Inside: The best outdoor toys for kids and the benefits of active play. Press samples included.
Children have a lot of energy as we all know, so creating a space for them to burn off that energy allows them to direct it into active play – crucial for healthy development in children.
We recently moved house and had to leave our old trampoline behind as it was sunken into the ground. This meant starting all over again to create a space that we could enjoy as a whole family – with space for relaxing, space for flowers, but also space for the children to play in and enjoy.
We have a large garden and so were able to fit quite a lot in, but no matter the size of your garden there is always something you can include to make it a fun space for kids to enjoy and Outdoor Toys have everything you need to choose from.
Who are Outdoor Toys?
Outdoor Toys is an independent family-run business and one of the UK’s largest stockists of children’s toys and play equipment. They are committed to providing strong, safe and durable children’s play equipment as well as having a real focus on customer care.
And I have to say their customer service is absolutely brilliant – I totally messed up my order (I ordered completely the wrong trampoline!) but when I rang in a total state of panic I was quickly put at ease and told that it was no problem at all to cancel and re-order the correct item.
They offer free standard delivery to UK postcodes on orders over £50 and have a dedicated fleet of delivery vans to ensure your order gets to you as quickly and efficiently as possible. They state a delivery time of 7-14 days but we had a turnaround of 4 days for our trampoline!
They also offer a home delivery service which is perfect for anyone who isn’t confident in their DIY skills when putting together some of the large equipment. Prices vary and it will delay your delivery but it is a great option to have for customers.
Best outdoor toys for kids
Parents spend a lot of time thinking about toys for inside but don’t always consider toys for outdoor games. If you are planning on some Cyber Monday toy shopping, here are some tips for you.
A child that may not have any interest in art when in the house may suddenly discover how amazing paint can be when presented with an outdoor easel. So consider your garden an extension to their play environment – what opportunities for fun learning can you create?
- Trampolines: A classic favourite, trampolines offer a fantastic way for kids to burn off energy while improving balance and coordination. Whether it’s a small, springless trampoline for younger children or a larger one for big kids, bouncing around is not only exhilarating but also a perfect way to exercise without even realising it.
- Bikes and Scooters: Riding bikes and scooters isn’t just about fun; it’s a fantastic way for kids to develop gross motor skills and strengthen leg muscles. Choose age-appropriate sizes – esepcially when looking for Electric Bikes for Sale and don’t forget the helmets for safety. For young children, balance bikes and ride-on toys without pedals are an excellent choice to introduce them to the joy of riding.
- Water Toys: Especially suitable for hot summer days, water play toys add a refreshing twist to outdoor fun. Consider items like sprinklers with a water slide, a water table or inflatable pool. Water play not only keeps kids cool but also promotes sensory development and cooperative play.
- Sports Equipment: Introducing kids to sports at an early age has numerous benefits. Whether it’s footballs with a goal to practice scoring, basketball hoops, or jump ropes, sports equipment encourages physical activity, teamwork, and helps develop motor skills. Plus, it lays the foundation for a lifelong love of sports.
- Swing Sets: A timeless outdoor favourite, swing sets provide endless entertainment. From classic swings to those with monkey bars, these structures promote both physical activity and social interaction.
- Sand and Mud Play: Simple yet effective, a sandbox or mud kitchen can provide hours of creative play. Kids can build sandcastles, dig for buried treasure, or whip up imaginary culinary delights. Sand and mud play enhance sensory experiences, stimulate creativity, and are easy to clean up.
- Outdoor Art Supplies: Unleash your child’s creativity with outdoor art supplies. Chalk, washable paint, or giant paper rolls can turn your driveway or patio into a canvas. Outdoor art not only allows kids to express themselves but also provides a change of scenery for their artistic endeavours.
- Play houses: Outdoor play isn’t just about physical development and a play house is a perfect example of that. Storytelling and role playing will aid in developing literacy skills and social skills. If you don’t have space for a permanent structure then a play tent is a great alternative too.
Whether you have young kids or older children, kids of all ages love to be outside if they have a reason to go out the house. Of course some don’t need prompting and will happily play outdoors with little more than a bucket and some mud, but others need a little more encouragement.
