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' in these toys, but it is very expensive. I'm reposting this from another section as I only had one (very helpful!)response there recommending this as an initial purchase and buying bits to add on later. I was also considdering this one which is a bit more expensive and would be grateful for advice on which one's best!

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

Also does anyone know of anything around that is similar but less expensive? I know all four of 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.

I bought aquaplay for my boys, and even though it is good I found it a pain to be honest. I ended up setting it up on a solid board so It didn't fall apart and leak as it tends to if its set up on grass. It also made it easy to move.
It was also much better for older children, the younger ones tended to be too rough with it and would pull it apart.
I like the waterplay party one on the bottom of your link it looks like you can use lego on it as well.

I have no advice but just wanted to thank you for posting, it looks fab. Loving the Niagara one. I might have to find £60 to get it for my DS in the summer. Especially good if there is a hosepipe ban and we can't use his sprinkley ball.

Thanks Lesstalk. my two DSs would definitely be EXTREMELY rough with it so that is good to know! Good tip about setting it up on a board. Perhaps the Smoby Niagra Falls might stand up a bit better to rough treatment? Any more comments from anyone would be very welcome!

Glad to be of service Glitch

I bought Aquaplay for my DSs a few years ago - our set is very similar to the first one you posted, but I also got some extensions and some extra boats. It has been really successful, and I they love playing with it. The lock is a particular hit, and also the crane. You do need to have pretty flat ground for it to work, particularly if you have a larger set, otherwise the water floods out of one end, and there's barely any at the other. I have to prop up one end to keep the water in. I find it's pretty robust, and holds the water well. All in all, I think it's great!

Thanks LemonEmma. Really good to be aware that flat ground is needed, our garden is quite flat but may look at finding a board to put it on as lesstalk suggested... good to hear your positive comments (just need to persuade DH!!)

Would be really interested to hear from anyone with experience of the smoby niagra falls set as I'm leaning towards that at the moment....