Let’s be honest, these days, getting our kids away from their screens can feel like we're swimming against the tide. An article by Health & Protection shows children aged between 6 and 17 are clocking up more than 14 hours per week watching TV, gaming, and scrolling social media.
For the team here at Lazy Susan, it raises an important question about how we use our outdoor spaces. Are our children getting enough fresh air and proper exercise once the school day ends? Deep down, we all know the answer is probably not enough, and that time outside is not just nice-to-have, but a vital part of their health and happiness.
Which naturally leads us, as a garden furniture company, to ask a bigger question. Is the setup on our patios and in our gardens actually encouraging them to step outside and spend time in the fresh air when the weather is good? Or are we unintentionally designing spaces that are pleasant to look at, but not there to be used and lived in?
Our kids need fresh air. Outdoor play supports their physical health, helps them concentrate for longer, and gives their minds the space they need to process emotions, build confidence, and develop independence. Outdoor time is not just a nice-to-do, but a fundamental part of healthy development.
In a busy modern family garden, even short, regular bursts of outdoor play in the evenings and school holidays can make a big difference to children’s wellbeing and long-term development, and according to UNICEF:
“Outdoor play is essential for children’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Time spent outside helps children stay active, build confidence, develop social skills, and support their overall wellbeing, while also giving them space to relax, explore, and learn about the world around them.”
In this article, we're pooling our garden and family know-how and taking a closer look at our top garden ideas to get them outside this summer. And it doesn’t matter if your garden is big or small, we’re looking at how good garden design can turn your outdoor space into a place your kids or grandkids will love, regardless of the square footage you have.
What are the benefits of outdoor play and why should we get our children outside?
Before we dive into how to set up a garden that actually works for your kids, let’s talk about why we think it matters more than ever. Spending time outdoors isn’t just running around for fun; for the Lazy Susan team, it plays a real role in our children’s health and development:
-
Health
Outdoor physical activities help to keep our kids active, and they can reduce the risk of obesity and other health issues. -
Wellbeing
In both kids and adults, green spaces boost our mental well-being, reducing stress and supporting emotional resilience. -
Engagement
Time outside often means teamwork, creativity, and a deeper connection with the world beyond an iPad screen.
In a world with more screentime, cyberbullying and doom-scrolling than ever before (terms that didn't even exist when many of us were kids!), tending to a garden and encouraging play outside gives children the fresh air they need to stay healthy.
Our top family garden design ideas that work for all ages
When you’re thinking about the design of a family-friendly garden, think about how every part of your outside space can pull double duty and look at ways you can keep the style but introduce the fun. Everything from a quiet morning reading or crafting to epic games of garden football or den building after school, here are our top 6 patio and garden design solutions to encourage them out of the house and off their screens:
1. Design a dedicated space for different activities
Whether you’re working with a small urban plot or a larger suburban garden with lawn and patio area, dividing the space into zones can help create a dedicated area for the different activities you and your kids will enjoy.
Examples of some of the popular zones we like to include in our garden designs:
-
Game Zones
With space for ball games, bikes, or a mud kitchen. -
Quiet Zones
With comfy seating, shade, and bedding plants for reading and relaxing. -
Creativity Zones
With chalkboard walls, outdoor art space, or craft tables. -
Dining Zones
A relaxed spot for family meals, crafts, homework, and outdoor entertaining. -
Social Zones
A place to gather, chat, and spend time together with their friends. -
Active Zones
Open space for movement, play equipment, or sports. -
Nature Zones
An area for plants, trees, bug hotels, and wildlife spotting. -
Growing Zones
Raised beds or pots for growing their own herbs, fruit, and veg. -
Chill Zones
A calm area with loungers, cushions, or blankets for relaxing in the summer. -
Fire Pit Zones
A cosy focal point for evening chats, stories, and toasting marshmallows. -
Learning Zones
A space for homework, reading, or quiet projects in the fresh air. -
Transition Zones
A patio or decking area that creates a seamless transition from house to garden, so the space feels open and as one.
Lazy Susan Garden Design Tip: Using diagonal lines in your garden design can help these zones feel natural and fun rather than constrained or boxed in.
