How to have fun in the garden – our five top toys.

What a weekend – picnics, BBQ’s, paddling pools and back garden fun.  My top tips for having fun in the garden this summer includes a round up of the best played with toys.  These are all the toys that have stood the test of time with my three, who include a teen, tween and toddler.  When it is as hot as its been I find going to far from home is difficult with the children.  I want there to be shade and plenty of drinks on tap. My garden has all that to offer and more! We even have an apple tree so I have been looking at apple recipes

Firstly you can not go far wrong with a paddling pool we love any type of water play. Erin had fun painting the fence at the weekend with a bucket of water and big brush! She spent ages messing about with it all.  Easy, cheap and minimal mess!

Secondly and probably the most played with toy ever is our trampoline. All Trampolines are great fun for children (and adults) of all ages. Erin happily bounces away and it is really helping her develop her core muscles and strength. We bought ours about five years ago and it is still used daily. However the safety net has started to rip and the zip broke last month – therefore I have been looking to get a replacement. Chloe and Dylan are fab at doing all sorts of daring jumps – although I do close my eyes when they do a complete somersault in the air before landing!

The third fun game in the garden is Erin’s playhouse. It is great as it gives her a bit of shade, she likes having her lunch in there with some of her teddies a perfect spot for a picnic. Again this is a great way to develop communication and imagination. This was bought when Dylan was two and has really lasted the test of time. It is a plastic one which has weathered well although I would love to replace it with a wooden one. They look so lovely – I can imagine sitting in the chair I won last week on twitter and watching Erin play in her ‘house’. Definitely on my wish list if we come into money!

Next up would be swingball. My older two are really into Tennis but often argue, we are lucky to go tennis courts just around the corner which they go to regularly. In addition they happily play swingball on their own though and practice. I also like playing with them in the evenings.

Finally another favourite is the football goal.  Yes not only do we have a trampoline in the garden but a goal!  However Dylan and daddy get out most nights and practise goal techniques and shooting, therefore I just put up with it all!  I imagine that one day my garden will be an oasis of calm with a water feature and pretty flowers.  However for now I recognise it is what it is – a playground for my energetic, fun loving children.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way at the moment.  It is a safe place for them and their friends to play.

Disclosure: This is a featured post for which I have been compensated.

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