Backyard Ideas for Kids St. Louis: 7 Upgrades for Summer

kids playing outside in the summer

Looking for backyard ideas for kids in St. Louis? Summer break is almost here. And if you’re a local parent, you’re probably wondering how to keep your children busy for three months without handing them a screen.

The CDC says kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. A few smart backyard upgrades can make that happen naturally. Here are seven backyard ideas for kids in St. Louis that actually work.

1. A Custom Playset They Won’t Outgrow

A quality playset anchors an active backyard. But the key word is “quality.” The playsets that hold attention for years use commercial-grade materials, offer multiple stations, and add accessories as kids grow. Think climbing walls, multiple slides, covered forts, and swing extensions. Bergfeld Recreation builds customizable playsets designed to grow with your family.

2. A Springfree Trampoline

Trampolines are a kid favorite. But traditional designs have real safety issues. Metal springs, exposed frames, and hard edges cause most trampoline injuries. Springfree trampolines fix these problems completely. Flexible rods replace springs. The frame sits below the mat. And the FlexiNet enclosure keeps jumpers safe. As a result, Springfree eliminates 90% of product-related injuries.

[IMAGE: Kids bouncing on a Springfree trampoline — alt text: “Springfree trampoline — top backyard ideas for kids St. Louis”]

3. An In-Ground Basketball Hoop

Nothing draws kids outside like a driveway basketball hoop. An in-ground system uses a pole set in concrete for rock-solid stability. Kids will shoot around before school, after school, and on weekends. It’s one of the highest-use backyard upgrades you can buy.

4. A Backyard Sport Court

Modular sport court tiles create a dedicated surface for basketball, pickleball, tennis, or multi-sport use. The tiles cushion impact, drain fast after rain, and fit many yard sizes. Learn about Bergfeld Recreation’s sport court options.

5. A Putting Green

This isn’t just for golfers. A synthetic turf putting green gives everyone — kids to grandparents — a shared outdoor activity. Putting greens need almost no maintenance. No watering, mowing, or fertilizing. And they hold up through St. Louis weather all year.

6. A Pickleball Court

Pickleball has exploded across every age group. It’s especially great for families because kids and adults can play together. According to USA Pickleball, a regulation court measures 20 by 44 feet plus buffer space. You can build it standalone or as part of a multi-sport court.

7. Combine Multiple Elements

The best backyards combine several of these backyard ideas for kids in St. Louis. A playset for younger kids. A hoop for tweens. A trampoline everyone shares. A court for family pickleball nights. When your yard offers variety, there’s always something to do.

Make This the Summer They Remember

You don’t need everything at once. Even one or two upgrades shift the balance from screens to outdoor play. The key is creating a backyard that competes with the couch — and wins.

Visit Bergfeld Recreation at 425 N Hwy Dr. in Fenton, or call (636) 394-4445 to explore these backyard ideas for kids in St. Louis.