With screen time on the rise, children these days often prefer to stay indoors to play. But a considerable bank of evidence indicates that it’s negatively impacting their health and development. On the other hand, many studies indicate that outdoor play provides children with a host of developmental benefits, including better health, enhanced creativity, and improved social skills.
So, what’s a parent to do? Well, let’s start by turning off the TV and getting the kids outdoors. But don’t despair if your garden is more barren wasteland than Adventureland, as we’ve collated our top tips to help you incorporate a fun outdoor play area into your garden.
Playhouses
Having once said, ‘logic will get you from A to B; imagination will get you everywhere’, Einstein was definitely onto something regarding children’s cognitive development. But how can you turn these words of wisdom into a riveting outdoor play space that’ll stoke your little ones’ imaginations?
Look no further than an outdoor playhouse. Our vast range of toddler abodes come in all shapes and sizes and are specially designed to cultivate kids’ creativity.
Budget options
For a budget classic that ticks all the imaginative play boxes, opt for our Stable Wooden Cottage by TP. Or for a climb-in option featuring a two-rung ladder up to the viewing deck, check out TP’s Sunnyside Playhouse.
Premium options
For a premium playhouse complete with a veranda, look no further than this stunning Plum Deckhouse. The mini decked veranda is ready-made for potted plants and scatter cushions, while the apex roof protects the decking from the elements, allowing kids to kick off their shoes after a hard day’s play and get cosy, whatever the weather.
Those seeking a creative playhouse for the kids will be hard pressed to find a better option than the Plum Discovery Hideaway. The cleverly crafted design features bamboo wind chimes, a realistic swinging letter box and a built-in planter pot, allowing the kids to immerse themselves in endless hours of imaginative play. And with its unique shape and construction, the Discovery Hideaway brings 360° play to any garden space.
Football goalposts and nets
If your goal is to get the family outside, live and kicking in the quickest time possible, football goalposts might net you your wish.
Ideal for backyard games and garden training sessions, our uPVC goalposts are primed to tackle the elements and enable the kids to practice their penalties whatever the weather.
Remember, goalposts occupy a considerable amount of space, so be sure to check the dimensions of both the goal and your garden before making your purchase. Below, we’ve included two of our best sellers, and if you buy now, you’ll receive a free Samba Size 5 Ball to kick off your new garden season!
Samba 8 x 6 ft Fun Goal
The Samba Fun Goal is the perfect choice for gardens with limited space. Offering the same height as a full-size goal (8ft) with a garden friendly width of 6ft, it’s perfect for backyard skill sessions and perfecting those penalties.
The goal features a simple assembly procedure that typically takes a few minutes, as well as a high-quality uPVC construction that allows you to keep it up all year round, saving any unneeded stoppage time. The package is topped off with a locking system, net, net clips and ground anchors – all you need for some backyard heads and volleys!
Samba 6 x 4 ft Twin Goal Set
This great kit is suitable for children of all ages. The reduced goalframe size enables toddlers to perfect their dribbling and shooting skills, while older kids can take advantage of the smaller goal size by practising their precision shots from afar. The posts also feature a locking system for reinforced strength and robustness, enabling players with powerful shots to get involved.
The full package includes two goals – one with red makers and one with blue – five bibs and carry bag. Let the games begin!
Hot tubs
Like the outdoor toys we’ve covered above, a garden hot tub brings a host of health benefits to boost your family’s wellbeing. Hydrotherapy, for example, combines heat and buoyancy to create a relaxing massage effect that’re sure to relieve the stresses and strains of daily life. Similarly, the hot tub jets provide a massage that releases endorphins, thus reducing pain while promoting an overall feel-good factor.
To find the perfect hot tub for you and your family, check out our options below.
EvoStar Titan Bubble Spa
For a budget option packed with fantastic features, check out the EvoStar Titan Bubble Spa, which boasts a whopping 130 air jets and an easy-to-replace filter cartridge to clean the spa’s water.
Lay-Z Spa Miami Airjet
The multi-award winning Lay-Z Spa Miami Airjet is perfect for couples, small families, and those with limited space. Equipped with the AirJet™ massage system, a new generation pump and the famous Lay-Z spa rapid heating system, this tub is ideal for relaxing with family and friends.
Lay-Z Spa Maldives Hydrojet Pro
For those seeking a showstopping hot tub, look no further than the Lay-Z Spa Maldives Hydrojet Pro. Accommodating up to 7 people, this premium Lay-Z Spa is ideal for family gatherings and parties. Complete with tri-tech construction, 8 adjustable hydrojets and aqua glow LED lights in 7 colours, this spa will become the centrepiece of every social occasion.
