While researching playhouses for kids, we found this cool climber features activities such as basketball, soccer, rock wall, football toss and slide. The Step2 All-Star Sports Climber is designed to keep children active with shooting, passing, climbing and kicking play in one unit. Minimal adult assembly.
Kid’s of all ages can benefit from toys and activities that help them develop better cognitive and motor skills. This All-Star model from Step 2 encourages eye hand coordination, balance and self-confidence with its sports and climbing features.
Designed to keep children active, this climber features activities such as basketball, soccer, rock wall, football toss and slide. Kids can keep score with the built-in scorekeeper under the basketball hoop and a junior-sized inflatable football, soccer ball and basketball are included.
Product Features
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Teaches children to toss, shoot and kick on target at a young age |
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Kids can keep score themselves with the built-in score keeper under the basketball hoop |
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Fun rock wall gives your climbing toddlers a safe and easy challenge |
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Includes an inflatable junior-sized football, basketball and soccer ball |
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Maximum weight limit 60 lbs. (27.2 kg) |
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The Step2 Sports Climber is great for physically active children. It teaches children to toss, shoot and kick towards a target at a young age. The built-in score keeper allows children to learn their numbers by keeping score.
Another great feature is that this compact design can be used indoors or outdoors, providing greater versatility during winter months or when the weather is not quite right. The rock wall is an easy and safe challenge for even the busiest of toddlers. This playhouse provides multiple activities within one set up and it even comes with a kid sized inflatable football, soccer ball and basketball.
The All Star Sports Climber is very durable and is built to last for many years. Current owners have given it high ratings because of it’s construction, design and its versatile play options for the kids. It encourages small children to run, throw, climb and play… all with one playtoy and with multiple friends at the same time.
This is what one owner had to say about the Step2 All Star Sports Climber…
“The product has been used inside of our house, but the little one really enjoys the slide. The product was very easy to put together, which took about 5 minutes, and looks exactly as the picture.”
C. Huizenga
Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
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Little Tikes Swing Along Castle
Fisher Price Learning Home
Playhouses For Kids
admin on September 2, 2011 | Filed Under product | Comments Off
Designed primarily for the outdoors, this playhouse is compact enough to be set up indoors during months of cold inclement weather. Assembly is straightforward with an easy to follow guide. Construction is durable and stable featuring a comfortable toddler swing, three foot slide and a fun design that resembles a castle with arches and towers.
Your special little Prince or Princess will have many fun adventures, indoors and out with the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle! They will love the play telescope as it swivels easily all the way around in search of excitement. The “easy climb” rock wall is perfect for skill development and the swing is very safe with a three point safety belt.
The ship’s steering wheel and the gently sloping slide will keep them busy and active and stimulate hours of imaginative playtime. Even the littlest knights and princesses can reign in the backyard with this Swing Along Castle Playhouse!
Product Features
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Fun telescope swivels 360 degrees |
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Swing includes a 3-point safety belt |
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Easy climbing rock wall for beginners |
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Gentle slope slide for soft landings |
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Realistic steering wheel for imaginative play. Easy 20 minute assembly |
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The Swing Along Castle is a great toy for small children and is just challenging enough for even the most curious toddler. It’s fairly easy to assemble requiring under 45 minutes (the box says 20). I like the fact that since it is made out of plastic resin material it can be used indoors or out.
Little Tikes has a reputation for combining quality construction and safety in all of their products. With the toddler in mind, this model is a safe choice for small children to have hours of fun climbing, swinging and playing on their very own little slide.
Age appropriate activities and motor skill development are all built in to this thoughtful design. It is solid, easy to build and lasts! For us, the durability together with the price make this a win-win!!
Here is what one owner had to say about the Little Tikes Swing Along Castle…
“The Swing Along Castle was purchased for our great grandchild who was 1 year old June 24, 2011. He can get in the swing by himself and loves to play outside with his new toy.”
K Fish
Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Related Posts:
Step2 All Star Sports Climber
Fisher Price Learning Home
Playhouses For Kids
admin on September 2, 2011 | Filed Under product | Comments Off
Small children can enjoy hours of creative learning time with the Fisher Price Learning Home playhouse. It boasts of dozens of interactive features in one sturdy set-up. Toddlers can see how things work, push buttons, drop balls, and open doors to set things working, and listen to many songs play after doing some activities first.
Fisher Price has long been a leader in providing safe and educational playhouses for kids. With soothing music, traditional sing-a-long songs and sounds, the Fisher Price Learning Home with shape-sorter and two interactive play modes makes the experience of learning a joy. The two sided playhouse encourages exploration as baby crawls through the big blue front door.
You can also install this toy outside because it is durable enough to withstand changing weather conditions. Its age-appropriate features are bound to be a hit with your toddler. This toy ensures many years of fun and educational play time.
