Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : The Kid Yard
Designed for daily play, nervous-system regulation, creativity, and easy maintenance
Room Purpose & Design Intent
Primary Function
Safe outdoor play and movement
Creative, imaginative play
Physical regulation (climbing, swinging, running)
Outdoor extension of indoor living
Secondary Function
Low-stress cleanup
Simple reset by homeowner or yard service
Visual calm from inside the house
Long-term adaptability as kids grow
Design Philosophy
The Kid Yard is designed to:
Encourage movement without chaos
Support independent and cooperative play
Be safe, durable, and forgiving
Feel joyful, not overstimulating
Reset quickly without toys migrating everywhere
ZONING & FLOW (FOUNDATIONAL)
☐ Entry / Transition Zone
☐ Movement & Gross Motor Zone
☐ Creative / Imaginative Play Zone
☐ Calm / Rest Zone
☐ Storage & Reset Zone
☐ Optional Water / Sensory Play Zone
Flow Rule:
Toys and activity stay in their zones. Cleanup follows the same loop every time.
SURFACES & GROUND MATERIALS
(Kid-Safe & Cleaner-Friendly)
Shopping List
Healthy, organic grass
Fall-safe underlayment (under play equipment)
Poured-in-place rubber OR foam tiles (climbing areas)
Non-slip stepping stones or path pavers
Edging/borders to define zones
Avoid
Hard concrete under play equipment
Loose gravel in primary play zones
Bare dirt that turns to mud
ENTRY / TRANSITION ZONE
(House → Yard)
Shopping List
Outdoor mat (washable)
Bench or low seating
Shoe bin or basket
Hook rail (jackets, hats)
Sunscreen basket
Bug spray container
Water bottle holder or bin
This zone prevents toys and dirt from entering the house.
MOVEMENT & GROSS MOTOR ZONE
(Core Energy Outlet)
Shopping List
Swing set OR single-point swing
Slide (standalone or attached)
Climbing structure or dome
Balance beams or stepping logs
Trampoline (with safety net, if desired)
Open running space
Safety
Fall-rated surfacing
Anchors for all equipment
Clear fall zones
No sharp edges
CREATIVE / IMAGINATIVE PLAY ZONE
Shopping List
Playhouse or fort
Outdoor art easel (double-sided)
Chalkboard wall or panel
Mud kitchen or pretend kitchen
Loose parts bin:
Buckets
Scoops
Stones
Sticks
Costume bin (weather-safe)
This zone supports long-form play, not just bursts of energy.
CALM / REST ZONE
(Important for regulation)
Shopping List
Hammock or hanging chair
Outdoor cushions or poufs
Low table
Shade umbrella, pergola, or tree shade
Outdoor rug (washable)
Cozy throw blankets (weather-resistant)
This is where kids naturally land after high movement.
OPTIONAL WATER / SENSORY PLAY ZONE
Shopping List
Water table
Splash pad OR hose attachment
Waterproof mats
Towels (stored nearby)
Covered bin for water toys
☐ Easy drain
☐ Clearly separate from calm zone
STORAGE & RESET ZONE
(This is where sanity lives)
Shopping List
Weatherproof storage bench
Toy bins (labeled)
Ball bin
Art supply bin
Seasonal toy bin
Hook rail for scooters/bikes
Bike rack or scooter stand
Required Labels
OUTDOOR TOYS
BALLS
ART
WATER PLAY
SEASONAL
LIGHTING (SAFETY + MAGIC)
Functional Lighting
Path lights
Motion sensor light near entry
Ambient / Joy Lighting
Fairy lights or pebble lights (warm)
String lights overhead (secured)
Solar lanterns
Lighting Rules
Warm only
No flashing
No exposed cords
Lights mounted above head height
JOY & AESTHETIC INTEGRATION
Shopping List
Colorful planters
Kid-chosen decorative elements
Garden flags or wind spinners
Painted rocks or stepping stones
Seasonal décor (minimal)
The yard should feel alive, not curated to death.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Shopping List
Outdoor broom
Hose access
Toy rinse bin
Trash can (lidded)
Extra towels
Disinfecting spray (kid-safe)
Reset Routine
Toys back to labeled bins
Hose hard surfaces
Shake rugs
Check equipment safety
SAFETY & HEALTH CHECK
☐ No toxic plants
☐ No standing water
☐ Equipment anchored
☐ Clear sightlines from house
☐ Shade available at all times
☐ Water access nearby
FINAL DESIGNER APPROVAL CHECKLIST
☐ Kids can play independently
☐ Movement + calm both supported
☐ Cleanup takes under 10 minutes
☐ Toys have homes
☐ Lighting makes it usable at dusk
☐ Yard feels joyful, not chaotic
☐ Space adapts as kids grow
What Comes Next
If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:
