If you have children, you know all about keeping them entertained!

And in today's new environment, kids aren’t hanging out at schools and playgrounds like they were before. We are all staying home a lot more. Here are some ideas on how to turn your back yard into a delightful place for children.

Take a look at the plan of a “Backyard Children’s Garden”. Here’s what you’ll find.

First, there’s a deck which is great for kids’ projects and lunch time.

The entire back yard is fenced in so that the kids are safely contained. A smooth cement patio with a walk is a great place for the little ones to ride their tricycles or play with sidewalk chalk.

A raised vegetable garden is a great place to teach the children about the joys of gardening. They can plant their own vegetables and be responsible for weeding, and harvesting their very own produce.

A sand box will provide hours of entertainment.

The large play set is clearly visible from the house and deck for easy viewing to the children.

A big tree in middle of the yard could be perfect for shade, a tire swing, or for older children to climb on.

There is lawn area for running and lawn games. Notice the berm in the lawn. This should be grassed and comfortable enough to mow, but imagine the kids playing “king of the mountain”! The soil which it took to create this berm could be very easily flattened at a future date when the children get older and returned to a level lawn area.

A perennial bed is another opportunity for children to be gardeners, or just to enjoy smelling or picking flowers. Choose perennials which are great as cut flowers here. All of the plant choices should be kid friendly in that there would not be any thorns or poisonous plants.

A fort is tucked into the corner of the yard where it’ll be fairly private and a great place for the kids to “get away”.

The storage shed is important for storing all of the kids’ toys.

And there you have it...a perfect back yard geared towards the family with children!