No matter the setting, outdoor play is a great way for children to develop their early learning skills, have fun and stay healthy. In this guide, we take a look at some of the best garden toys and play equipment on offer, as well as providing advice on some key considerations to keep in mind before you make a purchase. So read on to discover how to keep your children entertained for hours with the best garden play equipment.
What are the benefits of outdoor play?
It’s undisputed that outdoor play has numerous benefits for children of all ages. Here are some of the advantages garden play can provide:
Encourages physical fitness
Spending time outdoors daily helps keep children fit and healthy physically. Encouraging children to run, jump, climb and chase develops good physical fitness, as well as helping aid in critical development such as stability, bone density, and muscle development. Staying healthy from a young age can help prevent future problems too.
Advanced motor skills
Playing outside allows kids to develop more advanced motor skills than children who spend most of their time indoors, including agility, balance and coordination.
Helps develop social skills
Playing outside offers children a chance to explore and process feelings in a situation that they can control. The increased space lends itself well to group activities providing opportunities to practise empathy and develop an understanding of others. Outside is the perfect place for children to make friends, helping develop their social and emotional skills, by engaging in group activities and problem-solving.
Introduces children to the natural world
Spending time outdoors allows children to explore their natural environment and the world around them. As your kids play outside, they will be introduced to plants, wildlife and the sights, sounds and smells of everyday life.
What considerations should I keep in mind before buying an outdoor toy?
Before purchasing garden play equipment, you’ll need to think carefully about selecting the right toy for your child. Ideally, your toy should be:
Age appropriate
As with all children's toys, the one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work. A 7-year-old is likely to quickly grow bored of a toy designed for a toddler. You’ll also have to comply with age and weight guidelines to ensure your toddler can play safely with a toy that appeals to them - for example, you’ll want to discourage your 8-year old from playing on a baby swing that cannot accommodate their size.
Practical
Practicality is another factor you should consider before purchasing an outdoor toy or garden play equipment. While your little one may be begging you for a slide, does your garden have enough space to fit one? You’ll also need to ensure that any outdoor apparatus is sturdy enough to withstand any harsh weather conditions.
What are the best options when it comes to garden toys and play equipment?
The options are endless when it comes to garden play equipment for kids. However, we’ve compiled an assortment of popular classics to help you select the perfect toy for your little one:
Garden swings
Who could forget their first childhood swing? This essential classic is a must-have for all kids - not only will they enjoy lasting memories for life but they’ll also help improve your child’s mental and physical health. Here are a few benefits garden swings can provide:
- Swinging is calming.
- Swinging encourages social interaction and development.
- Swinging increases spatial awareness.
- Swinging helps develop gross motor skills—pumping legs, running, jumping.
- Swinging helps develop fine motor skills—grip strength, hand, arm and finger coordination.
- Swinging develops a child’s core muscles and helps with the development of balance.
- Spinning on a swing stimulates different parts of a child’s brain simultaneously. This is important for learning skills such as spatial awareness, rhythm and balance and muscle control.
Slides
Better still, why not invest in an outdoor toy that has a bit of everything? Ride On Carz 4 Kidz proudly offers our Mini Playground Swing And Slide Set which incorporates the essential playground favourites your kids are guaranteed to love. Including a long plastic slide, trusty swing set and even a basketball hoop and corresponding ball - whatever the preferences of your little one, there’s an array of activities and imaginative play opportunities to explore. Let your toddler’s imagination run wild, and bring the fun of the park to your back garden.
Balls
A simple ball can provide endless fun for toddlers, as it can be thrown, kicked, hit, or rolled. This can be a great way to encourage active play and coordination.
Plastic swimming pools
A garden essential for warm weather, plastic swimming pools have experienced widespread popularity among children for years. In addition to introducing kids to swimming in a safe environment, they’re guaranteed to keep them entertained all summer long.
Choose from a variety of exciting garden pools and hot tubs available at Ride On Carz 4 Kidz. Our spacious Bestway 14ft Steel Pro Max X Large Swimming Pool is ideal for chilled evenings in the sun, splash-filled shenanigans or friendly gatherings, while the 13ft Bestway Rattan Fast Set inflatable swimming pool is the perfect stress-free set up with no tools required that will guarantee you a cooling swim.
Bikes and tricycles
Bikes and tricycles are another great option when searching for an outdoor toy.
Tricycles are particularly suitable for younger children who might not be able to use an electric ride on car yet, the push-along element of many of these vehicles creates a prime opportunity for exercise.
Some tricycle vehicles are multi-functional and can also be used as baby strollers. A great example of this is the 3-in-1 Tricycle, available at Ride On Carz 4 Kidz. With pedals, footrests and a comfortable seat coupled with a protective wind cover, your little one can explore the outdoors at their own pace.
Meanwhile, bikes are a popular classic that will keep your kids healthy and active all year round. Here’s just a few of the exciting bikes we stock:
Our Official licensed BMW S1000RR Electric Ride On Motorcycle is the perfect choice for any little thrillseekers out there. Available in a range of classic colours, this new model is ensured to be a big hit with our young BMW model lovers. Appropriate for kids up to 5 years old, this bike features leather seating, headlights and taillights and a logo - so your child will feel like they’re driving the real thing!
To capture your child’s imagination, you could alternatively invest in our BMW R1200 Police Electric Ride On Motorcycle. Fulfil your little one’s fantasy by allowing them to be a police officer as they whizz around on this pint-sized motorcycle. Able to accommodate children up to 6 years old or 2 smaller children, this ride on bike will leave kids entertained for hours.
If you want to mimic the feeling of a real bike even further, why not opt for the Sabex X Electric Monkey Bike with stabilisers. Ideal for any little daredevils out there, this bike takes excitement to a whole new level! Featuring a high and low-speed setting, the Sabex X Electric Monkey Bike is a smooth, quiet, entirely pollution-free designed for outdoor fun, offering a rear disc bracket and new twist throttle that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a life sized motorbike. Fitted with chopper-style padded seats and alloy wheels, this electric monkey bike with stabilisers is available in a range of colours.
A bike that will ensure your kid rides in style is the Licensed Aprilia Tuono V4 12V Kids Electric Ride On Motorbike. This motorbike is the ultimate adrenaline machine and will keep your kids occupied for hours. Make this the birthday present your child will remember for years to come!
Another stylish option is the Vespa Kids Ride - available in a range of colours, from the style of the working front light and rear view mirrors to the iconic body shape this scooter is just as cool as a real Vespa and just as much fun to ride.
If you’re seeking a bike fit for a little adventurer, we stock the all new 800W 36V Mini dirt bike from Neo Outlaw. This powerful mini dirt bike is perfect for off road use and is virtually silent compared to the noisy petrol versions. With front rear discs able to stop the vehicle safely, this bike also comes with 3 speed settings so as parents you can set the speed with the key, start off on the low speed setting and adjust as your child gets comfortable riding it to the higher speeds.
Garden play toys at Ride On Carz 4 Kidz
At Ride On Carz 4 Kidz, we stock the best childrens outdoor toys and play equipment that will keep your kids entertained for hours. We also boast an amazing collection of ride on cars and our showroom boasts over 50 cars on display you can try before you buy. From buggies, jeeps and tractors to garden play toys, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today to discover our amazing collections and find the best toy for your child.
