Outdoor Playhouse Blog

An outdoor playhouse is a structure that will always attract gobs of attention from children and adults, alike. However, as a homeowner, to minimize the fact that it’s an additional structure on the property without diminishing the cool effect that it has on those that spot it, you may achieve the results that you want by taking steps to make the integration somewhat seamless. Try these small tricks to blend a kids outdoor playhouse into your yard while retaining its fun factor:

1. Create a landscape design that will serve to merge the outdoor playhouse with your home. Some homeowners that buy their kids a playhouse leave the space around it bare. Often, they will have cleared the space to allow for the footing and other construction needs that a playhouse may have. Leaving the space around it empty can take away from the yard making it look awkward. A little grass, trees, and plants can really make a huge difference in how the new structure fits. Plus, doing the landscape planning and design is a fantastic activity for parents and children to do together.

2. If you are concerned that the playhouse is too ostentatious, select colors or a style that will not be too showy.  Earth tones are wonderful for the outside of the outdoor playhouse, especially if it is surrounded by trees and grass. However, if your home is bright white, you may want the kids playhouse to be bright white also.  If your budget allows, together, with your child, decide if you want the playhouse to be a replica of your home, should it be unique and potentially more eye-catching, or should it be simply the same color but a different style. This can be a big decision for a family.  But, as a parent, always keep in mind that the outdoor playhouse should be fun and a space that your child will love!

Your child’s outdoor playhouse and your family’s home will be huge parts of their childhood memories. It will also be a big part of your memories of their childhood. Consider how you will feel in years to come if you weren’t comfortable with the play structure that you had. If you have any doubts, take steps to ensure that the outdoor playhouse that your family chooses fits into your yard and comfortably into your lives.

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Complimenting your child’s outdoor playhouse and the space that it occupies is a lot simpler than you probably thought possible. All it takes is a little time and a lot of seeds?!?! Yes, seeds. Your child can completely reconfigure the area around his or her playhouse by starting a vegetable and herb garden.  Here are a few reasons why you should really consider working with your child to convert that beautiful land into something extra special:

Gardening is great exercise! You and your child will get a good workout as you dig, pull, and tend to the veggies and herbs that you are growing. All of that bending and, most importantly, the fantastic stretching that your lungs will get while you breathe fresh air! The amount of time that you spend could depend on the size of the space that you want to dedicate alongside your child’s outdoor playhouse.

Gardening will yield healthy foods that your family needs and enjoys! Introducing children to the wonderful world of veggies brings with it a wealth of food choices as they grow. Children that plant a garden alongside their outdoor playhouse will love being able to eat the foods that they worked so hard to cultivate. Vegetables have lots of character. They can be hard and crunchy. They can be soft and mushy. Plant herbs and vegetables that your family already enjoys, and add in a few different vegetables to expose them to different varieties.

Gardens are perfect for exploring your child’s creative side! Color abounds in a well organized garden. From the bright red tomatoes that grow in clusters to the beautiful orange carrot tops that sprinkle the ground, the fantastic array of colors that surround their outdoor playhouse will make your child want to spend hours upon hours in their playhouse and tending to their gorgeous garden.

Your child’s outdoor playhouse will be completely surrounded by what may look like an artist’s palette when everything has grown. It will be time well spent with your child and they will never forget the experience. In time, when they are all grown up, they may use their own child’s outdoor playhouse to anchor their own family’s garden!

Technorati Tags: Kids outdoor play, outdoor play, outdoor play house, Outdoor playhouse, Wooden playhouse

As a parent, you want your child to experience the best– the best education, the best clothes, the best food, and the best kids playhouse. That’s why for your outdoor playhouse, you need to consider the following safety factors:

Kids have a lot of energy and tend to be rambunctious.   So you need to ensure that the playhouse is in a safe location. The location should be within view of the main house.  Ensure that the kids playhouse is close enough for you to keep an eye out for the kids. Not only would that let you know when the kids are getting hungry or sleepy, it would also help you prevent them from getting into too much mischief. What’s more! Your proximity to the kids would keep unsafe elements away from them.

Next, it should not be near areas that you do not want disturbed.  For example, don’t put the playhouse near the garden with your prized rose bushes.  More than likely that the kids will wander into this area to build a nature walking trail with their friends. Not only will that destroy the bushes, but your kids will also be scratched by thorns, which might hurt them badly.

Another important aspect to consider with an outdoor playhouse is that it should be sturdy and have a good foundation. It won’t do to have one of the walls unstable while the children are playing. Children test the boundaries and stretch the limits and a kids playhouse is not an exception to these rules.

Lastly, look for specific items that could cause cuts, bumps or bruises.  If you have a wooden playhouse, be sure that any nails are not exposed.  Additionally, make sure that beams or overhangs are not too low that the kids can bump their heads.

Giving your kids the best outdoor playhouse also means making sure it is safe for your children.

Technorati Tags: Kids outdoor play, Outdoor playhouse, play houses, Wooden playhouse