As the summer draws to a close and the nights start drawing in, your kids will likely be heading indoors to play out of the rain. While this is better than cleaning muddy footprints, you will need to store all those toys ready for when Mr Sun reappears, and it also means your kids will have plenty of toys to play with.
Which begs the question, what will you do with all of those toys? Well, we're here to help. During this guide, we'll explain everything you need to do to keep your garden tidy during winter and explore the best ways to store outdoor toys ready for your kids to use again.
Muddy boots off and cosy jumpers on? Let's look at why it’s wise to store toys indoors during the winter months.
Why you need to store outdoor toys during winter
As well as protecting your children's pride and joy (and keeping tears to a minimum), there are lots of reasons to keep your kids' outdoor toys safe over the winter.
Have a gander below to find out more:
Protection from the elements
Unlike our children's eating habits, the UK weather is far from predictable. Therefore, making sure your kids’ toys are properly stored away in winter protects them from fickle skies. Snow, ice, rain and wind can all affect the quality of outdoor toys, so properly storing them will help prolong their lifespan and keep your little ones happy.
Additionally, winter conditions can cause metal components, e.g. trampoline springs and legs, to rust and corrode.
Reduces tripping hazards
There’s nothing cuter than watching little ones waddle in their snowsuits, but if they trip over a forgotten toy in the back garden, there will be hell to pay. Avoid nasty cuts, bruises or falls by making sure any toys aren’t left out in the way of the lawn, patio or decking and keep your loved ones safe.
How to store your toys during winter
So now you know why, let’s get into the top tips on keeping your little ones' beloved apparatus in optimum condition, ready for springtime!
Ready for some mighty storage tips? Well, you’re in the right place.
Cleaning the toys
We know there’s a lot, but the first thing you need to do is clean each toy, removing any dirt, debris or moisture that could cause damage to the toys over time.
To clean outdoor toys, use a mild detergent and a soft brush or cloth, and ensure all surfaces are dry (and the kids are out of view) before you start to disassemble them.
Disassembling the toys
Larger toys, like double swing sets, climbing frames and playhouses, should all be dismantled to ensure they can be stored effectively without taking up too much space. Disassembling the toys will prevent stress on the joints and connections.
Top tip: keep track of the nuts, bolts and small parts by organising them into labelled bags - this will make reassembling the toys much more straightforward and fun (if you have a natural liking towards furniture assembly).
How to store trampolines in the winter
- Remove the safety net and clean the trampoline mat using a gentle detergent, ensuring it's completely dry before storage.
- Take down the frame and remove the springs to reduce tension on the frame during winter storage.
- Depending on the size of the trampoline and the space available, store the trampoline in a shed and use a trampoline cover to protect the jump pad.
For a more detailed run down, check out How to Store a Trampoline in Winter.
How to store swing sets and climbing frames in the winter
- Disassemble the structures into manageable pieces, keeping track of each part.
- Clean all surfaces, including metal and wooden components.
- Store swing sets in a dry location. If you can, ensure wooden parts are kept off the ground to prevent rot, and if you have it, consider covering them in tarpaulin for extra protection.
How to store slide sets in the winter
- Clean the slide thoroughly, giving extra attention to any joints where moisture can gather.
- Store the slide in an upright position to prevent warping or damage to the sliding surface.
How to store playhouses in the winter
- Clean the playhouse inside and out, including windows and doors.
- Leave the playhouse doors and windows open to ensure a good airflow and reduce the chances of mould collecting.
- Elevate the playhouse off the ground using blocks or pallets to prevent moisture absorption from the ground.
How to store ride on toys in the winter
- Wipe down the ride on car or bike, ensuring it is free of dirt and debris.
- If necessary, remove any parts, like wheels, and use a ride on car cover to protect the toy from the elements.
- Store the ride on vehicle in a shed, garage or spare room.
The best outdoor toy storage solutions
If you have ample space, you should store your kids' toys in a garage, shed or spare room.
But don’t worry if that’s not possible, we offer a selection of toy covers for trampolines and ride on toys, so you can keep your little one's prized possessions safe without sacrificing any precious space.
Our ride on car and jeep covers are available in three sizes: small, medium and large, with all of them featuring an adjustable cord to hold everything in place and stop debris like leaves from getting in.
And the fun doesn’t stop there, we have universal trampoline covers ranging from 8ft up to 14ft, so you can protect the family trampoline, no matter the size.
Spring into the new year with Outdoor Toys
Explore a vast range of outdoor toys, from swings (including metal swing sets) to sandpits, mud kitchens, kids slides, ride on cars and even swimming pools, to ensure your kids have plenty to do once the weather improves.
Better still, we have all the essential accessories, too. As well as covers, we stock a huge range of safety equipment, like rubber matting and bark wood chip kits.
And, if you’re looking for ways to keep them occupied indoors, we have you covered.
Our range of indoor toys includes drawing stations, learning towers, and climbing triangles that are all designed to be used in the home. We even stock smaller toys, like sorting puzzles and interactive music centres, so you can start teaching your kid to be the next Taylor Swift or Harry Styles. With this many fun indoor toys, rainy days won’t seem so bad.
FAQs
What is the best way to store outdoor toys for winter?
Before storing outdoor toys for winter, you should ensure they are clean and dry to avoid rust, corrosion, and mould from setting in. Once clean and dry, the toys should be stored indoors, ideally in a weatherproof toy cover.
If the toy you are storing is a slide, you should keep it upright to avoid warping. Playhouses have their windows and doors kept open to ensure good airflow and reduce the risk of mould building up, and wooden components of climbing frames and swings should be kept off the ground to avoid rotting.