Swings & roundabouts

Summer’s on the way, so encourage the kids to venture outside to play…

Playhouses are brilliant for kids from three to ten, where imaginative play is to the forefront. Choose something with enough headroom and a larger footprint if possible, or upgrade to a summerhouse that can be taken over by the adults when the kids retreat to their bedrooms for a decade. If you have the skills, a DIY playhouse or a treehouse made from reclaimed wood can be a less expensive option. 

Look for versatile play equipment that will be of use for several years as your children grow and can be passed on when your kids have grown out of it. There are lots of combination swing sets, by companies like Plum that can be added to over time. Start with a frame and swap out toddler swings for big kid versions, add seesaws, climbing nets and play towers as time goes on.

If you don’t have room for all year round outdoor play equipment, consider the inflatable option. Look for bouncy castles and water slides that are quick to set up when the sun comes out. Paddling and swimming pools are great for hot days and easy to pack away afterwards. If you have a larger garden, sportier options for active kids include trampolines, football goals and old-school games like Swingball or Tetherball. 

Messy play is always fun. Sandpits, water tables and mud kitchens offer endless fun for younger children, though it’s worth investing in a cover for your sandpit if there are cats around. 

Outdoor play needn’t be expensive, sometimes a simple packet of pavement chalks, a climbable tree or exploring for insects and mini-beasts is all you need to keep the kids amused for a couple of hours.