A Guide to Outdoor Toys for Summer Fun with Kids - Share A Word
Summer is simply made for fun. It’s there for everyone, even the children, to have a good time, visit the beach, go on adventures, and try new things. Most of them enjoy the outdoors and love to spend time there, especially by the pool or at the beach. Give them some outdoor toys and that will keep them entertained for a very long time. Kids don’t need much, and things such as a snorkel set, pool slide, floats, or a trampoline will give them a day filled with fun.
Snorkel Set
Snorkelling is one of those activities that kids can do with their family or turn into a personal mission. It’s very fun, adventurous and educational. But for the kids to do that, you should get them a snorkelling set. It’s one of the most popular children’s outdoor toys that lets them enjoy playing with in the pool or at the beach. Kids are always excited to explore new areas and learn new things, and the snorkel set allows them just that.
They can uncover the sea world and get to know different kinds of fish and other sea life. Besides enjoying themselves, however, kids need to be safe as well. Getting involved with water can be dangerous sometimes. That’s why you should buy a set that fits their face perfectly. If it’s not the right fit, not only will it feel uncomfortable, but can be dangerous.
The basic kit contains a snorkel tube, a mask and swimming fins. Most of the time, it comes in a bag, so you’ll have a place to store it and take it with you wherever you need to. The material the set is made of is another priority. Ideally, the set should be sturdy, comfortable, and made of hypoallergenic materials. One of the most common ones is hypoallergenic silicone.
Your kids may not use the kit all the time, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on the quality. Always buy the best you can afford. The standard masks cover the eyes and the nose, but there are also full-face masks. They can be uncomfortable, and a lot of kids don’t like them so check in with your little one before the purchase. Also, make sure the fins have an open heel and are adjustable.
Pool Slide
If you have a pool in the house this is a must-have. Slides are not just for kids, they can be fun for adults also. In terms of materials, plastic and inflatable are your two main options. Don’t compromise on quality and consider a slide that’s easy to install and fix. Always consider the size of the pool before buying so you’ll know how big it needs to be.
There shouldn’t be any tables, benches, or other structures obstructing the installation or the access to the slide. You and the kids should be able to move around it freely. If you can, buy the latest models because they have improved structure and safety standards. Make sure the slide is installed properly. If you feel like you can’t do it yourself, ask the people at the store if they offer these services.
Keep an eye on the weight the slide can take. Children are lightweight in general, but if you want to you it, it has to be able to handle your weight. The sliding surface should be smooth, so the kids don’t get any scratches, bruises or injuries while having fun.
The angle of the slide shouldn’t be too steep and if the end of the slide is higher, the pool needs to be deeper. Fibreglass slides are very durable and can handle bad weather and temperature changes. They’re easy to fix but can take more time to install. The steps on these children’s outdoor toys have to be non-slippery.
When it comes to colour and design, you have so many options. From bright colours to pastels, from one-slip slides to multiple intertwined slides. Compared to plastic, inflatable ones have one big advantage – their mobility. You can easily move them around the pool or anywhere you want. Choosing the right slide comes down to your personal preferences.
Floats
Summertime is all about water, swimming, sunbathing and having fun at the beach or by the pool. Floats are a great way for you and the kids to relax after a long swimming lesson or when you’re just feeling lazy. The water keeps you cool, and the sun gives you some vitamin D, all that while you’re unwinding.
These floats should be sturdy and made of high-quality materials. The most common material is PVC, which can withstand scrapes from pebbles and nicks from sharp objects. Examine the seams on the float and make sure they’re sturdy because they should handle the pressure of a human body while floating.
It might be wise to ask how long it takes for the float to fill up with air, and be sure to check if you’ll need a machine, or if you can do it with your lips. This is important because a machine might be an additional expense you’re not willing to make. Deflating also matters. You don’t want to be at the beach with everything packed and waiting on the floaty to deflate.
You have plenty of sizes and shapes to choose from. Flat floats are the most common. Some even have a pillow for more comfort. If you have toddlers, there are floaties with leg holes that allow the toddler to sit comfortably. There’s also the couch-style float that is very comfortable. Colours and patterns are basically endless. It may be your kid’s favourite colour, Disney character, Marvel or DC hero, or some kind of fruit, vegetable and even animal.
Trampoline
Investing in a trampoline is a fantastic way to keep not only the children, but the whole family entertained and active for hours. Trampolines are amazing because you never truly outgrow them, they’ll always be fun. But before buying, make sure you have enough room for one. It’s one of those larger children’s outdoor toys that can take up a lot of space. The surface should be levelled and cleared of all debris and obstacles.
Round trampolines are a classic. They’re a traditional choice that comes in many sizes. They’re also very affordable but most of the time they won’t fit more than three people. Square ones are great for practising tricks and can fit more people at the same time. On the other hand, they might be more difficult to assemble.
Oval trampolines are considered the safest because there are no exposed coils or sharp edges. And finally, octagon models don’t take a lot of room, are stable and have a bigger weight capacity. Whatever shape you buy, always ask about its weight capacity, safety nets, type of frame and springs. Knowing this information can help you make a wise choice.
