I received this playhouse as a Step2 Ambassador. As always, all opinions are my own.
When I was little, my dad built me an amazing playhouse in our back yard. It was my favorite place in the entire world to be, and I would spend every spare minute I could there. It had a little front porch real glass windows that opened and a kid sized front door – it looked just like a real house! The inside was big enough for my kitchen set (fridge and stove), a table and some shelves for toys. Oh yeah, and it also had a second story loft which totally put it over the top in awesomeness. But one day we moved and it didn’t come with us. I was heartbroken, but eventually got over it. But what does this have to do with anything? Well, that first playhouse left a major impact on my life, and since then I have always known that when my children were old enough, I would give them one of their own to make memories in.
A few weeks ago we surprised the kids with the new Step2 2-Story Playhouse & Slide available exclusively from Toys R Us, and oh.my.gosh. they were amazed! I’m not sure how long it has been since they were that excited, but from the minute I unveiled it they were absolutely smitten. So much for Christmas – I doubt I’ll ever be able to top this, but oh well. The looks on their faces are worth years of just okay Santa gifts.
From a parent’s perspective, I was apprehensive at first because of the second story. But as always, Step2 has put this thing through rigorous safety tests and after visiting the factory where they make and test their toys for the past two years, I trust them wholeheartedly. The ladder is situated firmly in a supporting wall, and the platform for the second story is made of strong plastic, with a steel beam running through the middle for extra measure. The sides of the second story are tall enough that kids aren’t able to lean over, so falling out isn’t a concern. *FYI: Step2 recommends that proper shock absorbing surfacing materials (mulch, rubber mulch, etc.) be used with this house.*
I love the extras that are added in, like the oven/fridge/stove area with knobs that turn. The inside is spacious enough for a few kids, chairs, and some toys. You could even set a small table in it!
The kids love “serving” each other at the windows, and under the slide is a perfect place to store their cars. How cute is that?
The front face of the house is my favorite – it has a dutch door with a mail slot, a window with working shutters, and of course a working doorbell! They went all out with the details here, and the colors are perfect. It looks just like a rustic little cabin in the woods! The only thing that I wish I could add would be a real window box for play flowers/etc under where Kaia is in the shot below. Wouldn’t that be cute?
The extra tall slide is perfect for Judah – he loves high slides, and this will be thrilling for him as he grows!
This is a great playhouse for all ages, and it would be an amazing gift idea for the whole family! You can find the Step2 2-Story Playhouse and Slide at Toys R Us for $599.99.
