Editor's note: We think there are some great ideas
here but that most of them are more appropriate for younger kids! If you
have kids at the top end of the range, you are likely to find that water
guns get the most use.
If you are a parent then you are likely to know that summertime can be a
difficult time. Parents of children under the age of twelve are
constantly dealing with children who are bored. There are only so many
activities a child can do inside. That is why it is important for
children to play outside during the summer.
Playing outside in the summertime is fun, but many children can easily
become bored without a few outdoor summer toys. If you are the parent of
a child who is younger than twelve, you have a number of options when it
comes to buying outdoor toys. Below is a list and small summary of ten
of the most popular outside toys for children under the age of twelve.
(1) Sand and Water Activity Tables
Sand and water activity tables are tables that allow children to play in
the sand or in the water almost at the same time. Most tables are
divided into two sections. A large number of companies make sand and
water activity tables; therefore, you can purchase a wide variety of
different table designs. Most sand and water tables are designed for
children aged three and up.
Average Price: $45 - $75
(2) Outdoor Water Sprinklers
For years now, outdoor water sprinklers have been how many children
without pool access have stayed cool during the summertime. Outdoor
water sprinklers come in all different styles. Traditional sprinkler
systems can be purchased; however, large beach balls, plastic animals,
and other popular cartoon characters can be used as a sprinkler system.
All outdoor water sprinklers require water hookup through a garden hose.
Average Price: $5 - $30
(3) Water Guns
Similar to the above mentioned water sprinklers, water guns are a fun
way for children without a pool to stay cool. Water guns come in all
different shapes, sizes, and styles. You can purchase a water gun that
fits into the palm or your hand or you can get one that is so big it is
about waist tall. Large water guns tend to have more force when it comes
to dispensing the water. This means that most large water guns are not
safe for children under the age of five.
Average Price: $10 - $20
(4) Slip and Slide Water Toys
Slip and slides are known as small water slides. They have been a
popular outdoor summer toy for children under the age of twelve for
years now. Slip and slides work best on a hill, but with running water a
child can have fun even on a flat surface. Many slip and slides are sold
with a sprinkler system or a miniature wading pool for extra fun.
Average Price: $10 - $25
(5) Inflatable Water Slides
Until recently, the above mentioned slip and slide water toys were the
only water slides designed for home use without a pool. Now large water
slides are being sold online and in department stores across the
country. These slides are inflatable and they can go as high as ten feet
in the air. They come with a miniature pool at the bottom. Due to their
large size, most water slides are designed for children over the age of
four or five.
Average Price: $200 - $300
(6) Sandboxes
Currently, sandboxes sit in millions of backyards all across the
country. When filled with sand, sandboxes offer hours of fun for the
whole family. Sandboxes can come in a traditional box size or they can
come as large plastic animals. Large plastic turtles and crabs are most
popular with children under the age of five.
Average Price: $45 - $100
(7) Teeter Totters
Many parents and children mistakenly believe that teeter totters are
only meant for the park. The truth is that there are a large number of
teeter totters that are designed for backyards of all sizes. Large
teeter totters can often be hooked into the ground; therefore, making it
safe for older children or adults to use. Smaller teeter totters that
are transportable and designed for children under the age of 10 can also
be purchased.
Average Price: $40 - $80
(8) Grill and Grill Accessories
Toy grills are becoming one of the most popular outdoors toys to hit the
market. A large number of companies make these grills; therefore, there
is a large selection of different styles at most retail stores. The
grills can come in all different sizes with talking pieces, plastic
food, and other grill accessories. These toy grills allow children to
feel like a grownup while they cook right alongside their parents.
Average Price: $20 - $60
(9) Children's Wheelbarrow and Garden Accessories
A children's wheelbarrow can be used for a number of fun outdoor
activities. Children can use a wheelbarrow to move their toys or help
their parents in the garden. Most wheelbarrows can be purchased with
additional garden accessories for extra fun. Children's wheelbarrows
come in all different shapes and sizes; therefore, children of all ages
can have fun with this great outdoor toy.
(10) Bubbles
Bubbles have always been considered fun outside toys, but the creation
of additional bubble toys have made them even more fun. In addition to
traditional bubbles, there are now bubble-making machines. These
machines can often produce hundred of bubbles in just a few minutes.
There are also machines that can be used to create huge bubbles. In
addition to bubble-making machines, there are also other bubble
accessories that can create unique bubble shapes and much more.
Average Price: $5 - $20
All of the toys mentioned above are the top ten most popular outside
toys for children under the age of twelve. The good news is that almost
all of these toys are reasonably priced and great for backyards of just
about any size. Why let your child suffer through a boring summer when a
large number of fun outdoor toys are all within your reach?
Inside The Minds Of
School-age Kids
How do we help our kids through tough times in school? I think the
biggest road block is finding out what is going on at school. Oh sure,
they will tell us about the comings and goings of kids and who got in
trouble during casual conversations in the car or at the dinner table.
But how often do they share the things that are worrying them most?
Aren't They All Our Children?
There may be no greater question for our generation. And how we answer that
question will determine the shape of our world for years to come...
Advantages Of Raising A Bilingual
Child
There is no doubt that raising a bilingual child takes a great deal of effort
and commitment from the parents. Is it worth it?
Motivating Your Children To Get Things
Done
If you have children, you know how hard it can be to get them to do the
things they should, and how frustrating. When the kids are distracted, convincing
them to take care of their household chores and other
responsibilities can be a real challenge.
Delightful Musical Activities and
Imaginative Play You Can Enjoy With Your Child
Today's parents are learning more about their child's unique developmental
process, and the shared learning experience that creates a unique bond as the
child associates learning with fun, musical play. Here are some delightful
activities you can do with your child.
How Old is Too Old to
Become a Mother? Britain's Oldest Mum-To-Be is 66.
The papers are full of the news about Elizabeth Munro, due to become the oldest
Mum in Britain at 66. As you might expect, there are opinions left, right and
sideways about whether this is "right." But on what grounds should this woman
and her pregnancy be judged, if at all?
Think You Know How to Handle These 10
Parenting Emergencies? Think Again!
There have been times over the years when I've seriously thought the words
"parenting" and "emergency" were one and the same. You probably have, too, as
kids tend to get into things when you turn your head for just a second. So,
let's look at some common emergency situations and see the wrong and right way
to handle them... Editor's note: I thought I was well-up on emergency
procedures and first aid, but this article has made me think again. Well worth
reading!
