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When it Comes to the Crunch 69% of Children Want to Stay at Home this Summer

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When it Comes to the Crunch 69% of Children Want to Stay at Home this Summer

Written by Jess Wilkinson
Thursday, 17 July 2008
With the long school holidays just beginning, a recent survey has revealed that 69 per cent of children would prefer to stay at home and play with their own toys over more expensive leisure pursuits – a revelation that could save an average family a welcome £477* this summer as the credit crunch takes hold. The research, conducted by toy manufacturer ‘Born to Play’, highlighted that the majority of youngsters would prefer to play at home with their friends, rather than travel miles in the car to reach leisure outlets chosen by their parents. In contrast, the national survey revealed that 88 per cent of parents believe that the most expensive days out will keep their children happy – with theme parks, going out for meals and visiting children’s museums or exhibitions coming out as top choices. Only 12 per cent of parents thought that children would be just as contented to stay at home. However, of the children questioned between the ages of three and nine just 19 per cent stated theme parks as their top choice of entertainment, followed by eating out at nine percent and museums and exhibitions coming out at three percent – proving that parents are needlessly spending their hard earned cash on entertainment that their little ones have little or no interest in at all! Peter Hatton, toy director at Born to Play, said: “This research could save each family hundreds of pounds this summer, which would otherwise be wasted on days out that children simply don’t want to go on! “Parents should listen to what children really want to do with their free time over the school holidays. Investing in a couple of popular outdoor toys will keep youngsters occupied for days on end and save on expensive trips out that cost the earth.” “This research should be welcomed at a time when living costs are rising, allowing families to spend quality time together at low cost – whilst still keeping the children happy.” Earlier in the year Born to Play brought the UK’s youngest panel of product testers together to identify the most popular outdoor toys to help parents keep children entertained throughout summer 2008. Hot choices voted for by children to keep them occupied throughout the summer included paddling pools, scooters and bicycles, bouncy castles and outdoor ball games. The definitive top ten is as follows: No. 1 – Bob the Builder Sand and Water Play Table – Children loved lifting up the sand and water with real working cranes Age 3+. Guide price £29.95 - £34.95 No. 2 – Little Princess Bouncy Castle – The bouncability of this castle was well and truly tested by the children as they leapt and jumped around the Little Princess’s own home. Age 3+. Guide price £29.95-£34.95 No. 3 – In the Night Garden Planting Set – The children loved donning the gloves and planting their very own seeds with this brightly coloured tool kit for little gardeners. Age 3+. Guide price: £10.95 - £12.95 No. 4 – Fireman Sam Fireman Set – The toy testers had all they needed to be like their hero with this set, complete with real water squirter and Fireman Sam hat! Age 3+. Guide price: £10.95 - £11.95 No. 5 – In the Night Garden Gazebo Ball Pool – Both boys and girls enjoyed playing amongst the brightly coloured balls and loved the In the Night Garden character design. Perfect for summertime fun, the pool can also be filled with water and used as an outdoor paddling pool! Age 3+. Guide price £24.95-£29.95 No. 6 – Thomas the Tank Engine Slide and Play – Still a firm traditional favourite, this slide proved popular with both boys and girls with its secret tunnels to crawl through, fun ladders and slide. Age 2 - 5 years. Guide price: £100 No. 7 – Little Princess Hopper – Children bounced around just like the Little Princess on this brightly coloured hopper, which features a cute Little Princess design. Age 3+. Guide price: £6.49 - £6.99 No. 8 – Go Diego Go Bike – This was a big hit with the panel, who all took turns to be an adventurer like Diego himself. Age 3–6 years. Guide price: £69.95 - £75.95 No. 9 – Disney Princess Gazebo and Patio set – The children loved trying out the brand new furniture which is perfect for summer picnics in the garden. Age 3+. Guide price: £37.95 - £39.95 No. 10 – Go Diego Go Build Your Own Animal Rescue Kit – Imaginations ran wild with this kit as the children loved looking through the binoculars and periscope. Age 3+. Guide Price £10.95 - £11.95 Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these?

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