Best grass for kids: Safe, soft and durable turf options

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The best grass for kids is soft underfoot, allergy-friendly, and tough enough for hours of play. Popular turf varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, TifTuf Bermuda and Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu are ideal for Australian lawns because they recover quickly, tolerate heavy foot traffic, and create a safe play space. This guide covers the best grass varieties for kids, what to look for when choosing turf, and how to keep your lawn healthy year-round.

Why choosing the right grass for kids matters

The type of grass you choose for your lawn impacts how safe, comfortable, and enjoyable it is for kids to play on. The best grass for kids is soft underfoot, resilient to heavy foot traffic, and low-allergenic. Some varieties can trigger grass allergy symptoms in children during peak growing seasons, so it’s worth selecting a turf that’s both durable and safe for sensitive skin.

A kid-friendly lawn doesn’t just make playtime more enjoyable. It also reduces maintenance work and helps your turf stay healthy year-round. You can create a soft, safe, and inviting space for your children to explore by choosing a suitable grass type.

Benefits of choosing the best lawn variety

Choosing the best lawn variety gives your family a durable, low-maintenance, kid-friendly outdoor space. Here are more practical and long-term benefits of choosing the best turf varieties for families with kids:

Comfort and safety

Soft-leaf grasses provide a smooth, cushioned surface that’s gentle on bare feet and knees. This reduces the risk of scratches and makes everyday play more comfortable.

Durability for active play

High wear-tolerant grass varieties like TifTuf Bermuda can withstand constant running, ball games, and heavy foot traffic without thinning out quickly. This helps maintain a lush, green lawn even in high-use areas.

Low-allergenic options

Choosing grass varieties with lower pollen levels or finer leaves can help reduce common grass allergy triggers, making the lawn safer for children with sensitivities. If your child has sensitivities, Healthdirect provides helpful information on managing grass allergies.

Adaptability to Australian conditions

The right turf thrives in local climates and soil types, ensuring healthy growth through seasonal changes with less intervention.

Easier maintenance

Suitable grass types require less intensive upkeep, allowing parents to enjoy the lawn more with their children rather than constantly replacing damaged patches.

Check out our turf varieties to find the one suited to your family's backyard.

Top grass varieties for kids

The best grass varieties for kids in Victoria are soft, durable, and well-adapted to local conditions, thriving through hot summers and cool winters while standing up to active play. These grass varieties are well-suited to Australian backyards and handle the mix of sun, shade, and foot traffic common in family gardens:

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is one of Australia’s most popular family lawns. Its soft leaf feels great underfoot, and its dense growth provides natural cushioning. It performs well in full sun and partial shade, making it ideal for many Victorian gardens. It’s also low-allergenic, helping reduce grass allergy symptoms in kids.

TifTuf Bermuda

TifTuf thrives in sunny Victorian backyards. It’s drought-tolerant and recovers quickly after heavy use, making it perfect for high-traffic play areas during dry summer months.

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu Grass

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu’s fast growth and resilience make it a cost-effective option for larger lawns. It handles active play well, though regular mowing is needed to keep it neat.

Sir Grange Zoysia

Sir Grange Zoysia has a soft, delicate texture and excellent wear tolerance. It grows slowly, needs less mowing, and suits various Victorian soil types.

Comparing grass varieties for kids in Australia

Choosing the best grass for kids means looking for soft, durable, and low-maintenance turf varieties that thrive in Australian conditions. Key factors like local climate, soil conditions, and grass species selection should inform the choice of natural turf for community and residential spaces.

How to prepare your lawn for kids

Proper preparation is key to a durable, kid-friendly lawn. Whether installing new turf or improving your lawn, good groundwork ensures the grass can handle regular play and stay healthy year-round.

1. Clear and level the area
   Remove existing weeds, debris, or old grass to give your new turf a clean foundation. Use a rake to level uneven surfaces, filling in dips to avoid pooling water after rain.
2. Improve the soil structure
   Healthy soil helps grass establish strong roots. Loosen compacted areas and mix quality underlay soil or organic matter to encourage better drainage and growth.
3. Apply starter fertiliser
   Before laying turf, apply a slow-release starter fertiliser to give your lawn the nutrients it needs for quick establishment.
4. Choose the right turf for your space
   Select a turf variety that suits your soil type, sunlight conditions, and yard activity level. Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo or TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda are excellent choices for family spaces.

For more tips, explore our lawn preparation guide for a step-by-step process.

How to care for a kid-friendly lawn

Once you’ve chosen the best grass for kids, proper lawn care is key to keeping it soft, green, and safe for play year-round.

1. Mow regularly

Keep the grass at a moderate height to protect the roots and cushion falls. For Buffalo and Kikuyu lawns, this usually means mowing to a 30–50 mm height, while TifTuf Bermuda thrives when kept slightly shorter. Avoid scalping, as it can lead to uneven growth and weak patches.

2. Water deeply and consistently

Deep watering encourages stronger root systems, helping your lawn recover quickly after kids’ playtime. Early morning watering is ideal to reduce evaporation. Always follow Victorian water restrictions before setting your schedule.

3. Fertilise seasonally

Apply a slow-release fertiliser at the start of spring and autumn to give your turf the nutrients it needs to stay lush and green. Use products suitable for family lawns.

4. Repair worn areas quickly

High-traffic zones, such as play equipment areas or goal posts, may need extra attention. Topdress these spots with sandy loam, reseed, or lay new turf patches to prevent weeds from invading.

5. Control weeds naturally

Regular mowing and healthy turf density will crowd out most weeds, reducing the need for herbicides. 

FAQs

What is the best lawn for kids to play on?

The best lawn for kids combines durable turf varieties, a soft leaf texture, and quick recovery after wear. In the Australian climate, popular choices include Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo grass, known for being shade-tolerant and low-maintenance; Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu, ideal for high-wear areas because it can repair itself quickly; and TifTuf Bermuda grass, which is both drought-tolerant and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. 

When choosing the best turf variety, consider your lawn’s conditions, such as hours of direct sunlight and how often your kids play, to find the best grass for your family.

Which grass varieties are best for pets and kids?

The best turf options for families with pets and kids combine toughness with comfort. Buffalo grass, particularly Sir Walter DNA Certified, has a lush green leaf that feels great underfoot and is gentle on kids’ skin. Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu and TifTuf Bermuda are excellent choices for pets and kids because they are tolerant turf varieties that repair quickly and withstand heavy play. When choosing a lawn, look for low-allergenic grass types and turf varieties suited to your local lawn care conditions.

How should I maintain the lawn to keep it safe and beautiful for kids?

Regular lawn maintenance helps ensure your lawn stays soft, safe, and resilient for kids’ activities. Mow the grass to the recommended height for your chosen grass variety. 

For example, buffalo grass is best mown slightly higher to maintain its beautiful soft texture, while Kikuyu thrives with frequent mowing to keep it even. Watering and fertilising according to your grass type ensures a healthy, lush green leaf year-round. For tailored advice, you can chat with the Lilydale Instant Lawn team to ensure you care for your new lawn correctly.

Create the best lawn for your family

Choosing the best grass for kids is about more than appearance. It’s about building a safe, soft, and durable lawn that thrives in Australian conditions. The right turf variety will withstand heavy play, stay lush year-round, and need minimal maintenance.

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we supply premium turf varieties for active families. If you’re ready to transform your yard, explore our turf varieties or visit our lawn advice hub for expert tips on preparation, installation, and care.

With the right preparation and grass type, your lawn can become the ideal space for playing and building family memories.