Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Select the Right Outdoor Climbing Toys
Choose a toy rock wall. These miniature walls simulate the real thing for kids not lacking a sense of adventure.
Pick an interactive climbing toy. The Climb and Crawl Caterpillar, which can be found at the Toys "R" Us Web site, is soft and moves with you as you wiggle through it.
Opt for durable construction. Some indoor climbing toys can also be used outdoors, but you'll want to make sure the product is well made and lightweight, as with plastic toys.
Mimic larger climbing toys found on a real playground. If your child loves the monkey bars at the local park, consider bringing home a smaller, condensed version. The Pyramid Toys LTD Climbing Monkey Bars, also available at retailers like Toys "R" Us, are a great replacement for the real thing.
Consider building your own. Using materials like wood and wood stain from your local hardware store, you can create a customized outdoor climbing toy for your child.
Visit several toy stores. Allow your child to experiment and express a preference between the different choices before you select one for purchase.
Be aware of your child's favorite toys at the playground. Your child may favor single user toys like rock walls or multiple user toys like the monkey bars.
Select toys that have easy or no assembly required. Look for climbing toys that come in a few big parts at the most, avoiding those that are in several pieces.
Know What Other Parents Have to Say
Visit with your neighbors who own equipment similar to the kind you may purchase. Bring your child along to play and see firsthand if the toy seems worthy of your money.
Find out where other parents have bought toys. Some parents may have good tips about second-hand stores or sales at regular price retail stores.
Adhere to the safety guidelines of the manufacturer. There are specific suggestions for the number of allowed users for a given toy as well as appropriate ages of use.