best buys
Clever buys to turn your living room into a playground
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So it's March, we're still in lockdown and the weather is still a little chilly!
You might be able to take the kids to the swings on bright, sunny days, but even the hardiest toddler can get tired of jumping in cold, muddy puddles!
With soft play and other activities shut, it's not easy to keep kids active – so why not create a playground in your living room?
We've rounded up some clever buys to help transform your living room and keep your kids busy, whatever the weather – for all budgets and needs.
Most of these buys also can be used in the garden once the warmer weather finally arrives – result!
1. Slide
*Designed to be extra stable for young children
*Easy assembly with handrails that snap into place
*Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
This simple plastic slide has great features despite its super-affordable price. It can fold up compactly for easier storage and be used inside or out thanks to its compact design.
It's also the perfect first slide for toddlers to master thanks to its chunky design and wide steps.
2. Gorilla Gym Deluxe Indoor Playground
*Indoor climbing equipment
*Fits onto doorframes and can hold 300 pounds
*Includes an indoor swing, plastic rings, trapeze bar, climbing ladder and a swinging rope
Need to keep little ones busy and moving when it's cold and raining outside? This indoor play equipment is easily installed with no drilling or holes in your walls or doorframe required. Each items can be put up or removed in seconds and easily stored away afterwards.
3. Play Tunnel, £23
*Suitable for indoor and outdoor use at home
* Four-way pop-up tunnel
*Quick, easy to assemble and folds flat for compact storage
This fun play tunnel is the perfect buy for toddlers who love to crawl around and explore. It can be popped up instantly, providing hours of fun. It's great for encouraging little ones to be physically active and can help them to develop their motor skills, plus it's the ideal way to keep them occupied inside on rainy days.
4. Soft Play Foam Blocks, £61.99
* 12-pack of blocks now 50% off on ebay
* Made of soft, high-density foam
* Designed to be handled by toddlers
We love these brightly-coloured building blocks that are made from soft PU leather.
Little ones will have endless fun, as they build, climb, crawl, explore and slide using the blocks. They'll also learn motor skills such as lifting, stacking and carrying, plus improve their hand-eye coordination, too.
5. 3-in-1 Sports Activity Centre
* Multifunctional activity centre for pre-schoolers
*Can be used for football, basketball and hoop tossing
*The basketball hoop is height-adjustable
This set is made for cold, rainy afternoons!
With a basketball hoop, goal and more it's just what little sports enthusiasts (and their parents) need to while away the hours.
The basketball hoop has 27 different adjustable positions, from the height of 25.6'' to 40.2'', so that you can adjust it easily according to your child's height.
6. Indoor Playhouse
* Lightweight play tent that can be used inside or out
*Also comes with a protective floor mat inside
* Measures 98 x 70.1 x 108 cm
Making a den is a fantastically fun activity for little ones and this play tent makes the perfect base for hours of imaginative play.
We like that the doors and windows can be rolled up to let air flow more freely and makes the tent much more breathable.
It also has a durable mat inside.
7. Ball pit
*Exciting and stimulating ball pit which is suitable for babies from six months old
*Also available in soft pink, blue and white
*The balls can be purchased separately
This brilliant ball pit will be loved by babies and toddlers, so they won't miss their local soft play centre TOO much.
It's a safe and comfortable place for your little one to hang out and the chic grey colour helps it blend into your home.
Suitable from six months old.
8. 3D Cardboard Playhouse
*Assembled castle measures 100 x 110 x 78cm
*Available in house, airplane, castle, circus versions, too
*Made from 100% recycled cardboard and is completely biodegradable
Made from recycled cardboard, eco-conscious parents will love that it's fully biodegradable and super sturdy, too! Kids will love painting and doodling on the outside, and then playing with it once it's built. It's large enough to provide hours of fun and encourages creativity, too.
9. Woodland Hoopla Game, £21
* Fun ring toss game for kids
* Set features five different woodland animals
* Each animal stands 14cm tall
Perfect for developing little one's hand-eye coordination, this fun hoopla game is ideal for toddlers and up.
Each set includes five woodland animals on stands with five numbered rope hoops to throw over them to score points.
Works equally well in the living room, or in the back garden come spring.
10. 3-in-1 play equipment set
* Sports equipment for family fun
*Includes six cones, six hoops and twelve bean bags
* Sturdily made to provide hours of fun
Why not have a family sports day – in your living room?
With this kit you can have races and games using the cones, hoops and beanbags and it's a great way to keep kids active, entertained – and off their iPads!
Read on:
* The toys that saved lockdown #1
* The best buys for homeschooling
*Inspiring kids' bedrooms you'll want in YOUR home