Avice on creating a toddler play area in the garden

[pilsbury]

We are redoing a bit of our back garden at the moment, to make a previously unused space into a play, but I'm in need of some inspiration.

We have cleared a nice space, but not sure what best to put there, a slide? Swing? Sand/waterpit? Playhouse/fort? Our little girl is nearly two and we have another one due in the next few months, so we'd Obviosuly like something they're both going to enjoy for several years (rather than having to redo the garden again!)

Also what do people use underfoot for the children's area? We had thought about play grade wood chip, but now my other half nannies astro turf but I'm not a big fan of that myself...

Any advice or pointers to helpful websites wood be gratefully received! Thanks!

[mysticmark]

Hi,

in kind of similar position. Have a paved area at bottom of garden of house we moved into just over year ago and want to add sthg foe 2.5 yr old which older 8 yr old can enjoy too.

Found these sites which seem good: lots of options.

macventureplay.co.uk

diyplay.co.uk

But would like to see more. Have you seen the lovely play stuff in Westow Park? Thats style Id love most; if havent been best access is parking in College Road, but wait for a better day eh?

[Fuschia]

I would just deck it, then have a few things - table and chairs, tent, rigid paddling pool, sandbox, watering can and buckets, ride on car, mini trampoline, etc, then you can circulate the toys (you will need to have space to store) If you do want one item, a playhouse scores highest in my view

[pebbles]

We have this sand pit - http://www.johnlewis.com/tp426-forest-deluxe-picnic-table-sandpit/p231331033 - which doubles up as a picnic bench as well - Honestly such an amazing buy. They spend hours playing in it - and love that we can just put the top on and they and their friends can eat.

We also have a trampoline. I wasn't a fan of these as I felt they were an isaw BUT we relented last summer and i'm so so happy we did. No matter how cold they go straight outside after school/nursery and jump all afternoon.

Good luck and I hope whatever you choose they will love :)

[Belle]

I'm quite keen on the idea of playground type surface for our side return - maybe with nice bright pattern/picture - possibly have been looking at similar sites as you, mysticmark.

I've noticed that there are some nice playhouse/climbing frame combos (think made by TP?) in the newest ELC catalogue (don't seem to be on their website yet). think it's worth thinking ahead and not buying something they'll grow out of quickly. know it sounds obvious but it's amazing how fast they get too big for things.