Benefits of active play
In a world dominated by screens and digital devices, the importance of active play for children cannot be overstated. Active play, defined as any form of physical activity that engages and energises the body, is not just about letting kids burn off excess energy; it plays a pivotal role in their overall development.
From physical health to social skills, the benefits of active play are multifaceted and essential for a child’s well-being.
- Physical Health: Active play is a natural and enjoyable way for children to stay physically fit. It helps in the development of motor skills, coordination, and balance.
- Cognitive Development: Contrary to the misconception that physical play detracts from academic pursuits, research indicates that it significantly contributes to cognitive development. Active play stimulates the brain, enhancing attention spans, memory, and problem-solving skills.
- Social Skills and Emotional Well-being: Active play provides children with valuable opportunities for social interaction. Whether it’s a game of tag, playing on a sports team, or engaging in imaginative play, children learn crucial social skills such as cooperation, teamwork, and communication. Additionally, active play is linked to improved emotional well-being, helping children manage stress, anxiety, and develop resilience.
- Creativity and Imagination: Unstructured playtime allows children to explore their creativity and imagination. Whether it’s building forts, creating make-believe scenarios, or inventing new games, active play nurtures a child’s ability to think outside the box.
Creating an outdoor space that allows for active play is a great way to get children up off the sofa and outside in the fresh air. Outdoor play brings a whole new element to development and can foster new hobbies when seen through an outdoor lens.
Creating a fun space with Outdoor Toys
With children aged 7, 10 and 12, we have now moved away from toddler toys and towards those more suited for older kids. We do still have a mud kitchen though as they all still love to make me mud pies for lunch every now and then. It is important to allow even the older children have opportunities to play those games more associated with younger children – don’t be in a hurry to get rid of their toys.
Rebo Oval Base Jump 2 Trampoline
Replacing the trampoline was the very first thing I did. In fact, I even ordered it before we moved in so that the children wouldn’t have to be without one for too long. Ordered on the Monday, moved in on the Tuesday and by the Friday evening we were building it!
We had a very small trampoline in our old house and the children were forever banging into each other. So, with a bigger space I decided to go with a 10×14 oval trampoline from REBO and it is the perfect size. The oval shape allows them all to have their own space while they bounce away to their hearts content.
I must add that for safety reasons it is not recommended that more than one person bounce at the same time – but try telling my kids that! They have so much fun together, it is always lovely to see.
We opted to add a ladder to our order and although it isn’t necessary, our trampoline gets so much use it just makes it easier for them getting up and down.
I’ve been really impressed with the quality – the PVC weather-protected foam pads that cover the springs is showing no signs of wear and tear and the enclosure itself is going to last a long time due to its brilliant design. Our old trampoline would fold in on itself with each bounce and the netting would end up ripping – the central support bar on the Halo II prevents this from happening.
Rebo Wooden Garden Swing Set with Monkey Bars
My youngest is obsessed with swinging like a monkey and so our latest addition to the garden is a fantastic swing and monkey bars set from Rebo which allows him to dangle and swing as much as he likes.
Made using sturdy pressure treated timber, with thick 70mm legs it ensures children stay safe at all times.
The bars are just the right size for little hands and gets them practicing their hand-eye coordination when swinging from bar to bar.
While the swing sits to the side of the monkey bars and has a comfy seat and soft-feel ropes to hold onto. The ropes are also adjustable so the seat can be raised or lowered to suit the height of your child.
Not only do you have the fun of the monkey bars and the swing, but they’ve even included a climbing wall on one side. This has been a big hit with all of them as they climb up to reach the top before swinging along the monkey bars.
With the days getting colder now, any outdoor play definitely needs to involve lots of movement and both the trampoline and monkey bars are perfect for this. And then once the warmer weather comes we will be able to enjoy the whole garden once again.
Investing in the right outdoor toys can transform a child’s playtime into a dynamic and enriching experience. From promoting physical fitness to fostering creativity and social skills, these toys offer a whole host of developmental benefits with endless fun too.
So, let the adventure begin – check out Outdoor Toys for the best toys for your garden.