2. Make room for play in even the smallest of outdoor areas
You might think a small space, such as a city garden or even a balcony, can’t offer much for kids, but a small outdoor plot can still be a treasure trove of fun with the right ideas:
-
Plants
Potted plants in hanging planters and raised beds can add greenery without eating up too much valuable floor space. -
Water
A shallow water feature, bowls, or watering cans can double as play on warm summer days. -
Fire Pit
A small fire pit with safe seating is perfect for creating a cosy focal point for family evenings when the sun sets. -
Vertical Play
Trellis, climbing plants, or wall-mounted activities such as chalkboards are a great way to free up ground space. -
Moveable Toys
Lightweight goals, hoops, or games that can be packed away after use mean you can have it as a kid zone in the day and adults in the evening. -
Chalk Art
Paving slabs or a small wall can also double up for chalk drawings and outdoor creativity. -
Mini Lawn or Soft Surface
A small patch of grass or play mat for sitting, rolling, and gentle play if you have the room. -
Storage
Benches that hide toys or outdoor chests, shelving, and cupboards help to keep the space tidy and flexible. -
Shade Solutions
Parasols or sail shades are essential to protect children from the sun if you don't have a more permanent structure.
With thoughtful garden ideas, even a tiny outdoor area can offer big opportunities for fun and play.
3. Blend comfort with style to create the perfect seating area
When it comes to family gardens, comfort is not the opposite of fun. In fact, we think the best gardens manage to be both sociable and soothing at the same time.
Lazy Susan Garden Design Tip: A well-designed outdoor seating and dining area gives everyone a place to rest, read, sketch, snack, or simply hang out when the weather is good. The secret is flexibility. Create a layout that works for lively afternoons and slower evenings alike.
Try mixing a few of the following pieces from the Lazy Susan collection:
Garden benches and side tables offer flexibility
A cast aluminium garden bench placed along the lawn edge, beneath a tree, or tucked into a quieter corner instantly creates a calm retreat within the garden. Pair it with a coordinating metal side table for books, cold drinks, or a morning coffee. A small round bistro table also works beautifully here, offering just enough surface space without dominating the area. This kind of setup is perfect for quiet zones, especially if your main dining table is hosting the louder action.
Garden chairs and tables are the foundation of a sociable patio
Sturdy and stable garden tables and chairs are the heart of a family-friendly patio. A four, six, or even eight-seater metal dining set gives structure to the space and anchors gatherings. The beauty of cast aluminium chairs is that they are solid yet light enough to move when needed. You can reconfigure seating for board games, card nights, or spontaneous extra guests. Add a matching Lazy Susan parasol for shade, and you have a dining area that works from lunchtime through to the evening sun. For smaller gardens, a compact bistro set is a brilliant solution. It keeps the space open while still providing a proper place to sit and eat.
Outdoor cushions and soft furnishings for comfort and warmth
While Lazy Susan specialises in beautifully crafted metal furniture, comfort is easily enhanced with the right accessories. Seat cushions designed to fit cast aluminium chairs add softness without bulk. Outdoor scatter cushions bring in colour and personality. Lightweight throws are perfect for when the temperature dips after sunset. Keep a small metal side table nearby so drinks, sketchbooks, or crafting supplies have a stable surface. This makes the space feel practical as well as inviting.
Sun loungers and relaxed seating to cool down and chill
A pair of cast aluminium sun loungers positioned slightly away from the main dining area creates a relaxed retreat within the same garden. Place them where they catch the best of the afternoon sun. Add a parasol for adjustable shade and a small side table for iced drinks, or summer reads. This separation between dining and lounging zones gives the whole garden a resort-like feel, even if you are only steps from the back door.
Bistro sets for flexible corners in small spaces
Do not underestimate the power of a small bistro set. These are perfect for patios that need flexibility. They can sit on a paved terrace, in a courtyard, or even on a gravelled corner of the garden. They are ideal for teenagers revising outdoors, grandparents enjoying tea, or as an overflow table when entertaining. Because they are made from durable cast aluminium, they can stay outside year-round with minimal fuss.
When you combine dining sets, benches, loungers, and a few well-placed side tables, the garden starts to feel layered rather than flat. Different ages and personalities can settle where they feel most comfortable. This kind of flexible seating keeps a family garden open, welcoming, and ready for whatever kind of summer day unfolds.
4. Add play elements that grow with them and will last for years
Kids grow quickly, blink, and they're taller than you. But the best garden ideas grow with them. What feels magical at five can still feel special at fifteen, especially when the space is flexible and inviting. A well-thought-out garden becomes a backdrop for independence, creativity, and those long summer evenings that seem to last forever.
