x-post (Around the House) - outdoor playcenters

[mudder17]

Okay, after researching various options for outdoor playgrounds, we've decided on one of two by Little Tikes, one of which is the one that Jamie (jd11365) was talking about ordering for Kayla. Here's her post:

[link:www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=12&topic_id=15654&mesg_id=15677&page=|play center]

The other one I'm looking at is the one pictured here:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2009865

We haven't made any definite decisions, because it looks like Kaya can get more use out of the second one right now, but eventually, she can get more use out of the bigger one. Also, she can certainly use the swing in the bigger one right now, and also use the sandbox and water area in the bigger one. So I'm kind of torn. I think we MIGHT go with the first one.

Okay, so my question is, where's a good place to get either of these for a good price. So far, the only places I've found them online are Walmart and Target (at least the bigger one), and the shipping on them is pretty high, although it's about half at Walmart. Anyone know of anywhere I can get these IRL possibly?

Also, feel free to give me your opinions about which one of these to get. :)

Thanks!


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[heidis2girls]

Eileen, I can help you specifically since we live in different states, but I'll tell you my experience. Two years ago we wanted to buy the girls a playhouse by Step 2. We found them online but the shipping was unbelievable! I ended up calling a local store that sold mainly wooden swingsets. They also sold much of the Step 2 line, playhouses, slides, etc. It was the cheapest I'd found by far and they drove it right to the house for about $50. The store was about an hour away.

Just another idea for you! Good luck!

[jbowman]

Eileen,

You can search for stores in your area on the Little Tikes website--I don't know how helpful that will be, but it's worth a shot. One of my friends told me about a place called "Tots Town" (I think that's the name) in Dallas, which is a Little Tikes store/play area (where you can test drive the equipment!). I tried to do a search on Google and came up with nothing, but perhaps there is one of those in your area.

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

meaning buy a smaller plastic one then the big wood ones I would 100% without a doubt buy the larger of the two-and I think that is the one that Jamie pictured!!!!

You will be AMAZED how quickly your child masters things, but more importantly how quickly they outgrow things. I use the term out grow hesitatnly because no doubt my 6 year old would have fun on either of those for a few hours atleast- but I am speaking bang for the buck.

Tristan has been playing on our wooden (huge) set since he was 25-26 months...we did block of the part where he could climb a rope onto the smaller platform of the smaller fort-but outside of that he climbs this thing like a champ. Now would I have bought it if I didn't have a 4 and 6 year old to pave the way I doubt it...I don't really know, I must admit there is some comfort knowing he sees them and does it like they do.

Anywho just wanted to answer since you asked-I would go with the larger one vs the small one I think you will be amazed at how time will fly and what concurs. Also think in terms of how many months you'll get use of this year-then winter- and what age she'll be next when she hops back on it.

I posted a picture of ours in the other thread-but here it is-from Costco on line (not in the store)

Neve
Reichen (6), Karsh (3), Tristan (2) and baby girl Bronwyn born March 10th!!!!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/27763.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/27765.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/27766.jpg

[mudder17]

Neve, I would LOVE a big wooden one, but it would just overwhelm our house and yard. It's one of the reasons we're going with the smaller plastic ones. But your suggestion is a very good one and I thank you for it. Right now I'm suggesting to DH that we do one of two things--get the big one and let Kaya play with the sand, water, and swing parts until she's big enough for the rest, or don't get anything this summer, but build a stand for the Little Tike toddler swing and then let her play with her little ladybug sand box and wading pool. And then maybe get a little slide thing for inside the house.

Right now, the cheapest place I can find for the large one is at Walmart and I have a friend who's DH and Stepdad work for Walmart, so maybe I can get some help from them. :)

ETA: Jamie, how does Kayla like this set?

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[ktdid74]

Eileen--- Jamie's on vacation for a couple weeks. I think she comes back in one more week!

[mudder17]

Thanks! I need time to investigate the best prices on these things anyway.


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[ethansmom]

We bought a wooden Swing-and-Slide kit from Lowes last year. I think it was the Challenger model. Anyhow, it looks very similair to the larger set you posted. I think w/the kit and lumbar, it cost $450 (subtract 10% then 20% using the new mover coupon and mainstreet savings = $324). It also lets you customize/expand later on. At least from the picture you posted, the footprint looks the same.

As Neve said, I'm amazed at how my 2 yr old uses it. I think the key is the ladder is at an angle w/wide treads, like stairs. He climbs right up w/out any problem and loves the slide. Last year, he used the swing and sandbox, and I thought the set was probably overkill. Now, I'm so glad we went with this instead of going w/a plastic set that wouldn't last many years. (although I didn't know these larger plastic sets existed!)

Sorry, I know I'm not addressing your exact question, but don't know if you've looked at this option!

ETA: After looking at the picture again, I think our sandbox may be bigger. I'm partial to larger sandboxes, and I think DS is too since he plays so much longer in them! Also, between the two you posted, I'd go with the larger. Good luck w/your decision!

Best,

[kensjen]

We have the second set (the smaller one). Our reasoning was we wanted Jonah to have something to play on now, but we didn't want to get the big wooden one yet. I really want to put off that purchase for awhile, for many reasons. We do plan to get a bigger wooden set in a couple of years or so...that is why we got a small one now. And actually Jonah's great grandmother funded this for his birthday last year, so it was an easy decision. We really like it a lot, we added a toddler swing and he loves that. But I can see where he would outgrow it pretty quickly. This year he still really likes it but next year he may be a bit bored.

I would probably get the larger one in your situation, since it is going to be the only one you are getting.

[cchavez]

http://local.yahoo.com/details?fr=dd-local-tl1&id=18601074&state=TX&stx=tots+towne&csz=Allen+TX&ed=2zOlEK160SxeOdNj5pby9tIRZrBhMrFFT7JlhOtHvMclCl8 EbVIQSQZ1NLBRZEmD8RJr