Cedar City is one of the most family-friendly cities in Utah, with affordable real estate, good schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation to enjoy. If you are raising a family in Cedar City, one of the best ways to add to your quality of life is by making your home the perfect oasis.

Design the family-friendly backyard of your dreams with these ideas!

1. Swings

Even if you don't want to invest in a massive playset, the addition of swings immediately makes the backyard a more playful space. A simple tree swing can be a beautiful addition, taking up minimal space for a minimal investment, but adding maximum fun.

2. Firepit

Adding a fire pit is a great way to encourage the whole family to gather 'round and slow down together. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows for a low-stress family dinner and activity all in one. This is a great way to maximize the amount of time you spend in the backyard, even as temperatures drop.

3. Vegetable garden

People of all ages will enjoy the addition of a vegetable garden to the backyard. Raised garden beds are an approachable project, and will offer plenty of educational fun as well as delicious produce for the summer.

4. Pizza oven

Just about everyone loves pizza, and it also happens to be a perfect candidate for dinner when you want the kids to help with prep. Building a pizza oven in the backyard is an ideal project for the foodie family, a fun twist on grilling or smoking that will take your entertaining to the next level.

5. Sensory garden

Engage all your senses a kid-friendly sensory garden. Choose plants with unique textures, colors, tastes and smells. Herbs are perfect for a sensory garden, like the velvety soft sage, aromatic rosemary, or flowering thyme. Having fresh herbs to cook with is another major bonus!

6. Peekaboo sandbox

If you have a deck, consider installing a peekaboo sandbox in it. One of the drawbacks of a sandbox is the mess, particularly from neighborhood cats who can't distinguish it from their litter box. Moveable panels can conceal a sandbox it is when not in use, also protecting it from neighborhood critters. This is a great idea for families with young children or those who require extra sensory input.

7. Ninja course

Kids of all ages, and their parents, will love having a ninja course in the backyard. Slung between two trees, this affordable play set an alternative is a great place for kids to develop strength and coordination, as well as the perfect setting for a little friendly competition.

8. Outdoor chess

Consider adding a king-size outdoor chess set to the backyard. You can build the chessboard from two colors of concrete pavers, stepping stones with ground cover between, or stencils on a patio. This is a quick weekend project that will be perfect for families with older kids.

9. Lawn games

Keeping some simple lawn games on hand can take a simple weekday afternoon from boring to fun, or be the perfect ice breaker for your next backyard BBQ. Some great choices are Ladder Ball, croquet, bocce ball, corn hole, and badminton.

10. Outdoor movies

With just the purchase of a projector, you can turn your backyard into a movie theater. Most homes have an exterior wall or fence that can act as the screen, but if not you can hang a sheet or professional screen. Take family movie night to the next level, and start making lifelong memories this summer.

To find your perfect family home in Cedar City, contact us any time.