Pretty Cool Outdoor Space Ideas

[SilverSabre25]

We have an open space in the cneter of our yard that is just dirt.....years of abuse from kids and dogs and nothing will grow there now. I want to turn it into a huge sand pit. I have always used sand tables but would like to give the kids more opportunity for digging, adding water and building, etc.

If you have a sand box, what are the pros and cons? If you had a choice would you do a big sand pit or sand tables?

TIA!

big sand pit, hands down. you can use a tarp to cover it. Or, depending on how big you want it/how crafty you are, you can fashion hinged covers.

And some nice BIG trucks to help with digging. Yay big trucks. :P

[cheerfuldom]

we have a large handmade sandbox with a hinged cover
two swing sets
a small trampoline
a slide
a slide/climber/playhouse set

will be adding a garden and mud kitchen this year and a splash pad (my husband makes many things for us!) also hauling in some stumps and other natural play options

no way in heck would i add a banging post. i dont want to hear that and would not inflict that on my neighbors

[Crystal]

big sand pit, hands down. you can use a tarp to cover it. Or, depending on how big you want it/how crafty you are, you can fashion hinged covers.

And some nice BIG trucks to help with digging. Yay big trucks. :P

I REALLY want a sand pit!!!!

[Crystal]

we have a large handmade sandbox with a hinged cover
two swing sets
a small trampoline
a slide
a slide/climber/playhouse set

will be adding a garden and mud kitchen this year and a splash pad (my husband makes many things for us!) also hauling in some stumps and other natural play options

no way in heck would i add a banging post. i dont want to hear that and would not inflict that on my neighbors

Cool! The splash pad sounds awesome!

Haha on the banging post! I have decided to add a variety of wind chimes, a gong and small bells instead ::

[Crystal]

I am so excited! One of the professors at the Community College gave me TWO cast iron hand pumped water pumps, complete on containers for the water and hose hook up to keep it full! I am going to set up a cool water area with them, my water tables and make a water wall on the fence with pvc pipe/funnels/etc.!!!!!!

[Leanna]

Can you have a dome climber? I want one soooo bad.

I would buy a rain barrel (or two! or more!) with a spout for easy water access to add to the sand and dirt play.

I would make a nice hill with a slide embedded in one side.

Big logs/stumps for clambering and balancing

Mud kitchen...diy.

I would also put in an outdoor sink if you can, for cleaning up after all that digging and art

Has anyone done this? In a previously flat yard? Can you tell me how and about how much it cost you? I've seen these and would LOVE one for my kiddos!

[daycarediva]

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C921%2C389&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&bmUID=1364835700676

MY KIDS LOVE THESE! I am buying another set this year. Dh is a plumber and gave them a TON of pvc pipes and end pieces as well, they run water all over the yard with them from our rain barrels and to/from their mud kitchen. Hours and hours of play!

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Our fence is being completed tomorrow. I am gutting the backyard and basically starting over. Elements that will be included are:

Sensory Garden (including sand and water and gardening)
Sound garden
Art studio
Rock pit for digging/etc
Weaving wall

and random "stuff"

So. I have $1200 to spend on stuff. This does not include the fence.....

What would you buy for outdoors, WITHOUT adding climbers, etc. with $1200? Please include links if you have them!

This sounds great, and just like my goals for my yard. I'd love to see pics as you go!

This year, I plan to hire a local tree guy to haul over some huge logs and cut them into "tree cookies," logs, steps, bridges, etc. I have inspiration pics on Pinterest.