Eight ideas to give kids a fun outdoor play space

Want to create a fun backyard that will encourage kids to appreciate the outdoors, entertain themselves and have unstructured down time? Here are eight ideas for creating fun outdoor spaces:

• Create a wildlife observation area by hanging birdhouse and feeders in a quiet spot in the yard.

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An inflatable pool and garden hose are an inexpensive stand-in for a water element in the backyard.

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• Gather twigs and branches into a brush pile to attract snakes, moles or other critters.

• Choose plants native to the area because they will attract animals and insects.

• Designate a flower or vegetable bed for the children to tend.

• Find spots where low branches, shrubbery or groupings of trees have created secluded alcoves for children to play.

• Create a science center with a thermometer and water gauge where children can track changing weather conditions.

• If you don’t have a water element in your yard, allow your child to play with the hose or watering can.

• Plant herbs and other scented plants in the ground or in pots and let children use them to make mud pies.