For some reason, there are few more enjoyable things as a child than climbing through a maze of tunnels. Every kid knows exactly what to do whenever they see one, and there’s nothing more fun than chasing each other around in them. Whether they lead to an awesome ball pit, tent or slide into a swimming pool, kids just love tunnels.
This week, we are dedicating this blog to our absolute love of tunnels! Whether you have a play tunnel already, or are thinking of getting one, we’ve put together all the best ways to use your play tunnel and why they are much more than just something to crawl through. Play tunnels offer tons of benefits to kids of all ages, even babies, and there’s endless games to play with them. Read on!
Peek-a-Boo I See You 6FT Tunnel
Of course, we have to mention one of our favorite play tunnels of all: our own! We’ve taken our classic mesh tunnel design and given it a modern color twist. Measuring 6 feet long and 19 inches tall, the Peek-A-Boo I See You Tunnel is the perfect size for young children to work on their gross motor skills by crawling in a fun and stimulating environment.
The quality construction is not only ideal for rugged play, but it is also designed to be opened and closed in just a few seconds. This makes it perfect to take on the go at the park or beach! Best of all, your child can stretch their imagination for hours in comfort and safety, thanks to the padding around the spring-steel frame and the mesh material that allows for ample light and air flow. When your little one has finished playing, the tunnel folds flat for space-saving storage in your car or home.
Why Tunnels Are Awesome
We get it – tunnels are big. However, they are much more than just huge tubes that take up room in your home or backyard when they’re unfolded. They are actually an extremely useful tool for your child’s development!
Exercise
Obviously, crawling in and out of tunnels takes a bit of work. Crawling, scooting and slithering through tunnels gives kids another way to move their bodies that other play equipment doesn’t offer. They will quickly strengthen their arms, core and legs just by having some fun! The interior of all of our play tunnels are padded and protected, so that all those little elbows and knees are comfy while scooting through.
Developing Motor Skills
If you start playing with a tunnel with your child young enough, it will help them quickly develop their motor skills. Learning how to use their arms and legs to get through the tunnel and learning how to climb gives their motor skill development an extra boost.
Interactive Play
Of course, the best benefit a play tunnel can offer is tons of fun. Kids can look through the tunnel’s mesh, hide in them, chase each other around and much more. As simple as they may seem, play tunnels offer an extra obstacle to normal play and games.
Tunnel Games
There are so many games children of all ages can play in a play tunnel. Even babies! If you are looking for some fun ways to use your play tunnel, we’ve rounded up a few more of our very favorite games. For even more tunnel games, check out these blogs here and here!
Ball Ramp
Prop up one end of the tunnel, such as on a staircase, outdoor furniture or short retaining wall. Near the bottom of the tunnel, tip over a bucket or other type of basket. Drop a soft ball from the top of the tunnel and see who can make it in the bucket or basket! Having a dog nearby adds for some extra challenge.
Over The Mountain
Indoors, add some pillows sporadically underneath the play tunnel. If you have some old pillows or outdoor-style pillows, this can be played outside as well! Once it’s set up, watch your kids climb through and try to navigate to the other side! For some extra fun and laughs, put a blindfold on them and see if they can make it to the other side, or if them end up rolling off.
Reading Fort
This isn’t much of a game, but rather, a way to transform your little one’s space. If they’re not too into playing with their tunnel, or the weather is too cold, set it up as a reading fort. Put blankets over either end to make it extra cozy and private for them! Kids love having their own private space just for them, so it’s something any child is sure to love.
Commute
This game is great for smaller kids, especially ones with sensory processing issues or are learning how to crawl. The concept is simple: put something on one end of the tunnel, such as a bowl. On the other end of the tunnel, put pieces of a car, blocks, or anything else that needs to be put together. Have your child move the items from one end to the other into the bowl, then assemble everything once they’re done.
Get It Wet
Our play tunnels are just as perfect for the outdoors as they are the indoors, and they offer a mesh material that is easy to dry and clean off. That being said, take it in the backyard and get it wet! Put a sprinkler in it, or simply spray the hose at it when your little one is inside. It’s a great way to cool off in the summer if you don’t have a pool or access to one. Kids will love getting creative with ways to soak each other!
Let Us Know!
How much do you love your play tunnel? What other games do you love to play with them? Let us know how your classroom is coming along in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media!
Looking for more fun with your Peek-A-Boo I See You Tunnel? Keep the party going by taking it outside like we did here!