Dark Den

[helenlc]

I really like the idea of one of these dark dens but not the price:

http://www.tts-group.co.uk/Product.aspx?cref=TTSPR1103642

I therefore was considering asking my aunt who is a whizz with a sewing machine, to make me a cover for my pop up tent out of black out material - therefore giving me a dark den. Black out material can be quite expensive so I reckon it would cost about £15-20 for material.

Then I saw in my 2010 Sainsburys Active Kids catalogue a pop up sensory room - just a pop up tent basically. You can either have it in white or black (which is also black out). But cant find it anywhere else.

But whilst Googling it, found this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001NPCVX0?ie=UTF8&tag=childminding-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001NPCVX0">SunnCamp Blackout 2 Man Tent</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=childminding-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001NPCVX0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;

Reviews say that it is black out to an extent when camping outside but I aim to use it indoors so it should be completely black out. I want them to use it the same as the dark den ie take torches, light up toys in there.

As its a pop up style, it should be less cumbersome than the proper dark den to store.

Do you think this pop up tent should work as a dark den? To be honest, I am thinking of ordering it anyway and trying it out.:blush: I just wanted you lot to tell me to go for it!!!:laughing:

[christine e]

I actually ordered a dark den then thought why not just throw a dark blanket over dining table for indoors and patio table for outdoors - worked perfectly at no cost! Cancelled order for dark den!

Cx

[mamasheshe]

this is what they do up the school I've got a black out curtain i think i may hold on to for this purpose

[suzyblue]

I THINK YOU SHOULD GO FOR IT! What a good idea!
I think I will get one too, the schoolers will love it!

[mamasheshe]

it is a bargain xxxxxxx

[PixiePetal]

i bought a long length of black fleece fabric to put over my pop up tent. Not sewn it up yet:blush: Just tucked it round, works fine :thumbsup: Cost about £15

[sillysausage]

But whilst Googling it, found this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001NPCVX0?ie=UTF8&tag=childminding-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001NPCVX0">SunnCamp Blackout 2 Man Tent</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=childminding-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001NPCVX0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;

Reviews say that it is black out to an extent when camping outside but I aim to use it indoors so it should be completely black out. I want them to use it the same as the dark den ie take torches, light up toys in there.

As its a pop up style, it should be less cumbersome than the proper dark den to store.

As a camping enthusiast I don't think that this tent would stand up long to the roughness of children. It's got poles rather than pop-up. The reviewer said that one of his poles split on the 3rd use. The problem with some of the tents that are marketted as 'ideal' for taking to festivals is that they are almost disposable in quality.

I have a dark den and the children really like it. When stored in it's bag it is approx 1m long and about 20cm diameter. The ideas with the cloths sound very good, practical and multi use so I would go with that if I didn't already have one.

[miffy]

I got the dark den with my tesco vouchers last year - it's great.

It rolls up quite small to store and has it's own bag.

Miffy xx

[helenlc]

As a camping enthusiast I don't think that this tent would stand up long to the roughness of children. It's got poles rather than pop-up. The reviewer said that one of his poles split on the 3rd use. The problem with some of the tents that are marketted as 'ideal' for taking to festivals is that they are almost disposable in quality.

I didnt think of this. My 2 children have a small tent that has poles and one is already broken due to only light use in the back garden.

Think I will go back to the black out material over my tent I already have.

Thanks!!:thumbsup:

[Monkey1]

I get mine from here as they were a bit cheaper......kids love it! and i have taken some amazing photos this week in there!

http://www.spacekraft.co.uk/Multi-Sensory+Learning/Quiet+Space/The+Dark+Den.asp

[avril]

I get mine from here as they were a bit cheaper......kids love it! and i have taken some amazing photos this week in there!

http://www.spacekraft.co.uk/Multi-Sensory+Learning/Quiet+Space/The+Dark+Den.asp

I've got this one and I agree it is fantastic even I go inside with the children :blush: , We read books using a torch and have all sorts of light up things, foil survival sheet is amazing with llights!

