Ready, Set, Summer: 9 Tips to Get Your Colorado Garage Kid-Friendly

May 13

With a little prep, your garage can support safe, spontaneous fun for the whole family

Get summer-ready with a garage that's safe, organized, and built for fun, adventures, and lasting childhood memories.

As the final school bell rings and backpacks are tossed aside, kids across Colorado gear up for a summer full of outdoor adventures, bike rides, sidewalk chalk masterpieces, and endless energy. It’s a season of spontaneity—when games start in the driveway, water balloons appear out of nowhere, and scooters and sports gear are in constant motion.

But is your garage kid-friendly and ready to handle the chaos that comes with it?

Check out our 9 tips to give your garage a kid-friendly summer refresh below…

1. Start with a Clean Sweep

Every successful garage organization project begins with a solid cleanout—especially if you're prepping for a kid-friendly summer setup. Start by clearing out clutter: donate old sports equipment, outgrown toys, and unused gear. Toss anything that’s broken, and give the floor a thorough sweep to remove the grime and grit left behind by Colorado winters.

Creating a clean, open space sets the stage for everything else, from installing storage systems to designing dedicated kid zones. Plus, removing tripping hazards like stray tools or tangled cords is essential for garage safety—especially with little ones coming and going all season long.

Need help figuring out what to keep and where to put it? Check out our guide on 6 tips to organize your garage.

2. Create a Kid Zone

Dedicate a portion of the garage just for the kids. Think of it as their summer command center. Add hooks for backpacks and helmets, bins for sidewalk chalk, bubbles, balls and sports items, and easy-to-reach shelves for toys. Label everything so they can grab and (hopefully) put things back independently. See 5 Reasons to Modernize Your Colorado Garage with Slatwall storage, perfect for kid zones.

Child-friendly garage setup with bikes and helmets neatly stored

Slatwall is available in a range of colors and layouts, allowing you to customize your garage. Add baskets, hooks, and shelves to create a storage system that fits your family’s needs perfectly.

3. Build a Bike and Scooter Station

If your kids love cruising the neighborhood on two (or three) wheels, a dedicated bike and scooter station can keep your garage organized and safe all summer long. Instead of letting bikes, scooters, and skateboards pile up in a tangled mess on the floor, use vertical garage storage solutions like hooks, racks, or a slatwall storage system to keep everything off the ground and easy to access.

Not only does this save precious floor space for other activities, but it also helps protect your gear from damage—and your kids from tripping hazards. Add clearly labeled spots for helmets, kneepads, and even bike pumps to create a kid-friendly garage zone that encourages independence and prioritizes safety.

Looking to modernize your setup? Slatwall garage systems are ideal for Colorado families who want a flexible, wall-mounted option that can grow with your kids' needs.

4. Contain the Chaos with a Sports Central Area

From soccer balls to baseball bats and everything in between, sports gear can quickly take over your garage—especially during a busy Colorado summer. Creating a dedicated sports storage zone helps keep things organized, safe, and easy for kids to grab what they need for their next game or practice.

Use large bins or cabinets to corral rolling items like basketballs, soccer balls, and footballs. Install a slatwall garage system to neatly store baseball gloves, rackets, water bottles, golf clubs, and even jump ropes—all up off the floor and within reach. Don’t forget a hook or two for jerseys or duffel bags!

A well-organized garage sports area means less time searching and more time playing. It’s the perfect solution for active Colorado families who want a kid-friendly garage makeover that works year-round.

A break from the Colorado sun is always a good idea—and with a shaded, designated craft area in your garage, you can keep the kitchen table free from paint, glitter, and creative chaos.

5. Shaded Activity Area

If your garage has room, consider adding a small table or fold-out workbench for crafts, painting rocks, or messy science experiments. It’s a great way to get out of the sun while still having fun and it saves your kitchen table from glitter overload.

6. Safety First

Summer brings a flurry of activity and with it curious little hands that tend to explore every corner. That’s why safety in your garage should be just as much a priority as organization. Start by storing hazardous materials like paint cans, automotive fluids, fertilizers, pesticides, and cleaning chemicals well out of reach. Lockable cabinets or high, secure shelving units are ideal for keeping these dangerous items safely tucked away. See 5 items that should never be stored in your garage.

Don't forget about sharp garden tools, power tools, and even grilling equipment, which should be stored properly and securely. Use wall hooks, locked tool chests, or overhead storage solutions to prevent accidents. If you have a workbench, make sure drawers with small parts, sharp objects, or flammable items can be latched or locked.

We specialize in turning Colorado garages into cool, organized, and summer-ready spaces beginning from the ground up with our high-quality polyaspartic flooring solutions

7. Upgrade Your Flooring for Comfort and Cleanliness

Kids will be in and out of the garage all summer long, so now’s the time to consider a flooring upgrade. Adding durable, easy-to-clean flooring like our signature CGS Polyaspartic Flooring System not only makes the space more inviting, but it’s also safer for kids who may be playing or lounging on the floor. Upgrading your garage floor is a smart investment that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your home, adds value and safety to your space. Bonus: It reduces dust and is moisture resistant.

8. Add Summer Water Essentials Station

One of the easiest ways to make your garage summer-ready—and keep things stress-free—is by creating a dedicated grab-and-go zone stocked with all your family’s warm-weather essentials. Instead of scrambling through closets or digging through clutter, everything you need for spontaneous fun is right at your fingertips. This not only saves time but also keeps dirty towels, dripping swimsuits, and outdoor gear from ending up inside your house.

Designate a section of your garage with shelves, bins, and hooks to house summertime staples:

Towel bin – For easy access after pool, sprinkler, or water balloon play. Keep a few extras washed and ready to go
Caddy for sunscreen and bug spray – Toss in sunglasses, lip balm, and aloe gel too
Cooler or mini-fridge – Perfect for storing cold drinks, frozen treats, and easy snacks to stay hydrated and energized
Floats and life vests – Use wall hooks or a netted storage bag to keep them up and out of the way but easily accessible
Utility baskets – Organize flip-flops, water shoes, hats, or pool toys in grab-ready containers

Keeping water toys and summer gear organized in their own space keeps everyone happy—kids who want easy access, and adults who crave a little order during unstructured days.

9. Install a Ventilation System and Insulation

Garages can get toasty in the Colorado summer. Installing a fan, ventilation system, or even propping open the door with a screen can help keep the space cool and comfortable for playtime and rest. Improving ventilation and temperature control not only keeps your garage more usable but also protects stored items like sports equipment, bikes, and tools from damage due to excessive heat and humidity. Insulating your garage helps maintain a more stable temperature inside and reduces heat transfer from the sun-baked exterior. See 7 benefits of insulating your garage

From neighborhood bike rides to spontaneous sidewalk art, a well-organized garage makes summer smoother, safer, and more fun for the entire family. When your garage is set up with kids in mind, everything becomes more accessible. No more digging through clutter or tripping over misplaced items.

With smart storage, durable flooring, and clearly designated zones for toys, tools, and recreation, your garage transforms into a launchpad for summer adventures and a safe place for creativity and play. It's more than just storage—it’s an extension of your home designed to support active, joy-filled days all season long.

Thinking about upgrading your Colorado garage? Our team is here to help!

You can learn more about our Custom Garage Solutions Floor Systems, garage doors, cabinets and shelving and other custom upgrades we offer.

You can also request a free estimate here. We’d love to work with you anywhere in the Denver area!

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Krystal Ruddy