Which garden toys are best for two toddlers?

[Phee96]

I want to get some toys for the garden for DD (2.4) and DS (1.2). They're both very bad sleepers but they seem to do better when they've been tired out in the fresh air during the day so I think it's time to make use of the garden. It's an ok size and is mostly paved.

What type of toys did your DC use most? So far I'm thinking a small slide and a sandpit. Does anyone have any recommendations or any other ideas? Thanks

[AlmaMartyr]

My DSis recommended a playhouse so we've ordered a wooden playhouse for our two (2.9 and 11m) which I reckon they'll get a lot of use from. My DD loves sand so will spend ages messing around with it. We have one of those water tables which has done well as well. I decided not to bother with a slide on the basis that slides get boring after a little while and we don't have space or money for a big one that might be more interesting.

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

If it's mostly paved then I would recommend a couple of ride-ons, those Little Tykes cars are great, or any sit-on toys (we have a tractor which is also very popular) and pushing those around will tire them more than a sandpit or playhouse - though no reason why you can't get both if you have the space! Our DS does love his playhouse and could happily spend all his time in there.

If you have any lawn, a toy lawnmower can also be fun and quite physical.

[Firawla]

I 2nd the suggestion of ride on and cars, that's what mine is most interested in and is good for paved areas. Also footballs can be a good one that doesn't take up space. We have a slide but has not really been used much, they seem to use it more at the park than the one at home maybe cos its smaller.
We also have a chalk board outside which can be quite nice, or if its paved can just let them draw chalk on the floor if you dont mind that because rain will wash it off?
I think playhouse would also be good.

[Phee96]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I can't believe I hadn't thought of ride ons. DD loves the Little Tykes cars so I think that will be a good idea.

[notcitrus]

Some squishy balls that they can't damage much with - £ shop is your friend.
I have a collapsible tunnel that is a cross shape if I erect it all - much chasing fun.
Pedal car would be good for a paved garden. I have a rocking plastic dinosaur that can sit one child on each end (or one in the middle).

My experience of playhouses is there's always fighting over the door and being in or out...

[BikeRunSki]

Sandpit!

[crapbarry]

sand pits tend to be used as litter trays by neighbourhood cats, so make sure it's covered EVERY night!

our nieghbours have a Little Tykes rocking horse thing, which DS adores, and we have a ride on car, which he pushes around for hours quite happily. we're planning to get a slide for our new garden in new house, DS currently spends a lot of time on the slides at nursery and in the park, so we'll be scouring ebay for a bargain when we move!

[camdancer]

I don't think you can beat having a water butt and some watering cans. Some small garden tools are good, and an area of the garden where they can dig without destroying your favourite flowers.

A bubble maker is good so you don't have to keep blowing bubbles for hours on end.

[redstripeyelephant]

We have a sandpit, a little trampoline, a plastic rocker/seesaw thing and various ride-ons. Got them all 2nd hand from either freecycle or netmums, it's worth having a look around or putting a wanted ad up if you're on a budget.

I second chalking on the paving stones, my 3yo loves it and it washes off when it rains. Also painting the fence with a bucket of water and an old paintbrush or doing the washing up in the garden with some soapy water and a plastic tea set!

[redstripeyelephant]

We have a sandpit, a little trampoline, a plastic rocker/seesaw thing and various ride-ons. Got them all 2nd hand from either freecycle or netmums, it's worth having a look around or putting a wanted ad up if you're on a budget.

I second chalking on the paving stones, my 3yo loves it and it washes off when it rains. Also painting the fence with a bucket of water and an old paintbrush or doing the washing up in the garden with some soapy water and a plastic tea set!

[GruffalosGirl]

We've got a Little Tikes slide (the bigger one) in our paved garden that our DS loves. They were selling them in Wilkinsons for £40 last week and they're £70 on amazon.

The sandpit and water table are really loved here too but the water can be a bit of a nightmare unless it's really hot as they get soaked and need changing.

Our plastic rocking horse doesn't get used that much to be honest.