TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Outdoor Fun Product Category

Anchors Away Water Play Pirate Ship by LITTLE TIKES INC.

The Anchors Away Pirate Ship is made of durable plastic construction and features two fun characters, a squirting shark and a constant running water fountain. Kids can keep the water moving by pumping or pouring the water into the crows nest; the spinners cause a current in the ship which moves floating objects around. Kids can aim and squirt water from the water cannon to see the steering wheel spin, and the anchor raises and lowers by cranking the handle.
— As of 6/6/2011 this product had 3.2 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Interactive; keeps kids engaged. Cons: Numerous reports of the plank and the cannon squirter breaking; expensive; water flow in fountain isn't strong enough to make the wheels spin smoothly. 6/6/2011 (Price: $79.99)

Mushroom Baby Pool by INTEX RECREATION CORP.

The Intex Mushroom baby pool features a built-in mushroom shade for added comfort on hot days. It has a soft, inflatable floor that allows for gentle play. Adult supervision required at all times.
— As of 06/02/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Shade keeps baby protected from sun; easy to blow up; inexpensive. Cons: One customer said one of the floats that came with the pool had a hole in it; if you aren't kneeling next to the pool when the top is on it's hard to see the baby in the pool. 6/2/2011 (Price: $12.99)

Wheely Pig by PRINCE LIONHEART INC.

The Wheely Pig is the latest addition to the Prince Lionheart award-winning, ride-on toy line. The Wheely Pig teaches children balance and motor skills with castor wheels which will allow children free movement. Easy to clean and durable. Launch date: June 2011 Awards: Mother & Baby, Top Gear, 2005 Baby Gear Gold, 2005 Practical Pre-School, 2010 Fat Brain Best of the Best 5/27/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

96mm Striped Bozagga Ball by HEDSTROM

This is the next generation Bozagga Ball. Striped, 12-lobed high-bouncing balls. Kids can challenge their friends to see who can bounce these colorful balls the highest. Launch date: May 2011. 5/27/2011 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Swimways Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy by SWIMWAYS CORP

This three-position adjustable, removable canopy protects baby from the sun and folds for storage just like the Baby Spring Float. There is a mesh play space for toys and splashing. Dual inflation chambers and low seat enhance security; the included sun canopy blocks 90% harmful UV rays. Features a "rainy day ducky" design and includes a carry/storage bag. 34"L x 30"W x 3"H. 1.64 lbs. Ages 9 to 24 months.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 199 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Thorough sun protection; folds up easily; the mesh area for toys is convenient. Cons: One customer complained of a leak around the hole where you inflate the float; One customer said her baby flipped over and was held under water because her legs were still in the hole. 5/26/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Expedition One 3-N-1 COMPASS TOOL by SUMMIT PRODUCTS

The 3-IN-1 Compass Tool is conveniently attached to a self-winding retractable carabiner clip, so it's always within reach yet quickly out of the way. Push-button releases spring-loaded compass lid. Flip-out magnifying glass stays neatly hidden when not in use. High-visibility LED signal light lets kids flash secret Morse code messages across any field.
Awards: National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Spring 2011 5/24/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark by LITTLE TIKES INC.

This water table helps children develop "put and take" and early motor skills. They can: drop balls down spiral, watching them go round and round and down into the lazy river; turn the Ferris wheel to scoop up and drops off balls; fill the cup and pour into the funnel to power twin water wheels; and turn the spinner that powers the "lazy river."
— As of 05/24/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Assembly is somewhat difficult; one customer received a box with missing pieces, but the company replaced them when she called.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they "just sell Little Tikes" in the furniture/play house category. 5/24/2011 (Price: $39.99)

Ready Set Stilts by ALEX BRANDS

These fully adjustable stilts feature soft grip handles. Kids can practice walking on their stilts using the sturdier big foot trainers. Once their balance skills have improved, they replace the trainers with no-skid caps. Fits kids up to 110 lbs. 5/24/2011 (Price: $35.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TosyŽ AFO by WABOBA INC.

Tosy AFO (Aliens' Flying Object) is a boomerang flying-disc game that lights up when it's dark. uper bright LEDs automatically ignite when launched, creating a colorful rainbow through the night sky or in a darkened play space. A specially designed, hand-held launcher and thin, flexible blades allow the user to control the distance, height and flight characteristics. Pull the launch string and watch it fly; horizontally across the field to be caught by a play partner or vertically to an incredible height, then arcing back to return exactly from where it was launched. Indoors, compete to see how long the Tosy AFO can suspend from the ceiling or against the wall, seemingly defying the laws of gravity. 5/18/2011 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quadrabyke- Ice Silver by BIG TOYS USA

The Quadrabyke is a children's cycle that can be used with four, three, or two wheels, thanks to its unique axle system.  As a child's cycling skills grow, parents can alter the bicycle, until they are riding a two-wheeler. A
Awards: Toy Man 5 Star Rating; Toy Man Top 50 Product of 2010; Product Design Awars- Nottingham Creative Awards. 5/18/2011 (Price: $139.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set by LITTLE TIKES INC.

