Play Yard

[Frizzled]

What are some essentials you have in your play areas? I have only had infants in my care since I started. This summer I am getting two Kinder-gardeners happyface (both boys ) and need advice on what to have. Currently we have one reg. swing, and two inf./toddler swings. A little kid slide (the plastic kind), a picnic table, and a trike.

I don't have much of a budget (about $400) so what ideas can you come up with? I purchased some bug catching equipment at a garage sale, we have 3 acres and our neighbor has a pond so we get lots of bugs!

[CheekyChick]

My older boys mainly ride bikes and play basketball. You could probably buy two bikes, two helmets, and a junior sized basketball hoop/balls for WELL under $400.00.

[Lilbutterflie]

I have to say you did good with bug-catching equipment. My 7 yr old, 4 yr old, and 4 yr old dcb are obsessed with catching bugs right now. Anything from roly polies, grasshoppers, worms, and butterflies. I have a butterfly pavilion and a clear plastic bug house with a magnifying glass on the lid. They spend 90% of their outdoor time catching and watching the bugs.

Check Craigslist for perhaps some larger climbers, bikes/helmets, scooters, etc... This age group still loves to play in water, sand and dirt; so a large water/sand table would be great, too.

[LittleD]

I want to get a tetherball set for my older kids! I remember having fun with those. I've seen the at walmart for apprx $30.

Water and sand play is good for all ages.

Bubble blowing equipment, big tonka trucks, teeter toter, pogo sticks or the ball with the ring around it that they jump with.

Lawn bowling, hula hoops, bean bag toss.

Hope that gives you some ideas