Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Step One FUN, Step Two..


I actually live near a beach. The only thing, it's not a beach where you want to swim. Sad but true. So when the temperatures were soaring this past weekend, it seemed like the perfect time to set up the Sand & Water Cart from Step Two, the new raised sandbox and water table, offering elevated play and the perfect antidote for a hot afternoon. Beach, meet my backyard.

The Step2 Company, famous for its signature play kitchens, ride on toys and play houses, offers new outdoor toys that transform an ordinary yard with no landscaper or contractor required. The majority of Step2’s toys (90%) are made in the USA and all are free of phthalates.

The Sand & Water Cart holds 40 lbs. of sand and 1/2 gallon of water, which according to the website is not included, but thank goodness because half the fun on this hot day was lugging buckets of cold water from the hose to the table. The table came with accessories including two boats, a spinning water tower, a cup and an umbrella. But not just ANY umbrella. This comes complete with a sturdy, colorful, big (42") tilting umbrella to help shade you and your kids from the hot sun.

The cart comes with two front wheels and you can easily lift the handle to move the sand cart from one place to another. We actually kept it in the grass and didn't even need the wheels, but I can see where they would be handy on a flat deck or patio.

The Sand/Water table is built for children ages 2+ so I was hopeful my 3+ year old would be entertained. I know I was. There is something about play that involves sand, warmth and water that is both relaxing and energizing. It's the summer fun time activity. Sand castle? Sure! No sand in your shoes? Sweet. Imagine my delight when I found I was not the only one loving this toy. We spent hours at the table on Saturday; First after lunch and again after dinner and his first words upon waking up Sunday were Can we play outside?

Absolutely.

Not content to hang out in your yard? Is there a big world out there your little one is just itching to explore? Step Two offers a great line of wagons and ride on toys. We were able to also test drive Step Two's Whisper Ride Buggy. Technically, this buggy is designed for kids 9mos-3 years, but it holds up to 50 pounds and I know this is true because my 3+ old was in the buggy, on the buggy, around the buggy and he pushed the buggy and it held up to everything he could dish out.
The removable push handle does allow you to control the direction or take it off and let them literally go to town. The wheels are sturdy and I love the under the hood storage compartment because any mom of boys will tell you, boys think hoods and what you can put in them are COOL. They also like noise, so if you desire you can activate the battery operated horn, but we had fun just pretending to honk at the cars (and people) we passed by.

Step2’s many summer 2008 products are currently available at toy stores and retailers nationwide. For more information on the full line of Step2 toys and products, please visit http://www.step2.com/

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