Best Outdoor Furniture for Kids & Pets | National Outdoor Furniture

Spending time outdoors is a time-honored tradition that has decreased in the technological era. Many families do not spend as much time outdoors, and one of the reasons is that they do not have the appropriate outdoor furniture that is suitable to sustain both children and pets.

Having quality outdoor furniture is also an excellent way to create an inviting environment for both play and relaxation. Outdoor furniture on the patio or backyard can allure and enhance time spent with family in the fresh air, balancing out the time spent in front of screens. Although appearance and design are what typically initiates a purchase, other factors such as safety for children, durability for pets, comfort, and ease of cleaning are important variables to consider. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Furniture for Kids and Pets

When you have children and pets that will be spending time outdoors with you, there are five important factors to consider when choosing outdoor furniture: durability, safety, easy maintenance, comfort, and design. It is possible to find outdoor furniture that meets all of these criteria but every family situation will determine which of these factors are most important.

Durability is an important option with children and pets, increasingly so if the outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements year-round. Durable features including weather-resistant frames and cushions will allow your investment dollars to stretch further and prevent safety accidents such as splintering, chipping, and loose hardware. Furniture that can withstand climbing, jumping, puppy paws, and other playful children is worth every penny. Purchasing outdoor furniture that is resistant to rain, sun, and wind damage, and that can withstand dents and scratches from normal wear and tear is a far better purchase than just the least expensive brand. 

Another important factor to take into consideration is safety. Tables and chairs with rounded edges to prevent bumps, and that are stable during playing and resting are important. Outdoor furniture should be age-appropriate for children, and placed outside of common walk and play paths. Glass table tops should be avoided in case of accidental shattering. All surfaces should be non-toxic and lead-free and any damaged hardware should be replaced immediately.  Another aspect of safety is non-slip surfaces, to prevent falls during damp weather or from morning dew. Outdoor furniture should not tip easily, and should also not have any features that could pinch or puncture the skin. 

Most parents favor outdoor furniture that is easy to maintain and keep clean. Materials that are stain-resistant, easy to wipe down when dirty, removable and machine washable, and allow for easy pet hair removal keep the furniture looking clean without having to spend an abundance of time maintaining it. Outdoor furniture will be subject to birds, dirt, grass, and pollen, and should therefore be easy to care for without a lot of crevices and hard-to-reach areas. 

Comfort is incredibly important when choosing outdoor furniture. No one wants to spend time outdoors sitting in hard chairs with rod-iron armrests. Part of the enjoyment of being outside is having the ability to relax. Looking for furniture that has comfortable features like cushions that are nap-worthy for adults, children, and pets alike is important for those Saturday afternoon naps in the fresh air. Loungers and gliders that have footstool options, or furniture that allows you to lay back under the shade are great accessories for any backyard gathering place. 

Of course, for many people, since outdoor furniture is visible to neighbors and guests, design is an important factor to keep in mind. Children love colorful designs- and many brands are functional and safe but really set the tone to enhance your outdoor decor. No matter what your style is from bohemian to modern, there are patio and outdoor furniture sets that are available that will match your design personality.

Best Types of Outdoor Furniture for Kids

Children love to be outside. Purchasing furniture that is kid-friendly will help to encourage them to both play and rest. By purchasing kid-size chairs and tables, they can feel special and a part of the whole family. Kid-friendly furniture should be easy for children to move, but stable. Including bright designs made from durable materials will encourage outdoor activities and will make the area more engaging. 

Examples of kid-friendly outdoor furniture include outdoor loungers and hammocks for those last afternoons where they can relax outside. Purchasing easy-to-clean fabrics that are weather and UV-resistant is a good investment as these pieces will be exposed to dirt, sun, and other outdoor elements. All furniture should be age-appropriate, so as to not create any hazards from falling.

For the days that children are feeling a little more energetic, play-specific items such as playhouses and activity tables are a great inclusion to your backyard space. There are also many options available that encourage learning through play, including mud tables and outdoor kitchens. Furniture that combines function with interactive play elements is stimulating and allows for physical development while getting fresh air in any season. 

Children also enjoy having their own dining area in an outdoor environment. Picnic tables or child-size tables and chairs are a great addition, especially for guests. The furniture should be at an appropriate height for comfort, depending on the age of the children. However, many options are now available that can grow with the child as they get older.

