I'm going to have to spend over £1.5k on this aren't I?

[elliejjtiny]

Our 10 year old climbing frame with a slide, 2 swings and monkey bars had finally got to the point where it is no longer safe and we have to get rid of it. I've been looking at suitable replacements for a while now and now that the dc are older anything that will be challenging enough for them and take their weight is extremely expensive. I'm looking at the growplay one that has all different bits on it but it's £1.5k, plus extra to add a bucket swing. Our one has been used every day by our younger 3, currently aged 13, 11 and 10. 16 year old has only recently stopped using it and still uses the trampoline most days. We don't have a park near enough for the younger 3 to go to on their own so we really need to have stuff in the garden. 13 year old has adhd so needs loads of exercise or he won't sleep. Is there some kind of climbing frame suitable for older children that's cheaper or do I need to note the bullet and fork out £1.5k for a new climbing frame? I miss the days when they were toddlers and were happy with a little slide that cost £10 second hand!

13, 11 and 10?
Not needed at all.

But maybe wanted.

OP is staying that she HAS to spend 1.5k on a climbing frame.
No she doesn't at all. Especially with kids those ages

What about outdoor gym equipment like this?

Much cheaper and likely to be used into their 20s.

Or this which has a swing too? https://wickey.co.uk/fit-gym-442-climbing-frame-with-monkey-bars?sqr=monkey%20bars

I agree.

I would probably get some high bars, swing ball, basket ball hoop, a swing of some description, outdoor table tennis, some indoor fitness equipment- rower, weights.

The weights could be a part of an outdoor area

@Saschka that's a great idea.

A slackline is another cheap idea that can work for older teens. V different skills to strength work though.

They seem a bit old to be spending that much on a climbing frame. Even the 10 year old will surely not be using it for much longer?

When I asked if I had to spend £1.5k on a climbing frame, I meant if I want to buy a climbing frame for my 13, 11 and 10 year olds, is the £1.5k option that I found the only thing available or are there cheaper alternatives. I am aware that we don't have to have a climbing frame. My 13 year old in particular needs loads of exercise if I'm going to have any chance of getting him to sleep at night. We end up in a vicious cycle of him not sleeping, then I'm too knackered to take him out for a few hours as well as do all the laundry, housework etc. Then he isn't tired so doesn't sleep etc. So I like to have a varied choice of things to do in the garden. Also we are starting to struggle taking him to places like the park as so many parents of little ones seem to think that the park is just for them and my 13 year old shouldn't be allowed to play. He will happily take turns but obviously a toddler can't go on a roundabout at the same time as a teenager is spinning it round at great speed. Luckily the owner of one of the local softplays let's him come and use the facilities despite him being 2 years over the upper limit of 11. I would imagine he will still want to play on this kind of thing for years to come. My grandad has only just admitted he is too old to be going on bouncy castles now at the age of 96. My 13 year old is very like him and wants to be doing that kind of thing in his 90's too.

The ninja assault course thing looks really good, I'll definitely look into that.

OP has clearly explained this. You are very rude with your laughing emoji. My 17yo DGD climbs trees still. It's fabulous!

OP wasn't asking your permission. Just if anyone knew of a cheaper version.

That's a good option.

As they got older ours enjoyed
Outdoor gym equipment
Outdoor "pyramid" stage, like at Glastonbury.
Kayaks
Climbing wall up the side of the house
Boules
Croquet
Table tennis
Swing ball
Fold away badminton

Would this second hand climbing frame fit the bill?

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285832116310?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338749368&toolid=20006&_ul=GB&customid=GB_220_285832116310.142103203119~1871280737985-g_CjwKCAjw2Je1BhAgEiwAp3KY7-Uze-BNhnW94rkbYq_e6C_tYlSafRajP004GzE7jzDDHsgUzLO2-xoC-E0QAvD_BwE

Yeah I agree with this. It doesn't seem like much given your kids use every day

They only turn into screen junkies if you provide them with 1) a screen and 2) the example of always being on a screen.
Almost everything else is more fun than a screen, unless they become addicted (whivh is on the parents).

I had three kids living behind me for years. They had a pool and a trampoline and that was it - and they were outside all the time, all year around. Don't kids in the UK kick a ball around, climb trees etc? I can't think of any kids I know with playground equipment in their backyard.

They are all too old for playground stuff like this. 10 year old is pushing it really but thenolder ones.....nope. wouldn't waste your money

Your 13 year sounds like mine - I have just looked on Amazon under 'adult outdoor gym equipment' and they have some climbing frame type equipment that looks really good for about £700.

You should have linked the growplay OP. I was in the opinion that it would be a waste of money at that age but just had a look and if it's the large version with some add ons I think many adults would be happy to have a go on that. If you get the basket hoop on it will probably bring your 16 year old back and you could easily add some TRX to it

What about a metal domed climbing frame? metal dome climbing frame xl - Search Shopping

Circus stuff like slackline, hoop, silks much cheaper esp if you have a strong tree. The growplay looks amazing though.

Have you got a basketball ring op? My 9yo bounces off the walls so we have the climbing frame and trampoline and also basketball hoop which he spends hours at, and when the mid -late teen cousins come over it’s the basketball hoop they gravitate to. (We also have a hoop attached to the trampoline)