If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

“If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” and today we highlight educational toys that are not only fun but travel well when in a car, on a plane or at Grandma’s house.  We’ll also introduce you to a toy manufacturer that makes all-wooden toys and offers tours, and check in with the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission for the most recent toy and sports products related recalls and news.

EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL TOYS

Twisterz Toys

 




These cleverly constructed tube-toys are perfect for keeping little hands and growing minds occupied. 

There are three varieties of take-along Twisterz Toys, each with a delightful purpose that makes learning fun. All measure 12 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches and weigh 5.6 ounces each, and are recommended for children 36 months to six-years of age. Best of all – batteries are not required.

Parents or caregivers initially introduce these toys to youngsters and easily demonstrate how they are used.

The Alphabet Matcher exercises a child’s motor and logic skills while highlighting spelling by matching letters to pictures.

The Word Builder challenges children to create their own words from vowels and consonants, and as their skill builds, the possibilities for creating a variety of two-to-six-letter words are endless. This is an excellent adjunct learning tool for phonics instruction.

Story Starter emphasizes pure creativity, as children twist the tube to find a desired story opening. From there, parents or caregivers can verbally continue the story for little ones, or if the child is older, they create and continue their own story to completion.

The video below offers more information on each of these Twisterz Toys. All products may be ordered direct from the Twisterz Toys website.

Fractiles-7 Travel Edition

This Parents’ Choice award-winning magnetic tiling toy is perfect for ages six and older, and provides hours of fun creating everything from flowers and snow flakes to unique and complex patterns by building images that foster creativity and pattern recognition skills.

The travel set includes 96 brilliantly colored flexible magnetic tiles; an activity board, instructions, and an album style package that makes take-along easy.

The Suggested Retail Price is $27.00 and Amazon.com currently has this item available for $25.32.

Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Travel Doodler with Light

No crayons or paints needed for this mess-free magnetic drawing and doodling board. This version has a flip-up light for drawing in the dark, along with an attached magnetic pen with spring-loaded saver tip, plus an easy-slide screen eraser. The image board is oriented in a horizontal mode and the very durable frame sports a convenient handle for transport. The unit measures approximately 11.25 x7 x1.5 inches. 

 The Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Travel Doodler with Light retails for $24.00 from Amazon.com

Fisher-Price Doodle Pro Travel Green

This doodle and drawing board has many of the same features as the Tough Travel Doodler but without the light, and the drawing board offers a vertical orientation while being slightly smaller at 9 x 1.2 x 11 inches. 

The Fisher Price Doodle Pro Travel Green is priced at $11.99 through Amazon.com.

TOURS

Maple Landmark Woodcraft

Their high-quality, expertly crafted all-wooden toys have been honored with awards by numerous organizations such as Green Parents’, Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy and the International 2011 Gift Fair in New York and Maple Landmark Woodcraft offers tours of their facility in Middlebury, Vermont.

Families are in for a treat when they see how this “Santa’s Workshop” (without the elves) manufactures everything from rocking horses and toy trains, to puzzles and building blocks.

Maple Landmark’s time-tested, kid-powered products are available at over 2,000 locations worldwide, online, through catalogues as well through their own store.

Located at 1297 Exchange Street in Middlebury, just off Route 7 north of town, Maple Landmark is open year round Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays (July 31 to December 31) Noon to 4:00 p.m. and their “private” weekday tours (start before 2:00 p.m. and last about 30 to 45 minutes-) for groups that include up to ten people for $10.

If you and your family plan on being in the area, give them a call at 800-421-4223 to set up your tour.

If you can’t visit them directly, you may enjoy watching this segment from the Travel Channel’s “Made in America” with John Ratzenburger. 

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

 
Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last 7 days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

No toys were subject to recall since last week’s posting.

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

aDOORable Swing Bar Recalled by Sportime Due to Fall Hazard

CPSC NEWS

No general news releases since last week’s posting.

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.

If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

In today’s edition of, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours” we explore one of the best family travel entertainment values – a visit to a carousel, and we check in with the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission for the most recent toy and sports products related recalls and news.

From the construction of the first American carousel, sometime during the 1840’s by craftsman, Franz Wiesenhoffer of Hessville, Ohio, as an entertainment value, they can’t be beat.

