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9 Garden Ideas To Inspire Your Children’s Imaginations

June 11, 2019 by Rosie Leave a Comment

One of the best ways to inspire children’s imaginations and creativity is to get them outdoors! From forests, to woodlands, mountains and beaches and right at home in your garden. Exploring the outdoors is a fantastic way to spark children’s imaginations. So why not start at home in your own back yard?

Here are 9 magical garden ideas to inspire your children’s imaginations…

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Please see my disclosure policy for more details on what this means.

A Big Tree

Who remembers a big tree from your childhood? Trees are the the ultimate symbol of a carefree childhood outdoors and inspire imaginations big and small. Children love climbing trees, building dens under trees and hiding behind trees. Trees give shade in the summer, shelter in the winter, are inspiring in all seasons, and are fairly low maintenance. If you have the space, try a weeping willow tree to create a much-loved children’s play area. A big tree gives lots of den making opportunities at ground level with enough room up top for a tree house. Perfect to add a touch of magic to your family garden.

A (safe!) Fish Pond

I know what you’re thinking. Is a fish pond safe for children? But did you know that you can now find purpose designed grates that sit invisibly just under the surface of the water? Not only do these wonderful little contraptions stop children tripping headlong into the frogspawn – but the fish beneath the rippling surface will be protected from any passing birds with a eye out for a seafood supper. A fish pond is a source of endless fascination with children. Plus, if you have the space, ponds offer lots of expandable options in terms of pond shrubbery, seating, and a perhaps a pathway, helping to create a really magical and inspiring space.

An Outdoor Kitchen

Mud kitchens are really popular at the moment, especially with the growing interest in Forest Schools. You can buy beautiful ready made mud kitchens, but it’s really simple and cheap to create your own outdoor kitchen too. You can make it as simple as a plank of wood across two logs. Or you can nail two wooden pallets together to create a simple and effective mud kitchen. Add some pots, pans and ladles and your children will be ready to make mud pies galore!

Stepping Stones

I don’t care how old you are, who loves hopping along stepping stones? The great thing about stepping stones is that it’s the hopping that’s fun – regardless of where they lead! Put a bench at the end. Choose a bird bath if you wish. Build a garden shed and lead the stones to the door. If you’ve got room to play with you can have fun with where your stepping stones go. If you have a smaller garden, stepping stones are a fun feature to lead to somewhere the children might want to go…

Play House

Create a fun hideaway space for your children by adding a wooden play house, or even a tree house! Children love little hidden play spaces where they can play creatively and let their imaginations take over.

A Sand Box

When you can’t get to the beach, bring the beach to you! Whether you only have space for a small sand box, or create something more elaborate, sand is always a winner with children of all ages. Children will love building castles, making sand ice creams and imagining they are out at the beach!

Something unexpected…

For that magical touch, try adding something to your garden that your children would not expect to be there! How about an old row boat filled with sand, or a door they can really open, or maybe some miniature fairy houses! Putting something unexpected in the garden can turn an ordinary garden into a one that will inspire imaginations.

A Winding Pathway

Most children love exploring on wheeled vehicles or scooters. Adding a winding pathway will give them a smooth surface to move around on, whilst adding an element of fun exploration.

Gardening Area

A garden to inspire wouldn’t be complete without a small gardening area for children. Encourage children to get involved with gardening by providing them with their own little set of gardening tools. Plan to plant easy to grow plants such as sweet peas, beans, sunflowers or tomatoes. If you can, also leave a ‘wild’ area where children can encourage wildlife, such as bees and birds. They might enjoying making a bee hotel, or designing a bird feeder to add to their wild area. Children will be inspired to get creative, whilst also developing a love and appreciation for wildlife and the natural world.

Do any of these ideas inspire you? Do you have any to add? How would you inspire children’s imaginations out in the garden?

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Hi, I’m Rosie!

Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler!

I’m here to help you, with sweet and simple ideas to inspire your children.

Art, crafts, creative play and a splash of nature. Let’s get creative, the simple way!

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Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
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You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
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Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
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This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
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Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
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Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
Wow, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a soci Wow, it’s been a while! 

I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
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Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
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I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
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One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
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If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
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Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
(Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family (Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family?
We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
Is home school still happening in your family?! Af Is home school still happening in your family?! After 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve ditched ‘home school’ for ‘life school.’ So far the kids have made and decorated their own cakes, helped do laundry, vacuum and mop. 🧼 Plus lots of free play, projects and learning about topics they are interested in - mainly dinosaurs! 🦖 🦕 
I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
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I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
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I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
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But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
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So what action do I commit to do?
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•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
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•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
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•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
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If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
#blackouttuesday #iamlistening #blackouttuesday #iamlistening
Do your children ever say that they are 'bored'? 😑 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Children are the masters of their own creativity. 🖼 Given the time and space, children will think of ideas that will never fail to surprise you!
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But sometimes we all have moments when we're at a loose end - children included. A little inspiration can go a long way. 💡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Try putting some ideas for play and projects into a jar or box, ready for when inspiration is needed. 📦 You could include some of your ideas and some of your children's ideas. 👶 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To start you off I have a FREE PRINTABLE with 40 simple ideas to inspire your children’s creativity! Grab your printable from my bio - print and cut! You're ready for when boredom strikes! 🙌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do your children ever get bored? How do you try to inspire them?
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