As the hot weather grips the county, we look at the top five toys to keep the kids cool and entertained during the summer holidays.
SCHOOL'S out and so is the sun. And there's no better way to enjoy the long summer holidays than spending endless hours playing outdoors.
Day trips and outings certainly keep children entertained but you'll soon be counting the cost.
So why not invest in a few top toys for the garden so you don't have to travel too far away from home?
A handful of top toys to help keep your children cool during the heat wave are now in shops – and families are snapping them up.
Swings, slides and climbers are always a good investment for your garden. And paddling pools, sandboxes, water sprinklers and bubble blowers also go down well when temperatures go up.
But this year, there's some exciting summer stuff to be had.
Ed Harvey, sales supervisor at Mido Toys – which owns Toy Planet in Intu Derby, said: "A lot of families rely on toys for the garden so they don't have to keep visiting local attractions. If money is a bit tight, I suggest getting a few cool summer toys so your kids can enjoy some fun."
Hot on Ed's list is the range of Nerf water shooters. He says no home should be without one.
"They are fantastic," he said. "The Shock Super Soaker and the Electrostorm, for example, are really fun toys. And if you don't want to play with water, you can buy the ones which shoot the soft foam darts. They are brilliant."
Last year, slushy makers shot off the shelves as children created their own ice cold drinks for family and friends.
Mr Frosty – the versatile, retro toy – made a welcome come back and it's back again this year. From ice lollies to Frosty sundaes, this classic piece of kit provides hours of fun. Pop some ice cubes under Mr Frosty's hat and urn the handle. You can also create multi-coloured ice-lollies by filling in the lolly moulds with water and juice.
But something new has taken this summer by storm and they are flying off the shelves. Welcome to the Chill Factor Ice Cream Maker.
Ed said: "We love this ice cream maker. It really does make delicious ice cream in minutes. Just think – you'll never have to queue up at the ice cream van ever again.
"I bought one for my girlfriend and she thought it was great. She has used it so much.
"And if you get bored of ice cream you can make healthy frozen yoghurt and refreshing sorbets."
Firm favourite the paddling pool has to be in our top five 'must haves' this summer.
Prices vary and so do the sizes. For little money you can buy a small pool for toddlers to splash around in.
But splash the cash and you could have a 6ft or 8ft pool – idea for the long, hot days in the garden.
Some hold more than 2,300 litres of water, but they are easy to fill and drain thanks to a flow control valve.
On the theme of water, there's another exciting way to cool off this summer.
Why not whiz down the Mad Man Water Slide, which comes complete with squirting fountains?
Attach the garden hose to the 488cm long side and you'll get drenched.
There's no better way to enjoy a hot day then flinging yourself down the slippery slide.
It comes with six stakes to ensure it is secured safely into the ground.
Ed from Toy Planet said: "We all love the wonderful weather and these toys are perfect for the school holidays."
