Product Type: Toys
Age: Preschoolers
Categories: Playhouses
2011 Awards
(Pacific Play Tents $49.95 Score:
) Young children LOVE having spaces that are scaled to their size. Fans of Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar will especially enjoy this small pop up tent (42" high) that's just right for pretend play, being cozy, reading a book, etc. The tent is made with washable nylon that features art from the best-selling book. We paired it with the company's Tunnel ($49) for added active play! Our parent testers liked that there was a mesh see-through window so that they could peek in from above--and as an added plus-it does let the air in.
The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.
Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2010 Award
(Step 2 $$329 Score:
) Latest in the line of Naturally Playful play houses from Step 2. Our testers gave this cottage a thumbs up for ease of set up (although they recommend that the optional use of a drill made it much easier to put together), pretend possibilities (the house comes with a built in kitchen, doorbell, phone, and half door that fun for opening and closing). Our testers commented that the picture shows flowers in the windowbox but does not come with flowers and does not have a drainage hole in case you want to plant real flowers or plants for your kids to enjoy. You can certainly add a drainage hole with a drill or use potted plants--or shall we say it, fake flowers! Even with this drawback, they gave the cottage high marks for engaging kids--who did not want to leave the playhouse to play with other toys! Older toddlers and preschoolers really love having a space that's scaled just right for them..and even to point out that you don't fit!!
Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2010 Award
(Step 2 $399 Score:
) Designed for older toddlers and preschoolers, this is an idea setting for all types of pretend scenarios. There is a pretend grill, a built-in kitchen, a doorbell and even a bench for enjoying a real snack! Giving kids props for pretend can really inspire role-playing that is essential for developing their language and story telling skills.
The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.
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Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2009 Award
(Step 2 $249.99 Score:
) A little playhouse designed for older toddlers and preschoolers – looks like Pooh, Tigger and Piglet should be there too. Kids enjoy having small spaces that are designed just for them. This playhouse has a working periscope (really fun), a sink, a working shutter, and a fenced in area so if you’re invited in- there’s a bigger space for adults. Although it is pricey it will be used for a long stretch. Note: This playhouse is marked 3 & up due to all the extra things that come with it–but the structure itself will be enjoyed by younger children. There are larger play sets from Step 2 that have more height–our recommendation is take your kids along when you’re shopping for this type of equipment. If you decide to bring this product home to older toddlers, put the goodies away until they’re older.)
Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2003 Award
(Playhut $39.99 Score:
) Kids love having their own hide-away for pretend play. This is one big fabric pop-up playhouse with a rollup window and a doorway. Five feet tall and almost as wide, this is a big enough play setting for several kids to enjoy. Best suited for indoor use. A good gust of wind would send it flying! We always have trouble putting Playhut products away in their little cases, but we think it's more our problem than theirs! Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2003.
2006 Award
(Step 2 $550 Score:
) This oversized 66" high house will accommodate growing children and has bay windows, full kitchen, doorbell, and room for multiple children. “She loves playing peek-a-boo and having her own special space,” wrote our tester’s mother. The smaller Adobe House ($299) is 55" high, has small kitchen, sand tones, red “tile” roof, and stucco adobe look. (800) 347-8372. Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2006.
2008 Award
(Bazoongi Kids $129 Score:
) There's something very pleasing about this old-fashioned colorful tent (61" tall, 54" diameter) done in vivid circus colors. Our testers found the frame easy to put together and the kids loved the window and opening. "At first we thought it was going to be shaky but once we put the fabric cover over the frame it was sturdy." Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2008.
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