Step2

Spring has finally arrived at the Step2 HQ. The sun is warm and shining so it is time to break out the playhouses and climbers.

Here at Step2, we realize that children eventually grow up and although our toys have grown with them- children eventually outgrow them. Even though the playing may be over with, that does not mean you cannot still utilize Step2 products!

Below are some ways to use Step2 toys:

1. Planters: This is a great way to make your garden look beautiful and an untraditional way to showcase your flowers. Not only can the wagons become planters but the sandboxes can become flower beds as well.

2. Pooch palace: Every dog deserves its day. Now you can let your dog have a blast on the Step2 climbers after the kids are too big to play on them.  This is a great way to help your dogs stay active besides the average walk around the block.

3. Multi-purpose table:  Even if your children are not too big for their Step2 toys yet, sometimes they may get bored playing with sand or water when it comes to the water tables and the sand & water combos. Try using different substances like shaving cream or mud (if you dare) in areas where sand or water would usually reside.

4. Animal carrier: Let your pets relax while you parade them around in their own wagon. If your children still fit in their wagon, this can be a fun way for your children and pets to bond. Otherwise, it can be a way to let your pet take a nice relaxing stroll while you chauffeur them around. Better yet, let your big kids be the chauffeur for their furry friends!

*Disclaimer*: The Step2 Company does not promote or condone the use of our products in ways other than the original intent. This blog was solely written for the purpose to encourage creativity after a child is done with the original intent of the product.

The kids are almost out of school, temperatures are rising all across the country, and outdoor toys are being brought back outside. This means one thing – Summer is almost here!

At Step2, safety is our number one priority; so we’ve devised some tips for getting your outdoor Step2 products ready for summer fun.

Wagons & Ride-Ons

• Review assembly instructions [available on all product pages (example)] to verify products meet all safety requirements as installed
• Check seat belts on wagons and ride-ons to insure that they are secure, the buckles function and the fabric is not weathered or damaged
• Look for signs of excess wear on wagon and ride on wheels
• Check for bent axles or casters
• Look for cracking on any handles

Swings & Climbing Equipment

• Review assembly instructions to verify products meet all safety requirements as installed
• Check for obstacles around home playground equipment  (there should be a minimum of 6 ½ feet clearance around the perimeter of the equipment)
• Check all hardware on climbing & swing set equipment to make sure they are tight and make sure anchors are in place and beneath surface level
• Check swing ropes on climber/swing sets to insure they are in good condition with no signs of fraying or rotting from sun/weather exposure. If you see signs of wear, please call Step2 at 1-800-347-8372 to order a swing replacement kit.

Sand & Water Products

• Make sure sandbox lids are intact to keep sand clean and critters out
• Check umbrellas for proper installation, function and fit.  Check umbrellas for exposed metal tips or torn fabric.  Remove damaged umbrella from use.
• Check all sand & water product plugs for wear and make sure they are inserted all the way to prevent leakage

Additional Outdoor Toys

• Review assembly instructions to verify products meet all safety requirements as installed
• Check to see if basketball/football bases are properly weighted with sand or water
• Check for cracks in any plastic toy before use
• Products can be washed with a mild soap & water
• Use Armor All®* to shine up your Step2 mailbox or playhouse after washing (not recommended for use on climbing/swing equipment for safety reasons)

Replacement parts & decals to spruce up your products (with exception to some discontinued products) are available at reasonable prices by calling us toll free at 1-800-347.8372 Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM ET.

*Armor All® is a registered trademark of Armor All Group

With winter fast approaching, play will be moving indoors before you know it (if it hasn’t already!). One of our customers came up with a great idea for moving her kids’ outdoor toys inside. As a mom of three, all under the age of seven, who lives in Sacramento, California, she is faced with entertaining her children during six winter months of chilly and rainy weather and four months of insufferable hot weather. She has a great yard with many outdoor toys, but they can only be used for about two months.

Feeling that interactive play is important to her kids, she came up with a neat idea for continuing play indoors.

She brought the kids’ sand and water table inside. To protect her home from water damage, and her vacuum from self-destructing, she replaced the sand with dried beans and the water with balls made of plastic. They squealed with delight at having this outdoor toy indoors and played together for hours.

Thinking that she was on to something she brought in a small climber and slide that are each made of plastic and easy to move. With two choices, the kids spend time with one toy and then moved to the other, preventing them from getting bored.

She also has a playhouse for the kids. Figuring that the family room was now more a playroom,  she moved the playhouse in as well, after thoroughly cleaning the inside of leaves, webs and spiders.

Looks like she really was on to something as her kids now want to know if their pool can come inside too! She won’t go as far as to bring that inside, but is happy that her kids can now continue playing with some of their favorite outdoor toys inside this winter.

UPDATE: Thanks to all of this feedback, we have brought the Kangaroo Climber back in updated colors! To view the new Kangaroo Climber, click here.

We often get questions from customers asking us where the Kangaroo Climber can be purchased. Although the Kangaroo Climber was discontinued in December 2009 and no longer available for purchase, we still offer the Koala Climber.

The Koala Climber has a similar structure with exterior step-up walls for climbing. The main difference between the two climbers is the Koala Climber does not have a Dutch door.

Discontinued Kangaroo Climber

Koala Climber

The new Panda Climber is another all-in-one activity gym for toddlers. It also features a crawl-through tunnel and fun slide.

Panda Climber

How do you think the Koala Climber and new Panda Climber compare to the Kangaroo Climber?