Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning – Diane Ackerman, Contemporary American author
Whether it’s riding their tricycles, digging and building in the sand at our local park, or simply running and exploring in our backyard, my kids are happiest when they’re outside playing. Play and physical activity are vital to a child’s development. Over the years, we’ve incorporated a variety of outdoor toys into our backyard space so that our children have plenty of opportunities to climb, engage in pretend play, and get messy.
For a long time, my husband and I debated about getting our children a playhouse. I love the idea of a unique space, specifically designed for our children to engage in pretend play, but we weren’t sure if we should opt for an indoor or an outdoor playhouse. Eventually, it made more sense to select one that was durable enough to remain outside since we enjoy a plenty of sunny days here in Southern California.
Because a playhouse is an investment, quality is an important point to consider. Even before I was asked to be involved with Step2’s Test Drive Team, I had purchased a number of toys indoor and outdoor toys from the company and had always been satisfied with the durability and longevity of those items. I was also involved in Infantino’s Test Drive program when my daughter was a baby and can attest to the craftsmanship and developmental research that goes into creating their products.
As soon as my children saw the box which housed My Clubhouse, they were brimming with excitement. My son, in particular, knew that we had been debating having such an item in our home and had long anticipated it’s arrival.
Designed for children ages 2 and up, My Clubhouse is a colorful, spacious area for children to engage in imaginative play. When it arrived, I asked my husband to help me, since the combined weight of the playhouse and the box is over 60 pounds. Traditionally, I’ve always aspired to put together any toy I’ve reviewed because I think it’s important that a mom be capable of doing so if need be. However in this instance, I did elicit the help of my husband, and together it took between an hour and an hour and a half to completely assemble (including the stickers).
While the playhouse is generous in size, it’s not so large that it would take up too much of a backyard area. We have a small cemented patio that we set the playhouse up on to ensure stability. With two entrances (a front door and another side wall that opens), my children have plenty of freedom to move in, out, and around the playhouse. The front door has a peephole which makes pretend play that much more authentic for children and the opening side wall is perfect for hide and seek.
My two year old daughter’s favorite feature of the playhouse is the chalkboard and my 4 year old son’s favorite feature is the secret hiding compartment inside.
We have had a number of real and pretend picnics on the picnic table that’s situated on the side of the playhouse. We’ve even taken some of the plates, silverware, and food from our Step2 Kitchen to play with inside My Clubhouse. As a mom, my favorite feature is the picnic table because it provides a wonderful place for children to snack, craft, or even get messy since it’s easily washed down.
Since our summers can get quite warm, I appreciate the fact that my children can play inside My Clubhouse and stay shaded from the sun’s rays. While the roof is fabric, it’s held up against rain and wind quite well.
One of the things we allowed our children to do was help apply the decals and they thoroughly enjoyed that activity. We haven’t gotten around to personalizing the playhouse which can be done by writing a name over the doorway.
Whenever I think about making such a purchase, I take into consideration how long I expect my children to use and play with an item. We have had this playhouse for several weeks now and neither of my children have tired of it. There are so many creative ways to play in and around My Clubhouse and I know that it’s definitely a toy with significant longevity.
Step2’s My Clubhouse is available at Toys R Us for $169.99 which is a steal!! Be sure to check out Step2’s blog for more ideas on creative and imaginative play.You can also sign up for Step2’s Birthday Club to receive special offers, sales, new product information and promotional coupon codes.
No compensation was received for this post. As part of Step2′s Test Drive Program, I receive products for which I provide my honest feedback.
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Oh, so adorable. My kids are so much older than yours; I remember when we gave away our clubhouse after they grew out of it. I’m so glad you get to watch your own children play and use their imagination in this one.
This is such a great little play house for kids to create ways to play and I love your video; so adorable….great job! 🙂
This is PERFECT! I’ve been looking for a playhouse – and since this comes with the little picnic style bench, it covers TWO of the things that I’ve been needing to get for the patio! LOVE this! 🙂
I love this! I think if I had one, my daughter would never actually come inside to our actual home, lol 🙂
That is super cute! I also like that it has a picnic style bench.
Cute! looks durable too. My son would love this 🙂
What I loved when my kids were that age was how they would just stand there for minutes opening and closing doors and cupboards in our little children’s house. Open close open close. Put things in, take them out, put things in, take them out. Either this is what toddler’s do or my kids are headed for OCD.
I love the hiding spot for the tea set. Our kids have a play structure and they love it so much, even years later. It’s a great investment.
so cute!!!! my kids would love it
So cute! I’ll keep this is mind when I go looking for one for my kiddo 🙂
Thanks for this post… I have been toying with the idea of a club house for my little guy for a while. It seems to me that the time is now, and why toy with it when he could be playing with it. 🙂
This is precious!! Your kids look like they are having so much fun!