How To

How to Buy Children's Play Tents

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

Forts, tents, hiding places - every child wants choices in this category. Here's how to choose a tent.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • EZ Camper Tents
  • Giant Circus Tents
  • HM4 Terra Colony Habitation Module Tents
  • Hide About Tents
  • Slumber Hut Tents
  • Children's Tents
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Flashlights
  • Fisher-Price Little People Big Top Tents
  • Magic Maaze Playhouses
  • Flashlights
  1. Step 1

    Think about the purpose of your tent: Will it be used as a playhouse in the backyard? As a fort in the living room? Or as a shelter in the campground?

  2. Step 2

    Identify your requirements: You may need a tent big enough to accommodate a tea party or one that will sleep two comfortably. If you live in bug country, you'll need one with mosquito mesh. Some are designed for kids to build (with supervision, of course); some are designed to be put up by adults for kids.

  3. Step 3

    Learn a bit about the qualities of tents. The two biggest differences between tents that are sold specifically for children are that some are waterproof or at least water-resistant (for outdoor use) and some aren't - and that some don't have floors.

  4. Step 4

    Focus on what will grab your potential tenter: A brightly painted circus tent? A tent with tunnels and different levels that can be rearranged to create a new challenge? Or a glow-in-the-dark space dome?

  5. Step 5

    Check recommendations when you shop - a "Parents Choice" or "Consumer Reports" endorsement is always a good sign.

Tips & Warnings
  • The HM4 Terra Colony Habitation Module has gotten excellent reviews for its "fun NASA-speak" - and it's big enough for four astronauts (small ones, of course).

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 There are several different types of children's tents on the market. The highest quality one we have found is made by Pacific Play Tents. They have reinforced tent poles and they set up very easy in minutes. They also have waterproof floors and are made like a real camping tent. They have excellent graphics and very large sizes. Unlike the pop-up types (which are easy to set up), these tents are not impossible to fold up. The Pacific Play Tents are hands down the best quality and largest tents we have found.

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