Want kids that love their garden more than anywhere else? An outdoor play space is incredible at doing just that. Whether building confidence, encouraging creativity or allowing them their own space just outside of the back door. Here’s the problem…
Typical gardens aren’t designed with kids in mind. Lawns, borders and maybe a patio or seating area. To a child without space to play, it’s just another lawn. Enter the garden playhouse tower.
Contents
- Why Children Need Their Own Space in the Garden
- What a Garden Playhouse Tower Does for Kids
- Types of Garden Playhouse Towers
- How to Use the Space Year Round
Why Children Need Their Own Space in the Garden
Children are spending less time outdoors every year. It’s a worrying statistic, but one that’s difficult to ignore. Only 27% of children now play outside regularly, while 76% of baby boomers said they played outside as children. The outdoors is a vital part of a child’s development — and they’re missing out. The good news? It doesn’t take much to turn that around.
A dedicated play space in the garden gives kids their own environment to play in. Somewhere outdoors that is structured enough to keep them occupied, but open enough to use their imaginations. Throw in a kids play house or full garden playhouse tower and you’ve got yourself a winner. It’s amazing for kids.
Today’s average child will spend only 4–7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play — and 7.5 hours daily on screen-based entertainment. If a garden playhouse tower can get them outside for longer than 7 minutes… you’ve got yourself a winner. Simple.
What a Garden Playhouse Tower Does for Kids
Now we’re getting into the good stuff. You can think of a garden playhouse tower as a long-term investment in your child’s development. By giving them a dedicated space to play, you’re changing how they interact with the outdoors. They feel ownership. It becomes theirs, not yours. Their space to make up the rules, create stories and invite friends over. Independence can help kids learn responsibility. But they won’t unless you let them.
They get to burn off more energy. Climbing up and down, sliding around, hiding; it’s all active physical play that develops strength and coordination. Studies show clear links between outdoor play and improved motor development in children. They’ll feel happier. Spending time in outdoor spaces and gardens has been linked to lower stress levels and better emotional resilience in children. Encouraging them to spend time outside has real, lasting benefits. Let’s go nuts…
- Encourages active play and development
- Improves motor skill learning
- Boosts imagination and creativity
- Promotes independence and responsibility
- Increases time spent outdoors
- Improves physical health
- Supports emotional wellbeing
- Builds social skills through interactive play
Types of Garden Playhouse Towers
There are lots of different garden playhouse towers on the market. To help with choosing the right one, here are the key things to consider when picking the right type for your garden.
Size of Your Garden
Playhouse towers can be small or large. If you’re short on garden space, don’t worry! Compact playhouse towers are specifically designed to fit in smaller gardens but still give you all of the features — slide, ladder, platform and den underneath. Remember to take a measurement of your garden first!
Age Range
Look for towers that say which ages they’re designed for — and use that info. Children under 5 years old shouldn’t be climbing too high, while older children get bored on toddler platforms. Again, the manufacturers know what they’re talking about so listen to them.
Build Quality
Some corners can be cut, others should never be touched. With garden playhouse towers, you should look for:
- Timber construction (treated for outdoor use)
- Non-slip surfaces on steps
- Smoothed-off edges around climbing areas
- Fixings built for outdoor, set-in concrete use
Go cheap on a garden playhouse tower and the next windy day could wreck it. Just doesn’t pay off.
Choosing Features That Kids Actually Enjoy
Of all the different features you can add to a garden playhouse tower, these are the most popular with kids.
- Slide — Every child asks for one
- Climbing Wall — Great for building upper body strength
- Covered Den Below — Gives kids the secret space they crave
- Sandpit / Swing Attachments — Can increase play without taking up more room
How to Use the Space Year Round
Here’s a secret… Garden playhouse towers aren’t just for summer. Trick them out with the right additions and kids will be itching to play in them year-round.
Location
When picking a spot, try to choose a shaded area that gets morning sun. It helps keep the playhouse warm in cool months, but won’t turn it into a sauna when the sun comes out. Avoid sitting it directly under trees. Fallen leaves might look great in photos, but they’re a huge pain to clear in real life.
Outdoor Storage
Everybody loves a bit of outdoor storage. Building it beside the playhouse ensures everything stays dry. Balls, buckets, bikes. On a sunny weekend, kids are more likely to go outside if they see toys waiting for them.
Soft Play Surface
Put down bark chippings or play matting underneath. It’ll keep mud at bay and ensure falls from the playhouse aren’t painful. Children seriously bounce off that stuff.
Personalise It
Allow children to personalise it. Bunting. A chalkboard you can attach to a wall. A flag on top. Small details kids can customise that make the playhouse feel more theirs.
Bringing It All Together
Gardens without play spaces are missing a trick. Kids need to be outside. They need space to run around, explore and learn. By giving them a garden playhouse tower you are rewarding them with their own private outdoor space. One they can explore, create and really make their own. Let’s take a second look at the important stuff…
- Take measurements before spending money
- Ensure the playhouse is age appropriate
- Don’t be afraid to spend on quality builds
- Setup the play area to be used all year round
- Allow children to make the space their own
The garden is already outdoors. All you need to do is give children a reason to love it too.