Whether the weather near you has been hot and muggy, wet and stormy, or perfectly delightful, summer is still the perfect time for families to play together. But sometimes we need to take a deep breath and slow down _ especially if you have (or are) a preschooler. Recently we had a chance to play with a number of kits that spark the imagination and encourage creativity in a calm, relaxing way.
_Countryside Horse Set (BRIO)
Ah, what could be more relaxing than a train ride to the countryside? The views, the fresh air, the wide open spaces, and your horse. Yes, your horse. (Hey, horses need down time, too). This kit comes with everything you need to make your equestrian vacation perfect, including a horse, railroad track, a train engine (which can operate with or without batteries), a transport car with a fold-down ramp, a train station, some fencing (you don't want your horse to run off, right?), a mini you, and more. The train and track are compatible with other BRIO sets and everything is built to last. For ages 3+. Retails for under $64. http://www.brio.net/
_Remote Control Travel Train (BRIO)
Here's a perfect intro to remote control vehicles. This small set comes with two cars, a passenger with moveable arms and legs, and an RC unit that's super easy for little hands to hold and operate. Your little one will be able to turn lights on and off, go forward (fast and slow), backward, and, if absolutely necessary, stop. If the RC unit presents a challenge, your budding engineer can still operate the train by pushing buttons on the engine. Requires four AA batteries (not included). As with everything BRIO, this kit is durable, colorful, engaging, and fully compatible with other BRIO sets. For ages 3+. Under $35. http://www.brio.net/
_BRIO World Family House (BRIO)
Using this kit's 46 pieces, you and your child can design and build your house any way you'd like _ one story, two, or three. Then, let your imagination take over. Bake a cake in the kitchen, take a bath in the tub, kick back and watch a movie in the living room, spend some time on the balcony watching the birds, go outside and play, and anything else you can think of (sounds suspiciously like real life, doesn't it?). The Family House kit can be used on its own or with any of the dozen or so other kits in BRIO World. It's for ages 3+. Prices vary. http://www.brio.net/
_Pickup with Horse Box (Schleich)
This one is for horse-loving kids who've outgrown BRIO. That's in part because it requires a bit of assembly and includes some small pieces that that make it inappropriate for kids under three. But little kids won't fully appreciate the incredible detail and design that go into every Schleich product _ especially the animals. For the human characters, the pickup truck has rubber tires, doors that open and close, and a spacious bed for hauling tons of stuff. For the horse, there's plenty of hay and carrots. And because some of those noble animals get jittery when traveling, the trailer is spacious and comfortable, and can even be used without the top. For the horse and human together, there's a saddle, bridle, and a pair of grooming brushes. Includes two people and one horse _ a Friesian mare named Bella. For ages 5+. Prices vary, so check with your favorite retailer or visit http://www.schleich-s.com.
