The Benefits of Outdoor Play

10th November 201913th November 2019

The benefits of outdoor play are becoming more necessary. Today, as technology is becoming increasingly the default, we’re seeing an increase in various childhood issues. Many people are pointing fingers at technology for the rise in obesity, ADD/ADHD and other issues. An argument can be made that technology is addictive to young children, and its negative effects can be sobering. A 2018 study by Cyber Safe Ireland showed that 92% of Irish children aged between 9 and 13 own a smart device. Now, more than ever, we need creative ways to encourage activity in younger people. Thankfully, kids tend to be drawn to outdoor toys. Here are a few reasons why it’s essential to encourage them as much as possible.

Benefits of Outdoor Play: Neurological Development

The growing trend of kids spending time indoors on their devices is very new. We do not know with certainty how this can affect a child’s development. But what we do know is that the brain is plastic. It can change and adapt depending on what we do in our day. “Exercising your brain” is a thing. Your kids need plenty of stimulation to create new neural connections so they become smarter, abler, healthier adults. Physical activity and interaction with the environment is a huge source of new stimulation that is impossible to gain from a smart device. benefits of outdoor play

The benefits of outdoor play also extend to your child’s physiology. Active outdoor play increases flexibility (and crucially, prevents inflexibility), and helps to refine their motor skills beyond the thumb and index finger, to incorporate the whole body in a wide array of movements that are essential for development, muscular strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health.

We all have a natural need for physical exercise and activity. When we run, climb on the playhouse swing, jump, skate, or ride a bike in the fresh air and sunshine. They like to use their whole body when they play outdoors (so make sure your kid is dressed for the weather) and find such physical activities interesting and challenging.

When children are climbing, pushing or swinging, the fine and gross motor movements required to balance and coordinate their body is bathing their brain in neural activity. It’s stimulating muscle fibres to strengthen and lengthen. It’s stimulating bone density and strength, and most of all…it’s fun! When it comes to outdoor play, the benefits cannot be underestimated. So get them out there having fun!

Kids Go Karts for Sale

6th October 20194th October 2019

We currently have some kids Go Karts for sale. As winter descends upon us, some activities become less appealing even for kids. Some equipment gets put away in storage, some, unfortunately, some goes in the bin. But others continue to provide value, year in and year out. BERG’s range of Go Karts are hardy and durable, and as far as outdoor activities go, Go Karting remains fun even during the winter months. While we have a whole range of Go Karts for sale, today we want to focus on two areas that are very popular.

Themed Kids Go Karts for Sale

Go Karts are easily one of the top-rated outdoor sports toys for active children. If your child is interested in playing pretend, there are themed Go Karts which, when combined with accessories, can add weeks of additional value to the Go Kart. For example, the Farm Range includes a John Deere ‘Tractor’ Go Kart for ages 5+. It has three gears and is modelled to resemble everyone’s favourite farming equipment, including a faux ‘exhaust’. Some of the accessories available include a working lift bucket, a pallet fork and a rollbar with a flashing light. The lift bucket and pallet fork work using a winch and pulley system which is great fun.

The Specials range also have different themes and configurations which can be a lot of fun. These include the BERG ‘Chopper’ Go Kart, built to resemble the motorbike. This also comes with a two-seater “sidecar” configuration.

Self-Propelled Kids Go Karts for Sale

While this post focuses solely on Go Karts for Kids, it’s worth mentioning that these models are also suitable for adults, since you’ll almost be tempted to have a go yourself. Go Karting as a professional sport for adults can handle incredible speeds, with the fastest models accelerating from 0-60mph in 1.5 seconds. BERG found this to be a little excessive for kids, so they have capped their speed at 16kmph! The E-BFR range of electric go-karts still move at relatively significant speeds. While they’re for kids aged 6+, we recommend supervision at all times. It’s worth noting that the E-BFR range is considerably more expensive, ranging from €1,799, so it’s not going going to be suitable for everyone.

