Aquaplay and other toy canal systems

[FreddoBaggyMac]

I'm thinking of getting DS one of those toy canal system things (like the ones you sometimes see in museums) to play with in the garden for his 3rd birthday.

Does anyone have any experience of these as I'd love some advice?! Aquaplay seems to be the main 'name' and this looks fabulous. It's expensive though and I was wondering if there's much difference between that and this smaller/cheaper one. I have four DCs who will all want to play so it needs to be a reasonable size!

There's this smoby one and I'm wondering if it's as good/ better value?

Does anyone know of anything around that is similar but less expensive? I know my DCs would get LOADS of play out of this over summer, but am going to have a hard job persuading DH to spend £80 on more bits of plastic!!

Any advice would be most appreciated xx

Aquaplay is brilliant, and it lasts for years.
I would start with a slightly cheaper set because you can always add to it in future, handy for birthday present ideas for relatives too.
This has the lock and harbour that my minded kids like, (I am a childminder), which are the most important pieces to have, I think.
You can also buy the smaller bits and pieces separately to alter the layout now and again. Some here but I'm sure you can find other sites too.

Thank you so much Bamaluz (had assumed no-one was going to answer me so haven't checked for a few days). I will check out your link. Think I will also re-post in another section to see if I can get a few more responses.
Very good advice about getting a smaller set and adding to it - thank you.