patio chores for kids by age

Here's a guide to which patio chores kids can do around the yard, organized by age group.

Once a child reaches a particular skill or age level, he can generally do the chores for his age group and those for the age group below.

Of course, some outdoor chores need to be done each day, others once a week, and still, others once a month or even less frequently.

Patio Chores for Ages 2 and Under:

Ages 3 to 5:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Put away outside toys and games (and all their pieces) in the proper boxes or bins

• Help with planting

• Water outside plants

• Debug plants

• Sponge down the outdoor play table

Ages 6 to 9:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Hang up (pool) towel

• Rake leaves

• Sweep the patio and porches

• Wipe patio table and chairs

• Do easy yard work such as weeding

• Help test the pool or hot tub water

• Help balance the pool or hot tub pH

• Help clean the pool strainer baskets

• Prepare recyclables for pickup

• Clean all doormats

Ages 10 to 13:

• Previous chores, plus:

• Take trash and recycling containers to the curb

• Clean the patio and patio furniture

• Plant plants and flower bulbs

• Harvest vegetables

Ages 14 to 17:

Previous chores, plus:

• Mow the lawn

• Wash exterior windows
  

• Do yard work such as pruning