Life as a parent can feel relentless. You’re pulled in many directions and rarely get a moment’s peace.
That’s why creating an outdoor meditation space in your own backyard is such a good idea.
It gives you — and your child — a reflective space to breathe, recharge, and reconnect with your inner self. It’s also a great way to encourage emotional healing, support your immune system, and reduce stress.
And the best part? You don’t need a huge garden or lots of money. Just a quiet place, a few natural elements, and some simple design ideas.
I have created my own outdoor meditation space. Even on days I don’t have time to meditate, just taking ten minutes in the morning to drink my coffee and reflect is life-changing!
Let’s walk through it step-by-step.
Step 1: Choose the Ideal Location For Your Outdoor Meditation Space
Look for a quiet corner of your yard, away from noise and distractions.
This could be behind a shed, beside a favourite tree, or even a tucked-away patio.
The right location should feel private, sheltered, and calm. If your space is overlooked, consider screening it off with tall potted plants, a trellis, or even outdoor curtains.
Top Tip: Try spending a few minutes there at different times of day before you commit. The feel of the space can change with the light or nearby noise.
Step 2: Decide on Your Water Feature
A water element instantly boosts the peaceful mood of your space. It’s also a key feature in Japanese gardens and meditation garden design.
Here are some practical options, depending on your space and budget:
- Low effort: A bowl of water with floating petals or pebbles. Easy and calming.
- Still water: A small pond or fish pond (can be preformed plastic or a half-barrel).
- Moving water: A plug-in water fountain, a solar-powered bubbler, or a DIY water wall made from stacked pots or bamboo.
- Wildlife-friendly: A bird bath attracts birds, which adds life and movement to your garden.
Top Tip: If electricity access is tricky, solar fountains are a great choice — low noise, low maintenance, and no wiring needed.
Step 3: Bring in Native Plants and Beautiful Flowers
Plants are powerful. They ground us in the natural world and bring a sense of calm.
Start with native plants suited to your soil and sunlight. These will thrive with minimal effort.
Then add some fragrant flowers (like lavender or jasmine), potted plants, or even climbing vines for height and privacy.
Small space? Use raised beds, plant in pots, or hang trailing plants from a pergola or tree.
Step 4: Include Natural and Spiritual Design Elements
This is where your meditation garden design becomes more personal and intentional.
Choose design elements that inspire calm and reflection, such as:
- A Buddha statue or meaningful symbol
- Stone lanterns or stacked stones
- A mini sand or rock garden for raking as mindfulness
- A bird bath or wildlife feeder
It doesn’t need to be elaborate. Even a few natural touches can help you feel more grounded.
Step 5: Create a Comfortable Sitting Area
You’ll need somewhere to sit or lie down in comfort during your meditation sessions.
Try:
- A meditation cushion on an outdoor rug
- A yoga mat for stretching or lying down
- A wooden bench, hanging chair, or hammock for a different experience
If your meditation space doubles as a family corner, make it cozy enough for both you and your child.
Step 6: Add Soft, Magical Lighting
For evening meditation or quiet reflection after the kids are in bed, lighting matters.
Try:
- String lights hung between trees or posts
- Solar lanterns tucked among plants
- LED candles for gentle glow (and no fire risk)
It creates an outdoor room feel, warm and inviting — the perfect place to wind down at the end of the day.
Step 7: Layer in Calming Sounds
Sound helps us focus and relax. You don’t need anything fancy.
You could use:
- Wind chimes to bring gentle movement and sound
- Water sounds from your fountain or pond
- A Bluetooth speaker for soft music or nature sounds, if that helps you tune in
The goal is to soften the edges of the outside world and create a cocoon of calm.
Step 8: Add Visual Touches That Bring You Joy
This is where your space becomes uniquely yours.
Think about what helps you feel connected or grounded. You might add:
- A stone path leading to your space
- A simple bowl of pebbles for touch and focus
- A stack of flat stones to represent family members
- A small shelf for candles, incense, or a journal
You could even add a special feature for your child — a mini sand tray, or their own seat or cushion.
Step 9: Make It Easy to Maintain
Your meditation space should never feel like a chore.
- Choose low maintenance plants
- Keep tools nearby for quick weeding or trimming
- If you have water features, check them weekly
Maintenance becomes a mindful ritual — a chance to reconnect with nature and reset.
Step 10: Use It Regularly — Even Briefly
You don’t need an hour. Even 5-10 minutes can change your whole day.
Try:
- A short breathing break before school pick-up
- A quiet story with your child
- A morning stretch or mindful cup of tea
Let it be a different experience each day. The most important thing is simply to show up.
Final Thought
Creating a reflective space for you and your child in the garden is one of the best ways to bring more calm and connection into your life.
Your backyard meditation space doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to feel like yours.
With a few natural elements, some simple design choices, and a bit of heart, you can turn any garden space into a serene space for rest, healing, and inner peace.
Steph Simmons is a passionate outdoor mom and founder of Wild Bloom Families. When she’s not writing about outdoor family adventures, you’ll find her camping with her kids, crafting with natural materials, or advocating for more wild spaces in her community.
