Choosing the ideal place for backyard cubby houses in a small garden can feel like a tricky jigsaw puzzle. You need to view your available space from a different angle so that the garden still feels open and relaxing while providing children with a fun and engaging place to play. This article shares practical tips on how to fit a cubby house into your garden, helping you make the most of every inch of outdoor space while creating an enjoyable area for the whole family.
1. Assessing Your Available Garden Space Carefully
Take a walk around your garden and make a note of where the sun hits at different times before choosing a spot for the cubby house. You might be surprised to discover that a corner you don’t use much is ideal, as it will keep the play area out of the way. With a map of your garden, you will see where the structure will sit and be able to make sure you leave enough room for kids to move around safely.
2. Using Vertical Space for Added Play Value
In smaller gardens, you don’t have a lot of room to spread out, so looking up is a smart way to save space. Imagine a cubby house raised off the ground on legs so you can have a sandpit or a little storage spot for other toys underneath. This means you can have two play areas in the footprint of one, which is a great way to keep the garden feeling spacious while giving children different ways to play.
3. Selecting the Right Size and Shape
Consider how the size of the backyard cubby houses will fit in with the rest of your garden. If the design snuggles neatly into a corner or follows the curve of your garden fence, it looks deliberate. Always measure the total area of cubby houses in your backyard that you want to dedicate to play. Allow some extra space around the outside for easy access when cleaning or performing maintenance.
4. Creating Natural Boundaries with Soft Landscaping
Create a border around the play area with plants or low barriers to make it feel like a special destination in your garden. If the cubby house is up against a fence, a small hedge or pots of brightly coloured flowers can screen the back of the cubby. This simple trick gives the kids a sense of privacy but keeps the rest of the garden a lovely, tidy place for you to relax.
5. Placing the Cubby for Better Supervision
Position the cubby house where the door or main play area can be viewed from your kitchen window. You can set it up so that you can supervise the kids and enjoy your own time. Knowing the kids are playing in a safe environment. Good visibility makes you feel relaxed, and it also makes it much easier to call the children inside when it is time for a meal or when the day is done.
6. Considering Sunlight and Shade for Comfort
Children will spend a lot of time inside and around their cubby house, so keep an eye on how the sun moves across your garden. If the spot gets too much hot afternoon sun, plant a small tree or add a sail shade to keep the temperature inside the cubby house pleasant for play. You can extend the hours your children spend in their backyard retreat by keeping the area cool and out of harsh light.
7. Planning for Easy Access and Play Flow
Make sure the path to the cubby house is free of obstructions so children can run in and out freely. You can build a defined path using simple stepping stones to help guide the flow of play, and it will stop the grass around the cubby from becoming a muddy patch. By keeping the entry point simple, you make it more welcoming for children to use their new play area and get the most out of your investment.
A Path to a Joyful Backyard Experience
Creating a reliable cubby house space in a small garden is all about balancing function and fun, and here are some tips. Keep in mind that space, sunlight and how the play area flows with your own garden are something to think about for many years ahead. Furthermore, you don’t need a huge backyard; clever layout choices make even the smallest corner a real garden feature.
