Summer is here - or at least some days, it seems like it is - so it's time for the children to spend as much time as possible out of doors. Creating an outdoor play space is one of the most rewarding things parents can do for their children. Although not everyone has big, expansive gardens to equip with the latest climbing frames, swings and slides, most people have some space which will accommodate things like a sandpit, a paddling pool or even a trampoline. Pre-school children are happiest in outdoor play spaces which are not too far from the house. A sandpit is deemed to be the best outdoor toy for young children by many educationists. In spending their time filling up and emptying containers, building sand castles and knocking them down, children are learning about complex special relations. There is a good variety of brightly coloured plastic sandpits on the market now, most of which come with their own cover (to prevent dogs, cats and other smaller creatures getting into them).

Alternatively, DIY enthusiasts can build their own by choosing a shady, unused spot in the garden (preferably next to a wall or in a corner) and use brick or logs to enclose an area. Landscape architect Richard Webb believes that of all the outdoor toys, children get the most fun out of sandpits. He suggests sandpits should be approximately two metres square and recommends parents use washed sand as the iron in ordinary sand stains clothes. Many toy stores stock a fine variety of sand, especially prepared for use in children's sandpits (approximately £3 per 15 kilo bag). Then, all you need is buckets, spades and plastic containers galore. In recent years, the market for small chunky plastic slides, climbers/tunnels that convert to playhouses and other toddler specific play equipment has grown hugely. Although they look really cute (The Early Learning Centre Elephant Slide is particularly cute, £40) and can be very safe for young children, they have a very limited use because the children grow out of them so quickly. Some families are now finding it is a better idea to buy climbing frames that can be built to half height for the early years and then enlarged and added to later on. Also some of the better brands have a variety of swing seats to suit different ages. TP is one of the safest, most versatile brands in the swing/ climbing frame end of things.

June Persson, of Nimble Fingers toystore, says that the TP Challenger (from £149.95 for the basic frame with up to £350 for slides, platforms, jungle runs and other additions) and the TP Explorer (£99.95 for basic frame with up to £550 for platforms, nets, tents, monkey bridges, and slides) are the most popular in the range. Once climbing frames become part of children's everyday experience, they often become more adept and creative in their play. At this stage, things like trapese bars, a scrambler net and a fireman's pole can be added on.

And for those with bigger gardens, the new wooden framed Adventurer (£650) and Chesapeake (£1,500 including all additions) will turn your garden into a virtual park playground. O'Kelly's Sawmills in Rathfarmham - who supply the Zoo with play equipment - also do wooden-framed swings (£125 or £250 supply and fit) and slides (£300 or £450 supply and fit). A more colourful alternative to steel or wooden climbing frames for your garden is the German manufactured Quadro range. Self-assembled in your garden, it is made from primary coloured rods which fit into each other in an inestimable number of shapes and sizes. Slides, platforms, playhouses, pools, cars and even sledges can be created as well as climbing frames. (Prices from £55 - £220 for basic units).

Trampolines have become popular. Sizes vary from smaller circular ones (120cm in diameter) to large circular (426 cm diameter) and rectangular (305cm x 188cm) ones. A well-maintained lawn is the safest surface to place any outdoor children's play equipment on. If this is unavailable, 300 mm depth of sand is the next best option. Children of all ages love paddling pools and tree houses. Many of the garden shed companies (eg. Abwood) do a smaller model for children or a free standing tree house with steps. Prices from £240 to £650.