Create a play area in your compound

Going by the children’s on the age, you can create a play area that suits their needs.
Doreen Babirye, a mother to three, says she is interested in creating a play area for her children because she would love them to engage in outdoor activities rather than spend most of their time watching cartoons.
“I want my children to enjoy playing various games whether I am around or not since most of the times I am at work.”
Christine Atuhairwe, a child specialist and director, Quality International School and Day Care Services says creating play areas at home is is mainly determined by the children’s age group.
“Older children eight years and above prefer outdoor games.”
Ms Atuhairwe shares some home play area ideas.
One needs to create the space that will be used as a play area for the children.

Sand cushion
Adrian Kizito, a landscape designer, suggests getting sand and pouring it on a flat surface or space that has been identified as the play area.
This he says is for safety when children fall. The surface is not hard thus there will be minimal injuries.
Swings
Once the sand has been put in place, you can use tree branches to act as swings.
Ms Atuhairwe recommends buying plastic swings from the supermarket and tying them on the branches. This is much more affordable as opposed to having a swing made by a welder or carpenter.

Play house, swimming pool
You can also buy plastic play houses that can be assembled on site. Depending on your budget, you can also get a portable swimming pool and have it refilled with water depending on how often it is used. Once in a while, have your children invite friends over for play dates.

Basketball court
Ms Atuhairwe shares that one can put a basketball ring/hoop in the compound. This does not have to be too high as it is strictly for children to have fun as they play.

Climbing wall
Depending on the space you have, you can create a climbing wall on the fence. Alternatively, you can incorporate a climbing net or biking track around the house. This encourages the children to engage more in outdoor activities while maximising their play time.

Bright colours
To make it all attractive, Dickson Muyimba, a painter suggests painting the play area with bright colours such as pink, orange or purple.
“A play area for children should be bright and attractive so that it will entice the children to constantly engage in various activities,” Muyimba shares.

Special needs
Ms Atuhairwe notes that a play area must cater for special needs children and ordinary children regardless of whether it is supervised or not.

Cost
Portable swimming pools cost from Shs 90,000 and more depending on the size and make.
Play mats will cost you at least Shs40,000 and a plastic swing goes for at least Shs70,000. These can be bought at toy stores or supermarkets with children’s toys and play things.

Safety
Ms Atuhairwe shares that the sand bed can be sanitised occasionally with salt and chlorine.
This, she says, it keeps away bacteria that can be harmful to the children’s health. She says the sand be should be refilled regularly to keep it soft and fresh.
It should also be raked to rid it of hard and sharp objects such as nails.

For the portable home pool, a safety net must be placed at the bottom to prevent accidents caused by stepping on slippery tiles.
It is advisable to always have an adult to watch the children as they swim.

Play area for younger children
For younger children, the outdoors might not be ideal especially without your active supervision. Therefore, creating an indoor playing area for them might be safer.
Ms Atuhairwe recommends buying a play mat which can be placed in the house and toys spread on the mat for the baby to play with.
If they must be outdoors, then adult supervision is key.

Ropes and nooses especially for swings must be tightened and checked regularly to avoid accidents.
Metallic swings might need to be services regularly as well .
The sand foundation for the play area also needs to be refreshed regularly.

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