Features

Garden Games

The summer holidays are here again and the kids must be entertained for six weeks - what could be better than games in the garden? Here are a few ideas - everything is easy to get on the web! (The price in the brackets is what Byw yn yr Ardd paid - shop around to see if you can get a better deal.)

Gnome Bowling (£22.52)

Are the gnomes looking slightly worried? They should be, with this set you're going to bowl them flat! Rack 'em up!

Swingball (£15.99)

The old eighties favourite is still popular. Everyone remembers playing swingball - and getting a smack from the ball if you weren't fast enough!

Paper Pod Teepee (£27.95)

Maybe deriving from the notion that kids tend to play with the box rather than with the expensive present inside, this tepee is made from recycled cardboard. The kids can paint the roof and walls!

(More cardboard houses including an igloo and a rocket!www.thenaturalstore.co.uk )

'Link 4' (£34.99)

The concept is simple, get four counters in a row, but it's not so easy when your opponent is trying to stop you! This is just as much fun for adults.

Garden Quoits (£9.97)

In 1360, the king of England, Edward III, banned the game of Quoits for being foolish! But the game persisted in popularity in Wales, Scotland and parts of Northern England. Wales and Scotland have a yearly international competition (Next international, Wales v Scotland, July 25th 2009, Saron, Carmarthenshire.) If you enjoy playing this garden version why not play the real thing? More information here http://www.lindahome.co.uk/Quoits2/bwrddcymraeg2009.html (Welsh only)

Water Slide (£24.30)

('TP Aqua Slide' shown in the picture. Other brands available.)

The best game without a doubt! Buy this and the children (and the adults!) will be thrilled. (You'll need a hosepipe to keep the slide wet.)

Snakes and Ladders (£29.35)

A game created in India to teach the young about the consequences of good deeds (ladders) and the consequences of bad deeds (snakes). The moral aspect has gone but the game is still popular.

Air Rocket (£8.90)

3-2-1 Jump! Jump on the purple pad and watch the rocket shoot into the air. Amazingly, the rocket can reach a height of 400 feet.

Giant inflatable football (£4.49)

Great for parties, this oversized football places the emphasis firmly on fun meaning anyone can play, if they're good at football or not. (Goal not included.)