Kids Play Tunnel & Accessories

Oh the joys of the simple cardboard box at playtime. When most of us were kids we would take a simple box, open up both sides, maybe make a few cut outs in the side, and have all kinds of imaginative adventures, crawling in side and out of our new play gym. Taking a number of them, linking them together, would be a tunnel to another world. This was really the kids play tunnel in the old days. If you wanted to spruce it up, you would just take out the crayons, or the markers, and go to town coloring the outside with different patterns. One of the many draw backs of those old cardboard tunnels were they really didn't hold up too well to rough play, or the elements, and they really only lasted just a few uses.

These days, all that has changed. First off, today there are many different types and styles of kids play tunnels. Imagine the toys & games that can be played in these:

Round ones make for easy storage. For many the tunnel folds down flat

Square ones are a durable and great play space for your baby

Bug Shaped ones makes crawling on your knees fun

Train Play Tunnels are a lot of fun to crawl through and offer more crawling space than other tunnels

These are quite easy to set up and work well at your house both indoors and outdoors. Several kids can play in these at the same time. They have so many different designs, you can find just about any design, from train play tunnels, ones that are shaped like bugs, have bright colors, and even solid colors. No longer do kids have to cut out holes, because many of these play tunnels have windows in them. You can find some that extend out to six feet and have tunnels for more crawling fun. They also have rigid 'ribs' that hold them up so they don't fall down during play. The ribs are made of wire. This wire makes crawling easy

Made from materials like vinyl, flexible PVC plastics, and many others, they are designed to stand up to the tests of time, at least until your child grows out of it. They can stand alone, or can be linked together with junctions that have up to four openings, and even connect with play tents, whatever your child's heart desires.

Some of the best things about this kids play space is that they fold flat and the tunnel folds down, and when not in use can be stored away in a small space, ready for adventures another day. You can even fold them down, toss them in a trunk or slide them behind a vehicle's seat, and take them on the road, to entertain the kids at a camp site, the beach, or wherever else your travels take you. They really work well outdoors and are durable. As a kid, you could never do that with a cardboard box.

Now when you are looking for a crawl tunnel, the choices can often be quite overwhelming. With so many different brands, styles and websites offering these products, you really have to take your time and look around the one that is right for you. Some of the different toy tunnel brand names are Fisher Price, Play Hut, and Pacific Play Tents. Each company has their own style of play tunnels, some that are able to be expanded into a whole play set. Each brand has their own pricing options, so it is important to really check around for prices.

There are some things to think about when buying a kids play tunnel. Is your child going to use it inside, or outside, or both? The age of your child is important as well, since some of these tunnels and sets contain small parts and are not appropriate for children under three. Don't worry however, because there are many tunnels that are basic, simple designs that will work just as good for your toddler.

Here are a few examples of some kids play tunnel products that are available, there are many more than can be put into one article. You can check out places like Toys R Us online, Amazon, and many online stores. One of the most simple designs is the Pacific Play Tents Find Me Multi-Color 6 Foot Tunnel. It is six feet long, and has a diameter of 19" with vibrant yellow, red, and blue colors. It is made from Denier nylon, with a flame retardant rating of 70. It has a padded interior, and can either be used by itself, or can be combined with other Pacific Play Tent products, like the Hide Me, Find Me or Me Too Play Tents, but sold as a single unit. This product is selling at Toys R Us for just $24.99.

Next up for a kids play tunnel is the Megaland Pop-Up Playset by Playhut. This is great for children over three years old, because it has some small parts. This set is an indoor playset, and comes with a large hut with a basket hoop, a medium hut, small block, and two tunnels. It also comes with fifty play balls, and carrying bags. Since this is a modular unit it can be put together in many different configurations, and can also be connected to other Play Hut brand tunnels and blocks. This complete set sells for just $59.99. This is a great set for your toddlers playtime