Time to Get Outdoors With Step2's Newest Toys for Summer Fun

STREETSBORO, Ohio, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Step2® Company, the largest toy manufacturer in the U.S., is proud to unveil a new line of outdoor toys for 2011. The new toys encourage kids to get out and play and make adventures of their own - all while giving parents the safety and durability they have come to expect and trust for the 20 years that Step2 has been making toys.

Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show if parents want to boost their kids' brain power; they're better off unplugging everything and getting their kids outside. The latest toys from Step2's well-loved line of durable, safe products feature classic favorites such as sand and water tables and clever two-in-one sports themes as well as new inflatables. Also new - the Grill & Play Patio Cafe™ will have kids grilling and serving on the deck just like mom and dad. As always, Step2's in-house design team developed the new line based on feedback from their loyal customers.

"We are thrilled to mark 20 years of designing and building toys that parents trust and kids love," said Step2 president and CEO Jack Vresics. "For this year's warm weather months, we decided to introduce a variety of fun for our customers – with everything from sports-themed toys to get kids active to a new look for our famed sand and water table, which is a long-time favorite with kids and parents."

Step2's spring 2011 products are available at Step2.com and retailers nationwide. Some favorites include:

Family Favorites:

Sand & Water Fun Farm™

A new twist on a family favorite – what kid doesn't like to play with water and sand outside? Now updated with a fun farm theme, including tractor, pull carts, shovel and barn accessories, this outdoor play table will provide hours of fun. Raised table keeps feet clean and dry, and multiple play areas allows for more than one child to play at same time. MSRP: $59.99 Ages 2+

Grill & Play Patio Cafe™

This unique outdoor kitchen combines a dining area and grill for a sizzlin' good time! The dual-sided design encourages group play. The kitchen features a pretend charcoal grill, sink with swivel faucet and two stove top burners with clicking knobs. Its "stainless steel" oven and refrigerator enhance role play and provide valuable storage of playtime accessories. The raised dining area features a realistic "tile" counter top and two attached stools. Includes 40" adjustable umbrella which provides protection from sun and harmful ultraviolet rays. Durable poly construction, wipes clean easily. MSRP: $119.99 Ages 2+

Play & Shade Pool™

Just the right size for toddlers that want fun in the sun and parents that want them protected from the sun. The Play & Shade Pool features two molded-in seats and includes three funnel cups and a fun spinning water wheel that attach easily to the umbrella post. Durable poly construction easily wipes clean and lasts for years. MSRP: $59.99 Ages 2+

Looking For an Adventure?

Inflatable Adventure Fort

With a log cabin theme, this inflatable fort is fun for active minds and bodies alike. It's great for indoors or outdoors and deflates for easy storage/travel. Also, comes in pretty princess castle theme. MSRP: $34.99 Ages 3+

Wild Rides Zebra™

Your child will go wild with this adorable foot-to-floor ride on! The cute zebra character gives this toy a warm appeal and features a contoured seat with easy grip handle bars. The lightweight design is easy for storage and portability and the durable poly construction lasts for years. Also available in Wild Rides Giraffe. MSRP: $24.99 Ages: 1 1/2+

Play Up™ Picnic Cottage

Unique playhouse featuring fun styling with colors to compliment your backyard. Includes picnic table with seating, full play kitchen and realistic-looking decor. With a half door, electronic doorbell sounds, fireplace, working porch light and pass-through mailbox, it will bring hours of imaginative play for kids. MSRP: $199.99 Ages 1 1/2+

Let's Play Ball…

Grand Slam Baseball™

For your little "slugger" the Grand Slam Baseball is an electronic auto-pitch machine that encourages hand eye coordination and will provide hours of outdoor active fun. Machine shoots the baseball out at two angles (both low for ground ball practice and high for "soft toss" practice). Includes one bat and three balls. MSRP: $44.99 Ages: 3+

Kickback Soccer Goal & Pitch- Back™

Enjoy a fun game of soccer and practice your pitching and catching all in one with the Kickback Soccer Goal & Pitch-Back. This is a fun multi-use sports center with a 2-in-1 soccer goal and pitch-back. Kids can practice scoring goals or play a game of soccer with teammates. Kit includes one soccer ball, two hockey sticks, one hockey puck and one pitch back ball. MSRP: $34.99 Ages: 3+

Pin Pals Bowling Set™

Kids can get active inside or out on the driveway as they set pins up for traditional bowling & stack them up for knock-down fun. Pin Pals Bowling set includes 10 bowling pins and one bowling ball. The pins feature small dimples which allow buddies to stack easily – both for play and storage. MSRP: $24.99 Ages: 3+

Catch & Play Ball Pit™

An inflatable ball pit with motorized rotating ball deflector – FUN! It features a large ball pit area and sturdy side seats for multiple play. Includes 20-piece ball set. MSRP: $34.99 Ages 3+

For more information on the latest toys, please visit http://clmclient.com/Step2IPK.

About The Step2 Company:

The Step2® Company is a family company with brands including Step2® and Infantino® that foster learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years. Based in Streetsboro, Ohio, Step2 is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys, and the world's largest rotational molder of children's and home products, including children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, as well as home products such as mailboxes, gardening aids and trash cans. Learn more at www.Step2.com.

CONTACT:
Alexis Freeman, Current PR
[email protected]; 312-929-0504

SOURCE The Step2 Company