Give your kids room to roam outdoors and fun places to play, and you’ll create backyard memories that will last a lifetime -- with the added benefit of getting them away from their computers and video games. That is the mission of Backyards for Kids.

Like its successful predecessor, Kids’ Places to Play, Backyards for Kids is loaded with ideas and how-to instruction for building projects like swing sets and treehouses, with innovative ideas for integrating play areas -- that adults will appreciate as well -- into the overall landscape design.

Author Ziba Kashef, who has a young son, was editor in chief of Pregnancy magazine and was also previously on the editorial staff at McCall’s and Parenting magazines.

You’ll find:

• Step-by-step photos and instructions to help readers build numerous structures from scratch, as well as detailed tips on how to assemble some of the typical play structure kits available today, including a play set with swings and a pre-fab log cabin playhouse
• More landscaping advice on kid-friendly gardens and plants, as well as plants to avoid
• A strong focus on promoting physical activities—from basketball and baseball and soccer to skateboarding and trampolines—by creating fun and adventurous outdoor areas that kids will want to choose over electronic entertainment