DIY projects that actually make sense for a small backyard

Dec 201 min read

We've got maybe 200 sq ft of usable space and I'm tired of staring at an empty yard. Too small for a proper swing set, not interested in another sandbox. Was thinking about a small obstacle course or maybe one of those PVC pipe climbing structures? My kids are 5 and 8. What's everyone doing that doesn't require a huge footprint? Open to both permanent and temporary setups since we rent.

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Comments(12)

VVic G.RegularDec 20

200 sq ft is actually perfect for a ninja warrior style obstacle course - you can fit a balance beam, some climbing wall sections, maybe a rope swing if it's anchored right. Kids use it for actual play rather than just sitting in it

BBob M.RegularDec 21

Small water feature - even just a little pond or bird bath setup - keeps kids entertained way longer than you'd think. And it doesn't take much space. Fair warning though if you go pond route the maintenance is real

CChuck M.RegularDec 21

Obstacle course is perfect for that size. You can do a basic pull-up bar, some cones for weaving, maybe a sandbox for the crawl section. Kids love it and you can reconfigure it whenever. Way more engaging than staring at the fence

PPete A.RegularDec 22

lol same energy, we had a pathetic empty grass rectangle. Put in a little zipline between two trees (if you have trees) and the kids lost their minds. Cost like $80 total

WWade T.New DadDec 22

200 sq ft is actually perfect for a slack line setup. Costs like $30, takes up basically no space, and kids will use it constantly once they figure it out

RRay C.RegularDec 22

The obstacle course sounds fun but honestly think about what YOUR kids actually gravitate toward. Ours was obsessed with building so we got them a big sandbox with those metal frames, they built "cities" for like 6 months

TTyler H.RegularDec 21

Re: the obstacle course idea - my suggestion is start with like 2-3 elements and see what sticks rather than building the whole thing at once. Kids' interests change and you don't want to spend a weekend building something they use once

DDan W.RegularDec 23

Before you commit to anything, what's the ground situation? If it's just grass you might want to put down something softer for the obstacle course or your kids will destroy their knees

FFrank K.RegularDec 22

We did a combination - small climbing structure on one side, open space in the middle for running around, then a sandbox in the corner. Sounds like more space than you have though. The obstacle course is definitely the move for 200 sq ft

FFritz N.RegularDec 23

Real talk: once you build it, kids get bored with whatever it is in like 2 weeks. Just keep it simple and modular so you can add/change stuff without starting over

LLarry P.RegularDec 23

We built a small climbing wall in ours (like 4ft tall) and it's genuinely the best backyard upgrade we've done. Not expensive, kids go crazy for it, and it's actually safer than half the playground equipment

RRyan M.RegularDec 23

We did raised garden beds in our tiny yard and honestly it's been the best move - the kids actually check on it daily. Takes up like 40 sq ft and keeps them occupied. Plus you get vegetables