Here are some ideas we think all ages love and will stand the test of time:
-
Visual
A simple white sheet and a projector for outdoor movie nights
String lights draped between posts for a festival feel
A stargazing corner with blankets and a telescope -
Physical
A climbing frame or swing set for energetic play
A tree stump balance trail, or a stepping stone path across the lawn
A football goal, a badminton net, or an open space for garden games
A chalk wall or patio area for drawing obstacle courses and hopscotch -
Creative
A mud kitchen with old pots and wooden spoons
A craft table set up with washable paints and sketchbooks
A mini gardening patch or raised bed they can call their own
A DIY den building corner with bamboo canes and old sheets -
Social
A small bistro set for “secret meetings” or lemonade stands
A larger dining table for pizza nights with friends
A fire pit area for supervised marshmallow toasting
The beauty of these features is that they do not need to dominate the garden. A balance trail can double as natural landscaping. A dining table becomes a homework station by day and a games hub by evening. A raised bed teaches responsibility while adding greenery to the space.
Lazy Susan Garden Design Tip: As children grow, the climbing frame might be used less, but the movie nights become bigger. The craft corner turns into a revision spot. The football goal becomes a gathering point for friends. Features like these create layers of use within your outdoor space. More importantly, they create memories. They encourage our kids and teenagers alike to step outside, switch off from screens, and simply spend time in our gardens.
5. Use bedding plants and potted plants to inspire and educate
Plants do far more than make a family garden look pretty. They invite curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and help children build a real connection with the natural world. A garden filled with different textures, scents, and colours becomes an outdoor classroom without anyone even realising.
Here are a few easy ways to make planting part of the adventure:
-
Bedding plants
Bright, cheerful flowers such as marigolds, petunias, and pansies add instant colour and are wonderfully low-maintenance. Choose varieties that attract bees and butterflies so children can spot visiting wildlife up close. Watching pollinators at work is often the first step in understanding how nature fits together. -
Shrubs and trees
Mature trees and leafy shrubs create natural hiding spots, shady reading corners, and little pockets of independence. A small tree can become a lookout post, while denser shrubs form secret pathways for imaginative play. They also provide valuable shade on warm days, making the garden more comfortable for everyone. -
Vegetables
There is something magical about pulling up a carrot you planted yourself. Simple crops such as cherry tomatoes, runner beans, lettuce, or strawberries are easy to grow and quick to reward. Giving children their own small raised bed or container teaches patience, responsibility, and the simple joy of harvesting food they helped produce. -
Herbs
Herbs are a brilliant sensory introduction to gardening. Mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and chives are easy to grow in pots and can handle a bit of enthusiastic picking. Set them a challenge, such as guess-the-herb-treasure-hunt and let them guess each scent. It gently encourages adventurous eating and shows them where flavours really come from.
The beauty of planting with children is that it does not have to be perfect. A slightly wonky row of carrots or an overenthusiastic watering session is all part of the process. Over time, they begin to recognise the seasons, understand how plants grow, and take pride in looking after something living. But it is that quiet sense of ownership that we think is just as valuable as the flowers themselves.
6. Get them active with garden games and challenges
Sometimes the simplest way to reduce screen time is not to ban it, but to make the outdoors far more appealing. When the garden feels full of possibility, children naturally drift outside. A little imagination goes a long way, and here are some ideas that work in almost any garden, large or small:
-
Scavenger Hunts
Create themed treasure lists using nature finds such as feathers, smooth stones, or different leaf shapes. Hide clues in potted plants or around garden features. For older children, turn it into a timed photo challenge with creative tasks at each stop. -
Obstacle Courses
Use logs, stepping stones, garden crates, and low benches to build balance trails and mini climbing routes. Add a stopwatch for friendly competition. Change the layout every few weeks to keep it fresh and challenging. -
Ball Games
Even small gardens can host target throws with buckets, mini football drills, or soft cricket sets. Mark out zones with chalk or cones to keep things safe and structured. -
Garden Challenges
Set a weekly mission such as “build a bug hotel”, “design a fairy garden”, or “create the tallest stick tower”. These small projects build problem-solving skills while keeping hands busy. -
Water Play
Bowls, watering cans, reusable water balloons, or a splash mat can transform a warm afternoon. Add measuring jugs and funnels for younger children to turn it into an experiment. -
Creative Play
Chalk art on paving, nature collages made from fallen petals and leaves, or building dens with bamboo canes and old sheets. Outdoor creativity always feels bigger and messier in the best possible way.
