I might be dating myself here, but back in my day, we played outside all day long during the summer months. I was busy riding bikes with friends, playing sports, creating secret clubhouses, buying icees from the corner gas station, and more. We came home when it got dark outside. That was the life and some of my fondest childhood memories! I’m encouraging my kids to do the same with their new Step2 Play Cottage!
Get Outside with the Family for Step2 Play Cottage Fun!
Recently there was a photo of some bikes in the yard circulating on Facebook that read “before cellphones and social networks this is how we figured out where our friends were.” That photo reminded me that today’s kids spend way too much time indoors, whether it’s on the computer, a gaming system, or their smartphone.
That ah-ha moment got me thinking about our own lifestyle and how we need to encourage our kids to get outside and play.
We recently picked up this Step 2 Neat & Tidy Cottage. There was little encouragement needed to get our boys out the door after they spotted this fun playhouse.
The Step2 Cottage accommodates multiple children at once. It’s roomy and offers a 45″ height interior. It’s geared towards kids ages 1.5 to 5 years of age. With many windows and openings, it’s easy to keep watch of your little ones as they play. The toddler playhouse includes a sink, mailbox slip, working doorbell, kitchen table, and seats.
The bright red dutch door and play shutters open and close giving the playhouse a homey feel. One of my favorite features is the molded-in floor so kids do not get quite as dirty, plus fewer bugs to worry about.
Pretend food is not included, but we had some on hand and the kids enjoyed grilling some burgers – just like dad! Summer months in Florida typically include afternoon showers, but the boys kept playing right along.
Okay, maybe some of today’s technology is okay. A pretend phone is included with the Step 2 Neat & Tidy Cottage as well.
How did you spend your summers as a child?
Get outside with the family for Step2 play cottage fun! Here are a few other outdoor toys we found.
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Angela says
Growing up most of our Summer days were spend outside. Our swing set was our Starship Enterprise.
Marci says
We were outside from first light of day until it was dark. Riding bikes, climbing trees, tag, chase, swimming, taking walks, hopscotch, water balloon fights….etc.
Our daughters are 11 and 8 and my husband and I are having a disagreement (which up to this point we have agreed on everything parenting). We can’t agree as to how late our girls should be up on a summer night. Their usual bed time is 8pm. He thinks they should go to bed at their regular time and only stay up until 9 or 9:30 once in a while. We live on a dead end road with lots of children. The other kids are out playing until way after dark. It’s hard for our girls to come in and lay in bed while listening to all their friends playing. If it were up to me I would let them stay out to at least dusk. Summer is for playing and having fun.
Jennifer H says
Hi Marci, I definitely see value in both points. Maybe there’s a middle ground, like staying out until dusk 3 nights a week, like M, W, F nights? Or maybe weekends only during summer? Summers are the moments the kids will treasure forever!
Tiffany Schmidt says
Everything was outside. I couldn’t have imagined WANTing to be inside. Freeze tag, slip and slid and plenty of just plain goofing off!
Jennifer H says
Yep! That’s what I’m talking about. 🙂