such as old pallets. You can find good free designs and guides online with a Google search. Alternatively, Muddy Play Kitchens (www.muddyplaykitchens.com.au) is a small Australian company that makes quality, sustainable, durable mud kitchens that will survive the elements. All their products are made to order.

Water Play No Aussie backyard is complete without something to help cool off in summer. Inflatable water slides, splash mats and mini water parks can offer hours of excitement on a hot day. Sports and department stores have a huge range available online from simple splash mats to elaborate inflatable water parks featuring slides, tunnels, and even water cannons.

EASY DIY OPTIONS

Sandpit Sandpits are good for sensory play and creativity. They’re easy to construct too. Build a wooden frame, fill it with sand, and you’re good to go. For added flair, shape it like a pirate ship or include a lid or shade cover. Consider hiding dinosaur toys or other treasures in the sand. Or, if you replace the sand with plastic balls, suddenly you’ve got a ball pit.

Tree Stumps Recycled tree stumps can be used for balancing, climbing, and as stepping stones. By arranging stumps of different heights, or connecting them with planks, you can create a mini obstacle course or balance beam.

Backyard Tunnel Children seem to have a natural love for tunnels. You can create one using large corrugated pipes, old tyres, culverts, or even logs. It’s a simple addition, but a fun one.