Garden Games For The Summer Holidays

With computer games, games consoles, the internet and television all available in the house, it can be difficult to get children outside to play these days. Sunshine and fresh air do children the world of good, but if they need some convincing, why not invest in some fun garden structures? Building a playhouse or climbing frame in the garden is a sure way of getting the children to be active and creative during playtime.

Playhouses
There are various styles, shapes and sizes of playhouses available on the market so whatever the size of your garden, budget or age or gender of your child, there is bound to be a suitable design. If a brightly coloured playhouse will massively compromise the design or look of your garden, there are plenty more natural finish alternatives. Such wooden designs can also be painted with a treatment in a different colour. There are also lots of gender neutral designs for families with boys and girls or parents hoping to have more children.

Playhouses are not only great fun for children but they are also likely to aid a child's development through encouraging role play. Playing house and imitating adult life is something that all children do. It helps them acquire everyday life skills, become independent and learn how to behave in different situations. Encouraging role play, especially imitative role play is very important so supplying fuel for their imagination with toys and games can be really helpful.

Playhouses provide a designated make-believe space for children where they can pretend they are anywhere, doing anything by using their imagination. They can also be used as an independent space for the children, a place they can call their own and a place that they are responsible for. Giving a child responsibility by, for example, leaving them in charge of keeping the playhouse tidy is likely to instil confidence and self-esteem.

Climbing Frames
There is a great deal of versatility with a climbing set particularly as the purchaser is often able to effectively build their own by choosing various accessories. This means it is easy to select a climbing frame to fit a certain budget as you can add as much or as little as you want to the core design. There is usually a choice of colour of certain parts too, for example; the swings or slide may come in different colours so the parent is able to build the design with their child in mind. Some are also adaptable after they have been purchased so additional features can be added as a gift or when the child becomes older or wants some variety. Creating different play combinations yourself means that you can build a unique and thoughtful climbing set which has been tailored specifically to your child.

Play Tents
Although not exclusively outdoor toys, play tents are great for the summer. They offer many of the benefits of a playhouse in that they give children their own space and play area, but they are a fraction of the price and are quicker and easier to assemble. Many come in innovative designs and are shaped like castles and houses for girls or trains and rockets for boys. Again, they encourage imagination and fun but also in terms of practicality, as outdoor play areas they provide shade on hot summer days. Despite most play tents being very durable, they are not as hard wearing as play houses. On the other hand, on rainy days, play tents can be brought in and played with indoors.

When summer comes around, it's always great to see the children enjoying the garden and the above products can help them do so. With a witch's cottage, army command post or whatever else your child imagines their play space to be in the garden, you will never be able to get them back indoors!