KIDS love nothing more than getting messy with sand and water play in summer.
You can spend a small fortune on fancy kit but little ones will enjoy a homemade set-up just as much.
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So save yourself some money with these ideas . . .
DONE FOR A PIT-TANCE: No need to buy a sandpit if you don’t want to. Freecycle usually has plenty of them just waiting to be snapped up.
Try asking on your local Nextdoor group (nextdoor.co.uk) to see whether there’s one going spare.
Or look at the B&Q website at diy.com under the ideas section. But even just filling up a large plastic box with sand is a great start. B&Q has a 138-litre clear box with lid for £18.
Then just fill it up with play sand. Smyths Toys offers great value with a 15-litre bag for £2.99.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE: You do not need expensive accessories. With water, you can use just about anything for scooping, pouring or squirting — from empty shampoo bottles to bath toys.
For sand, old clean yoghurt pots are perfect for castle practice, and a potato masher is brilliant for squashing and bashing things flat.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Fill a large plastic box with water and plenty of bubbles and get the kids to wash their toys.
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Avoid anything with batteries, but dolls’ clothes, toy trucks and plastic tea sets and play food can all have a rinse. In theory, it will kill two birds with one stone. In practice, the kids will probably end up making even more mess.
And stay close. Never leave children alone around water, even if it is very shallow.
POND LIFE: Water play can be about more than just splashing around.
Building a small pond to attract wildlife will open up a whole new world of wonder for your children.
The pond may attract frogs and newts and can also be a feeding spot for birds, hedgehogs and bats.
You can find out how to make a mini pond using a big bowl at wildlifetrusts.org.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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