Carousels, also referred by many as merry-go-rounds or whirligigs (depending on what part of the country you hail from and your age) are a constant delight for children of all ages.

If you’re seeking affordable entertainment during these tough economic times, consider packing a picnic lunch, taking a drive and topping the day off with a spin in the park.

Some of the best carousels around the country (pun intended) are actually the most affordable as well as being easily accessible by car or public transportation. 

The vast majority of carousels and merry-go-rounds open on Memorial Day weekend, so if your city has been left out of this post, don’t despair. The National Carousel Association has a handy carousel map locator, which provides a detailed description of the carousel and includes opening dates with hours of operation, along with telephone contacts for ticket prices.

To get your children primed for your entertainment outing check out Carousels.com, which is the definitive on-line source for everything about carousels. And, if you want to listen to some authentic carousel music such as a Wurlitzer Style 153 Military Band Organ, Carrousel Music (spelled the French way) of Chambersberg, Pennsylvania offers authentic selections to sample on-line.

Here are some top picks for this summer. Just click on the link or call for additional information and directions.

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round in Los Angeles, California boasts 68 jumping exquisitely decorated carved horses with probably the finest and largest selection of music, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. year round Saturday and Sunday, 7 days during summer. Cost: $2.00 per ride (children under 11 months are free), located in Griffith Park Center, (323) 665-305.

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round

Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford, Connecticut is a 95-year-old Stein & Goldstein antique gem that has “6 jumper horses (going up and down), 12 standers (stationary horses), two chariots, and a Wurlitzer 153 band organ.” Open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Cost: $1.00 per ride, located in downtown Hartford, Bushnell Park, (860) 585-5411.

Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round in Berkley, California on the beautiful grounds of Tilden Regional Park this is a wonderfully preserved antique with distinctive calliope music and a menagerie of animals to ride. 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. weekends; 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. weekdays June 13 to September 2. Cost: $2 per ride or $10 for 7-ride ticket book, (510) 524-6773

Central Park Carousel, New York, New York, in the center of Central Park, approximately 64^th Street and 6^th Avenue, it is a Stein and Goldstien beauty that has the largest hand-carved figures ever constructed for a carousel, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting), Cost $2.00 per ride.

The Paragon Carousel, 205 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, Massachusetts, is another antique treasure at 81-years of age, and was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1928, April, May to June 18 weekends only 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; June 18- Labor Day open daily – 11:00  a.m. – 9:00 p.m .Sunday - Thursday., and until 10 pm Friday and-Saturday.  Cost: $2.25 per ride - 781-925-0472.

Richland Carrousel, Mansfield, Ohio, corner of 4th and Main, it is the “first new, hand- carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930's” and .has 30 horses, 22 menagerie figures, which include  4 bears, 4 ostriches, 4 cats, 4 rabbits, a goat, giraffe, lion, tiger, zebra and a “mythical hippocampus” plus a Stinson Band Organ, May 1-Labor Day, Monday-Thursday 10:00 a,m. –5:00 p.m, Friday, 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m, Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed July 4^th, Labor Day- December 31 Monday-Sunday 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and the first Friday of each month 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cost: .75 cents per ride, 3 rides for $2.00, 8 rides for $5.00, 50 for $25.00.

Flying Horses Carousel, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Off the eastern coast of Massachusetts and a walk-on ferry boat ride away, is the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where you’ll find the nation's oldest operating platform carousel – a true National Historic Landmark and treasure. Ticket prices are $1.50 and if you grab the brass ring, your next ride is free.

In the video below, take a visual ride on the Flying Horses and grab the brass ring.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

 
Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last 7 days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

Excite USA Recalls Toy Helicopters Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Rite Aid Stores

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

Harbinger Fitness Recalls Ab Straps Due to Fall Hazard

Quality Bicycle Products Recalls Civia Bicycle Racks Due to Fall Hazard

CPSC NEWS

CPSC Announces Grand Opening of New State-of-the-Art National Product Testing and Evaluation Center

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.

If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to the newest edition of, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.”

With the dog days of summer fast approaching, swimming and water-play are the most favorite forms of outdoor entertainment, and today we’ll introduce you to websites that help you find the best beaches, public pools, swimming safety information, along with in-home pools and simple gear to help beginning swimmers. We’ll also take a look at the most recent toy product recalls. 

