Having two young 'test dummy' kids I'm always trying to invent way of making the garden interesting for them so they get outside (which will have huge health benefits for them) and they can be in the garden while I am ..and OK I like to join in as well. I think there are simple things we can do to make the garden not only productive but also as interesting 'must be' place for the children.
There is the standard play equipment which is obviously a winner but I'd like to think there are things we can do using the natural attributes of the garden and pretty much for free. So I'm going to research a few ideas and see what appeals to my kids and their friends and guests the most.
Initial ideas:
1) Lots of 'secret' paths and den building opportunities. Every young child likes the magic of hiding, running around and having a special place or den.
2) Willow tunnels. I'm fortunate in that we have a bit of space and loads of willow. It's not the most athsethetically pleasing of trees but it is a vigourous grower and very easy to propagate; just cut of a green stem in spring and push it in the ground. After seeing how the kids enjoyed the willow paths at the Eden Project it seemed a good idea to try it here. Even in the smallest gardens a willow structure could be made and would interest the kids.
3) Nature study. Work out how to find all sorts of insects and wildlife and teach them about it and get then to find some too - just need cheap magnifying glass or, even better, a small cheap portable microscope (interesting for adults too) and a good guide book. OK this isn't going to interest them everyday but a great thing to try every now and then and very educational and helps to foster an interest in wildlife at an early stage. Not for all kids but I know some that have really taken to it.
4) their own little garden plot, even in a small garden a little corner would create an interest
...any other ideas out there?
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