A Fun Nature Playscape for the Kids (Anderson Township)

The Challenge

In this backyard in Anderson Township, invasive honeysuckle and English ivy grew thick. The space was unused.

With a three-year-old and a newborn on the way, the family wanted a space for playing and relaxing – a place to explore, learn, and enjoy within eyesight of Mom and Dad.  

(Above photos) Before, invasive plants filled the backyard, which sat unused. After, a nature playscape invites the kids to play while the parents relax within eyesight.

The Transformation

Today, on a summer evening, you can find the whole family outside.

Children use the water from the rain barrel to make their dry creek begin to flow. They splash in the water and make fishing rods and other props from mostly native plantings strategically chosen to engage the senses, including ostrich ferns, spicebush, and highbush blueberry.

The space feels both open and private: a mini suburban woodland. And though Mom and Dad may not be climbing, sliding, balancing, jumping, and splashing, they seem just as content to lounge on the deck under a low canopy watching play unfold. 

One of the key features of this playscape is the creek. It is dry when not in use, which down on the mosquito population in the backyard. It connects to rain runoff from the roof so kids can splash and play in the water. 

Because of this feature, the family is not using any of their city water to play—cutting down on costs and conserving water.  

The Takeaway

Nature playscapes connect children to nature while offering ample opportunities to explore, gain confidence, and learn about ecology and themselves.

The best part? Using natural materials reduces costs and stacks functions, from solving drainage issues to creating pollinator habitat.