Latest news with #outdoorFun
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘All reduced for half term' parents gasp as they run to Primark for epic outdoor toy sale with buys from as cheap as 50p
WITH many kids breaking up from school for half term next week, if you're eager to find cheap and cheerful ways to keep your little ones entertained, you've come to the right place. There's already lots of stress on parents to ensure kids don't get bored during the school holidays, but now, thanks to bargain buys from Primark, your children are sure to have hours of fun, without you needing to break the bank. 5 5 5 Parents have been left gasping after spotting Primark 's epic kids' outdoor toy sale - and there's buys that have been slashed down to as little as 50p. One savvy shopper was left stunned after browsing her local Primark, when she spotted the large selection of cut-price toys. Thrilled with her finds, Ann Klingsick took to social media to alert others to the epic reductions, which she found in a Primark store in Dartford, leaving many gobsmacked. Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, a private Facebook group with 2.6 million members, Ann uploaded snaps of her finds, which included bubble guns and mini bucket sets. Alongside her post, she penned: 'Bubble guns, four pack bubbles and little buckets all reduced ready for half term.' The brilliant bubble guns were once priced at £1 but now have 50% off and are available for just 50p. So if you don't fancy leaving the house during half term and need something to keep the kids occupied in the garden, this is a bargain buy you won't want to miss. As well as this, there's also mini bucket sets, which were once £1.50 but are now scanning at only £1. These bucket sets are great for beach days and come complete with spades and novelty moulds. But that's not all, as shoppers will also be able to get their hands on a pack of four bubble tubs. Stacey Solomon's new Primark kids range hits stores - prices start from £4 & there's the cutest summer sets for boys and girls The bubble tubs are bound to provide hours of fun in the sun. They were once £1.50 but now have a red sticker price of £1, making them a real steal. How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' Bargain hunters beam Facebook users were left impressed with the reductions and many raced to the comments, eager to alert their loved ones to the brilliant offers. One person tagged a friend and said: 'Keep an eye out.' Another mentioned a savvy shopper and added: 'They're good for your holiday.' While someone else alerted a Facebook user and advised: 'Worth a look.' At the same time, another parent beamed: "Need for holidays." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Forbes
07-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
The 9 Best Water Tables To Keep Kids Cool And Entertained
My three kids love a good water table, and we've tested quite a few over the years in our backyard. The best water tables are easy to drain and clean, and they don't tip over easily when kids are playing with them. Beyond that, the best choice is the one that appeals to your child— whether it sports a fun theme like the Step2 Dino Dig Sand And Water Table or is a more open-ended option like the Best Choice Products Kids 3-In-1 Sand And Water Table . Our top pick, the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table is a Forbes Vetted staff favorite, because it appeals to a wide range of age groups, offers so many fun play features and a solid base to prevent tipping. The best water tables have ample accessories for kids and provide a stable base. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER 'Water tables offer an opportunity for young children to learn by engaging in their environment utilizing different senses. Water tables encourage children to creatively and actively explore their world through tactile (touch), auditory (hearing) and visual (seeing) senses,' says Dr. Michael Glazier, CMO of Bluebird Kids Health. To help you find a water table that provides fun for your kids for years to come, we curated a list of the nine best options. Amazon Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Size: 32 x 24 x 39 inches | Accessories: 13 total, including a bucket, squirt toys and spinners I've had this water table for years, and it has certainly proved its durability over time. It comes with a variety of accessories that can extend playtime, including a bucket, scoops and squirt toys. My kids love making a rain shower and pouring water on the gears to make them spin—all actions that are helpful for developing gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It's designed for kids ages 1.5 and older, but in my experience, kids that young tend to get frustrated with it because they can't reach the top section very well. My kids enjoyed it more once they were 2 to 2.5. The overall size is ideal for a family with a few kids since multiple kids can play at once and there are enough accessories to share. Size: 29 x 29 x 28.5 inches | Accessories: 8 total, including a fishing pole, fish and a water cup With a built-in fishing game and fun accessories, the Little Tikes Fish 'N Splash Water Table stands out as an excellent value. Kids play by catching fish with their fishing pole or net, and then release them via the attached launcher or from the fishbowl to the lily pad. This is a great way for kids to work on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Glazier explains that kids can develop their hand and finger dexterity by playing with different parts of water tables. The table is touted for its simple assembly, and it's nice that it doesn't take up too much room. However, because it's pretty low to the ground and on the smaller side, your kids might outgrow this table faster than some of our other picks. KiwiCo Water And Sand Sensory Table Size: 21.6 x 22 x 32-37 inches (adjustable legs) | Accessories: 20 total, including a spray bottle, a sponge and spinners My favorite thing about this water table is that it works just as well as a water table as it does a sensory bin. My kids have been using it for over a year, and some of their favorite activities include creating a toy car washing station, playing with rainbow rice and creating mud soup. Because it's such an open-ended water table, it gives kids space to be more creative with their play and can still be engaging well beyond the toddler years. Forbes Vetted editor and mom of three Esther