Best Types of Outdoor Furniture for Pets

There are plenty of pet-friendly options that can be added to your outdoor space. Whether it is a pet lounger or chair, having a specific piece of outdoor furniture for your pet allows them to spend time outdoors without getting shooed away from sitting with the family. There are plenty of options available that have waterproof and tear-proof cushions, and that have non-slip surfaces to keep the furniture in place when pets jump up. 

Some pet owners do not prefer to have their pets on their outdoor furniture. If this is the case, there are plenty of options out there that will not encourage your pet to jump or sleep. If your pet has their own designated furniture or will be outside for extended periods of time, try to choose options that include some kind of cover from the sun and that include a space for play and food.

If you don’t want your pets on your outdoor furniture, or if you have little pets that can’t jump onto higher surfaces, consider purchasing a pet bed or mat. These provide comfort and durability for pets to nap outside. Many brands come with easy-to-wash surfaces and have quick-drying materials. Opt for fabrics and frames that are more tightly knit or woven, as pet hair will be easier to remove. Many options come with removable covers, allowing for a quick machine wash to remove dirt and debris. Microfiber, canvas, microsuede, and denim are tear-resistant and are great options for families with pets.

Other options include pet-specific furniture, such as pet houses and cat shelves that can be mounted outside or in patio spaces. These provide areas for your cats to play, sleep, hide, or climb. Safety and functionality are important factors in this, and special features like elevated platforms, cozy nooks, and secured resting areas can be the perfect addition to any home. Of course, safety is key, and if your pet is only an indoor pet, having options and accessories to ensure that they are not able to run off is important. 

Top Material Choices for Outdoor Furniture for Kids and Pets

One of the major considerations when purchasing outdoor furniture for your children and pets is the material that the items are made from. Your needs may be specific to your location, or to where the items will be placed. Another consideration is whether or not the furniture will be brought in during rainy or winter seasons, and its ability to be stored.

Wood always provides a classic, natural look. It is durable and sturdy and typically withstands elements well. However, wood furniture does require maintenance such as sealing and painting for continued weather resistance. Parents need to also watch for splintering or cracking wood if they have young children. Many classic patio and outdoor furniture sets are made of solid wood, and their functional design tends to be more heavy making them a more secure choice. Make sure that the coatings used on wood furniture to seal are not toxic to dogs or children, as wood furniture can be an enticing invitation to chew on due to its soft nature. 

Metal, such as aluminum or steel, is strong, stable, and easy to maintain. Many brands have rust-resistant options that will last for years. Metal can get very hot during the summer months, but it tends to be very durable. Aluminum does not get hot but is also much lighter weight. If you are looking at metal options, try to avoid rod iron backs and armrests, as they are not as comfortable and can have sharp elements. Try to purchase metal that has been treated with a powder coat, as it will be more UV-resistant and will not crack or chip for an extended period of time. 

Wicker has been a popular selection for decades for outdoor patio furniture. Wicker can withstand the elements well and can last for decades with proper care. Most individuals seek wicker furniture that can be stacked or placed inside during the winter months and it is a comfortable option. However, wicker cannot be cleaned as easily as other materials, and over time can splinter and break causing a safety issue. 

One of the most popular options nowadays is the use of resin and plastic furniture. Children specifically like these because they are lightweight and weather-resistant, and parents can easily clean them. They can come in a variety of colors and tend to be the most affordable. Their durability also makes them a great choice as when the kids outgrow them, they can be passed on to other households after a simple cleanup. 

Aside from the frame, the fabric and cushions that are used are just as important for comfort and safety. The use of Sunbrella or Olefin-type fabric options is extremely durable and weather resistant. Finding fabrics that are tear-resistant and stain-resistant is also important if you have pets that will be utilizing the furniture. 

Finishing Up

Along with outdoor furniture, there are a number of accessories that are available that are both kid and pet-friendly. Plastic plants, storage compartments, and pillows can accent furniture as well, and provide more functionality to outdoor spaces. If the furniture is not going to be in an enclosed patio space, a canvas overhang or umbrella provides ample shade in the summer months. For enclosed spaces, a good all-weather mat will help reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked in from the outdoors.

Investing in the right outdoor furniture so that children and pets can be safe and comfortable will provide an excellent way for families to spend quality time together. Choosing furniture that is durable, safe, easy to maintain, comfortable, and stylish will create an investment that your family and guests can enjoy season after season. When ultimately deciding on your investment, choose furniture that will meet the needs of your children, pets, and adults in the family and that will keep the outdoors an enjoyable and functional place for the whole family to have fun.