When is a lawn dart not a lawn dart? When it's also a shuttlecock! Hybrid outdoor toys continue to be the rage as manufacturers combine scooters with skateboards, pogo sticks with rope swings and strollers with tricycles.
Here are some of the coolest hybrids out there ... many of them brand new for 2008!
OgoSport Copter Ball by OGOSPORT, LLC
The CopterBall is comprised of soft EVA foam wings that cause the ball to slow in motion when descending. Great for outdoor use at the beach, picnic, playground or in the backyard, the CopterBall can be used by itself or with the OgoSport SportsDisk. The game of catch may never be the same.
A twist on the traditional lawn darts game, CopterDarts utilizes a weighted plastic tip and foam wings to simulate the play value of lawn darts, without the use of metal tips. When thrown in the air, the CopterDarts hover back down in an agitated state of virtual slow motion, and upon landing, right themselves into a standing position. CopterDarts is a winner of Creative Child Magazine's 2008 Creative Toy Award.
The scooter features two pedals that are similar to a stair climber and propel the scooter forward. The rider can either pedal the scooter, or push-off the scooter like a kick-scooter. The scooter is multifunctional, serving as a toy, fitness and exercise equipment and a mode of transportation. Both parents and kids can ride together. (Max 180 lbs) Launch date: February 2009. www.pumgo.com
The classic lawn game has returned for more backyard fun. Players take turns tossing two safe Jarts into the target ring 35 feet away. Score a ringer and nab three points. The player closest to the ring earns one point. This aerodynamic take on Horseshoes is guaranteed to save backyard barbecues, one toss at a time! Includes four Jarts, two target rings and instructions. This product is a 2008 iParenting Media Award winner. Launch date: January 2008.
Air Pogo can best be described as a pogo on a rope. It gives kids a big bounce in the air instead of on the pavement. When suspended from a tree limb, deck, wooden swing set or any other 8.5' sturdy overhead support with 6' obstacle clearance, the Air Pogo gives children a great ride — swinging and bouncing up to 2.5' without touching the ground. — "Air Pogo [is] suddenly going very well," Charles G. Bonner, co-owner of Heights Toy Center in Little Rock, Ark. told TDmonthly right before the holidays 2007.
The Snowskates that "actually" skate. Easy to ride, just like a skateboard. Solid construction with stainless steel hardware, for durability and has adjustable ski suspension to customize the feel. Don't get caught on the slopes with out it.
This cross between a scooter and a skateboard features 360-degree steering with pivot-steering technology. It allows riders to easily drift, carve and turn, and has an aircraft-grade aluminum base, cast polyurethane wheels, and a durable front fork designed to enhance skatepark, street and downhill performance.
The low center-of-gravity, wide rubberized tread with 9" front and 6-1/2" back tires, and steel frame make this Kettrike™ virtually tip-proof. All Kettrikes include a scratch- and fade-resistant synthetic powder coat that will keep them looking sharp through years of riding. Features include a comfortable, four-position, adjustable, high-back seat with an "S"-type frame that has five adjustable positions to grow with any child, parental-control locking mechanism, slip-resistant pedals, a rear step-plate and a push-bar. The bike is even tandem adaptable for additional riders. — Over eight percent of retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 shared that tricycles by Kettler International were their best-selling ride-on toys. — “Kettler Trikes, across the brand,” David Hesel, owner of The Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., told TDmonthly, when asked what his best-selling ride-on was. “[We sell] about 80 units per year.” — Lisette Demars, manager of Mrs. Tiggy Winkles in Tucson, Ariz., told TDmonthly that her store sells three Kettler tricycles per month.
Manufactured by Magmatic Ltd. and distributed by TrendyKid, this ride-on children’s suitcase brings versatility and fun to kids' travel. Terrance (Blue), Trixie (Pink) and Towgo (Green) are crafted in brightly colored, durable plastic and are “hand luggage approved.” Trunki lets toddlers participate in the traveling experience in a practical, safe and fun manner. Soft rubber rims prevent little fingers from being caught, and a wide, stable wheel base ensures safe riding. Trunki also can be pulled by parents or shoulder carried. It holds travel items up to a 5-gallon capacity.
This new version of WALKAROO Stilts adjusts to three different heights, and is lighter in weight and less expensive than the original. The ergonomically correct design allows a “stilt-ist” to walk in a more natural, upright position that encourages play. They’re made of sturdy aluminum (instead of the steel used in Walkaroo I), which makes them easier to carry and quicker to maneuver. As kids gain balancing skills, they can move the footrests higher for more challenge. WALKAROO II also features non-marking, no-slip rubber feet and footrests and comfortable foam cushioning on the handles and shoulder rests. The stilts can accommodate any child or adult weighing up to 100 pounds.
The Roomarang is a soft indoor/outdoor boomerang that features a patented 4-wing design. It measures 26cm x 26cm. Available in various colors. — Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell dozens of roomarangs each month, making them a best selling aircraft/flying toy.
Anywhere Anytime® Paddle Ball Game by CELL TAG USA
This outdoor paddle ball game adds a twist to the traditional beach game. Players play the game without a net, with opposing game squares placed 12' apart. The product received a 2008 Seal of Excellence award in the Outdoor Fun category from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: April 2008. — “If you like table or outdoor tennis, you will love this game because it incorporates the action-sport quality of continuous ball play while outdoors on the beach, in the backyard, at the park or campsite … total outdoor fun!” Daniel Deppen of Cell Tag USA told TDmonthly.
The LIKEaBIKE Forest is our top-of-the-line model. The Forest is the latest model in the LIKEaBIKE line of products. All frame pieces are constructed from very strong, attractive laminated beech wood. Somewhat darker than the birch wood of the other models, the dark green cotton seat, green mudguard and the grey felt between the fork and the frame make the Forest an absolute distinctive beauty. Wheels are steel-rimmed with cartridge bearing hubs to ensure smooth running. Forest is kitted out with 12" Impac Street Runner pneumatic tires.
This sled combines the elements of snow sledding with ice blocking, allowing the sled to cruise down snow-covered hills in the wintertime and race down grass-covered hills during warmer months. On snow, the sled works like a typical snow sled; on grass, the sled requires attaching Icers to the bottom of the sled. The included Icers can provide an hour or two of sledding enjoyment, depending on temperature, humidity and use. Additional Icers can be purchased separately. "The Slicer is the only sled designed to work on both snow and grass," Scott Ireland of Ice Meister told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 10, 2007.
America’s new x-shaped ball is great for all athletic abilities. The ball has phenomenal aerodynamics that make it go super far when thrown. It is easy to catch, and its softness makes it safe. Yackle Ball games are fun for everyone and can help with hand-eye coordination and motor skills, as well as encouraging creativity and active play. The Yackle Ball is 100-percent made in the U.S. and is strictly sold in specialty stores. “It’s a great way for children of all ages or whole families to have fun and be active together,” General Manager Charles Littwin of Ttalf Corp. told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. — Ever seen a ball shaped like an “x”? The Yackle Ball worked its way up to a TDmonthly Innovations 2007 award based on sturdy construction, attractive design and color options as well as its potential to build coordination and shape active play in a whole new way.
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
