(ARA) - At this time of year, many of us feel confined to our homes and trapped by bitter wind, biting cold and harsh weather. It's snowy, the days are shorter and we long for that time when we can be outdoors, digging in the dirt.

Siblings Erin and Christopher Rogoff share their backyard with chipmunks, squirrels, bats and rabbits.

Marc and Bernadette Rogoff wanted to create a fun backyard that would encourage their kids to appreciate the outdoors, entertain themselves and have unstructured down time. Landscapers and designers say that creating fun outdoor spaces is simple and inexpensive.

Siblings Erin and Christopher Rogoff share their backyard with chipmunks, squirrels, bats and rabbits. They help their parents fill bird feeders, hang bat boxes, and plant fruits and vegetables to attract wildlife.

The National Weather Service has downgraded its flood warning to an urban and small stream advisory as the rain tapers off Sunday evening but there is still a chance area rivers in the region could flood.