FLOATATION DEVICE

Water Gear Back Float, Progressive Split Float (Orange)

 

Teaching a child to swim is one of the most important skills that will provide a lifetime of safe and fun exercise. This floatation device, designed for the very youngest, is water resistant, soft on the body, buckles easily on the back of young swimmers, and allows free arm motion. The split float feature provides for proper adjustment as a child’s skill increases.

This device, always used with adult supervision, is initially best utilized with a “pool noodle” or small life buoy ring as the backpack causes the swimmer to assume a position facing downward.  As confidence builds and children get used to putting their face in the water, the additional flotation devices, could be removed.

The Water Gear Back Float retails for $10.95 through Amazon.com, where you will also find consumer reviews and a video of the product in use.

WATER TOYS

Wild Planet Dive Balls

 

Once a child gains swimming confidence, diving fun can be taught with dive balls. These three colorful balls come with directions for two easy and fun games. The balls have Neoprene fabric tails, which are easy to grab when they sink to the bottom of the pool.  Because there are small parts, this product is not recommended for children under three years of age.

Wild Planet Dive Balls retail for $9.99 at Amazon.com where you will also find more product news and consumer reviews.

SWIMMING POOL LOCATOR

'Swimming Pool' by Peter Griffin

Swimmers Guide, a fabulous online resource in helping families find year-round swimming pools, is the most comprehensive website of this kind on the Internet.

The database on Swimmers Guide boasts that it “lists 18,825 facilities with 20,128 full-size, year-round swimming pools in 10,695 cities and towns in 167 countries.”

Each listing includes the name, address and telephone of the facility (for checking rates and hours of operation) and information on special discounts, aquatic programs and much more. There are also 11, 534-map links with directions.

Finding a swimming pool near home or when on vacation just got a little easier.

BEST BEACHES

‘Beach’ by Bobby Mikul

For those of you that prefer a day at the beach, the Travel Channel provides an online resource that includes beaches in the United States and countries as far flung as Australia.

Each easy-to-access listing not only provides information about the beach, but sight-seeing opportunities and places of interest.

SWIMMING POOLS FOR THE HOME

In-home/ in-ground pools are a swimmer’s dream, but for most families the cost of installing an in-ground pool is prohibitive, but there are options in the above-ground category, that by comparison offer a good alternative.

In selecting an above-ground pool, always keep in mind the actual space with level ground that you will need to provide on your property, and when assembling these models, allow for extra time above and beyond manufacturers directions.

As with an in-ground pool, there are also maintenance issues, so be sure that the commitment for care and upkeep will be a family activity.

Intex Ultra Frame 18-by-9-Foot-by-52-Inch Rectangular Pool Set

This large size family pool is fabricated with rust-resistant metal beams with joints that snap together for the do-it-yourselfer. The rectangular shape allows for swimming laps and pool games. A filter pump, ladder, ladder barrier, volleyball set, deluxe main kit, ground cloth, cover and DVD are included with the pool.

The Intex Ultra Frame retails for $849.99 and includes free shipping through Amazon.com where you will find product reviews, further details and links to larger versions of the same pool.

If ground space is an issue, and all your looking for is a pool to provide exercise, the iPool Above Ground Exercise Swimming Pool is a fine option.

The iPool measures 10 by 6.5 feet (approximately 65 square feet) and has a depth of 3.10 feet that holds 1,500 gallons of water. The pool comes with a cover and a Velcro strap harness that allows you to get your exercise by swimming “in-place.”

The iPool retails for $990.00 and ships free from Amazon.com. There is  a slightly better price from a new Amazon Marketplace vendor for $899.00 plus shipping of $78.49.

 

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

 
Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last seven days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

Musical Shaker Instrument Recalled by Woodstock Percussion Due to Laceration and Choking Hazard

EKSuccess Brands Recalls American Girl Crafts Jewelry Kit Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

No new sports related recalls since May 31, 2011.

CPSC NEWS

There is an entire section, “Pool Safely” at the CPSC website that covers pool safety for homes and public venues. Please take time to familiarize you and your family with this important site that contains everything from past pool product recalls to safety awareness along with helpful videos.

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.