Have any further questions or thoughts? Feel free to contact us today on 021 496 5132

The Best Kids Toys in 2019

29th September 201926th September 2019

The best kids toys in 2019 are those that get kids away from screens and outdoors. Kids need to be active, with fresh air and active play. Child obesity is becoming an epidemic worldwide, with obesity rates doubling between 1982 and 2008. There is a worrying correlation with the rise of computer games and the ease and accessibility of “convenience foods”. With that in mind, here are some kids toys in 2019 that’ll give them the best chance of a healthy, happy childhood.

The Best Kids Toys in 2019: Go-Karts

In recent years there’s been a massive influx of electrically assisted transportation. Devices such as E-scooters have taken over the scene. Unfortunately, kids want the electrically assisted models. This means that a great chance to promote healthy activity for your kids could be taken away. To help combat this, Berg has a whole range of Go-Karts available, whether you have a younger child or in the older age brackets up to 12 years of age. And we also stock Berg’s fully electric and hybrid models. We recommend a hybrid model as a good compromise if your child is adamant on the electrically assisted version.

Berg Trampolines

Trampolining is an ageless outdoor activity that’s just good enough to be an Olympic Sport. Kids absolutely love trampolines, and once there’s suitable caution and parently oversight, they can be an excellent way to encourage healthy activity in your kids. In addition to promoting flexibility and strength, children tend to exercise their creativity, developing their own imaginative games. Whether you’re looking for a trampoline in Dublin or anywhere else in Ireland, we provide free delivery to your door.

Basketball

While typically team sports tend to repel the quiet, introverted kids, many still get enjoyment out of basketball. Your kids can hone their skills dunking, jumping and throwing as a solo activity; Flexing their joints in the fresh air as nature intended. Of course, just one basketball ring is enough for a group to get a game going, making it extremely flexible, and one of the reasons why decades later, basketball is still up there as one of the best kids toys in 2019.

Most of our If you’d like more ideas for your kids, or you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to contact us on 021 4965 132

Berg Dublin: All Berg Trampolines and Toys

24th August 201921st August 2019

BERG is Dublin’s Go-to for outdoor Go-Karts and Accessories. We gladly stock all BERG products and recommend them for their durability and design. BERG has a reputation because their products last for years with minimal care. You can view our full range of BERG toys and accessories (Free Shipping to Dublin). Or read on for an overview of some of BERG Dublin’s best products.

BERG Trampolines

View our full range of BERG Trampolines with free shipping directly to your home. BERG makes the most well-known “Regular” trampoline, the kind you raise up on legs. And they also build “In-Ground” and “Flat-Ground” trampolines. All BERG trampolines are built to last and require minimal maintenance.

We recommend “Flat Ground” trampolines if you want to maintain a tidy look to your garden while letting your kids (or you) have some fun. Rather than raising the trampoline on legs, you dig a hole beneath. This puts the jumping surface at ground level. As with anything, there are pluses and minuses. The flat ground trampoline is tidier. And it lets your kids play more creatively since there isn’t a need to mount the platform. The downside is that a flat ground trampoline is unsuitable for younger children as there are no protective nets to keep them within the bouncing surface.

If you have younger kids but you’d still like to have a lower profile, you can also consider BERG’s “In-Ground” range of trampolines. These also have the jumping surface at ground level, but they come with a safety net around the edges.

BERG Dublin: Go-Karts

Our range of Berg Go-Karts caters for kids aged from ten months to twelve years old. For the youngest, we have the Berg GO² Blue. Suitable for ages 10-30 months, this tiny go-kart helps your toddler develop, starting with scooting and building up to pedalling. The pedals fold down when your child is ready to use it.

There’s a range suitable for each age group up from toddler, including themed versions for all ages, such as the “BERG Buzzy Jeep” for the youngest kids and the Berg Jeep Revolution BFR-3 for ages 5+. Most of the older kids’ Go-Karts are also compatible with the full range of accessories, which range from trailers to passenger seats, loudspeakers, pallet forks and bulldozers. It’s safe to say that there’s plenty for everyone.

