Five Things to Consider When Buying a Children’s Play Tent, Play House, or Play Tunnel

One of the hottest recent trends in the world of children’s gifts has been the proliferation of play tents, children’s play tunnels, and bed tents. These products far surpass the general definition of “toys,” stimulating a child’s imagination and active role play both indoors and out.

As with any toys made by an assortment of producers, parents should be on the lookout for high-quality materials and safety-tested construction to keep their children protected while having fun. Therefore, it’s best to trust your children’s safety to industry leaders rather than to off-market brands. For instance, in the world of children’s play tents, bed tents, and kid’s play tunnels, Pacific Play Tents is the recognized leader. Brian Jablon, Executive Vice President of Pacific Play Tents, speaks to their commitment to safety and he notes, “At Pacific Play Tents we’re committed to providing the highest quality play tents, play tunnels, and bed tents available anywhere. And what we mean by high quality’ is that we produce products that are as safe as possible, as fun as possible, and at the best possible prices for parents.”

An educated parent is a child’s best guardian in choosing the correct play tent for their child. Thus, do your research on high quality web sites such as www.creativeplay4less.com. Here are a few things to consider when picking out the right indoor or outdoor playground equipment for your child:

1. Fire-Proofing: It goes without saying that this should be the first thing any parent investigates when considering any kid’s educational toys—or anything their child will be playing with. A bed tent, play tent, play tunnel, or any indoor playground equipment should be constructed of materials that meet or exceed CPAI-84 safety standards. Nylon and Polyester should be flame-retardant, and all exits should be large enough for a child to easily pass through.

2. Padding & Materials: Children’s play tunnels support healthy play, and that means activity that can be at times rambunctious. Metal wiring should be thoroughly padded to ensure safe landings and crawling comfort. Interiors should be padded to keep little knees from getting banged up. In addition, materials should be tested to show that they do not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury.

3. Breathing Room: A good play tent encourages hours of imaginative interaction. There should be ample room for at least two children—and possibly an adult, too—inside all play tents. Windows and doors should open and have some system, preferably soft Velcro, of keeping them open so air can flow freely, keeping children cool and safe. In addition, look for products that have ample mesh vents which provide increased air circulation as well as a way for parents to keep a watchful eye on children at play.

4. Durability: There is no reason a play house shouldn’t last for many seasons—or children—to come. A tent that easily tears, is poorly constructed from low quality materials, or has poles of insufficient strength, won’t simply have a short life in your home—it can quickly become dangerous. That’s why high quality, durable materials like PU coated fiberglass shock corded poles, padded wire covers, and high quality polyester and nylon fabrics are extremely important.

5. Assembly & Clean-up: In all likelihood, you are going to want to move your kid’s educational gift not simply from one part of your house to another, but to different locations altogether. Friends’ sleepovers, camping trips, family vacations—a good, durable play tent, bed tent, or play tunnel will be a gift your child will want to take on the road. In addition, today’s modern play tents and tunnels often function as both indoor and outdoor equipment, making mobility and clean-up something that should be considered during purchase. Is the play house tent easy to assemble and disassemble? Is it easily packed and carried to another destination? Do play tunnels fold flat and secure shut with Velcro for compact storage and convenient carrying? Are materials easily cleaned with just a sponge or wash-cloth? Make sure you’ve answered “yes” to all of these questions.

Generally speaking, children’s play tents, tunnels, and bed tents make excellent educational gifts and can provide your child with not just hours, but years of stimulating fun. Choose a product that complies with Consumer Product Safety guidelines, one made of high quality materials, and one that is easy to assemble and clean up, and ensure there is plenty of room inside the tent for your child’s active imagination.