I would like a playset for Grant. Mark would like a trampoline. Grant would like both. I would like something that I can send Grant out to play in the backyard by himself and he would spend more than ten minutes. I think a playset, or at least a fort with a sand box underneath would be perfect. He is a digger and loves to pretend....thus I think he would spend hours on a set! But, he also likes to jump and every trampoline that he's been on he just loves it. Mark thinks they're fun too and would jump with him in the evenings, but I think it's one of those items I would still have to keep an eye on him and he wouldn't enjoy all by his little lonesome one. So, what's your opinion? What do your kids prefer? Do you have one or the other or both (we will not be getting both...or anything this moment), just picking your brains. Keep in mind, Grant is an only child (four almost five)...what would be suitable for HIM to go out and play even if he doesn't have friends over. Leave a comment and take the poll, located to the right on the sidebar! Thanks!
13 comments:
My vote is for a playset. We have always had a trampoline (got it when Ky was 3 1/2 and Kierstyn was 1) and it has stood the test of time. They have never lost interest--sure, they go through phases where they jump more but it continues to keep them entertained MANY years later. And I haven't ever felt the need to watch them too vigilantly except for when they were very small or if there are too many kids on there to begin with. However, I would have to say that although they do jump alone sometimes, for the most part they prefer to have a jumping buddy. So for that reason I'm voting for the playset. I just think it would be a better "only child" choice. AND we have always lived within walking distance of a park and I LOVE playgrounds (and so do my kids!)...we just never needed one in our backyard. I think a playset would be a better choice for fostering creative play--and I know you're a big fan of that! :)
ps- We've always had a sandbox, too! Can't live without it!
I vote trampoline. We had one before Maya was born and that is were Ender spent all of his free time. You can have balls on it or a sprinkler underneath. They come with nets too which might make you feel a little more safe about it. Boys need to get butterflies in there stomaches and feel the bounce.
Playset, all the way. We had both until a few months ago when we ditched the trampoline. Once the novelty wore off, my kids just wouldn't go outside and jump unless they had friends over. The playset, though, gets used almost every day.
Playset. We had both in our other house. Now we only have the trampoline. The kids don't use it as often as they did the playset. My kids love to swing and slide. They usually don't jump on the tramp by themselves. In fact next spring we are going to build a playset. Home Depot has some that we're looking at.
Hum...tough call. We have both and they both get used. Honestly the trampoline gets more use than the playset. The playset was cool when we first got it but now the novelty has worn off. The younger kids enjoy digging in the sandbox area (we've never had sand in it because I dread the idea the some cat is going to use it as a litter box. As you know, we put our tramp in the ground so I haven't really felt too worried about it.
Here is what I would vote: a trampoline either set in the ground (which is a lot of work) or with a net around it AND a sandbox.
Keep your eyes out at garage sales or craigslist for any of these things.
I think (from reading the above comments) that each child is going to want different toys. Because of Grant's creativity I think he'd do great with a playset BUT he also has a ballfull of energy and the trampoline would be a great outlet for that. I voted for both because both would be great :)! Good luck deciding!
Here's an idea...
YOU get the playset. Since we don't have one yet, I can bring little man over to play at your house. And since we've got a trampoline, you can bring Grant over to jump whenever he wants. Sounds like a good deal to me. :)
The trampoline is great fun, but the girls do enjoy it most when friends are over or when daddy is home to jump with them. So I say definitely play set! He can go out and become absorbed in his imagination for hours without you worrying too much about injuries, etc. Also, we can come play too. :) Wait...did I already mention that part?
We have both, the trampoline the second summer we lived here and the playset the third. They spend tons of time on both, though there definately is more to do on/with the playset. I voted both, but if I had to choose one, I think the playset would be the one.
My kids won't leave the trampoline alone at other people's homes. I love them, especially for sleepovers and camping out on them!! I did that all the time growing up. Shawn and I want to get one for the kids soon. I like the playset, but I think it gets ignored more than used.
Once again at the end. I vote for trampoline (although I have a feeling you'll get both), as John loves ours and it has provided him with tons of hours of entertainment. And he and Mike also spend their time on it in the evenings. However, I know that Grant has loved playing in the sand/dirt and that keeps him very entertained (although sandy/dirty). Guess I'm not much help.
Amy
I voted playset, just because I know Grant loves to dig. I haven't had either though and I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses. Good stuff to know!
I voted for both! I agree with the comment above that it really depends on the child. I've always thought a playhouse would be the best. Probably because I loved the 'fort' my dad built I was a kid.
C'mon Kim, get both!!! I LOVED having a trampoline growing up. So what if Kylee broker her arm and Jordan broke his leg. (Both could have been prevented if they would have been following rules. Kylee was jumping with the "big boys" and Rocky slipped on a sleeping bag that was suppose to be off the tramp and hit Jordan in the leg.) The playset is a must too! Grant is such a digger/imaginary kind of guy, but he's such a jumper too! Both Both Both! :) Maybe I'm trying to live vicariously through you and your backyard. :)
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