Carlstone says her 5-year-old still regularly plays with this table, making it ideal for parents of kids of different ages. The water table has adjustable legs, so it can grow with your kids, and it includes a clear panel they can use to create water features or color on. When you remove the clear panel, you're left with a large bin to hold the water. While my kids really get creative with this table and it's a staple in our household, if you don't plan on using the accessories much, you're left with a plain bin on a platform. If you're looking for something high-quality and open-ended, this is definitely the pick for you. If you want your kid's play to be a bit more directed, however, check out one of our picks that has a theme, like the Step2 Dino Dig Sand And Water Table . Amazon Step2 Dino Dig Sand And Water Table Size: 30 x 29.5 x 33 inches | Accessories: 7 total, including dinosaurs, scoops and a shovel My kids and I can vouch for this water table as it's been in our backyard for a few years and has seen some pretty heavy play. We've also left it outside through all seasons, and it's still sturdy without any cracks or damage. As a themed play space, it has some really fun features, like a covered sand area, a palm tree that creates a rain shower when kids pour water over it and a mountain for the dinosaurs to climb on. The table is separated into two areas so you can keep the sand and water separate if you want. It sits relatively low, so it's an ideal height for toddlers. When my kids were younger, they never got frustrated with this one like they did with other water tables that had features that were too high for them to reach. Amazon Aquaplay Mountain Lake Water Playset Size: 49 x 34 x 13 inches | Accessories: At least 5, including boats and figures While this water play set isn't elevated like a traditional water table, it's too much fun to leave off the list. The set is built as a canal system that includes a waterfall, bridges and a cave. With a water pump and lock system, kids can explore how waterways work—at the top of the set, kids pump water into a reservoir, and then they release it with the lock—and it can provide immersive learning opportunities for older kids. Once the water is released, it flows through the rest of the canal and pushes the boats along. If your kids love pushing cars down ramps, they'll probably really enjoy this set. It's also great for multiple kids due to the variety of play features and overall size. Size: 29 x 29 x 31.5 inches | Accessories: 7 total, including balls and a scoop For many toddlers—and even big kids—there is something so fascinating about watching balls float down the current. With this set, they can make their own lazy river and waves via a spinner. They can also pour water to turn water wheels, scoop balls on a ferris wheel and drop balls into a spiral tube. The water table itself is pretty close to the ground, but shorter toddlers might struggle to reach the top of the spiral tube. If you're looking for a small and simple water table that still packs a lot of fun, this is a good choice for you. 'This small but mighty water table was always the hit of our toddler playdates and easily fit on our patio without taking up too much space,' says Carlstone. Families with multiple kids or older kids might want to choose one of the bigger water table options. Amazon Little Tikes Build And Splash Water Table Size: 36.3 x 27.3 x 19 inches | Accessories: Over 25, including blocks, boats and a pitcher In terms of versatility and value, you get so much out of the Little Tikes Build And Splash Water Table. This indoor-outdoor table functions as a typical water table with a raised platform, but it also includes building blocks so kids can combine block building with water play or play with each separately. I appreciate this option for younger kids, because sometimes my toddlers get too carried away with water. You can also remove the legs for floor play, which is great for younger toddlers who aren't quite steady on their feet yet. It's also great for kids who just love to build. Accessories include blocks, funnels, pipes, boats and a pitcher that can be conveniently stashed in the center area. It also comes with a mesh storage bag, which is helpful for drying out all of those pieces and preventing mold. Amazon Best Choice Products Kids 3-In-1 Sand And Water Table Picnic Table Size: 38 x 37.8 x 19.5 inches | Accessories: None Protecting kids from the sun is important, especially during high UV days. Fortunately, this hybrid picnic table and water table provides ample shade thanks to an adorable adjustable umbrella. The table opens up to reveal two bins, which you can fill with water, sand or other sensory materials. I like that you can fill the bins with whatever you want, making it simple to create a themed bin based on what your child is interested in or learning about at the moment. The table doesn't come with any accessories, and it requires more assembly than most water tables, so if you're looking for something a little more hands off, you might want to go for a more traditional option. An added bonus: It's available in various colors, so you can pick something that matches the aesthetic of your backyard. Amazon Step2 Pump And Splash Discovery Pond Size: 38.25 x 40 x 30 inches | Accessories: 10 total, including a bucket, squirt toys and a watering can For active kids who are constantly looking to explore, pour and play in water, this water table is a fantastic pick. It has a lot of different water features, including a rain shower tray, a fill-and- spill bucket, a water wheel and a water pump. Since it's a large set with play features at various heights, it's ideal for multiple kids. In addition to the play features toward the top of the set, the large pond at the bottom is a fun place for kids to splash and play with their toys, too. The pump can be a bit tricky for younger kids to operate, so they might need some help to get the water flowing. According to Ashley Blonder, a pediatrician at Tribeca Pediatrics in New York, water play 'can be a source of early STEM learning and promote cognitive development through exploring concepts such as gravity, cause-and-effect and motion.' With so many flowing interactive features on this table, this is a great one for budding scientists. The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team is deeply experienced in researching, testing and recommending toys and kids products. We've spent countless