OUTDOOR ADDITIONS | Christmastime is typically all about the kids and grandkids. But these days, kids seem to already have it all. With video games and electronics stealing the show, what can you get them that they’ll love but will also get them up and moving outside in the fresh air? In our family, we’re all about experiences, activities and making memories over “stuff!” When my kids were little, toys often got tossed to the side mere days after they’re unwrapped. Now that they’re teens, it’s even harder to get them outside. Hampton Roads has pleasant weather nearly year-round, so there are endless possibilities. No matter the age of the kids in your life, outdoor additions to the home can be the gift that keeps on giving!
Check out these fun ideas for your home exterior:
Backyard adventure zone
Got little daredevils on your hands? Kids love to climb and explore, so consider turning your backyard into an adventure zone that your kids (and their friends) will never want to leave, and custom playground sets can be as simple or as intricate as you want—with swings, a slide, a teeter totter or monkey bars, maybe even a sandbox. You also can purchase pre-fab playhouse kits that come in a variety of styles, materials and skill levels. Tiny yard? No problem: many sets, like the one above, are designed for small spaces.
Additional outdoor additions for hours of fun in the backyard are building a treehouse where the kids and their pals can escape for awhile and let their imaginations run wild. Thrill seekers might also love an at-home trampoline or rock climbing wall. Rock climbing keeps kids physically fit, builds stronger muscles and increases their coordination skills. Backyard rock-climbing walls should be at least 8-10 feet tall. Don’t forget about the padding underneath.
Playhouses plus
Talk about the ultimate Christmas gift! From kids to teens, there’s nothing like a space of their own. Quality Built Exteriors sells a wide variety of sheds that can become a perfect playhouse, clubhouse or teen hangout. Let the contractors put it in place, then it’s all a matter of furnishing and accessorizing to suit your child’s needs. Best of all, these outdoor additions can transition from child fantasy to teen chic as they grow… just restyle them like you would a child’s bedroom.
Sports courts galore
Does your child dream of being the next LeBron James? Help them hone their skills with the installation of a basketball court. Quality Built Exteriors can help with the materials such as concrete for the court. Or hop on the bandwagon of the country’s trendy new sport with the addition of a pickleball court that the whole family can enjoy. Or perhaps your kid prefers golf? Whether you consider real grass or an artificial turf, the flat, level yards of Hampton Roads are ideal for adding a putting green. You also could consider a court for bocce, an older sport described as a combination of curling, bowling and shuffleboard in which players roll small balls down a long court and try to get further down the court than their opponent.
Double the driveway
If you have kids, you know a driveway is more than a place to park or enter the garage… it’s THE playspace for bikes, push toys, chalk drawings and skateboards. If your home has a broken concrete driveway, the holidays could be a perfect time to replace it! Hampton Roads does get some mild winter days for concrete projects, so don’t rule out this outdoor addition.
Or even better, why not add a driveway extender on to your existing concrete? Many lots have space for an additional “lane” to be added for parking a teen’s car or to add a basketball goal. If concrete or asphalt aren’t in the budget, you can DIY the job with gravel or pavers. At my house, when we had to temporarily remove a fence section, we had it set back 10 feet further when it was reinstalled. That left a new patch of land at the end of the driveway, which we graveled over and now use as parking for our son’s car.
Hot tub haven
Hot tubs are a chance for year-round relaxation outdoors. But hot tub stores generally only sell you the unit, not the prep work and surround. Call Quality Built Exteriors to install your concrete base and perhaps a deck surround! They’ve also built pergolas over hot tub areas with excellent results. Their professionals can help you determine the size, shape and style to suit your home and needs.
Tranquil sanctuary
For another relaxation option, you can create room for an enclosed porch or gazebo. This can be a permanent structure with removable panels to enclose it for winter, or even a clear “bubble” to encircle an existing patio space.
Consider adding a hammock inside where kids can unwind with a book or listen to music, and lots of throw pillows for evening chats with family and friends. An electric fireplace can be installed to add both ambiance and heat! Another cozy addition is the classic fire pit. On cooler evenings after a long day, it can be calming to sit around the flames and let the kids roast marshmallows.
Gift of a garden
Another wonderful whole-family gift is raised garden beds… perfect for nature lovers who want to plant flowers or veggies and watch them sprout and grow. All you’ll need is some wood, gravel for drainage, topsoil and a few packets of seeds. You can start your seedlings in winter using a garage or sunroom, then move them outside in the spring. We like to plant strawberries, tomatoes and herbs in ours. When you choose one that’s on legs and wheels, it can transition from outdoor addition to indoor when it’s cold!
I hope these ideas have inspired some great new experience gifts for your family (and your house!). Have a wonderful holiday!