Climbing frame in terrace small garden?

[Thecat19342]

Hello,

We've just bought our first home we have 3 dc - aged 3, 4 and 7. The home we moved out of was a rental but a huge garden with the previous occupantd swing set, trampoline and climbing frame...used daily even in winter.

The new garden is small (tiny in comparison to our old home) the kids are bored as I try to discourage ball games so they don't end up bouncing over the fence so there's nothing really "to do" in the garden but we could fit a small climbing frame (monkey bars and a slide combo see https://dunsterhouse.co.uk/challengefort-climbing-tower?infinity=ict2~net~gaw~cmp~17621806056~ag~~ar~~kw~~mt~~acr~6854345728&gclid=CjwKCAjw586hBhBrEiwAQYEnHeW7nRJZRt-M3W-OlhZt1W2nAxVxYh3Aex6xPEE2L40AsoHpB9UF_BoCrrcQAvD_BwE ) however this would take up the entire grass garden area leaving a small patio. Husband doesn't think we can erect it as lawn area has been raised slightly there's a slight step up into the garden - measurements show that the monkey bars will be peaking over by 10cm the neighbours fences (terraced - we have 3 neighbours sides and back) do you need planning permission for a climbing frame? And if allowed would you put one up? Or would you just leave it a lawn and is there any alternatives?

Ball games are fine, but no banging balls against fences or walls.
Unwanted balls coming over the fence are a pita.
Trampolines are a nightmare.

If the occupants of 3 doors down is reading, your DC's constant singing of a one-line mondegreen makes me almost wish that what she is singing was true.

Asda 10 foot trampoline is probably the most used thing we have ever bought. Will it fit?

We don't have a trampoline now the old house was a rental so all the play equipment was part of the house. I try to keep balls for the park as my kids seem to have no ability to not keep them on the ground 😅

We've only just moved in so no singing has happened just yet haha!

I'd be fine with that @Thecat19342 . My 3-doors down neighbour has a slide in theirs and I hear Ready-Steady-GO! a lot. Also annoying.

I'm not sure - I'll have a measure tomorrow. It's really hard finding something that will keep them entertained without annoying the neighbours (although both sides have children too!)

You can probably guess that I have a DCat

My PILs live in a Vicorian terrace... an adult standing can see every garden on the street. There is a variety of play equipment. I wouldn't worry about the height...

I would worry about all the space being used up though. Get smaller items that can be packed away... den kit, giant blocks, twister mat, paddling pool... stuff like that.

A climbing frame is perfectly fine! Depends on your kids though if it’s the best choice, as it will monopolise the space.

Mine (2 and 6) get a ton of use out of a sand table, which is much smaller and can be a water table in the summer. Also they’ve been allowed to destroy the grass in one corner of the garden and have been digging for treasure for almost a year with spades and buckets. A collapsible tunnel and tent are also a big hit that pack away.

We had pretty much exactly this set up with our two at around that age. Was fine according to neighbours (who we still know and get on with). Children play. It's necessary. Just keep a lid on noise when everyone else is out enjoying their gardens too.
Won't be much left of your lawn though. A thick layer of bark chips can help fill muddy patches. Have a lovely summer. X

I also have a small garden but have been able to fit a trampoline in to keep the girls occupied. We got a Springfree trampoline and I have to say its amazing! Being very safety conscious I was a little concerned about the trampoline but they dont have springs.
The smallest trampolines are 8ft or 10ft round if you have space for it?

We bought a wooden climbing frame and the wood did start to split and ultimately the kids grew out of it very quickly. I also spent loads of time brushing spider webs off it. I wish we'd bought a swing or trampoline as I think they have more longevity for older kids.

Technically I think you do need planning permission for a climbing frame if it has a raised platform area. You'll also want to fix it down securely, we concreted ours in which wasn't too bad (just leave a couple of inches to put the turf back down on the top so it's invisible).

Hi @Thecat19342 thanks for posting and congrats on the new house! You might like to take a look at our guides to the best climbing frames and best trampolines, as recommended by Mumsnetters. Any thoughts or feedback on the articles, let us know💐

Sandpit and mud kitchen get used a lot here.
I think home climbing frames aren’t really worth the space they take up tbh as apart for baby versions, most children your ages want more options like in an actual playground.

I am getting some ride on digger type toys for 3 year old thing summer at home. But sandpit, mudkitchen, wall garden chalk/ magnetic board all used a lot and take up little space ( all on our terrace area)