The Weather is Changing and So is Our Playtime
Summertime is wrapping up and that means fall weather and colder days are almost upon us. It also means there won’t be quite as many sunny days to play outside. I’m constantly looking for fun and unique ways to keep the kids interacting, engaged and using their imaginations indoors. We recently had the opportunity to try out an Antsy Pants Build and Play Kit and it was fun, but did it meet our playtime expectations? Keep reading to find out.
I was given an Antsy Pants Build and Play Kit for the purpose of testing and completing this review. All opinions remain my own. Please see our Disclosures page for more information.
What are Antsy Pants Build & Play Kits?
Before we let you know what we thought about playtime, it may help to know just what we’re talking about. Antsy Pants Build & Play Kits encourage imaginative play through easy-to-build structure kits. The kits come in various sizes of snap and click pieces with instructions to create several different “play-houses.” You can then purchase separate fabric covers to place over the structure frame to make your magical getaway come to life.
Playtime Pros
FUN!
The instructions were very easy to follow. My 6-year-old was almost able to complete the build himself (minus a few pieces at the top.) Once the structure was built, the kiddos really seemed to enjoy it and spent quite a bit of time in it. Even when they were done with make-believe they brought pillows, blankets and a pile of books in and lounged around. It’s continued to be a fun for them for the last several weeks, which as a parent, I especially love seeing.
Giving Back
Another positive thing about the Antsy Pants line is through its availability at Target, with every purchase, Antsy Pants will make a donation to KaBOOM!–a national non-profit dedicated to ensuring that all kids receive a childhood filled with the balance and active play they need to thrive.
Creative Cons
How it Holds Up
After constructing our play kit, I was a bit worried that the connectors and plastic tubing would be too flimsy and wouldn’t hold up very long with true active play. So far, I have been wrong and it seems to be holding up just fine after a few weeks of play. It bounces back quite well if jostled or knocked over as they run, jump and play.
Price
Another concern for me was the price. Although items in the product line start at only $14.99, the large sets are around $80. Part of the fun of these kits are building all sorts of different “play houses” and structures, but it seems the price of purchasing several of the fabric covers can start to add up. It does help lessen the financial sting a bit to know that with every purchase you’re helping children in need through the partnership with KaBOOM!.
Overall Review
What child doesn’t love creating a fort or building a play house? I think that even with the few reservations I mentioned about, these are still a great buy. You’ll definitely want to consider Antsy Pants Build and Play kits as the holidays start approaching. Often times I am asked by family and friends what my little ones want for birthdays or Christmas and this would make a great present. It encourages them to use their imagination and be creative–which his a huge win, win. You’ll find the Antsy Pants collection available exclusively at Target. Be sure to look there on your next trip or check out the full Antsy Pants line online.
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