California Parents Create Fantasy Land for Kids in Backyard for Under $300

Michelle and Anthony Meza used a weekend at home to transform the space.

ByABC News
September 16, 2016, 2:10 PM

— -- Parents in Orange County, California, used a lot of imagination and just about $300 to turn a space in their backyard from rocks and weeds to a fantasy land for their two kids.

The transformation was spearheaded by Michelle Meza, the mother of 3-year-old Carter and 15-month-old Wesley.

“One of our kids was sick so we were stuck at home and I got inspired,” Meza, who works in property management, told ABC News. “I designed it on a piece of paper.”

Meza and her husband, Anthony, a financial planner, dug out the stones, rocks and weeds in a little corner of the backyard of the home they moved into in April.

“It was like a jungle in there,” she said of the space.

They transformed old stepping stones with paint, turning them into bright red and white polka-dotted attractions. A playhouse was purchased from Craigslist and an art table was found through a Facebook group.

They covered the ground with rubber bark so the kids could play in their bare feet, and added Adirondack-style chairs for some relaxation.

“This is a new adventure for us, building something like this outdoors,” Meza said. “I love that the kids have an outdoor experience instead of being stuck inside all day long.”

The Mezas use the backyard fence as a gallery to hang their kids’ artwork. The artwork hangs above a new herb garden that the kids help water and watch grow.

“It’s a sensory experience both visually and texturally,” Meza said of the space. “The kids absolutely love it.”

“It was just a fun project that is still rewarding,” she added. “This is a time to appreciate with your kids.”

PHOTO: Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
PHOTO: Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
PHOTO: Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
PHOTO: Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.
Anthony and Michelle Meza transformed a backyard space of their California home into a play land for their two young children.