Anyway, I got mine FREE :clapping: I had to attend a full day of training on senory play and got one at the end along with lots of lights, fantastic day was had too.

[beccas]

i think it was in tesco voucher scheme last year why dont you seeif it in this year and aim for the amount of vouchers.

but its on my wish list and kit that you can get when my grant money comes through:clapping:

[helenlc]

I get mine from here as they were a bit cheaper......kids love it! and i have taken some amazing photos this week in there!

http://www.spacekraft.co.uk/Multi-Sensory+Learning/Quiet+Space/The+Dark+Den.asp

Thanks Monkey - do you use their kit of lights etc or have you accumulated your own collection?

[Monkey1]

Thanks Monkey - do you use their kit of lights etc or have you accumulated your own collection?

I have done my own hun, Haven holidays are the best place to buy from the entertainment staff lol! They don't have to cost a lot. I'm still adding to my collection

[tammys-tots]

Hi, i brought dark den few years ago. Its ok if youve got the room. Children love it. I have seen some pop up tents which are good. I got mine from TTS and the lights but they are not good. They dont last long! need to get some new ones.
Tammy

[bexcee]

I have just received a £300 learning and development grant and decided to spend it on all of those things that I have been looking at and either couldn't afford or thought they were too much money.

One of those things was a dark den and accessory kit which was delivered today. The tent is great, perfect size for little ones, easy to put up and take down, packs away neatly into it's own little bag and is really dark inside perfect for use with torches, fibre optic toys etc. However the accessory kit isn't worth the money at all and I am thinking of sending it back. Some of the lights and torches are dangerous - battery covers come off easily, loose screws, flimsy material etc.

I would definately recommend the dark den but think you could put together your own light kit.

[helenlc]

I have just received a £300 learning and development grant and decided to spend it on all of those things that I have been looking at and either couldn't afford or thought they were too much money.

One of those things was a dark den and accessory kit which was delivered today. The tent is great, perfect size for little ones, easy to put up and take down, packs away neatly into it's own little bag and is really dark inside perfect for use with torches, fibre optic toys etc. However the accessory kit isn't worth the money at all and I am thinking of sending it back. Some of the lights and torches are dangerous - battery covers come off easily, loose screws, flimsy material etc.

I would definately recommend the dark den but think you could put together your own light kit.


Thank you - I already have some torches, night lights, light up toys etc so did wonder whether it was worth purchasing the kit that is supposed to come with it.

[Monkey1]

Ikea sell those lovely ghost night lights and they just touch the top to turn them on and off!

[PixiePetal]

I have done my own hun, Haven holidays are the best place to buy from the entertainment staff lol! They don't have to cost a lot. I'm still adding to my collection

I got some bits from Butlins when we stayed there, Argos had a colour changing light and I have various light up ducks and sea creatures from novelty shops.

The Noveltywarehouse who have donated prizes on the forum before have lots too.

[butterfly]

I have just received a £300 learning and development grant and decided to spend it on all of those things that I have been looking at and either couldn't afford or thought they were too much money.

One of those things was a dark den and accessory kit which was delivered today. The tent is great, perfect size for little ones, easy to put up and take down, packs away neatly into it's own little bag and is really dark inside perfect for use with torches, fibre optic toys etc. However the accessory kit isn't worth the money at all and I am thinking of sending it back. Some of the lights and torches are dangerous - battery covers come off easily, loose screws, flimsy material etc.

I would definately recommend the dark den but think you could put together your own light kit.

I agree! I got my accessory kit delivered a couple of days a go and two of the torches are already broken and the toddlers managed to get the batterires out of the others today! There's not that much in the set either for the amount of money it costs!!

What are you guys using to store your lights and torches etc in?

[marzi]

http://www.electricplanet.co.uk/product/324/Mini-Lava-Lite-Lava-Lamp

Battery powered lava lamps! Thought they'd be great for inside a dark den, I just wish I could go in too lol as i love lava lamps!

[miss mopple]

Did you ever order this Helen? Just wondering if its any good?