Getting your kids off the sofa and into the garden can be difficult; modern advances in technology have resulted in televisions and computer games that have too much lure for many of our offspring to resist. However, by investing in the right garden toys for children you can certainly give your kids the push needed to shun the sofa and embrace the elements.
Inflatable paddling/swimming pool
Kids love splashing around, making the inflatable pool one of the best investments you could ever hope for. While large pools can be quite pricey, smaller pools can be just as much fun for a fraction of the cost.
The only downside to having a pool at home is the cost of running it. If your water is metered you might want to give this one a miss! However if you pay a set rate for your water then there really is no excuse for not having your very own pool at home.
Trampoline
There’s just something about a trampoline that makes it one of the best and most loved of all garden toys for children.
While buying a small trampoline might be tempting, this is one toy that kids rarely outgrow so investing in a larger one may prove to be worth it in the long run.
One point to consider is the cost of an enclosure in addition to the trampoline. Unenclosed trampolines can be very hazardous so the additional cost is in theory, an absolute necessity. Thankfully many trampolines are sold with an enclosure, but if the enclosure is sold separately, you must factor in this added cost.
A Sandbox
Sandboxes are great fun, especially for younger children. They’re also cheap to buy and are great for your children’s developments since they allow them to use their creative side.
In order for your children to make the most of the sandbox you’ll only require a few low cost toys such as a bucket and spade set.
Swing Set
While the swing set is undoubtedly on the pricier side, of all the garden toys for children this may well be the ultimate one. It allows your children to have their very own playground in their own backyard and is something they will enjoy regularly for many years.
If you’re on a budget, a single swing built with a metal frame and plastic seat could set you back as little as £40. Larger sets using the same materials will cost more but tend to still be on the budget friendly side.
The priciest swing sets have wooden frames and although they may be expensive, they are generally of a better build quality and will last longer while also blending in with the rural appearance of the garden.
Play Houses
Much like the swing set, the play house can vary wildly in cost. The cheapest play houses are inflatable and cost around £50; however on a windy day they are far from practical. Plastic play houses should set you back around £80 – not exactly cheap but they are highly durable and should retain a decent resale value for when your kids outgrow them.
However, some play houses are carved from wood and can be of very large proportions. You can easily pay in excess of £1,000 for a top quality play house but perhaps these should be left to the celebrity children amongst us. A plastic play house might not look as good – but it’s definitely just as much fun!
Crispin Jones wrote this post on behalf of The Original Factory Shop. Crispin writes on subjects relating to the home and family and is particularly interested in child development.
Helpful links from Dinker & Giggles
For those across the pond (in the United States) we love Crispin’s recommendations and here are a few links to toys we love:
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Hello. My name is Alaina and I'm a app junkie. whew... I feel better. I'm raising four boys to be outstanding husbands and spectacular human beings. Thanks for stopping by and finding that little something to giggle about with me! 