Free Delivery to Dublin

We’re offering Free Delivery to Dublin for all BERG toys and accessories. Simply add what you’d like to the shopping cart, complete your order, and your kids will be in for a nice surprise within a couple of working days. If you need help choosing the right BERG toy for your kids, or you’d like more information regarding our delivery service, please give us a call on 021-4965132

Battery Powered Go-Karts

20th July 201918th July 2019

Battery Powered Go-Karts are relatively new, but Go-Karting is a time-tested way for kids (and adults) to have fun. While there are an incredible array of options out there for all ages and sizes, we only stock BERG battery-powered go-karts for a few reasons. Firstly, BERG is an excellent manufacturer of outdoor toys. They also build outdoor pools, sports toys and more. BERG build their equipment to last years. The BERG Electric Go-Kart range is no exception.

Just like their pedal-powered Go-Karts, the E-BFR range is robust, solid with a “heavy” feel to them that makes you feel comfortable strapping your tikes in there and letting them whizz around the garden and drive.

Battery-powered Go-Karts: Speed

The Berg E-BFR is equipped with a 250-watt E-Motor with hybrid pedal support. Some of the Berg Electric Go-karts can reach speeds of up to 16km per hour when combined with pedalling. Without pedalling, they can still coast along at good speeds that will keep both kids and adults happy.

They’re easy to steer and are comfortable for kids and adults alike. The braking system uses a back-pedalling. When you come to a complete halt, backpedalling switches from a braking function to a reversal function.

How Long Does the Go-Kart Battery last?

battery powered go-kart

The BERG Battery Powered Go-Kart uses a 24V removable battery which provides a minimum of 2 hours of driving – if you aren’t pedalling. The battery longevity depends on what mode you use the battery. The most basic battery assistance is through the “ECO” and “Tour” modes, which help remove the heaviness of pedalling and allow you to cruise with less effort at decent speeds. Models equipped with the “Sport” and “Turbo” modes are able to enjoy faster acceleration and higher speeds without any pedal assistance. Due to the speed of some of these models they are not suitable for children under 6 and children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Battery Powered Go-Kart: Comfort

BERG’s Electric Go-karts have highly adjustable, very comfortable seating, which means that the Go-Kart can adapt as your child (or you!) grow. Provided you are under 100kg. BERG Go-karts use pneumatic tyres which mean they are natural shock absorbers, and the front wheel axel will move with rough terrain in a way that reduces bumps and vibrations from the ground beneath you.

If you have any other questions regarding our range of Go-Karts, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 021-4965132

Outdoor Toys

12th July 201910th July 2019

Outdoor toys let kids (and adults) have a great time while staying active. At Douglas Forest and Garden we have it all. Check out our full selection of outdoor garden toys for all ages.

Outdoor Toys for Sports

Whether you need sports toys like football goals or basketball nets, trampolines, or go-karts, it’s all here. We have eight different types of EXIT goals, including the super handy and low-cost EXIT Flexx pop-out goals that you can take with you to the park.

We also have a great selection of basketball nets and backboards for hanging up in the drive or back garden. These come in sizes for kids, teens and adults, so there’s no excuse not to get out and throw a ball around. We also currently have deals going on for basketballs.

Go-Karting down Patrick’s Hill dressed as Batman is one thing. But if you’re looking for Go-Karts for around the garden and estate, we have a great selection of BERG kids’ Go-Karts, that come in sizes for kids aged three months to six years plus.

If you’re a jumpy sort of person we also have a great selection of BERG trampolines. These have come on leaps and bounds in the past few years. We stock regular ‘on-ground’ trampolines and also the ‘in-ground’ variety which is more permanent but also more discreet and accessible.

