Start with big picture, not small issues like "what plant."

Think about what kind of areas you need, what your movements are through the yard, what you need when you get to various parts of it, and what kind of maintenance you want to be doing (mowing vs weeding vs. sweeping, for example). Sometimes this is called the "plastic chair" method of design - drag a plastic chair around the yard, sit down, and think about what you need in that spot - a path to get to it, a shrub to block a view, or to remove a shrub so you can see the child from where you are.

Most kids like to dig, collect stuff and display it, build things, and maybe roll a dump truck around.

Drawing a plan view (from the air) can give you something to sketch ideas on.

Karin L

Thanks Karin! That really helps, I really want an engaging environment for my son!

Just remember that "an engaging environment" may not be the same for you as it is for your son.

Ink is right - but it is not illegitimate for the yard to meet the needs of both. But sometimes an adult need precludes the needs of kids, for example, delicate flower borders that a ball MUST not be allowed to roll into!! I assume that is what you are trying to avoid. A place where you are BOTH happy being is the best outcome.

Remiss of me to not mention a fence. Safety from wandering, and from passing dogs etc, is the first component of being an engaging space for children!

Finally, check lists of poisonous plants. Don't go overboard; kids can be taught not to eat anything they find in the garden without asking you. However, at one they are too young for that - one of mine nibbled on lily of the valley at that age - and there is no point in unnecessarily escalating risk.

Karin L