Editorial Review

It's a three-alarm blaze of fun for youngsters with PlayHut'sTwist 'N' Fold Fire Engine, another in their imaginative series ofquick-to-assemble, spring-loaded, collapsible nylon meshconfigurations. Here, a bright red, 49-by-24-inch, stylized rectangularfire truck replica, almost 3 feet tall, forms itself from the apparatuswhich, fully folded, fits into a bag no larger than a grocery sack. Theonly assembly required is to attach the nylon rear door (complete witha replica of a fire ax) and the inflatable steering wheel to the Velcrotoggles on the main structure. Unfortunately, the included printedmatter barely mentions these two extra pieces, leaving assemblersguessing as to how to attach them. The steering wheel is a no-brainer,but the back door panel possesses one toggle and there are fourpossible loops for it. Parents might also be annoyed by the fact thatthe foldaway instructions are twice as lengthy as those forsetup. --Tony Mason ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Great purchase
With a firefighter for a Daddy you can imagine that my son has every firetruck toy possible.We bought him this truck awhile ago and he loves it.It's so easy to set up, and easy to fold up and store behind the couch.So far with a one year old, a cat, and dog who love the tent- it has held up fine.He loves to pull some books, or toys in with him and will hang out in the tent for awhile.And like another reviewer stated... adults can fit in too, which my son thinks is hysterical.I would definately recommend it, it's great for the imagination.

Happy Mom
We bought this for my 2 year old for Christmas.We ended up putting his crib matress inside it for him to sleep on after we pulled down the crib.He didn't want to sleep on a "big boy bed" but with the bed in the tent - life was good.It's been a year now and he no longer sleeps in it but it still looks brand new.

Squeals of Delight
I bought this playhut for my 2 1/2 yr. old nephew.He was so excited & could barely wait for the package to be opened.It was an instant success.Even my own 6 1/2 & 4 1/2 yr. olds couldn't wait to get inside and pretend; though it is best suited for one child at a time.We have had other playhut tents and they are quite durable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Firefighting    3. Fire Trucks    4. Playhouses    5. Outdoor Play    6. Playtents    7. Camping   

Editorial Review

Nothing gets a kid's attention like a fire engine racing by, and nowhere's a bright red version that's pleasingly kid size. The Fire Engine for Twois bright red, 31 inches long, 32 inches tall, and made of tough and ruggedplastic. The ignition key turns with a satisfying ratchety sound, the steeringwheel rotates, and the front wheels are entirely mobile, making quick turns andsudden reversals a snap. It's powered, in the best Flintstones tradition, byyour little one's feet moving under the seat, and there's an extra seat in backfor a friend to ride along. Like any proper emergency vehicle, it also has asiren and flashing red light, located right on the dashboard, that activate withthe press of a button. Whether it's an emergency run to the cookie jar or a dollthat needs a trip to the hospital, the Fire Engine for Two will get a couple ofkids going in a hurry. --John Longenbaugh ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fire Engine for 2
I really think the construction of this is very poor and when you go to install the roof supports the fasteners that they give you are the kind that once you install them they will never come out. I think the company should have dome some more thought into it. There are diifernt kinds of fasteners that are safe for the kids that can be removed like a nylon screw with a nut. Also the roof support does not sit flush in the hole so when you go and tap the bolt in the hole the pole will shift upwards and you can miss the hole. I even tried to contact the company through their e-mail and also tried to call and no one has called me back. This was a birthday gift that I now have to try to get the roof support secured so it is safe. I will never again buy a step 2 product based on this experience. Also the front wheels they are very hard to turn. I tried to move it with nobody in it and the wheels went where ever they wanted to go except the direction that I was heading.

price check
couldn't find your " let us know icon" Your price for this toy on line is 59.99 at walmart.com it is 49.94 and at target.com it is 49.99. Since I have always had great success with amazon/toysrus I would rather purchase this item through you, but this is a huge price difference. Especially when you have to add shipping costs. Thank you Erica Strahl.

Daycare mom
I have had three of this item in the past 3 months and am not happy with any of them .I am returning the third one soon. Steering and wheels are not working correctly. Two children can tip it over also. I bought it for my grandchildren and the kids in my daycare center.A BIG disappointment for me and a BIG hassle to keep returning it to the factory.
I have the Police car and the kids LOVE it and play with it every day.
I have lots of climbers made by this same company and they have held up for years. 30 years experience in buying childrens toys. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pedals    2. Fire Trucks    3. Preschool    4. Ride-Ons    5. Firefighting   

