Outdoor Play Ideas For Children This Summer
With the warmer months stretching on for so long, children need spaces to play, eat and move about both indoors and on the balcony or terrace. Here are some simple ways to set up child-friendly spots at home using pieces designed with little ones in mind.
Furniture that fits little hands and feet
Children feel most comfortable when their furniture is built to their scale, rather than scaled-down versions of adult pieces. Chairs, tables and storage that sit at the right height make it far easier for children to settle in, sit down and get on with playing, both indoors and out on the balcony.
IKEA's RESÖ children's picnic table gives little ones their own spot to sit, draw or eat outside, while RUNNEN floor decking is a practical way to create a cosier, more defined play area on a balcony or terrace, softening the feel of tiles underfoot and marking out a space that is clearly theirs.
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, artificial grass, 0.81 m²
RESÖ children's picnic table, light brown stained, 92x89 cm
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, dark grey, 0.81 m²
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, acacia, 0.81 m²
RUNNEN edging strip, outdoor floor decking, dark grey, 4 pack
ALTAPPEN floor decking, outdoor, light grey, 0.81 m²
Time for an outdoor picnic
Long days and mild evenings make it natural to want to spend more time outside, and a picnic is one of the simplest ways to turn an ordinary afternoon into something children will remember. It gives them a reason to use their imagination, help set the table and work up an appetite along the way.
MAMMUT children's stools are light enough to carry outside and sized just right for small picnickers, while KORKEN bottles with stoppers keep water or juice on hand. KALAS mugs, plates and the 18-piece cutlery set are sturdy, colourful and easy for children to manage on their own, making tidying up afterwards just as simple.
MAMMUT children's stool, in/outdoor/yellow, 35 cm
KORKEN bottle with stopper, clear glass, 1 l
KALAS mug, mixed colours, 6 pack
KALAS plate, mixed colours, 19 cm, 6 pack
KALAS 18-piece cutlery set, mixed colours
KALAS bowl, mixed colours, 12 cm, 6 pack
Shop Children's kitchenware & tableware
Get moving with some healthy play
Physical activity matters for children's wellbeing, keeping bodies active and minds engaged, and a balcony, terrace or garden can easily become a small training ground with the right setup. The key is organising the space so children can move about freely and safely.
SOLIG net is a fun addition for games and makes it easy to keep smaller toys and balls contained rather than scattered about. KNAGGLIG boxes are useful for storing sports kit, skipping ropes or music speakers, so everything has a place once playtime winds down and it is time to tidy away.
SOLIG net, white, 150 cm
KNAGGLIG box, pine, 23x31x15 cm
NÄMMARÖ privacy screen, light brown stained indoor/outdoor, 140x80x50 cm
GUNNÖN gazebo, dark grey/grey, 238x233 cm
LINDÖJA parasol canopy, light grey-beige, 300 cm
SVALÖN parasol, hanging, light grey-beige, 300x200 cm
Shop Umbrellas, Gazebos, Pergolas & Sails
Bring a seaside feel to the balcony
A few simple touches can turn a Maltese balcony into a makeshift beach scene that will delight any child, no sand required. It takes only a handful of practical pieces and a little imagination to set the mood.
KALAS mugs and bowls in cheerful colours work well as pretend buckets or serving pieces for a seaside-themed snack, and their durable, lightweight build means they can be used indoors just as easily when the weather turns. It is a small, low-effort way to add some fun to an ordinary afternoon at home.
KALAS mug, mixed colours, 6 packKALAS bowl, mixed colours, 12 cm, 6 pack
MÅLA drawing paper roll, 30 mKALAS plate, mixed colours, 19 cm, 6 pack
MÅLA easel, softwood, 66x48 cmKALAS 18-piece cutlery set, mixed colours
Maltashopper brings these IKEA pieces to homes across Malta and Gozo, making it simple to set up a play space your children will actually use.