Released On 9th Jul 2025
How To Design A Family Friendly Garden Everyone Will Love
Your garden is a communal space, so designing it to cater to the whole family can feel like a tall order. But with a little planning and creativity, you can create a welcoming outdoor space that balances fun, relaxation, hobbies and beauty. Whether your kids are still toddling or you’re planning weekend barbecues for teens and grandparents, a family-friendly garden is all about thoughtful design and soft landscaping choices that work for every generation. And here’s a few simple tips to get you started.
Start with a Flexible Layout
The best family gardens are designed with ‘zones’ in mind. It’s easier to think of your garden as an outdoor extension of your home, with different areas for different activities. Some of them might be dual purpose, but each is there for a reason. For example, you might want:
A play zone: A grassy area of rubber-matted surface is perfect for active kids. Choose soft, durable groundcover like lawn or artificial turf that’s safe for falls and easy to maintain.
A relaxation zone: Comfy seating under a pergola or a shady tree can be perfect for reading, chatting, or just enjoying the view. This space can be customised to whatever you do to relax, so let your imagination go.
Dining and entertaining: Add a patio or deck with a table and chairs – perfect for family meals or hosting friends.
Quiet corners: A small bench tucked behind a shrub or near a flower bed gives older family members (or tired parents”) a place to unwind.
If you want to separate some of these spaces off, you can use natural screenings like hedges, ornamental grasses or trellises with climbers to subtly separate these zones without making the garden feel chopped up.
Your Soft Landscaping
You don’t have to completely change your garden to make it family-friendly. In fact, sometimes soft landscaping is all you need. Your plants, grass, and soil – all of it sets the tone and makes it feel welcoming. For a family-friendly space you’ll want soft textures, seasonal interest and plants that are safe and low-maintenance.
A lawn is classic for kids and pets, but it can take a lot of maintenance. If mowing every weekend isn’t your idea of fun, consider alternatives like:
Clover or wildflower lawns, which are softer, longer growing and great for pollinators.
Artificial grass. Modern versions are much more realistic, eco-friendly and cushioned.
Then it’s onto plants. Choose ones that engage the senses for a perfect all-round experience. Things like:
Scent: Lavender, mint, rosemary and jasmine.
Texture: Lamb’s ear (soft and fuzzy), and ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze.
Colour: Hardy flowering plants like geraniums, salvia or marigolds add a splash of colour.
Avoid toxic plants (like foxgloves or oleander) if you have little ones or pets. Your local garden centre or nursery will be able to help you make safe choices.
Think Safety First (But Keep it Stylish)
You don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. You can choose materials and designed that look great, but also consider how your family will use the space. For paths, use smooth, non-slip surfaces like resin-bound gravel or textured pavers. For boundaries, go for secure fencing but soften it with climbing plants of mixed hedging. If you love the idea of a pond or water feature, make sure it’s shallow, covered, or fenced in if you have young children. Lighting is another overlooked element. Solar stake lights along paths and soft overhead lighting in seating areas means your garden stays usable (and safe) after dark.
Add Features For All Ages
The key to a family-friendly garden is to design with everyone in mind. A swing or a climbing frame can coexist beautifully with a raised bed or herb spiral. It just takes some creative thinking. Include elements for all the family. For example:
For kids: A treehouse, chalkboard wall, or mud kitchen.
For adults: A hammock, firepit, or outdoor kitchen area.
For everyone: Raised beds or containers for easy-access gardening – great for older relatives or small kids wanting to plant seeds.
Bonus tip: Include the whole family in the design process! Let the kids pick some plants or help paint planters – it makes them feel invested and more likely to take care of the space.
Make it Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting
Family life is busy. So at every chance, opt for durable materials and plants that don’t need constant fussing. Mulching beds, installing a simple irrigation system or using slow-growing shrubs can all reduce time spent on upkeep. And remember – gardens evolve! By designing yours with flexibility in mind, it can grow along with your family. So today’s sandpit might be tomorrow’s vegetable garden or yoga corner.
A well-designed, family-friends garden is more than just a hunk of grass. It’s a space where memories are made, muddy knees are earned and everyone has room to relax and connect with nature. If you’re not sure where to start, or need some help bringing your vision to life, just get in touch with the CMA Garden Design team today.
