Garden games and play equipment

Who needs holidays away when you can live it up in your own back garden? Check out our pick of the best gear to guarantee a fun-packed family summer

THE PIRATE SHIP

Watch the kids transform into mini Captain Jack Sparrows with this genius pirate ship playhouse. It features a raised platform complete with wheel, two billowing sails and even a plank for mutinous crew. TP TOYS PIRATE GALLEON WOODEN PLAYHOUSE, £359.95, CUCKOOLAND.COM

THE POP-UP PLAY TENT Create an instant kids’ den with this supersmart circus tent. CIRKUSTÜLT TENT, £12.95, IKEA

THE PORTABLE OPTION

Made from lightweight plastic, this colourful bowling kit is the perfect game to pop into a picnic basket. PLASTIC BOWLING KIT, £7, FLYING TIGER

THE COUNTRY GARDEN CLASSIC Posh up your patchy urban lawn with this classy croquet set. CROQUET SET, £24.99, WAITROSE

THE BACKGARDEN BEACH

This cute sandpit features a handy shade to shield little ones from the sun. PALM BEACH WOODEN SANDPIT WITH CANOPY, £125, STUDIO.CO.UK

THE TABLE TENNIS KIT Whatever the weather, this jolly ping-pong kit can be used indoors or out, with the net extending to a width of 180cm.

PLAY ON PING-PONG SET, £32,

MADE IN DESIGN

THE SUPER WATER SLIDE Turn your back garden into a water park – all you need is a garden hose and this cool slide. It comes with two inflatable bodyboards, and the landing mat and raised lip at the end ensure a soft landing. SURF ‘N’ SLIDE WATER SLIDE, £75, JOHN LEWIS

THE NEW BOULES

Played like boules, these colourful shuttlecock-style balls can be used in the garden, on the beach… pretty much anywhere. GEOLOGIC JAV’BALL SET, £9.99, DECATHLON

THE TOP TRAMPOLINE You can ensure the kids bounce themselves all the way to an early bedtime (from exhaustion) with this brilliantly affordable trampoline. It’s easy to assemble, too – win-win! SPORTSPOWER PRO 10FT TRAMPOLINE, £109, GEORGE HOME

THE FAMILY POOL This roomy pool boasts plenty of space for both children and grownups, and comes with a filter pump and a protective cover. SUMMER ESCAPES ROUND WHITE POOL, £150, ARGOS

THE COOL POOL

Fill this great-value castle with plastic balls for the young ’uns or water for older kids – it’ll keep them busy and entertained for hours. Make sure you keep a close eye on little ones near water. SWIMMING CASTLE, £35, HEMA

THE TRADITIONAL PLAYHOUSE Measuring an even H154xw154xd154cm, this classic watertight playhouse is the perfect spot for kids to while away the hours. Spend an extra £110 and B&Q will assemble it for you. POPPY WOODEN PLAYHOUSE (UNPAINTED), £293, B&Q

THE CLIMB & PLAY STATION

This action-packed climbing frame features a slide, as well as a built-in planter, a pulley and bucket, an easy-clean painting screen and bamboo wind chimes to keep them more than occupied. Gardening tools, paints and pots are also included. PLUM PLAY DISCOVERY WOODLAND TREE HOUSE, £400, COTTAGE TOYS

THE DOUBLE TEAM GAME

This traditional rounders set features a bat, a ball and four base sticks, as well as a handy bag to help you haul the lot to the park and back. GARDEN GAMES ROUNDERS SET, £15, COTSWOLD OUTDOOR

THE SUPERSAFE SWING Suitable for children up to six (or 40kg in weight), this swing combines classic styling with safety. All you need is a sturdy branch. SOLVEJ SWING, £159, BEYOND THE STORK

THE POOL RING TOSS

In the water or on dry land, this inflatable ring-toss game is easy to play and even easier to pack away after use. SUNNYLIFE FLAMINGO RING-TOSS GAME, £24, AMARA

THE REALLY BIG BOARD GAME Sturdy and showerproof enough to be left out in the garden all summer long, this oversized game will amuse kids and adults alike. FEBER MEGA FOUR-INA-LINE, £146, AMAZON

THE ROCKET DEN

Create a world of adventure for any budding astronauts with this octagonal-shaped (H193xdia187cm) spaceship playhouse. The interior boasts a raised platform and steering wheel. ROCKET PLAYHOUSE, £495 (UNPAINTED), WALTONS