Kids are an exciting addition to any home. Having a play area for your children or grandchildren to enjoy is an expansion of your living space for their enjoyment (and yours). However, they can easily become messy without proper foundation and containment. Various options in mulching and gravel exist to cover turf. Containment can be as extravagant as stone walls, or as simple as landscape timbers. Sod leading up to the play area can also reduce the level of tracking to and from indoor and outdoor play areas. Outdoor play areas are necessary, and with the proper planning and materials, can be an attractive addition to your landscape. Just as you take pride in the interior of your home, creating a safe, visually appealing, and neat play area is a reasonable home investment.