Little ones learn to open pop up tents up all by themselves. Usually they learn how to close them and fold them away again, seeing as they take up very little room. It's funny to watch one youngster teaching a toddler how to do the same, although they might get impatient with the wee one's fumbling. It's so cool that they can do it themselves. In the early days, don't be surprised if you get shouted on to let one of them out every time the tent gets collapsed during rough and tuble play.

There are dozens of companies who make pop up play tents and tunnel tents, and they are hugely popular on the internet. Some specialise solely on tunnel tents for children and bolt on accessories like basketball hoops and platic balls. But there are also bed tents, tunnels, and play house tents. Some parents look for a tent adorned with Disney Princesses or Thomas The Tank Engine. Some companies will only sell colourful, but unbranded play tents. Another thing to consider is the assembly - is it a pop up tent you want, or one that comes with rods. Some are quicker and easier to set up than others.

If you're looking for a tent that unfolds and pops up into place like you just added water, there are brands that do just that. These fabric structures are certainly the quickest and easiest play tents to erect and fold down. But these usually sport licensed characters from Disney and corporate toy manufacturers. You can find many themed tents proudly displaying Buzz Lightyear, Mickey Mouse and many more Saturday morning cartoon favourites. Look also for tents with various bolt ons incorporated into the design, such as putting ramps, velcro doors and much more. Look through the dizzying array of shapes and sizes that the big retailers offer and you're bound to find something your children will adore.

Babies and toddlers love to explore these tunnel tents, learning all about sense of direction as well as hide and seek. These are great for a kid's development.

The pop up play tent often can become a secret hidey hole. I've found many a missing houselhold item or DVD stashed secretly under the teddy bears and lego bricks. And if I'd had a camouflaged military themed tent when I was that age my parents wouldn't have seen me for hours at a time! And therein lies the benefit for everyone involved!

There are unlimited things a child can come up with playing in a pop up tent. And even if you want to buy them online, you can get them for less than a family meal out. They take up very little room when they are folded up, so storage shouldn't be a problem. We keep ours in the corner of the garden shed behind a space hopper. Considering all of the advantages, a parent shouldn't hesitate to get their kids a pop up tent.