How To Create A Garden So Good That Even Reluctant Teens Will Want To Spend Time Outside

According to the latest studies, teenagers spend around half of their home time cooped up indoors. For most parents, this saddening fact comes as no surprise. Even parents of younger kids can often see the beginnings of this external life, with children regularly reaching for screens instead of suncream. But did you know that turning your attention to garden design could be the best way to break that negative cycle?

After all, kids typically choose screens because of their exciting allure, but creating a garden that wins out over bright, bold shows and games could end up being a game-changer. And, it’s not actually as difficult to achieve as you might imagine.

Nature holds way more interest than anything the human brain could create. You simply need to lean into that natural potential with a design focus that specifically appeals to young and teenage minds. Keep on reading to find out how you can manage it!

# 1 – Incorporate Chill Areas

From a young age, we tend to encourage our children outside to ensure they stay active. We might try to get them to engage in sports or start running around. This makes sense and, with younger kids, it tends to be a great incentive. But, once your youngsters reach their pre-teen and teen years, the very idea of this need for movement could be the thing that keeps them indoors.

Let’s face it – teenagers are a typically lazy bunch. Even younger kids won’t want to be on the go for every second they spend outside. As soon as they feel the need to sit and chill out, they’ll probably head indoors. Unless, of course, you take those chill areas right outside for them.

Remember that getting fresh air and engaging with nature are just as much a benefit of getting outside as actual movement. So, incorporating additions like outside sofas or floating day beds could encourage even the most reluctant youths to rouse themselves outside sometimes. Sure, they might not do much while they’re out there, but they’ll still probably be screen-free and open to the various mental health benefits of spending even short periods outside each day.

# 2 – Add Cool Gadgets

Modern kids and teens love gadgets, and tend to line their walls with as much of the latest tech as their (or your) money can buy. So, it figures that they might spend more time outside if you invest in a few cutting-edge gadgets here, too.

From fire tables to projector screens, additions like these will immediately transform the garden from a killjoy, boring space into an area of intrigue. And these aren’t the only gadgets you might want to pay attention to.

You may also find that investing in options like app-based gardening tools could help your teens to find their green fingers in a language that actually speaks to them. Equally, robot mowers might encourage them to help with outdoor chores. The addition of wireless speakers could even see them finally ditching their earphones for a slightly more social, outside jamming session.

# 3 – Make it Social

While your teens are probably never in the mood to put their tech down and talk to you, we’re betting that they barely look at those screens when they spend time in their social circles. After all, socialisation, friendship, and romance will always remain the love languages of teenagers worldwide. But that’s not much reassurance when your child’s friends head straight up with them to spend time behind… you guessed it, a closed door! That’s why we recommend incorporating as many social elements into your outside space as possible.

To some extent, the chillout area you’ve already incorporated will help here, especially alongside additions like coolers or mini fridges that you keep stocked with plenty of soft drinks and goodies. Additions like an outdoor kitchen and patio area will also go down well, and could encourage al fresco, communal meals for your child and all of their friends.

Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with the addition of a pool if you’ve got the space. Pool parties, or just days lounging by the water, are guaranteed to put your child at the centre of their friendship group, and will probably see them spending entire summers and weekends outside with their friends at long last.

# 4 – Get it Looking Good

If your outdoor space is looking a little sorry for itself, then is it really any surprise your child prefers to stay indoors and get lost in virtual worlds? They can almost certainly find better flowers on a screen! So it also pays to just take a little time getting your outside area up to scratch to make that whole space more appealing.

Incorporating flower beds is the most obvious way to do this, as they add much-needed color, and also attract the insects and wildlife that add real interest outdoors. Alternatively, taking the time to keep your grass green or clean up any patio or decking areas can ensure an attractive garden that’s ready to be enjoyed at a moment’s notice.

# 5 – Make it Interesting

We often think of teenagers as a species all of their own, but remember that there isn’t much difference between a curious child and the teenager lurking in the walls of your household. That curious, engaged child is still waiting just below the surface, and an interesting garden could be just the thing to bring them back out again.

Everything from incorporated mazes to secret garden areas, or even the addition of trampolines and swing sets, could see your teen sneaking outside from time to time. It’s especially worth introducing different garden zones, as this can provide a sense of exploration and also privacy, both of which could end up getting your teen onboard with spending more time outside.

Family-based garden design gets undeniably more difficult when you’ve got pre-teens or teens in the house, but you may work miracles and get them outside again in these simple ways.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.