Outdoor toy for small space

[Vancouver Mommy]

We just bought a townhouse that has a very small front yard (tiny). There is also a shared back yard area, but I would like to find something to put in our front that will keep a 3 and a 5 yo occupied for a while. I also want to put in a small raised garden bed in one corner. I am thinking of a sand/water table or a mini-trampoline, but would really like some other suggestions.

[joy2grow]

Although not tiny, our yard is on the smaller side.

From experience I think a sand/water table may be a short lived pleasure and not worth the cost and space. Playing with water and digging in the dirt in a less structured way goes much further with my 4yo. I'm not sure if your yard is grass or dirt, if it is covered in grass a largish storage tub with sand would do. For water play I've collected pump bottles (shampoo), funnels, several small watering cans, little scoops (old kitchen measuring cups), etc. and pouring from container to container is really fun and engaging for dd.

We've been wanting a mini-trampoline as well! It's fun and great exercise (for me too!). What I especially like about that idea is that it can easily be moved aside and/or brought indoors.

A pop up play tent is a popular choice here. We got one with a mesh window in the roof which allows her to see the sky or toss a blanket over the top for a darker environment and then have fun pretending to sleep or playing with flash lights. It can be squished together and slid behind a door when not in use.

I also have a small plastic table and chairs set that goes indoors or out depending on the need. It's great for crafts, picnics, play cooking, snacking, etc... We use it every day and I am so glad to have it.

Finally, if there is a bit of cement or even a brick wall have chalk on hand for spontaneous drawing. We also keep a small bucket and scrub brush with the chalk as dd enjoys drawing and then scrubbing it off with water. Paint brushes to use with water also makes fun outdoor art. Many of my friends have outdoor easels for their kids.

Hth!

[reezley]

I actually vote for the sand table/sandbox idea. It can keep my 3 & 5 yo busy for a long time, with some cool toys in it (like shovels, a funnel, a spinning mill-type thing, a few trucks and animals). It gets messy if (when?) they figure out how to get mud and water mixed in though.....