Toddler Assault Course - any ideas, tips, recommendations???

[looneytune]

My ds2 (22 months) and one of my toddler mindees (21 months) don't stop climbing. They've both been doing it for months now but are getting more and more adventurous and well, they scare me at times!! LOL I know it's great to allow them to develop these physical skills but I'd love to find a safer way than the constant climbing on tables then onto the sofa, running across it, bouncing then diving!!!

We're out and about a lot which is great but I'd love to find an alternative to my furniture when it comes to being at home, as I can't make lunch or prepare activities without having to strap them into highchairs for their own safety!

I've seen something online but it's £995!!!! link here. Anyone know of a MUCH cheaper option? I'm sure I could use stuff we have here, I'm just too frazzled to think atm .

Right, I'm not working for the rest of the day so I'm off to make a cuppa and do some more searching on the net

Any help would be much appreciated

RosieGirl - you know what, I had one of those for birthing at home with ds2 and bloomin gave it away after a while. The kids enjoyed occasions playing with it but I didn't have anywhere to store it. But I will look into another as ds2 LOVES balls and really wants a BIG ball as he keeps seeing one in the store cupboard in the hall at the school the others go to!

karen2010 - we do have a little space hopper but they are too young to use it properly yet. Could just chuck it in with the rest of the stuff though, they can dive on it then can't they!

leavingonajetplane - thanks for that, we do have some of that stuff already so I'll try and get adventurous with it

lollipopmother - WOW, that's a great deal. At ours there is no option of doing packed lunch as only allowed to eat their food. It's MUCH more expensive plus as I said, we'd only get about an hour there due to other commitments. I think £10+ for 1 hour each week is a lot tbh. If dh wasn't out of work and we weren't so skint, I'd love to do this. I just can't justify it for that length of time. I do spent quite a lot going out and stuff but always make sure it's worth while/a good deal.

Thanks for all the ides lovely people, they've been very helpful

Matress and douvet cover could be used as a soft area. Spare matress could be stored under a bed and also be used for sleepovers/guest bed.

Large cardboard boxes are great, just don't see them that often now as delivery companies often take all packaging away. Anyone found good source of v.cheap or free v.large cardboard boxes?

Nick, great!!! I have some old smaller cot mattresses I could use As for big boxes, Freegle (used to be Freecycle) can be handy but not sure where else?

loony i have a similar issue, I mind 4 boys under 3 who are all very active. I take them once a week to wacky warehouse toddlers session and it costs me £5.50 (for 3) that includes coffee juice and biscuits, so with the heating/lighting saving I figure thats a bargain

Yep, absolute bargain!!