10 easy backyard play set hacks

Few things are more novel to kids than receiving good-old-fashioned mail. Paint and decorate a mailbox, then attach it to the side of their play set where they can reach it easily. Or find a standalone box you can install in the ground. Be sure to slip a postcard or letter inside every so often.

More inspiration here: Dirt Digging Sisters

If your play set has a door to a closed-off kitchen or clubhouse, amp up the curb appeal with a welcome mat. Most outdoor mats are sized for grown-up front doors, but that doesn’t mean the right design can’t be trimmed down to size. Alternatively, pick up a plain coir mat and have your kids stencil or paint on their own designs.

Where to buy: $33, bedbathandbeyond.ca

A water wall attached directly to a play set might be the ticket to saving space and keeping play areas contained. Make it as simple or elaborate as you dare. Two-storey play sets add height, as long as your kids don’t have to lean too far over the side to watch their water snake its way to the bottom. Always double check that your play set can handle the extra weight of the wall.

More inspiration here: Mama OT

For younger kids, think sensory activities—bits and bobs they can move and touch like chain locks, switches, steering wheels and mirrors—on any solid wall. Adapt any sensory board type activity to the outside world (remember Mother Nature can be harsh!) 

More inspiration here: Young House Love

Nothing says “home sweet home” like fresh flowers! You can DIY with just wood and screws or buy baskets or planters fit to your window size. No window? No problem. Try a round pot on the ground instead. Either way, let your kids choose the flowers they want to plant and if you don’t have a little green thumb on your hands, opt for fake flowers that will add a care-free splash of colour all season long. And don’t forget to remind the kiddies to water the flowers.

OK, adding a rain barrel may sound complicated (and like a job for a contractor), but it’s actually quite simple to do. A short piece of eaves trough and a downspout connected to a mini barrel (a clean water jug or detergent container would work well because they already have spigots) is adorable and functional. Situate it high enough so your kids can hold a watering can underneath the on-off spout to collect the water they need to care for their flowers.

Where to buy: $120 USD, expressyourselfrainbarrels.com

There’s no better way to personalize any space than with a monogrammed or personalized sign. Make it a family craft activity to create your own, then hang it where everyone can see. If you can’t decide what you want yours to say, a chalkboard sign can be changed over and over.

More inspiration here: Her Tool Belt

Monkey bars are so last year! Give your little monkeys their own rock wall to scale by adding the rocks to your wooden ladder. You can choose how to space the rocks based on your kids’ abilities—and how high you want them to go. Safety first!

Where to buy: $69, mec.ca

This is one of the easiest ways to personalize a set. If your set comes with a vinyl flag, cover it with your own decals or designs. Or replace the flags entirely. Flags designed to attach inside car windows work well and you can find them for most countries as well as different sports teams.

More inspiration here: Dads With Deals

Ding-dong! Kids love ringing doorbells, so give them one at their height so they can ring all day long. It’s up to you whether you simply screw a plate and button, sans sound effects, near the front door, or if you're brave and can handle the ring, ring, ring of a classic metal dinner bell.

Where to buy: $35, jeuxmodulair.ca

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