Children are wired for movement and exploration. When the garden offers variety, it becomes the obvious choice.
As children grow, what they need from the garden shifts. It becomes less about climbing and more about connection. The key themes are autonomy, social space, and a sense of purpose.
Here are ways to make the garden just as appealing for teens:
-
Social Hangout
A defined seating area with sturdy garden chairs, cushions, and blankets gives friends somewhere to gather. A cast aluminium dining set can double as a card table, homework station, or snack hub. -
Fire Pit Evenings
A simple fire pit instantly creates atmosphere. It becomes a natural focal point for chatting, toasting marshmallows, and lingering long after sunset. -
Outdoor Dining
A proper dining area for homemade pizzas, BBQ evenings, or takeaway nights makes teens feel included rather than sidelined. Eating outdoors always feels a little more grown-up. -
Creative Projects
Invite them to plan a garden upgrade. Painting pots, building a small raised bed, or designing a lighting scheme gives them ownership. When they help create it, they value it. -
Music and Chill
A corner with comfortable seating where they can listen to music, read, or talk without feeling watched makes a huge difference. Subtle lighting helps it feel relaxed rather than supervised. -
Fitness and Movement
Leave open lawn space for yoga, bodyweight workouts, skipping, or casual sport with friends. A clear, flat area near the patio works perfectly. -
Gardening with Purpose
Growing vegetables, herbs, or fruit that they genuinely enjoy eating can spark real interest. Strawberries, chillies, and salad leaves are great starting points. -
Evening Appeal
Soft lighting, warm throws, and a sturdy dining table for late-night chats make the garden inviting after dark. Atmosphere matters more than equipment at this stage.
Older children are far more likely to spend time outdoors when the garden feels like shared territory rather than a designated play zone. Give them comfort, flexibility, and a sense that the space belongs to them too. When the garden evolves with your family, it stays relevant. And that is when it truly becomes part of everyday life.
Design a family garden to encourage outdoor fun and relaxation
The best family gardens are more than just pretty spaces to look at. They invite exploration, creativity, and movement. Thoughtful design encourages children of all ages to step outside, play, and interact with the natural world.
Consider layering zones that work for different activities: a corner for crafts, a mini vegetable patch for planting and harvesting, open lawn space for ball games, and a quiet nook for reading or stargazing.
Plants play a big role, too. Bright bedding plants attract bees and butterflies, shrubs and trees create shade and little hideaways, and herbs or vegetables give kids a hands-on connection with nature.
Even simple features like stepping stones, low logs, or a mud kitchen can spark curiosity, keep them moving, and grow with them from childhood into the teenage years.
Safety and comfort are part of the fun. Shade from umbrellas or a pergola, soft surfaces for little feet, and gentle guidance on garden safety help everyone enjoy the space with confidence.
Outdoor rituals like breakfast in the garden, weekend crafts, or evening storytelling will turn the garden into a natural extension of family life, creating memories that last long after summer ends.
Our final thoughts: Why our cast aluminium furniture is for a family-friendly garden setup
For those of the Lazy Susan team with children and grandchildren, choosing the right furniture has made all the difference in our family gardens. We might want to sell garden furniture, but we also know what a difference it makes when you buy the right type.
Our cast aluminium range is ideal for active outdoor spaces. It is robust enough to handle playful kids, low maintenance for muddy hands and spontaneous drink spills, and timeless. It looks stylish year after year with very little fuss.
The collection is robust but moveable, so the pieces let you adapt zones for play, relaxing, or socialising with friends, while the durable powder-coated metal means you spend less time worrying about wear and tear and more time enjoying your garden.
With thoughtful design and practical furniture, your garden becomes a space everyone wants to be in. Where your children can explore safely, you can connect naturally, and summer moments turn into memories.
The important thing to remember is that outdoor time or the space itself does not need to be perfect. What matters most is consistent opportunities for play, connect, and explore in the fresh air.
You don’t need a massive lawn for great family garden ideas. With a few intentional design touches, comfortable seating, play zones, and plants that inspire, your garden can become a space that pulls everyone outside with no screentime required.
So start small, plan thoughtfully, and watch your garden transform into the place your family loves to be this summer.
We’d love to see how your family is making the most of time outdoors this season. Share your garden moments on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, and you'll help support our Do Some Good charity campaign.
