u/chelseywakeup

We have spent so much time and money on indoor projects over the last few years that we have completely neglected the outside. My kids are now 5 & 2, and they love playing outside, so we really want to create a space that will grow with them and that they can enjoy for years. I envision a trampoline, a play set, play house, pool, etc. But I am at a complete loss for ideas here and really how to zone out spaces in our yard. It’s pretty large, but it’s all just wide open space with no trees for shade or anything. We want to be able to enjoy it ourselves too, and being that we live on the east coast of NC, the summers are hot and can get miserable outside quick, so some optimal shade is definitely needed. I know I want to install a wooden play structure/swingset for the kids, and also want space for a mud kitchen and some raised garden beds. I’ve considered going with a large gazebo in the middle of our patio for more shade, but not sure if that will look right. We don’t have an enormous budget, but I am open to adding more concrete or other ideas! Bonus points if you advise adding an above ground pool 😅 I say we are limited to above ground because the entire left side of our yard is the drainage area for septic tank, so cannot be dug up.