Short answer: light the edges, steps and approaches to the play area softly, keep fixtures shielded and low, and put them on a timer so the evening has an end. Do not flood the whole yard. Landscape lighting starts from $195 per fixture, and the estimate is free.
What kids need and what they do not
Georgia summer evenings are the cool part of the day. Kids want to stay out. Parents want to see them, and want the yard to be safe without feeling like a stadium. The key is to light what matters: the way in and out, the edges where a trip could happen, and a general glow so you can see faces from the patio.
What you do not need is a flood of glare. Bright light aimed across a yard turns everything beyond it black, and a child running toward the glare cannot see the ground. Soft, low light shows the ground better than a bright light that blinds.
Where to put the light
| Area | Risk | Light that works |
|---|---|---|
| Back steps and deck stairs | Trips and falls | Step lights or low path lights |
| Edge of a patio | Level change | Shielded low fixtures |
| Swing set or climbing frame | Dark hardware | Soft wash from a distance, not at it |
| Trampoline | Edges, nets | A gentle glow around the area, not over it |
| Path to the door | Getting in | Path lights at even spacing |
| Fence line | Sense of boundary | Soft wash along the fence |
How we think about it
- Start from the house and work out. Doors and steps first.
- Light edges, not centers. A play area with lit edges feels open and safe.
- Keep the fixtures out of the way. Low-voltage fixtures in the ground are in a kid’s path. Place them at borders and in beds.
- Use warm white. It is easy on the eyes and draws fewer bugs than a cool white.
- Shield every bulb so kids and neighbours do not see glare.
- Put it on a timer. Evening play ends sometime.
- Check it at full dark from where an adult stands.
Safety notes
Low-voltage landscape lighting runs on a transformer, which keeps the voltage in the yard low. The wire is buried, so there are no cords to trip over. Brass fixtures are sturdy for a place where balls and bikes go. We offer lifetime-brass fixture options. Keep sprinkler heads in mind as well: a pop-up head in a play area should be flush with the turf. If one sticks up, it is a trip hazard, and we can repair or move it. See sprinkler repair.
Neighbours and the dark sky
Aim light down and in, not out. A play area light that shines into a neighbour’s window is a source of friction. Shielded fixtures and low placement keep the light on your side of the fence, which is easier on everyone.
What it costs
Landscape lighting starts from $195 per fixture. A small play area with steps and a few path lights is a modest job, and the estimate is free. We give you a firm number before any work begins. We design on your property at dusk and offer a live demo before you commit. If lights are already there and one is out, our minimum service call is $95.
What to leave unlit
Not everything needs light. A dark corner at the back of the yard lets the eye rest, and it keeps neighbours’ windows free of glare. Leave the area directly under a play set dim, and light the approach instead, so children step into the area on a visible path. Leave tree canopies alone unless a feature is worth showing. A restrained plan costs less, uses fewer fixtures and looks better from the house than a yard lit edge to edge.
When to call us
Call when you want the yard lit for evening play, or when existing lights are blinding or leave steps dark. We offer same-day service, answer day and night, and are family-owned, licensed and insured. See our landscape lighting design page and lighting page.
FAQ
What is the safest lighting for a kids’ play area? Low, shielded, warm fixtures along steps and edges, plus a soft glow for visibility.
Are landscape lights safe around children? Low-voltage systems run at reduced voltage with buried wire. Keep fixtures out of the main play space.
Should I use motion lights? They can help at a door. For play, a timer is usually better, because the lights stay on while kids are out.
How much does it cost? Landscape lighting starts from $195 per fixture, with a free estimate.
Prices from our price list. Updated October 2026.