hours testing toys and products with our kids, including water tables. The author of this article, Alicia Betz , has tested a variety of water tables over the past seven years, many of which are featured in this guide. She also frequently reviews and writes about other toys and products, like the best dinosaur toys and the best children's books . , has tested a variety of water tables over the past seven years, many of which are featured in this guide. She also frequently reviews and writes about other toys and products, like the best and the best . This article is overseen by Esther Carlstone , a longtime parenting editor. She's a mom to three who has tested and reviewed countless baby and kids products including many water tables. , a longtime parenting editor. She's a mom to three who has tested and reviewed countless baby and kids products including many water tables. To learn more about water safety and what to look for when choosing a water table, we spoke to three experts: Marisa Abbe, director of injury prevention at Children's Health in Texas; Dr. Michael Glazier , a pediatrician and chief medical officer of Bluebird Kids Health in Florida; and Dr. Ashley Blonder , a pediatrician at Tribeca Pediatrics in New York. To find the best water tables, we conducted research, testing and expert interviews. Many of the water tables on our list have been in our backyards for years. We considered water tables from a variety of brands, but paid particular attention to those made by companies known to make quality and durable outdoor toddler toys, such as Little Tikes and Step2. We took customer reviews and ratings into account, eliminating water tables that have an average rating below four out of five stars. To include different options that appeal to a wide audience, we considered water tables with various features and accessories. We also included a few options that don't fit the traditional water table mold. We considered our own experience. Betz has tested many of the water tables on this list, and other members of the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team have used some as well. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for a water table. Age Appropriateness Most water tables are designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Sometimes, a water table is approved for a younger age, but it has features that younger toddlers can't reach. This can lead to frustration and potentially be dangerous if they try to pull down the table to reach higher features. Be sure to follow age recommendations when purchasing a water table and use your own judgment as well. If your toddler is on the shorter side, consider a water table without a second tier. Safety Safety around water is incredibly important. 'Water tables are generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind,' says Abbe. She advises supervising children at all times when playing with water tables and draining the water when playtime is over. 'Ensure the water table is sturdy and won't tip over when your little one is pushing or leaning on it,' she says. Blonder also recommends using tables with rounded edges to prevent injuries and to make sure the table is appropriate for your child's age and developmental level. 'Only allow toys that are safe and free of choking hazards particularly for younger children,' she says. Durability Most families use the same water table for years. Because it's a toy that often sits out in the sun and heat for long periods of time, you want something that is going to last. Many plastic water tables are durable and last for years. Look for something that is thick and sturdy. When purchasing a wooden water table, follow the manufacturer's instructions for upkeep. You may need to coat the wood with stain or a water repellent annually. Ease Of Cleaning Water tables can get gross pretty quickly if you don't empty and clean them, and can become breeding grounds for mosquitos and bacteria. 'Since children often explore the world not just with their hands but their mouths, this can lead to illness and the quick spread of infection when multiple children are using them,' says Glazier. Look for water tables that have a drain or are otherwise easy to hose down or clean. Size Most water tables don't take up too much space, but some are larger than others. If you only have a small yard or balcony, you'll want to choose something that has a smaller footprint or can easily be stored away. You might also consider a multipurpose water table, like the Best Choice Products Kids 3-In-1 Sand And Water Table . Additional Features Some water tables come loaded with features, such as scoops, figures and boats. Others don't include much other than the basin that holds the water. Consider how your child likes to play and whether you want something more bare bones that encourages creative play or something that provides a play theme for them. Are Water Tables Worth It?> Are Water Tables Worth It? Water tables are definitely worth it, according to my three kids and all of their friends and cousins. It's often the first toy my kids gravitate toward in the yard, and they often engage in extended, focused play when they use a water table. 'Water tables, without intricate electronics, offer an activity which promotes interaction with the environment through different senses, as well as teaches children to make connections, create stories and think divergently and creatively as they grow and develop,' says Glazier. Blonder also explained that water tables can be relaxing and help with emotional regulation. What Are The Best Water Tables?> What Are The Best Water Tables? The best water tables provide a sturdy base to prevent tipping and are easy to clean. Many of the best water tables have fun themes or an abundance of accessories. We think the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table is the best overall, because it's large enough for a few kids to play, it's sturdy and safe and it comes with a few different accessories. It has also held up for years with regular use in multiple editors' yards. What Is The Best Age For A Water Table?> What Is The Best Age For A Water Table? Toddlers love water tables, but so do preschoolers and younger elementary schoolers, too. Most water tables are recommended for kids ages 18 months or 2 years and up. Water tables aren't typically recommended for babies. If your baby wants to splash and play in the water, consider a baby bath seat instead.
