Garden toys for a nearly 5year old boy?

[Ratfinkle]

We have a small garden, too small for a trampoline which would be the ideal activity for DS.

Any other ideas? We have a sandpit but he is getting a bit old for that.

He has footballs etc, thinking a goal might be good but he is an only child (dc2 due in May but won't be playing footsie for a while!)

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MNHQ

Swing ball is always fun. I have a tyre swing on a tree.

Second swing ball. You can get a junior version that DS got for his 5th birthday and he's still playing with it a year and a half on.

Bean bags and some kind of target/goal to throw them into.

Basketball hoop if you have space.

Bat and balls.

A den/hideout?

You can get a goal with a cover with holes for them to score through - my two enjoy throwing balls and spraying water guns through them.

My nearly 5 yr old has a football version of swingball - just ball on elastic attached to base that you fill with water. It's good as he can have a kick about on his own and it never goes over the fence! You could also use for goal practice I suppose.

We've got a goal for our son (4.5yrs - with a baby sibling) and while he doesn't play in it by himself myself and DH are always up for a kickabout before/after tea etc and I think it's definitely worth it (but maybe only if you're also keen to have a play yourself :-)

DS1 also likes our pop up suntent which he uses as a den etc in the summer (takes magazines, toys and stuff out there).

We have a big slide which he still likes but he's getting a bit big for it to be honest, so probably not worth the purchase (esp given the space it takes up).

Other things are general 'sunny' toys like bubble blowing stuff / water pistols, paddling pool etc.

I havent' played swingball for years - might invest in one... :-D

Mud kitchens are all the rage at the moment and needn't cost much.
What is your budget could you stretch to a playhouse?

Bungee bouncer has been a great success here.

Ooh swing ball is a good idea! Am going to look into goals. Bought a crappy little one from asda this morning that is going straight back!

What is a mud kitchen? Intrigued.

We could stretch to a playhouse, DH could even make one. Nearly did last summer but I know lots of people who have them and the kids don't bother with them after the first excitement, then they end up storing bikes etc! Also is it still going to appeal in a year or so?

ratfinkle we got a new set of goals this year (previous ones were inflatable) for the grand price of 12.50. Set them up on thursday so still new, but seem like they'll do a good job. You can buy them here: www.thetoyshop.com/Outdoors/Sports-toys/Football-Goal---6-x-4-Foot/p/512235

Bargain! Thanks v much!

Mud kitchen - is basically letting your kids play in wet mud

They actually have a dedicated mud kitchen at DS1 school. It has a sink and a drainer for them to make their err creations on. Personally I let my kids do a lot of creative and messy stuff at home but I draw the line at mud kitchen - school can deal with that shite!

Oh forgot to say DC love it when I put a plastic table outside for them and let them play with shaving foam, flour, clay, messy crap etc - they like to drive their cars and trucks through it make stuff out if it.

Space hopper?

Ds1 (5yo) loves his little playhouse which we got from B&Q and built / painted ourselves. He likes his watering can and spades and forks for digging in the garden. He has a big plastic kitchen in the playhouse (bit girly maybe but given to us by our neighbour) which he does play with quite a lot. Can't beat a football, some cones or a goal, balls and a frisbee to throw though. Water guns are a favourite too. In Summer I draw roads all over our patio with chalk, and he rides round on a scooter or trike stopping at traffic lights and visiting the school etc. Set of plastic boules are also popular.

Just got a bungee bouncer. Thinking of getting the goals too. Thanks for the ideas!