Creating inviting, functional, and safe outdoor play spaces is such a big part of running a successful home daycare — and today, I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of my own setup! From our shaded backyard playground to our creative driveway play space, I’ve worked hard to create environments that inspire learning, creativity, and plenty of movement for the little ones in my care.
🌿 Backyard Playground Setup
Let’s start in the backyard — a favorite spot for many of the kids!
Last year, we built a mulch enclosure to anchor our outdoor play area. I’ve added even more to it this year, including:
- Tire play zone: Yes, I kept the tires — even with the occasional worry about snakes. After living here for nearly 20 years without ever seeing one, I feel confident keeping them as a climbing and imaginative play option.
- Dinosaur-themed sandbox: This week’s theme is Dinosaurs, so the sandbox is filled with dinos, leaves, and mulch. The kids love using their imaginations to create prehistoric scenes.
- New schoolhouse playhouse: A hand-me-down from my sister-in-law that’s now a hot spot for pretend play.
- Mud kitchen magic: Set up with “dino stew” ingredients, including mint from our garden for a sensory twist. The kids love crushing the mint with a mortar and pestle and mixing up their culinary creations.
- Wooden stepping stones: Cut by a friend, these vary in height and are a favorite for balancing, stacking, and even pretending they’re pizzas being delivered to the playhouse.
- Picnic table: Perfect for snack breaks, crafts, or just relaxing in the shade.
This area stays shaded for most of the day and has a nice breeze — which makes it perfect for even the warmest days.
🚗 Driveway & Front Yard Play Space
When it gets especially hot, we head to the front yard where there’s 100% shade in the mornings — perfect for water play and active gross motor fun.
Some of the setups here include:
- Cozy Coupes and shopping carts for ride-along play
- A grass area with diggers, trucks, and building blocks to redirect digging from my garden (a win-win!)
- A water station with a small boat, soap, sponges, and dinosaurs for washing and imaginative play (which almost always turns into a car wash)
- Bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and pylons to create boundaries for riding zones and keep everything safe and fun
And of course, no tour would be complete without mentioning my two daycare assistants, Duke and Frank — our gentle giants who love being part of the fun.
Why I Set Up Outdoor Play Like This
Outdoor play is essential in early childhood — it supports gross motor skills, social development, creativity, and a deep connection with nature. My goal is to offer open-ended, play-based opportunities that spark curiosity and joy, while keeping kids safe and engaged.
I also rotate the materials to fit our weekly theme (like dinosaurs this week!) and try to give the children ownership over how they play. Some of the best ideas come from simply stepping back and watching how they interact with the environment.
Find My Themed Printables & Resources
If you love themed activities as much as I do and want to easily bring them into your own daycare or preschool…
👉 Check out my printable activities, circle time plans, dramatic play sets, and more on:
Teachers Pay Teachers: check it out here
Etsy: check it out here
I have a full Dinosaur Theme available now, and many more to explore — perfect for planning stress-free, play-based learning weeks!
🎥 Watch the Full Tour on YouTube
Want to see everything in action?
👉 Watch the full video here – Home Daycare Outdoor Tour | Backyard Playground + Driveway Play Ideas
And while you’re there, don’t forget to:
✔️ Like the video if it gave you inspiration
✔️ Subscribe for more home daycare ideas
✔️ Leave a comment to share your favorite outdoor activity for toddlers
Let’s Chat!
Do you run a home daycare too? What’s your favorite way to set up your outdoor space? I’d love to hear about your setups and swap ideas in the comments below!
Thanks for being here, and I hope this post inspires you to create magical outdoor play spaces of your own.
With love,
Sonja 💛
Life with sonja 
Leave a comment