At what age do children most need/use a garden?

[Mirrorxx]

We are looking for a new house and are trying to decide what we can compromise on. Do very young children use a garden much or is it more when they are school age?
Thanks

We bought our house when DC were 1 & 3yo specifically for the large ish garden "for the children". We/they used it a lot for the pre-school and infant years and probably up to about 9yo, when it was great for having their friends round, but once they were old enough to "play out" they and their friends never came any more.

Depending on the other compromises I would try and get one if you can. It's great to blow off steam and lovely to have your own space, especially if there are future lockdowns.

My eldest hasn't "played" in the garden since he was about 10. That's when I started letting him go out with friends to the park etc.

My toddler loves the garden, she wants to be out all day everyday; pottering about, playing with water, mud, bugs etc. I find the younger they are the more use it gets.
A garden was one thing I wouldn't compromise on when we moved. We had a tiny one and I wanted one a bit bigger. Most houses we saw were tiny or had stepped gardens which were impractical. Our garden now isn't huge but it is a decent size (We also have a decent front garden), everyday I am thankful for my garden!

I did compromise on kitchen size (still good) and bedrooms (one less that originally wanted) and have never regretted my decision.

I’d say children need more space as they get older for ball games etc. Reallt little ones could have a lot of fun on 30sq m eg kitchen, sandpit, swing, occasional paddling pool etc.

In terms of your compromises, I’d say that with little kids it’s nicer to have an open plan kitchen/family room so you can keep an eye on them more easily.

You might also like to check out schools to make sure they’re decent. Over 90% are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ so it’s more meaningful to look at this website:

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/find-a-school-in-england

12 months- 12 years were the times my dc used the garden the most.

Mine have always used the garden. From playing on a swing and slide, with the mid and water table from very young to even now as teenagers.