10 Easy Outdoor Plants Every Home Play Area

May 4, 2025

Creating a home play area for kids is not just about slides, swings, or toys. Plants can play a big role too. They add color, shade, fresh air, and even attract birds and butterflies. But most importantly, some plants are also safe for children and easy to care for. You don’t need to be a garden expert to enjoy them. The best plants you can grow near your children’s play area.

Marigold

Marigolds are perfect for families. They are bright, happy-looking flowers that children love. Their colors—mostly yellow, orange, and gold—look like sunshine on the ground. Kids enjoy picking the petals and sometimes even smelling the flowers.

Another good thing about marigolds is that they help keep mosquitoes and other insects away. This makes the play area cleaner and safer. You just need to plant them where there is full sunlight and water them every 2–3 days.

Sunflower

Sunflowers are fun, big, and bold. They grow tall, which makes them exciting for children to watch. Some kids even enjoy measuring how tall their sunflower has grown every week. It can feel like growing a giant plant from a tiny seed.

Sunflowers love sunlight. Plant the seeds in a sunny spot, give them water, and in a few weeks, you’ll see them grow fast. When they bloom, they attract birds and bees, adding even more life to your backyard.

Lavender

Lavender is a plant that gives peace. Its smell is calming, and its light purple flowers are soft and lovely. Children enjoy touching the tiny flowers and smelling their sweet scent.

One great thing about lavender is that it helps keep bugs away, especially mosquitoes. So while kids play, you get fewer bites and less itching. Lavender grows best in sunny spots with dry soil. You don’t have to water it often, which makes it perfect for busy parents.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a super useful plant. It’s green and thick, with juicy leaves. If a child gets a small cut or bug bite while playing, the gel inside the leaf can help soothe it.

This plant grows well in pots and doesn’t ask for much. It loves the sun and doesn’t need much water. You can place it in a corner of the play area where there is enough light. It also looks nice and brings a touch of nature to your space.

Mint

Mint is a plant that kids often enjoy playing with. When they rub the leaves between their fingers, they smell fresh and cool. You can also use the leaves to make mint water or add it to lemonade. Kids love that!

It’s also a strong plant that grows fast. But be careful—mint spreads quickly, so it’s better to grow it in a pot. That way, it stays where you want it. It needs a bit of water and some sunlight to stay green and happy.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

Imagine your play area full of butterflies. The butterfly bush makes that possible. This plant grows big, with long, colorful flowers. These flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other friendly insects that kids love to watch.

The bush is easy to grow. Plant it in a sunny area, water it now and then, and enjoy months of flowers and visitors. Children can learn a lot just by watching butterflies come and go.

Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palms are soft, leafy plants that bring a touch of the jungle to your play space. They are very safe for kids and even pets. Their green leaves are nice to look at and help keep the air clean.

This plant grows well in partial sunlight and enjoys moist soil. It’s great for creating shade in sunny areas. You can plant one or two in corners to make a cool, green space where children can rest or play quietly.

Zinnia

Zinnias are some of the most colorful flowers you can find. They come in red, pink, yellow, orange, and more. They look like tiny fireworks popping up in your garden. Kids love the colors and often pick the flowers to make small bouquets.

Zinnias are simple to grow from seeds. Just plant them in sunny soil and water them every other day. In a few weeks, they’ll grow tall and bloom. They also attract butterflies, which adds more fun to the play area.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are fun plants with bright orange, red, or yellow flowers. Their round leaves look like mini lily pads. Kids love their shape and texture. And here’s something cool—they’re edible! Yes, the flowers and leaves can be eaten. They taste a little peppery.

They grow best in sunny places and don’t need too much care. You can plant them in the ground or in pots. They also grow fast, which makes them perfect for little gardeners who want quick results.

Snake Plant (in Pots)

The snake plant is one of the easiest plants to take care of. Its long green leaves look like pointed swords, which some kids think is very cool. It doesn’t need much water, and it grows well even if the sun is not very strong.

You can keep this plant in a pot near the play area. Just make sure smaller kids don’t chew on the leaves, as they are not for eating. It’s also a great air-purifying plant that makes your outdoor space cleaner and healthier.

Final Words

A play area becomes more special when it’s filled with life. These plants not only make the space beautiful but also help children connect with nature. They can learn about colors, smells, bugs, and even how to take care of a living thing. And the best part? Most of these plants are safe and super easy to grow.

Whether you have a small balcony or a big yard, you can pick a few of these plants and make your play area green and full of joy.

FAQs

Which plants are safe for kids in a play area?

Marigolds, sunflowers, lavender, and mint are all safe for kids.

How much sunlight do these plants need?

Most of these plants love sunlight but some, like bamboo palm, can grow well in partial sun.

Are these plants easy to maintain?

Yes! All these plants are low-maintenance and easy to grow.

Can I grow these plants in pots?

Yes, many of these plants, like aloe vera and mint, grow well in pots.

How do I protect plants from being damaged by kids?

Plant them in corners or use pots to keep them out of the main play area, but still close enough to enjoy.

Malta

I am Malta, a 25-year-old web content writer who enjoys turning ideas into clear and engaging stories. I specialize in writing content that is easy to understand and connects with readers. I am passionate about improving my writing skills every day and creating articles, blogs, and web pages that truly stand out.

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