Family Friendly Garden Design Ideas

Posted 17th February 2023

What should a family friendly garden look like? Here are some ideas to fire up your imagination.

When I’m asked to design and build a family friendly garden, there are a few elements that immediately spring to mind. Firstly, every family member (and their friends) should be able to enjoy the space. That might mean a play area for the little ones and an easily accessible seating area for seniors to enjoy.

Secondly, safety should be paramount. Toddlers should be able to explore freely without their parents worrying. At the same time, there should be elements such as lighting so that anyone can find their way around after dark. And, of course all steps should be easy to navigate with broad treads and manageable risers. I class fencing as a safety feature too.

Finally, the garden should grow and develop alongside the family. A well built and well maintained garden will likely outlive the family who commissioned it and so it needs to cater to all ages. Toddlers, primary schoolers, teenagers, parents, grandparents and pets. Definitely pets! The 35 year old Mum with two toddlers may not have time to grow her own veg, but that will change over time. Her garden needs to be adaptable and able to develop and grow with the family.

Family Friendly Garden Features

Outdoor dining area so that everybody can enjoy al fresco dining.
Play space for children and pets.
Shaded areas – either via a pergola, an arbour or trees.
Water features – built with safety in mind they can provide endless entertainment for children of all ages.
Storage space – absolutely essential!
Escape zone – either somewhere for adults to relax, or to use as an age appropriate ‘den’ for the youngsters.
Sensory planting – a pleasure for anyone.
Log pile – hidden away somewhere, it’s great for bug hunts and helps support wildlife.
Hedges, fences and screening – to create zones within the garden for privacy and/or play.
Different textures and surfaces – helps with proprioception which is important for all of us, young and old.
Garden lighting – to create a lovely evening ambience and to make it easier to navigate the garden after dark.

Here are a few examples of family friendly gardens built by SilverBirch gardens. Like what you see? Contact Dan to commission a family friendly garden of your own.