Babies and toddlers are the busiest and most curious people in the world! But even the busiest little explorer will have met there match with this playhouse. There are 21 songs, all of which are easily heard, electronic, and activated by touching, tweaking, or pulling parts of the play set. Baby will learn from cause and effect activities and be rewarded for taking risks.
Product Features
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Both sides are loaded with activities, music, speech, and sounds |
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Teaches: Letters Numbers Counting Shapes Opposites Colors Greetings & more |
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Part of Laugh & Learn Collection |
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There are so many activities and interesting things on this toy that I think the price was a real bargain! The house numbers, the rain gutter, the radio, the clock, the window, the mailbox, etc, etc! The toy overall seems to focus mostly on the concept of opposites (night/day, up/down, open/close, etc) and numbers.
There are so many different activities to keep baby busy and there is always something new to discover. As previously mentioned, this Fisher Price toy is strong enough for both indoor and outdoor play. There is no need to worry about it breaking from vigorous play time and general wear and tear.
Here is what one owner had to say about the Fisher Price Learning Home …
“My daughter absolutely loves her laugh and learn home playset. It keeps her occupied for hours everyday. Assembly is easy, but you’ll need a skinny screwdriver. Batteries are not included either. I was apprehensive about purchasing this playset because it is a bit pricey, but I’m glad I did. These are very hard to find in retail stores, especially on sale. If you find a good deal, buy it, it’s worth it.”
Jake H.
Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Related Posts:
Little Tikes Swing Along Castle
Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse
Playhouses For Kids
admin on September 3, 2011 | Filed Under product | Comments Off
When comparing today’s popular playhouses, the Little Tikes Endless Adventures offers endless interactive role play activities for even the most energetic and curious toddlers. With its “around the town” theme, interior features include even more molded-in details including a kitchenette, workshop and bank. The grocery store and bank wall even has a drive thru window and ATM machine!
The Climb and Slide Castle is ideal for even small homes with little play room space. Also, it is durable for most weather conditions and can withstand general wear and tear. It takes ten to fifteen minutes, tops, to assemble this Little Tikes toy. More than one customer-written review praises how this toy is “extraordinarily easy to set up” and how it stays locked in place despite rowdy play.
This playhouse has so many different themes to play with that your kids will have years of interesting role play to try out. There are four different themes on all four walls of the playhouse, and even those can be flexible! The interior walls have even more details in molded plastic, including a kitchenette. The sport theme alone has seven different game theme options!
Product Features
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Four different walls with play features |
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Sports wall with ball, Schoolhouse/Firehouse with table and chalkboard |
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Gas Station wall includes a gas pumper |
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Grocer Store/Bank wall has a drive up window |
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Kids love to role play and this playhouse has limitless opportunities for interactive role-playing! Each wall of this playhouse has a different theme creating endless ideas and hours of fun. This playhouse is seriously loaded with features! Of all the playhouses we’ve reviewed… this one easily ranks in the top three! Your kid will love you for it!
This is what one of the owners had to say about the Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse …
“We received our house today and immediately set it up for our 1 1/2 year old. He absolutely loves it! We are very pleased overall, and plan to paint the fruit and tire like a previous review stated that they did. We give it an A+++++!!!!
P. Freeman
Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
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Fisher Price Learning Home
Step 2 Neat and Tidy Cottage
Playhouses For Kids
admin on September 6, 2011 | Filed Under product | Comments Off
When it comes to children’s outdoor playhouses, the Step 2 Neat and Tidy Cottageis the perfect playhouse for toddlers! It has a built in molded floor keeping the dirt out when used outdoors and prevents damage to floors when brought inside.
Comfortable and with lots of room, this charming cottage has an open design with clear views from all directions. This Step2 toy can teach kids to tidy up after themselves. There is a door and windows that open and shut for a realistic and imaginative touch. There are also “interior” accessories to add to play house fun.
Your toddler will spend hours of imaginative enjoyment using the interactive electronic phone and doorbell, the pass thru mail box, and the built-in kitchen table with sink, burner and two seats. The durable poly construction will last for years while still maintaining a touch of elegance with the realistic stone and wood detailing.
Product Features
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Open design allows mom and dad to watch children while at play |
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Features a molded-in kitchen table, faucet, burner and two seats |
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Includes an electronic phone, working doorbell and pass-through mailbox |
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Accessories not included |
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Adult assembly required |
READ MORE……
Kids love the working doorbell and playing on the little phone! Or how about sitting at the kitchen table with their friend and having a little snack. With it’s sophisticated design, durable construction, and realistic but super fun features… this playhouse will be the most popular place in your home.
It has a working doorbell which my son thinks is great & it comes with a little phone. He walks around talking on it all of the time! He loves sitting on the seat next to the “sink”. He sits there to eat his afternoon snack! Great product! Amazon.com had the best price, too.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Step 2 Cottage Playhouse
“We bought this for our grandson’s 2 year old birthday. He and his friends love to ring the doorbell and go in and out, playing with the phone and ‘setting up house’. I put a 5 star rating for the durability, but in all honesty we’ll have to see how it handles a Minnesota winter first.’
