From bald lawns to broken fences: the price parents are happy to pay for screen-free summer fun
Major sporting events are helping to cut screen time and get kids back in the garden
Yes, the garden might take a hit, but if it means less screen time, most parents say it’s worth it.
If your back garden is looking a bit worse for wear right now, you're not alone, but you might also be onto something good. New research reveals that over half of UK parents (58%) don’t mind if the garden takes a battering as long as it gets their kids off screens.
With the summer holidays underway and a packed summer of sport on TV, more than two-thirds of parents say major sporting events have inspired their children to get moving outdoors. Footballs are flying, paddling pools are out, and yes, lawns are suffering. But many parents say the benefits far outweigh the damage.
Screen time down, muddy patches up
According to the research commissioned by Miracle-Gro, 85% of parents noticed a clear drop in screen time when their children were inspired by big sporting events, and many took the opportunity to create their own sporty set-ups at home.
More than 7 in 10 parents (71%) have added sporting equipment to their garden, from mini goal posts to obstacle courses, in a bid to keep the momentum going.
“We've turned the garden into a mini sports day,” says one mum of two from Manchester. “It’s chaotic, the grass is basically gone, but they’re actually playing together instead of fighting over the tablet.”
Childhoods are moving indoors
Despite the excitement, there’s still a noticeable shift in how much time kids spend outside compared to their parents' generation.
Children today play in the garden 30% less than their parents did, with the average now just 3.5 hours a week, compared to 5.1 hours for adults when they were young.
That’s a concern for many parents, and not just because of fitness. Over half reported that time outside improved their child’s mood (60%) and sleep (52%) as well.
Garden casualties: what’s actually getting damaged?
In the name of fun, many gardens are taking a bit of a hit:
- 57% of parents say plants and flower beds have taken the brunt
- 48% are dealing with bald patches of lawn
- 30% have seen damage to fences or outdoor furniture
Still, the mood is more nostalgic than annoyed. For lots of families, the garden is becoming the heart of summer again, even if it’s looking a bit rough around the edges.
Gardening expert shares tips to prep your space for play
So how can you keep your kids active and protect your green space? Miracle-Gro’s horticultural expert Kate Turner has a few simple ideas:
1. Rotate toys and store them properly
“Even a small plastic toy can scorch a lawn if left too long. Move toys around when you can and store them in a large outdoor box at the end of the day,” says Kate.
2. Got a trampoline? Consider sinking it
“If you’ve got little ones and that trampoline is staying put for years, think about sinking it into the ground. It’s safer, and when they outgrow it, you’ve got the perfect spot for a wildlife pond or sunken garden.”
3. Dealing with football wear and tear
With hosepipe bans in place for many, Kate recommends feeding the lawn around goal areas with Miracle-Gro Soluble Lawn via watering can. “It won’t stop the bare patches completely, but it helps reduce damage,” she says.
No hosepipe ban? “Seed bald areas with Super Seed Hard Wearing Lawn, but only if rain’s due or you can water legally.”
4. Paddling pool pit stops
Large paddling pools can really flatten grass. “If you’ve got space, move it weekly. If not, put down a ground sheet and prep for a repair job come September.”
5. Add a pathway to your play zone
Kids and pets will quickly wear a path across your grass, so why not make it intentional? “Use bark chips or log edging. You could even add a hopscotch path using pavers and low-growing plants like thyme or chamomile between them.”
Summer sport might be messing up our lawns, but it’s also giving families the perfect nudge to get kids off devices and into the fresh air. Whether it’s kicking a ball, jumping on a trampoline or soaking in the paddling pool, outdoor play is proving more valuable than ever.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.