5 Toys for Budding Olympians
by Phoebe Assenza
Host your own version of the Games in the backyard with toys and playsets that bring out the athlete in any child
Grandchildren inspired by this year's Olympic Games in Beijing can start living out their athletic dreams right in your backyard.
Whether your grandchildren are limber tumblers or rowdy wrestlers, this vinyl, padded mat gives them a safe surface on which to practice their moves. The colorful Tumbling Mat can be used on outdoor lawns or indoor floors, folds up for easy storage, and has Velcro strips to attach to other mats.
Price: $140 for the 6-foot mat, $170 for the 8-foot mat
For all ages
Available at: LeapsAndBounds.com
Think of it as a starter kit for any grandchild who dreams of one day mastering the rings or parallel bars. These Monkey Bars Deluxe are relatively easier to set up than most playground gear, support up to 154 pounds worth of climbers, and provide hours of "hang-out" time.
Price: $150
For ages: Manufacturer recommends 3 to 8; Grandparents.com recommends 3 to 6.
Available at: Sears.com
This plastic-and-nylon Olympic Archery Set teaches the same hand- and eye- skills as a grown-up version, but kid-safe suction cups have replaced the sharp arrows. The set includes blow darts as an extra game, and the target stands 39 inches tall, perfect for pint-size archers.
Price: $40
For ages: 5 and older
Available at: BackToBasicsToys.com
Before they're ready for the major leagues, your grandchildren can play a friendly game of table tennis on this recreational Stiga Competition set. The complete setup, for rec rooms or back patios, folds into a playback position for solo paddlers, and folds up completely to be rolled away and stored when training season is over. (Paddles and balls not included.)
Price: $350
For ages: 8 and older
Available at: MegaSpin.com
Since its debut at the 2000 Sydney Games, not one American has won the gold medal in trampoline. If your grandchildren are inspired to change those stats, the inflatable Jump 'n Slide Bouncer is a buoyant backyard set on which they can practice their future routine. An attached slide makes it even more exhilarating, though "sliding" isn't (yet) an Olympic sport.
Price: $235
For ages: 3 to 8
Available at: Amazon.com
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