Editorial Review

This 8.5-by-12-inch natural wood puzzle has a laminated pictureof a fully rigged fire truck, along with a faithful dalmatian, waitingfor the next alarm. There are nine large puzzle pieces in this set, eachwith an attached red peg to make it easier for little hands to lift thepieces out of the frame. The same picture that is on the pieces isillustrated on the board, making it easy for little ones to match pieceswhen reassembling the puzzle. The puzzle pieces can also be reassembledoutside the frame. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Mom of Twins
I got the fire truck puzzle for my 20 month old twin boys, who love all types of vehicles, especially emergency vehicles, and have "graduated" from the single shape peg puzzles. They loved the fire truck, but required assistance to put it all together. My criticism is that the fire truck puzzle pieces could be cut according to parts of the fire truck, such as wheels, window, etc, which would also conceptually teach the parts of a vehicle and make putting the puzzle back together more logical/easier.

excellent transitional puzzle
This is a wonderful wood puzzle for the toddler who finds the baby wood puzzles too easy but who doesn't quite have the dexterity (or patience) to fit together classic puzzle shaped pieces.Because it is all wood, it can stand up to the wear and tear of a toddler. My son (20 months) found this hard at first, but was thrilled to have the challenge and would not stop working on it for days until he could do it easily.The picture is underneath the pieces. The is one of my son's very favorite toys of all time! He also loves the school bus one that is similar by the same company.

Survived Destruct-o boy!
Soon after my sons 2nd birthday, I searched for puzzles that would challenge him more than the 1-piece, 1-hole type.What I found was stimulating for my little guy, and it gave us countless hours of one of one time together.The "Fire Truck Peg Puzzle" is different from other peg puzzles that have one piece per opening.This puzzle has one large opening, and no separations.The puzzle encourages young children to think, yet at the same time have fun, because it includes the same picture beneath the pieces.It requires more concentration than the stage-1 type of puzzle, and it was exactly what William needed.

I found this age group learns, and retain more information from realistic pictures, or photographs of everyday things, rather than animated illustrations.The manufacturer of this toy understands that, and although the Fire Truck is a rendered drawing, it closely resembles its real-life counterpart.The puzzle is designed well.By that, I mean the division of the pieces is perfectly presented.In addition, each piece includes a red peg so the puzzle is easy to work.

William has enjoyed this puzzle from the time I eyed it in the store.In fact, he's not ready to give it up, and why should he.He turns 3 next month, so he's had 8 good months with the "Fire Truck Peg Puzzle" and will probably continue to "work it" a while longer.It's held up well considering my sons destruct-o moods, and will probably carry on for the next generation's play and abuse. 2-years and up.

Happy Playing,

Mary ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Puzzles    3. Preschool    4. Wood    5. Pegged    6. Firefighting    7. Learning    8. Toddler   

Reviews (10)

My 4 year old son loves them!
My son received this puzzle set (the older set of the train, plane, fire engine and school bus) for his 4th birthday.It was the perfect gift for him.

In the beginning it took some assistance from me for him to be able to put the pieces together, but in no time he was able to sort the pieces into the correct puzzle (between the 4) and put them together.

The puzzle pieces are actually made of wood and more sturdy then I ever would have imagined.I see them lasting a long time.

The wooden box is invaluable for storing the puzzle pieces and my son and I have never had any problem fitting them on the box easily.I would buy this set again in a heartbeat!

Fun and Durable
These are just great.Four 12-piece puzzles made out of very durable materials (see Pros below).The sturdy wooden box has four compartments under a sliding lid.Each of the four puzzles are theme related.These four are Fire Truck, School Bus, Steam Engine, and Jet Airplane.

Pros:
Easy but not too-easy puzzles.
Pieces fit well together.
Nice pictures.
Sturdy container.
Each puzzle has a different shape printed on the back to make sorting the puzzles easier.
Super durable.I did not realize just how durable they were until I found a piece in my dishwasher.Even after being washed the picture was fine and the wood in perfect condition.

Cons:
It may take a few moments to figure out how to fit an entire puzzle's pieces in a single compartment.
Lid does not lock closed.

My kids love these and you will too.

falls apart, and difficult to fit all the pieces in the box
My 2.5 year old son received this toy for christmas. Not even two weeks later, we have already had to fix four of the puzzle pieces.The pictures are coming off the "wood".The wood is more like layers of wood (reminds me somewhat of cardboard), which is probably why they are falling apart so easily.As another reviewer mentioned, it can be difficult to get the pieces apart after the puzzle has been put together, which also can be contributing to the layers of the pieces coming off.Also, it can be difficult to slide the cover back on, unless all of the pieces are laying a certain way in the box.This can be time comsuming for an adult to do, and nearly impossible for a two year with no patience. Overall, I like the theory of the product, but I doubt that it will last much longer unless we stand by with a bottle of glue at all times.I am most upset about the poor quality of the product since I gave several of these as gifts over the holidays.It is embarrassing to give a child a gift that turns out to be junk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Wood    3. Easy Puzzles    4. Vehicles    5. Cars    6. Preschool    7. Pegged    8. Planes    9. Firefighting    10. Learning    11. Activity    12. Jigsaw Puzzles   

