Ask:
My dd is one year old. I am looking for ideas on what things we could get for her to do outdoors. We have a sandbox, baby swing, and picnic table so far. What other things are fun for small kiddos? I orignally thought a Little Tykes playhouse or slide/swing type thing, but those are a little pricey!! We really don't live near a park, so that's why I'm asking.
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My DS favorite outdoor toy is a stick. Seriously. Or a bug, or some bubbles, or an acorn. He loves acorns because they have tops, we call them "hats". He also goes up and down the front 3 steps over and over (which he started at about 13mo). We do have a great local park and we go there a couple times a week, but he has just as much fun hanging out in the yard.
It sounds like you have a great yard setup now, and you probably don't really need any more stuff IMO. If you're desperate for something new, buy some bubbles!
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I would say you should get playground equipment. It gets used forever and I can't image not having it. I would get something the kids can grow into. My kids love their bounce house too and they can never have enough riding toys.
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My dd loves teh little tykes slide. IT small enough taht she cant get hurt when she falls and it folds up so you can put it away. I think it was like 30$. Other that that she really just loves to carry a bucket and collect things.
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my kids like balls and riding toys but mostly them like to investigate. we sometimes make mud or try to catch bugs. Whatever they want. Sometimes we put up a tent and play camping. I go off what they want.
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The little tykes stuff is nice ~ what I would do is check out garage sales. I have gotten/sold some bigger things for VERY inexpensive.
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Yeah, garage sales are the way to go ...
We have the Step 2 roller coaster. That's been pretty popular.
We had a climbing structure. It was a bear to put together and not used all that much BUT they need to climb.
A slide is popular.
A wading pool is a must for summer. It is even better if the slide goes into the pool. That's how the slide on the climbing structure was used most of the time.
Lots of balls and vehicles. My dream is to have a continuous pathway around the perimeter of the backyard for riding cars, riding bikes, roller skating, etc.
DD's playhouse is only moderately used. I think I liked the idea of it more than she actually liked playing in it. The problem now is the ones on the market have open sides so you can supervise the little ones. They really WANT the enclosed feeling AND the shelter from the elements - especially bugs. If I had it to over agan I'd get a real 4-full walls playhouse with fully operational doors and windows.
You already have the swing.
Other things to consider - teeter totter and sandbox. We created a sandbox around the stump of an old tree. Hubby roto-tilled out a deep area then filled it with bags and bags of playsand. There is something about digging in the real ground and not a plastic box that really inspires kids.
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you can check your local craigslist for gently used equipment. Other than what you have: Climbers/slides/playhouse/cozy coupe.
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Originally Posted by Cookie2
My dream is to have a continuous pathway around the perimeter of the backyard for riding cars, riding bikes, roller skating, etc.
OMG, we had this growing up and I totally forgot until now! Except ours was an asphalt figure-eight shape with sandboxes in the middle. I had so much fun with that. I must have been 6 or 7. Thanks Cookie2!
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Originally Posted by dillonsmama
My DS favorite outdoor toy is a stick. Seriously. Or a bug, or some bubbles, or an acorn. He loves acorns because they have tops, we call them "hats". He also goes up and down the front 3 steps over and over (which he started at about 13mo). We do have a great local park and we go there a couple times a week, but he has just as much fun hanging out in the yard.
It sounds like you have a great yard setup now, and you probably don't really need any more stuff IMO. If you're desperate for something new, buy some bubbles!
I have to agree. DS is 15mths & his favorites are the swing, the sandbox and most of all, balls! He loves to take the balls in ans out of the basket we keep them in!