Come outside! Outdoor play ideas for children of all ages
It’s a great time of year to make the most of playing outside before the weather takes a turn for the worst, so why not invest in some outdoor garden toys to make outdoor play more fun and engaging? Whether your aim is to encourage more physical activity, promote learning and development, or just to have fun, there are toys on the market for all ages.
Bouncy fun
If you are looking for a way to get the kids outside in the fresh air and your garden is big enough to accommodate- think about buying a trampoline. It’s great fun and it’s an even better form of exercise. Trampolines are great for adding an additional element to ball games like crossfire (or dodgeball). If you have smaller children, you might want to consider a trampoline with a safety net surrounding it. Alternatively you can buy them separately for a very small cost. They usually come with a tarpaulin too, to keep out the rain in the winter.
An outdoor obstacle course
There are a number of scooters on the market and they come in a variety of prices and sizes. So it really depends on the age of your children as to which model of scooter is best suited to them. Smaller children are better with a more stable vehicle, perhaps with tri-wheels (if you can find one with easy grip handles too- even better.) Why not create a garden obstacle course and have a race? Pavement chalk is great for marking out your parameters (and will wash away in the rain.)
Playing house
Consider a pop-up, tent style playhouse if you have a small outdoor play space. These are reasonably cheap and easy to pack up if the weather takes a turn for the worst. Wooden playhouses make for a more permanent fixture, and you can do a lot to make them your own. You can paint your playhouse in your little ones favourite colour, or add in carpets to keep it cosy. They do however, require a little more upkeep then their alternatives. A coat of rain resistant paint is a must, especially over the autumn/ winter months.
Life’s a beach
Sand water tables are a great way to bring a little education into children’s play activities. It’s an open ended task, therefore encourages creativity and development such as basic maths skills. Why not buy some plastic or rubber animals and create a zoo? Ask your little one to create pathways, roads, enclosures and watering holes for the animals. It’s great fun and it helps develop important perspective skills in children. The best part is there is no mess involved because you are outside!
With the colder months coming in, you might want to consider some winter proof storage such as a shed or large storage container suitable for battling the elements.