Reviews (1)

Don't bother
This isn't even close to authentic or realistic. My 3-year-old said he'd rather use the cheap plastic hats the fire departments pass out than this. The hat's PVC plastic means soft formed and when the description says "Finished with soft red plush trim"--it's on the outside. As soon as we opened this, we knew it was going back.
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Firefighting    2. Pretend Play    3. Fashion    4. Fashion Accessories    5. Activity    6. Hats   

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Firefighting    3. Activity    4. Pretend Play    5. Play Sets   

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Occupations    3. Firefighting    4. Fashion    5. Activity    6. Costumes   

Editorial Review

Nothing gets a kid's attention like a fire engine racing by, and nowhere's a bright red version that's pleasingly kid size. The Fire Engine for Twois bright red, 31 inches long, 32 inches tall, and made of tough and ruggedplastic. The ignition key turns with a satisfying ratchety sound, the steeringwheel rotates, and the front wheels are entirely mobile, making quick turns andsudden reversals a snap. It's powered, in the best Flintstones tradition, byyour little one's feet moving under the seat, and there's an extra seat in backfor a friend to ride along. Like any proper emergency vehicle, it also has asiren and flashing red light, located right on the dashboard, that activate withthe press of a button. Whether it's an emergency run to the cookie jar or a dollthat needs a trip to the hospital, the Fire Engine for Two will get a couple ofkids going in a hurry. --John Longenbaugh ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fire Engine for 2
I really think the construction of this is very poor and when you go to install the roof supports the fasteners that they give you are the kind that once you install them they will never come out. I think the company should have dome some more thought into it. There are diifernt kinds of fasteners that are safe for the kids that can be removed like a nylon screw with a nut. Also the roof support does not sit flush in the hole so when you go and tap the bolt in the hole the pole will shift upwards and you can miss the hole. I even tried to contact the company through their e-mail and also tried to call and no one has called me back. This was a birthday gift that I now have to try to get the roof support secured so it is safe. I will never again buy a step 2 product based on this experience. Also the front wheels they are very hard to turn. I tried to move it with nobody in it and the wheels went where ever they wanted to go except the direction that I was heading.

price check
couldn't find your " let us know icon" Your price for this toy on line is 59.99 at walmart.com it is 49.94 and at target.com it is 49.99. Since I have always had great success with amazon/toysrus I would rather purchase this item through you, but this is a huge price difference. Especially when you have to add shipping costs. Thank you Erica Strahl.

Daycare mom
I have had three of this item in the past 3 months and am not happy with any of them .I am returning the third one soon. Steering and wheels are not working correctly. Two children can tip it over also. I bought it for my grandchildren and the kids in my daycare center.A BIG disappointment for me and a BIG hassle to keep returning it to the factory.
I have the Police car and the kids LOVE it and play with it every day.
I have lots of climbers made by this same company and they have held up for years. 30 years experience in buying childrens toys. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pedals    2. Fire Trucks    3. Preschool    4. Ride-Ons    5. Firefighting   

Editorial Review

There's never going to be any question where the fire is when thismonster electronic fire truck comes to the rescue. Powered with six C batteries(not included), this hefty red plastic vehicle can be programmed to follow apreset path just by drawing a route on a pressure-sensitive electronic padlocated on top of the truck. Kids can use the plastic drawing stylus to chart acourse and then watch the truck follow it exactly. The truck starts up andbegins moving when the stylus is placed back in its holder. When you want tochart a new course, lift the electronic pad frame and the previous route iserased. Designed to be used indoors only, the truck can be adjusted to ride oneither carpet or smooth floor, but it doesn't move in circles or reverse.--Marianne Painter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

fire truck
to be honest with you, i was not too happy with how this truck is made......In my opinion, its made rather cheap.
the tires on it are hard plastic. its cute yes....but i dont think its very good quality!

MAKES YOU THINK!
SEEMS TO BE VERY STURDY, AND ENCOURAGES THINKING IN PLANNING OUT YOUR ROUTE.IS LOUD, BUT HEY, IT'S A FIRETRUCK.THE STYLUS SEEMS LIKE IT COULD BE A LITTLE MORE DURABLE, BUT WITH SOME CARE TO PUT IT IN IT'S PLACE, IT SHOULD BE JUST FINE.

my little brothers toy
I asked my brother how much he likes his fire truck he got for his birthday and he said it was a lot of fun he draws a map on it and makes it go like the drawing he made and i like to help him cause its fun to play with i am bigger so i can show him how to play with it right ... Read more