The best children's gardens are those that have the play areas integrated into the larger garden, as well as providing hiding places for kids (that you can still see, of course). Try making a teepee out of long poles and twine that can then be covered by climbing plants. Or you could create a "room" by planting a circle of plants of flowers with an opening in the middle. Some child sized furniture in the middle will really top it off.

Kids love to use the garden so don't make it difficult for them to do so. Place a container outside that can hold all of their toys such as skipping ropes, balls, and sports equipment. A well-maintained lawn is a must and an area of the garden that the kids will always use. this could be for simple "chasey" type games or for games of soccer, football, cricket, etc.

It doesn't take much to have some basic water toy fun in the summertime. With only a small investment, multiple water toys and games can be purchased to vary the outdoor water action.

• Sprinklers. Standard garden sprinklers have been replaced by newer kid friendly water sprinklers that are designed to be safer water toys. Many of the newer sprinklers have rubber tubes that wiggle through the air dispersing water in multiple directions. Sprinklers are great water toys for toddlers and older kids to play water games outdoors.

• Water spray balls: Similar to sprinklers, a hose hooks up to a large inflated ball (or other character shape) and water sprays out through small outlets.

• Water splash tables: For younger kids or toddlers, a water splash table is a fun first water toy and can be a nice transition to playing in swimming pools. Toddlers who are learning how to stand love to hold onto sides of tables and splash around in the water. Plastic boats, small buckets, colanders and other water toys add to the fun. Many designs include sand and water sections of the table, which could create a messy mixture.

• Cubby Houses: A cubby house is a great way to give your kids plenty of fun out in the backyard and they've come so much further than a few bits of wood nailed into a tree. Find out more about the new cubby houses.

There is much more to a cubby house than the old tree houses that many of us grew up with. In many areas of Australia, you are not allowed to do things to trees anymore, and a tree house often isn't the safest option as when the tree grows, it can cause the cubby house to break apart.

Nowadays, you can buy cubby houses that have been specifically manufactured for kids' enjoyment and safety. Different models are available so you can choose the right one for your backyard. No matter what model you choose, most come in prefabricated panels (walls, floor, and roof), which are then put together, or as kits that you can put together yourself. If you choose the DIY option, detailed instructions and everything you need to put it together is included. Standard models which are mass manufactured are available, or you can go for a custom made model if you have something specific in mind.