How can I make the garden more fun for dcs aged 11, 8, 6 and 2 without actually spending much or any money?

[TooTicky]

Please

Have you tried looking for outside toys or a playhouse on your local Freecycle?

Are they interested in gardening? Maybe you could let them plant some stuff. Veg maybe or some fruit?

They do take a mild interest in growing things.

I do keep an eye on Freecycle - latest joy was a basketball hoop that doesn't stand up

What they would love, of course, is a large climbing frame or trampoline, but there's no way we can afford one

I was wondering about things like big tyres for jumping/balancing on. Maybe. Don't know if it's possible to get old ones free.

Or simple log constructions - balancing beams - possibly. But logs are expensive too I suppose.

DS 21 months and nephews, 3, 4 and 5 had a great time last week with spoons and a bucket looking for bugs.
We also 'decorated' stones with paint and used brushes and water on the walls.
And since our Easter egg hunt they enjoy hiding all sorts for each other to find.

Do you have a shed or garage to rummage, they could make dens? Used to keep me and my sisters happy for hours

Drawing on the path/patio with chalk?

Tyres are a great idea, DD's nursery has two big tractor tyres that I believe they got free from a local farmer... perhaps if you ask at local tyre shops? I understand they have to pay to get them taken away so you might be able to get some for nowt.

Yes, water painting a good idea, although we don't have walls.

I think it's physical exertion they need more than anything.

Ah, there are a few farms around here...

Make a tent with the clothes horse/washing line and a blanket

arrange a hopscotch

get a skipping rope, or some tennis balls and targets

...(thinking)....

Get a frisbee.
I bought a lovely soft pink and purple frisbee from Tesco's. Think it was about 1.97. (Sorry, lost pound signs.)

Frizbees are tricky because our garden is long and thin and there are no fences so I think we'd be constantly trespassing to retrieve.

Depending on the ages of your kids, a cheap plant sprayer might be fun for them.

I got one recently and dd is constantly going outside with it and spraying everything in sight, including the cats.

Targets work very well, keeps boys occupied for hours, working out rhe relative merits of different super soakers ...! You could get the older ones to make/design it?

Get them collecting sticks/logs bits from local park, building den at bottom of garden?

Long and thin ... bowling?

A cheap paddling pool a lifesaver when it's hot ... but sooo weather dependent.