Parents are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for their children. However, when it comes to keeping youngsters happy for the long haul, it’s important to invest in products that are durable and flexible enough to grow with their ever-changing bodies, interests, and minds. This is especially true when choosing backyard entertainment features. The following are some of the most popular outdoor additions for children and the different considerations that all parents should make before investing in them.

Simple play structures are great for young children, but before long, they will quickly outgrow them. This is true even for top-tier options that feature more complex activities, like built-in rock climbing walls. One of the most popular outdoor additions for children is the trampoline due to its ability to provide entertainment for children at almost all active stages of development.

However, there are myriad liability issues that an oversized, extremely inflatable trampoline can create. While it’s fun to fly high into the air, users can never be entirely sure where and how they might land. Safety nets can be installed as an effective protection measure. Parents should also make sure they have comprehensive coverage to pay for medical expenses should the unexpected happen.

In addition to securing protection for bodily injury related to building residents, owners should also consider obtaining special and extended property general liability coverage to accommodate any guests who may use this equipment. This is not something that is automatically reflected in most policies. Many insurance companies must add clauses for trampolines at an additional cost.

Tree houses, especially pre-built ones, can be a fantastic addition to homes. Not only do they increase usable area, but they give kids and tweens a relatively private place to play and hang out. If they become permanent parts of properties, these structures can also increase resale values.

However, just like trampolines, a structure like a treehouse should also be reflected in the liability coverage that homeowners carry. This is something homeowners can talk to their insurers about. As a separate building structure, the treehouse will likely result in a noticeable change in plan premiums.

For older children, the greens can provide hours of entertainment. With these, backyards are strategically graded to look like miniature golf courses. Special artificial grass and other materials are used for impressive aesthetics and functionality. While adults can enjoy these spaces as well, the greens limit the amount of space available for all other outdoor activities. Therefore, they are best installed on properties with plenty of open space to spare.

Above ground pools are certainly another popular option to pursue. These are flexible and durable enough to provide lasting value at all stages of child development. Parents should invest in special coverage for these structures and may even want to put up pool gates to limit access to sufficiently mature and capable swimmers.