D. Rosner
Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Related Posts:
Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse
Step2 All Star Sports Climber
Playhouses For Kids
admin on September 8, 2011 | Filed Under product | Comments Off
Many first playhouses for kids are Spartan and do not have a lot of décor, especially if they are not store-bought. In fact, a lot of initial playhouses come in the form of big cardboard boxes for appliances! Kids love having their own space they can pretend to live in no matter how cramped or unattractive they may look. You can help your kids enjoy their outdoor playhouse even more by decorating it or adding features they can have fun with.
First, choose a spot with a good shade to install the playhouse on. It could be a tree house, but if your kids are still too small to climb a tree, under the shade of one is a better spot. Make sure there are no bees’, ants’, or other insects’ nests anywhere near the spot so your kids won’t get bitten or stung as they are playing. Next, secure the base or foundation of the playhouse so it’s stable and can withstand moments of rough playtime. If it is a cardboard playhouse, you can use a wooden frame to hold it upright. The same goes for playhouses made of wood. Store-bought plastic ones usually have plastic floors. If the ground is uneven, you can use a thick ply-board as a platform to keep the entire structure from wobbling.
Add a fresh coat of paint to a cardboard or wooden playhouse (plastic ones can just be washed until they’re clean and bright). Keep in mind your kids’ favorite colors so they can feel prouder of their playhouse and want to be in it even more. You can even do murals on some of the walls, or paint fake shutters, picket fences, flower beds, and mailboxes to help spark their imagination while playing. As a tip, use kid-friendly water based paint so there are no smelly fumes.
You can also decorate the playhouse’s interior walls with paint. Or, buy a few rolls of wallpaper with fun designs to glue on them. You can also add some stencils or wallpaper borders around the “windows”, doors, and near the floor to act as base boards. The floors can be perked up with painted tiles or mosaic patterns, or even pieces of rugs or carpets. For added fun, have your kids pick out the stencil or wallpaper pattern they want, as well as the paint color. They can also help with the decorating provided you guide them to get the best results and to minimize disasters involving glue and paint.
Finally, pick out child-sized furniture pieces from flea markets and garage sales. Take measurements first so you’ll know which pieces to get and where to place them. They don’t have to come in matching designs, styles, and colors. You can fix them up a bit with a coat of paint and a bit of carpentry and upholstering to personalize the pieces. Doing this will make the playhouse look and feel like a real home, and your child will surely spend many hours of imaginative and quiet playtime in it.
All kids have played house at some point in their lives. Pretend-play usually starts off with imitating the immediate environment, and playhouses are “built” to reflect what children see in their own homes and families. Playhouses have been around longer than anyone can remember. Today, they have evolved into impressive playhouse staples featuring many interactive technological accessories, but their essence remains pretty much the same: they offer children a home within their own home which they can call their own.
There are valid reasons why playhouses have such a long and enduring legacy as childhood playthings. One of the main ones is that they can go beyond being mere toys into something more valuable. Another is that they can encourage certain values which no other toy can. Below are some of the best ways that playing house can do these things.
- It can encourage imagination. As mentioned, kids first start playing pretend by what they can see (at home, on television, etc.). When these observations become take-off points for pretend play, they can allow kids to be more observant and discerning of what they see around them. In turn, their imagination can become more vivid and a source of inspiration for things beyond playtime.
- It can teach kids how to be independent. There is nothing like having their own space to underline the fact that kids can start making their own decisions at a tender age. Even the smallest things like how to set a table (with plastic plates and cutlery), how to arrange furniture in a house, and who gets to play which role in the family, can already teach children the value of being independent.
- It can help children become more focused and less distracted. Compared with today’s video games and hand-held apps that only encourage kids to have short attention spans and introduce them to violence, quietly playing house alone or with other kids help them become more focused on tasks, and help their imagination take over instead of relying on graphics to do it for them.
- It can teach kids to be more sociable. There may be more times for a child to play alone, but having a playhouse means they can have other kids over to play with them and take on roles. Traditional family roles such as daddy, mommy, and children are typically what kids take on when they play house. In doing so, they can also cultivate a sense of responsibility (who cleans up, who cooks, who “works”, etc.).
- It can help them solve simple problems. As part of being independent, playing house also allows kids to make their own decisions and solve problems. They can deal with delegating roles when they pretend-play, or how to arrange the furniture in the house, or come up with a dramatic situation which they can act out with their playmates. There may also be tiffs among themselves once in a while, but these can serve as situations where they can learn to cooperate rather than fight among themselves. In this regard, it is a good idea to supervise your kids while they are playing so you can guide them when problems arise.
