Family Life Fun Family Activities Outdoor Activities Animal House Attract these friendly creatures to your backyard with simple garden ideas. By Parents Editors Parents Editors The Parents Editors byline means there is an experienced group of editors and journalists behind the scenes of the article. Learn more about the Parents team, our core values, and editorial guidelines. our editorial guidelines Published on June 15, 2011 Share Tweet Pin Email Feathered Friends Welcome blue jays and robins with a homemade birdbath. Rest a ceramic plant tray without a drainage hole on an upside-down flowerpot, and set stones in it for the birds to perch on. Polka-Dotted Pals Make a home for ladybugs with cup-shaped flowers such as tulips and lilies. Even children who are afraid of insects love these dainty little critters that bring good luck. Kermit's Cousins Add a container pond outside to lure frogs. You don't have to clean it often because they're attracted to the algae. Frogs also help control the pesky fly, mosquito, and moth populations. Absolute Monarch Attract butterflies by planting dense clusters of brightly colored native flowers such as zinnias, marigolds, and milkweed. Visit wildflower.org to find plants that are indigenous to your area. Want fresh craft, party, food, and activity ideas delivered to you all summer long? Go to parents.com/summer to sign up for the Daily Parenting Tip newsletter today. Originally published in the June 2011 issue of Parents magazine. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit