Climbing frame - TP Challenger??

[WindUpBird]

I'm trying to decide what garden toy would get the most use for 5 yo DD and 3 yo DS. I like the idea of the TP challenger with the set up shown in the link (i.e. frame, slide and a 'den' to hide in). However, it would take up almost a quarter of our lawn... Is it a worthwhile investment of (grandparents') money and our space? Or would the DCs be just as happy with a slide?

I don't want something taking up loads of room if it won't get played with!

If you'd recommend a different or better idea let me know!

We have the explorer which is a bit more compact and find it got lots of use. Less so now the kids are a bit older but they still use it (aged 9 & 6). It also has den, ladder to climb and slide.

Of course, it probably depends on the shape of your garden - because it's sort of a 20 degree angle from the climbing ladder to the slide, it fit ours better than the straight challenger. You can also have it without bothering with the ladder ramp bit if space is really at a premium.

The challenger is good as your kids will play with it for longer than the explorer and there are more add ons for it. I used to sell them. :)

Thanks Rubberduck, I'd wondered about the angle of the explorer being better for taking up less space...but also wondered, TheVisitor if the challenger would be played with for longer!!

Would anyone not recommend getting a climbing frame - I guess I'm a bit worried about visiting children falling off and breaking bones...

Not had any broken bones here :) We also now have a trampoline and not had any fatalities (touch wood) on that either. Though we have had a child walk directly in front of a swing and get clouted in the face. A hard but important lesson to learn

As I say, ours still gets used, although the trampoline and swings are now more popular but to be fair, they're newer (I hasten to add that we moved and have more garden space now). Definitely recommend getting a den for any climbing frame you get. Even if they're bored of the climbing bit, they'll often go hide in the den to plot nefarious schemes!

We have the challenger (without the slide - as it just took up too much room). It has been used alot. We have also rigged up a swing on the monkey bars and that gets loads of use.