The talented Mums of Childhood 101 put their heads together to bring you this slideshow of 24 great ideas for family fun in the backyard. We’re hoping that you will find inspiration to spend time outdoors as a family this weekend!
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Play spaces in living spaces
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We don't have a separate playroom, so I have created play stations in various rooms of the house. This is in our kitchen/dining area - the little table and chairs are fantastic for snack time, drawing and playdough.
~ Sarah, Oesch & Doots
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Storing outdoor toys
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We use washing baskets to keep our outside toys tidy. Colourful baskets which are taller than they are wide look great, and only cost a few dollars. The holes in the bottom and on the sides mean that sand, dirt and water all fall out easily and I've also found we are less likely to attract unwanted visitors thanks to the open weave.
~ Cath, squigglemum.com
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Storing drawing and writing tools
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Having all of our drawing and writing tools- pencils, crayons, scissors, hole punches, etc, in a basket means we can easily take it wherever we want to draw and just as easily put it back.
~ Kate, picklebums.com
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Taking advantage of unused spaces
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Make the most of every nook and cranny. We turned unused fireplaces into bookshelves by adding a simple shelf, and a 'ceiling' to eliminate draughts. The top of the chimney will also need to be sealed.
~ Sarah, Oesch & Doots
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Rotating toys
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The combination of a limited number of toys on open shelves makes it very easy for young children to choose a toy to play with, and easy for them to pack away again. Regularly rotating the toys available keeps a child's play fresh and fun.
~ Kate, picklebums.com
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Recycled storage
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I love using recycled objects for storage. This cute case keeps all of the puzzles tidy and the pieces all together.
~ Sarah, Oesch & Doots
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Toy storage options #1
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Baskets and wooden bowls are great for toy storage, especially in areas where you want the storage to tie in with neutral decor tones. Simple wooden trays define a play space for small toys.
~ Christie, childhood101.com
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Toy storage options #2
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Storing children's toys in clear plastic tubs makes finding specific toys (and packing them away again) easier for young children which is great for developing a sense of independence.
~ Christie, childhood101.com
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Labelling storage
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Cut gift tag shapes from heavy weight scrapbooking paper or card for labelling storage boxes and baskets. Laminate for extra durability if using to label children's toys or belongings.
~ Christie, childhood101.com
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Storing small collections
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Recycle trays from your local garden nursery for sorting and storing small collections - shells, stones, seed pods, etc.
~ Kate, picklebums.com
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Defining play spaces #1
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Make the most of corners for cozy play spaces. I defined this area in Doots' room with a mural on the wall.
~ Sarah, Oesch & Doots
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Defining play spaces #2
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Hang a mosquito net or canopy to softly define a playspace within a bedroom or playroom. Perfect for a reading corner or quiet play spot.
~ Christie, childhood101.com
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Storing bits and bobs
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Glass jars and jugs, pretty tins and small gift boxes provide useful (and more beautiful) storage for small bits and bobs like art and craft supplies.
~ Christie, childhood101.com
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Storing for creating inside and out
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Keeping all the art materials tidy and handy for when inspiration strikes is an ongoing challenge! The big basket in the background has a sturdy base and a handle, and stores everyday supplies - pencils, crayons, sketch books. I can also load it up with paints, brushes, glitter, stampers, etc. to take outside.
~ Sarah,
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Sand
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To a tray of sand add the vehicles or figurines of your choice. Leaves for trees, stones and wooden block shapes optional!
Picklebums
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the blogs of the regular (and very talented) Childhood 101 contributors – Kate of Picklebums, Cath aka Squigglemum, Tricia over at Little Eco Footprints and Sarah at Oesch & Doots. These ladies rock 
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
Read more of Christie's adventures at http://childhood101.com.
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So many great ideas. Thank you .
There’s some fantastic ideas here that we’ll certainly be tackling over the long weekend. One of the `must do’ activities is getting the garden back in order after a bumper crop of veggies over the summer. Our daughter loves choosing what vegetables we’re going to grow and then helping plant them.
Great slideshow.
Good luck with your vegie garden, Kellie. Ours is being invaded by the biggest pumpkin plant EVER! Fortunately there are lots of pumpkins growing too!
This might be my favourite post E-V-E-R on Childhood101!!!
Like
Great post! We’ve been spending lots of time outside lately, including going on math quests – http://beebopparade.blogspot.com/2011/04/math-at-arboretum.html (This one was in an arboretum, but it’d go just as well in the backyard or a neighborhood park).
Adore. Anything that gets us outside in the sunshine (or rain, whatever is going!) is okay by me. This is fab. Thanks to all. x
This is where I need a ‘like’ button
Thanks for sharing these fantastic ideas! My little boy is 16 months and loves exploring the outdoors I will need to try/modify some of these for him
Stunning photographs that make me want to go right outside and create something. Brilliant!
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