Outdoor play is a great way for children to burn off excess energy and get a bit of fresh air. Running around with a ball, riding a bike or playing with a skipping rope are all fantastic exercise and there's never been such a good choice of outdoor toys for kids. When the cold weather sets in, however, you'll need to find ways to keep the toys in good condition.
Storage
If it's possible to keep items indoors, that's ideal. Larger toys, such as bikes, may not fit in your house, but a shed or lean-to can be purchased quite inexpensively. Small toys that are generally used outside can be kept in a box with drainage holes, such as a crate, allowing you to carry the box out to the garden or park so that the contents can still be accessed easily. It's a good idea to allow children to carry on playing outdoors throughout the cold weather as long as they are well wrapped up and it's safe to do so; portable storage for their favorite small outdoor toys makes this easier to arrange.
Covers
Some outdoor toys for kids, such as swings, slides or trampolines, are too big to bring indoors. When this is the case, it's often possible to buy covers that will protect them from the worst ravages of winter. If your toys don't have a purpose-built cover that can be readily obtained, a piece of plastic sheeting will generally be just as good; these can be held in place with some heavy-duty tape or clamps. If you are certain that a toy won't be used for several months, it is sometimes more convenient to dismantle it so that it can be stored in a shed before being safely reassembled, rust-free, once the warmer weather returns.
A well-made outdoor toy will last for years and provide endless hours of exercise and entertainment for your children, which is why it's worth taking a little extra time and trouble to protect them from unnecessary damage due to cold and damp weather. Correct storage or covers will help to prevent an expensive bill for replacements and, more importantly, will ensure your children aren't disappointed by the loss of a treasured pastime.
If you are loving your outdoor playsets, simply visit My Kid Needs That for more information.
If you are loving your outdoor playsets, simply visit My Kid Needs That for more information.
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