Aussie backyard how-to's

JESSE + KIRSTY’S AUSSIE BACKYARD HOW-TO’S

To inspire customers to get stuck into their backyard this Summer, no matter the size of the space, Amazon Australia has partnered with The Block 2021 Garden Challenge winners Jesse Anderson and Kirsty Lee Akers to create some great ideas.

“We know first-hand how much love and time Aussies pour into their backyards and outdoor spaces – they’re a real place of pride and an extension of the home. The sky really is the limit these days, with so many ways to put even the smallest spaces to use. We hope Amazon’s backyard soundtrack and our DIY guides will inspire Aussies to continue to enjoy and make more heartfelt memories when in their backyards, no matter the size.”

HOW TO TURN A BACKYARD INTO A FUN PLAY SPACE

Now that Summer is here and the weather is warm, it’s the perfect time to get the kids outside to play in the backyard.

Children spend a lot more time on devices than we did when we were kids, so finding ways to keep them active can become a challenge. Amazon Australia has a huge range of products to help turn your space, no matter what size, into a fun play area. The great thing is, you don’t have to pack the kids in the car and drive to the park, you can create a playground right in your own backyard.

Finding the right space

The first thing you will need to do is choose your space. Do you want to turn your whole area into a play space or do you want to dedicate one section? No matter what size playground you decide to go with, you need to choose an area that is flat and level, give it a mow and remove any stray tree branches or debris that may have fallen or gathered in the area. Think about the surface, if you are lucky enough to have soft grass, your job is done! If not another great alternative to grass is faux grass, it’s very soft and very easy to maintain. If your space has a hard surface like concrete, you may like to lay down some foam flooring. Amazon Australia has some great foam interlocking tiles that are so easy to install within a matter of minutes, it is soft underfoot and will help protect little knees when playing.

Another important step when choosing your space is choosing an area that is well shaded from the sun. If you don’t have any natural shade from trees in your backyard, consider installing a shade sail. It’s so important, especially in the warmer months to have an area that the little ones can play in without the harsh sun rays damaging their skin.

Upgrading the space

Now that you have the space all figured out, it’s time to upgrade the area with some fun equipment. For the little ones, we love this slide and swing set. It is very easy to assemble and takes up little space, we also love that it’s a 3-in-1 combo to keep the kids entertained. If you have more space to work with, incorporating a play center that is multifunctional and features a swing, slide and sand pit will provide hours of entertainment and fun in the backyard. Or keep it simple and install a swing that hangs from a tree branch.

Every kid's dream is to have their own cubby house in their yard – which is especially great for those with a smaller space. We think back to the hours we spent in our own cubby houses growing up, creating our own special clubs with the other kids in our street, playing house or even just relaxing reading a book. Amazon is a great place to find cubby houses that are affordable and easy to put together, the kids will be putting up their “No grown ups allowed” signs in no time! Our number one tip is to have a simple storage tub or outdoor cabinet in your play area to put the balls, cricket sets, dolls and outdoor games all tidy in one place. Once all the hard work of creating the play area is done, don’t forget to test it out. The kids shouldn’t be the only ones having all the fun! Testing the equipment out will also ensure everything is put together correctly and it is safe to play on, and of course, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide!