MY KIDS CHECK IT EVERY MORNING! My kids LOVE this weather lab! They set it up out on the back deck and check the rain gage and temperature every morning. When it rains, they run out while it's raining to check the rain gage multiple times during the storm. This weather station has made them more aware of and interested in what's going on with the weather. The materials seem robust; it's been sitting on our deck for a few months now without problems.