Outdoor Toys for Kids

Possibly one of the cooler things we stock (if you’re a kid) are the playhouses. EXIT is one of our two main providers for all things outdoors. Their playhouses, like their other toys, are robust, long-lasting and lots of fun. Let’s admit it, we all wished we had a playhouse when we were kids.

These playhouses can take a lot of weight. Yes, even our weight, with most being stress tested to handle up to 125kgs at a time… but unfortunately, as adults, we won’t fit … Still, hope is not lost! We might not have had one ourselves, but let us instead live vicariously through our children!

These come with various options and features to provide months and months of fond memories for you and your kids. We hope this quick rundown of some of the items we stock was helpful. To view the whole selection please see all our toys for outdoors. And if you have any questions, please give us a call on 021-4965132

Kids Outdoor Toys For This Summer

18th May 201917th May 2019

Our reliance on technology increases year after year. With this shift, it’s becoming increasingly important to encourage kids to get outside and play. Physical activity is essential for a child’s mental development. But it can be hard sometimes getting them to choose the real world over their gadgets. At Douglas Forest and Garden, you can view our full range of kids outdoor toys to help get them outside, having fun.

Berg has a range of fun “Real Life” gadgets to keep your kids away from the screens and out in the garden. Berg is well known for their kid’s Go-Karts, with a range covering from ages 10 months to 8 years. And these can be great fun when combined with their accessories. Combined, they make the perfect kids outdoor toys.

Berg G0-Kart Accessories: The perfect outdoor toys for kids

Berg’s range of accessories includes trailers which can be used for play as well as for practical work (some kids will consider tidying up the garden as ‘play’ if you frame it right!). kids outdoor toys You can also purchase flags to hang from the kart, reminiscent of a rally car, and just in case your kids aren’t loud enough already, there’s the ‘Berg Buddy Siren’ attachment which has three different siren sound effects and also serves as a loudspeaker. Kids love this when combined with the Berg Blue Flashing Light.

For the more industrious kids, there are ‘farming attachments‘, which include a pallet fork, bulldozer and lifting unit. These actually work — albeit slowly. Still, it’s enough for your kids to have hours of fun outside, which is the main thing. See it in action here

That’s just some of the kids’ outdoor toys we stock here at Douglas Forest and Garden. If you have any questions or are looking for further ideas for your kids, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 021-4965132

Outdoor Activities for Toddlers

20th April 201917th April 2019

Are you looking for some outdoor activities for toddlers? In recent years, society has become highly focused on safety, sometimes at the expense of allowing kids freedom to play and explore. Luckily, there are things that even toddlers can enjoy outdoors which, under supervision, allow them to explore and have fun without putting them at risk. Go-Karts have been around in different forms for decades, but the BERG models are simple and functional while using materials for the 21st century.

BERG offers an entire range of superior quality toys for kids and adults alike. BERG’s Go-Karts for Toddlers are no exception. These Go Karts are solid yet lightweight. Let your toddlers play and have fun safely with BERG’s go-karts. outdoor activities for toddlers

Children aged 10-30 months love the BERG Go. The BERG Go has fold-up pedals so that your toddler can scoot without the pedals getting in the way. This allows your child to learn to scoot around until he or she is ready for the next stage.

Can You Use A BERG GO On A Lawn?

The Berg Go is made for paved yards and indoor use. Its thick, wide wheels allow it to roll in the garden on a well-cut lawn. Make sure there are no excessive slopes. The BERG GO does not have brakes, so adult supervision is required at all times. To ensure safety at all times, ensure that your child is clear from any areas used by vehicles (including your own driveway).

Is Trampolining Safe For Toddlers?

We’re often asked about outdoor activities for toddlers. Sometimes we’re asked if it’s safe for toddlers to use a small trampoline. The simple answer is no. We do not recommend trampolines for children under the age of three. For young children over the age of 3, we can recommend our regular trampolines. These trampolines are off the ground, so we advise you to purchase one with safety netting. Especially if you plan to leave your children without constant hands-on guidance.

Looking for more outdoor ideas for toddlers? If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 021-4965132