Beginning T-ball set includes an easy-to-use oversize bat, 2 oversize baseballs and Tee. Adjustable height “T” adapts to a child’s developing skills. Special “hang-on-the-wall” design for easy small-space storage. Helps improve batting skills, motor skills and coordination.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product was #1 in the Toy Sports category on Amazon.com and had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews. Cons: One reviewer said that though the minimum age is listed at 2 years, her two year old had trouble with it; the base isn't very heavy so on the grass it's not very steady; the height only adjusts by about an inch. 5/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Paint-A-Bird Feeder by TOYSMITH

This pine bird feeder kit includes four paint pots, 5" brush and a chain for hanging. Birdseed not included. When kids have completed their creation, they can fill it with seed and set it outside for bird-watching fun.
— Michelle Bears, owner of The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that she sells 30 of these bird feeders each month.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 2 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun to paint. Cons: The opening at the bottom of the feeder is too large, so too much seed spills out of the tray. 5/11/2011 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PlasmaBike Red by PLASMART INC.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide 5/11/2011 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Raskullz 3-D Helmets by C-PREME LIMITED LLC

These helmets encourage kids to be safe while still expressing their individuality in a fun way. The helmets feature Molded Exotuff™ 3D helmet design; aerodynamic cooling vents, shock absorbing EPS inner shell, and adjustable straps. 5/11/2011 (Price: $26.99)

Crayola 52 Count Sidewalk Chalk Bucket by CRAYOLA LLC

52 count bucket of sidewalk chalk in assorted colors. Sidewalk chalk features new crayon shape, embossed with Crayola logo and serpentine design. Clear storage bucket with purple handle for take along fun. To reduce breakage & dust, sticks will be shrink wrapped in 4 sets of 9 and 2 sets of 8.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 12 reviews. Cons: Breaks easily; the blue chalk can stain concrete. Pros: Great value; the chalk lasts a really long time as long as it doesn't get wet. 5/5/2011 (Price: $10.99)

Radio Flyer Odyssey Wagon by RADIO FLYER

The Odyssey Wagon is a roomy luxury vehicle with several different seating configurations, a bonus cooler pack, safety belts, and easy to fold handle for transportation, just to name a few of its features. It also comes with a UV sun protection canopy, as well as an abundance of cup holders (two for the kids; two for the adults). Flip-up seats make for a comfortable ride for kids, but can also be folded flat to haul stuff around. 5/5/2011 (Price: $149.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pool Puzzles by FUNDEX GAMES

Putting Pool Puzzles together is simple- just pop the foam puzzle pieces out and assemble them by number. Once together, they become floating friends- a dolphin, turtle, or lobster. They can be taken apart and put together again every time a child plays in the pool. 4/15/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Don't Tip the Waiter Splash by FUNDEX GAMES

In Don't Tip the Waiter Splash, players take turns stacking cups on the three-dimensional floating waiter's tray. But they have to be careful, because too many cups will tip the waiter. If a player makes the waiter drop the cups into the water, they're out. The last player standing wins. This pool game is ideal for 1-4 players. 4/15/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes 3-in-1 Trike by LITTLE TIKES INC.

The Little Tikes 3-in-1 Trike grows with little ones as they become bigger and better riders. This trike offers 3 configurations to meet a child's needs: parent push, parent guided and kid powered. The seat can be adjusted to 4 different positions to fit almost any size child, while the shade canopy adjusts to any angle or can be removed depending on preference. The push handle allows parents to control direction with 1 hand as they help little ones become comfortable with riding. As children becomes more familiar with the trike, the push handle and the footrests can be detached for independence. Made with durable plastic and metal, this trike features quiet-ride tires, non-slip pedals, a 5-point seat belt harness and protective bar for lasting strength and safety. The extra large storage bucket with dumping feature and convenient beverage holder deliver even more fun for a kid on the go. 4/13/2011 (Price: $99.00)

Banzai Splash Blast Lagoon Pool by TOYQUEST

Scale the climbing wall and slide through the water-spraying arch into the connected splash pool. With the included continuous- airflow blower motor, the pool and slide inflate in two minutes. With a garden hose connected to the top of the slide, water will spray down so kids can slide into the pool. Heavy-duty Dura-Tech construction ensures lasting strength and durability. Includes 1 Inflatable Water Slide, 1 Blower Motor, 3 Blower Ground Stakes, 1 Water Spraying Hose Assembly, 6 Water Slide Ground Stakes + 1 Extra, 1 Carrying Bag, 1 Repair Kit (Glue for repair kit). Safety Warning - use with adult supervision. 4/13/2011 (Price: $329.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mashoonga Cadet by REVEL KING, INC.

The Mashoonga! Cadet is a foam saber for young children. It is made of premium materials that will provide months of fun and vigorous play.  It is constructed to be safe and has a play pattern that promotes eye hand coordination, strategic skills and builds stamina.  It teaches children good sportsmanship by following rules of play and how to safely play a contact sport. It is an all season toy that can also be used in and around water play. "The Mashoonga! Cadet is a premium product made to last.  We replace it if it brakes under normal use," Jim Bogner, president of Revel King, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2010. ( Watch Video) 4/4/2011 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Big-foot Stomp Walkers by MONKEY BUSINESS SPORTS

These stilts are decorated on the end with big, hairy Bigfoot feet. Set includes 1 pair of Stomp Walkers. Supports up to 100 pounds. Balance is easy with ultra-wide foot stands. Flexible & durable soft foam base is ideal for indoor/outdoor play. ( Watch Video) 3/31/2011 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Trike 'n' Trailer by EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

This wooden trike is sturdy and durable. It can hitch up to a little wooden trailer so toddlers can pull their treasures along with them. It measures 14" x 33" x 14". 3/31/2011 (Price: $70.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roomerang by ZING

This soft foam boomerang toy can be thrown indoors or out.
—Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., sells about a dozen a month. 3/30/2011 (Price: $3.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Maverick Pogo Stick by SBI ENTERPRISES

The JM Maverick Pogo Stick is designed to provide fun exercise for boys and girls from 5 to 9 years old. The precision, foam-covered metal construction includes replaceable, non-slip foot pads, handlegrips, and a rubber tip. The pogo stick supports users between 40 and 80-lb. It measures 38 x 9.5 x 2.5 in.
—Two reviewers on Amazon.com gave this product five out of five stars for high quality and durability. 3/30/2011 (Price: $39.99)