Top 10 Step2 Toys of 2024
Step2 Toys has spent years building a solid reputation for excellence. Opening in 1991, it worked its way up from being a small new company to now being one of the largest toy distributors in the US. When it comes to highly creative toys that are purposely designed to stimulate the minds of children of all ages, Step2 is one of the top manufacturers you can always depend on. From sandboxes to easels, and swings to playhouses, Step2 has toys to fit every budget and every child’s needs to not only get them motivated but to spur creativity and imagination too! If you’re searching for the best toys the company is currently selling, we have done the researcher for you and compiled a list of the ten best toys by Step2 that families and children love. We hope that you find one that is perfect for your child!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 26 hrs of research
Is compatible with most swing sets
Equipped with a system of restraint
Rope is weather -resistant
Simple and quick to clean
Hang from swing sets or tree branches
10 Best Step2 Toys Reviewed
1. Infant to Toddler Swing Set
Is compatible with most swing sets
Equipped with a system of restraint
Rope is weather -resistant
Simple and quick to clean
Hang from swing sets or tree branches
Rope to hang swing isn't very long
A few buyers received defective harness clips
They say that swinging has a calming effect. Studies also show that it is helpful in sensory integration. But if you’re concerned about your young tot falling off, you’ll definitely need the Infant to Toddler Swing Seat.
Read moreIt’s got all the safety features you need to keep your child safe on the swing. When comparing to other infants/toddler swings available - this swing outranked the rest in regard to ratings and reviews! The toddler will fit securely and snugly inside for a comfortable ride that is quite an easy loading. There are a restraint system and a weight limit of fifty pounds. Requiring some assembly, this fun swing seat will work with most backyard sets. The sturdy rope is weather-resistant for longevity and durability.
Design
You can just see the safety mechanisms that are used with this product. the strong ropes, shoulder harnesses, and the restraint piece that holds the child in are all part of the safe ride.
Entertainment value
Although swings look very simple and not interesting, they are loads of fun. Infants and toddlers will love this progressive swing that gives them the thrill and chills of a fast fun ride.
Durability
Made of a durable thick plastic material and weather-resistant rope, this incredible toy will last for many years. It will still be in great shape when your kids have outgrown it and you hand it down to another child.
Physical development
Swings are very physical activities that kids can enjoy. Whether they are doing the pushing or the riding, they can get a good workout. Even when sitting in the swing, the legs and arms are moving to help push.
2. Step2 Deluxe Art Master Desk
Hold art supplies within easy reach
Vertical compartments good for tablets and books
Keeps everything together in one spot
Comes with a New Traditions Chair
Dry erase surface is cleaned easily
Too small for most children over the age of 3
Can be quite difficult to put together
The Deluxe Art Master Desk is the ultimate when it comes to workstations specifically for young budding artists. It has numerous storage areas for keeping a variety of your kid’s art materials and supplies.
Read moreThere is a big work surface and compartments that are molded in for durability. This amazing item has a hinged writing surface that can be used for dry erase and light with a push button. The supplies are kept neat and in order with the raised shelf. Featuring four bins for storage that are large, this cute desk works well with most child bedroom sets for theme and color. Included is a chair from New Editions that has four very stable legs and a handle in the back top for easy moving. The vertical compartments are used for tablets and books to stand up for easy viewing and retrieval.
Design
It may seem simple at first, but when you see the details and what the manufacturer did to add in many features for the little artist, you will be pleased. It includes everything but the actual drawing and coloring tools.
Entertainment value
All sorts of creative work can be accomplished on this excellent desk for little ones. It provides a place for them to enjoy their talent or help them build some to become an artist.
Durability
If you have not noticed yet, the majority of Step2 items are very tough looking because they are. Made of strong and durable plastic, this kid’s desk can be used for several years beginning in infancy.
Physical development
Even though kids sit down most of the time they are using this desk, they will be moving their legs and arms plenty. Reaching for things on the shelf, doing their work, and moving their belongings are all physical aspects.
3. Whisper Ride II
Handle folds underneath for portability
Has two cup holders
Hood is a storage compartment for toys
Choice of two bright slid colors
Ride is as quiet as a whisper
Wheels can be noisy
Instructions might be vague
As long as your child can hold themselves up, they will enjoy the Whisper Ride II as an alternative to a stroller to experience more of the world around them. Overall this is a great idea for any parent who goes on a lot of walks or participates in parades.
Read moreIt has an automotive design that is sleek and offers a quiet and smooth ride. The horn is powered by the child, and there is a maximum weight of fifty pounds for riding. To keep kids secure in the vehicle, there is a safety belt on this lovely little ride that comes in two color choices of pink and blue. Two cup holders are on this car model with one for the parent pushing and the other for the child riding inside. The sturdy handle folds up easily for quick transportation and storage, and the wheels give a smooth ”whisper ride” for the best enjoyment. Small toys and other items can be kept under the hood of the car for transport or storage.
Design
Made to be an enjoyable product for both parent and child, this mobile toy has a quiet ride, a sturdy handle, storage compartment, and cup holders for both the driver and the adult.
Entertainment value
Both boys and girls love to ride in vehicles for the thrill of the movement. With a parent or older child pushing them, infants and toddlers will think they are in control of their very own ride.
Durability
As with all of the Step2 items, this adorable car is built to last for many years. Parents can either save it for other younger children or give it to family members who may have a smaller child.
Physical development
When riding in this cute vehicle, children can steer and view their world. If they get out and push, they will work on muscle development and balance to move the vehicle or retrieve toys under the hood.
4. Naturally Playful Sand & Water Center
Comes with eight accessories for play
Water section has a drainage plug
Umbrella shades both sections
Lid has extra play area roads
Cover included to keep sand dry
Can be some water leaks if legs are wrong
Needs power-tools to assemble
It’s always fun to play in the sand. Unfortunately, if you’re hundreds of miles from the shore, getting the Naturally Playful Sand & Water Center is an excellent option.
Read moreIt is a water and sand table that holds sand of twenty pounds for playing. It comes with a large plastic cover that protects both sides to remain clean and the sand dry. Durable and long-lasting, this cute toy has an additional surface to play on the lid since it has roadways that are molded in. The strong lid is securely attached to the tie-downs that are made of elastic. Included are eight pieces to this activity set of a shovel, two pots, two boats, two bridges, and one umbrella. The pretty umbrella shades both sides of the play area from the sun outdoors.
Design
Sand boxes and water tables are loads of fun, and this item combines the two into one fantastic activity area. Included are several accessories to further enjoy the product along with a lid for extra surface area.
Entertainment value
Whether the child plays alone or with friends, the versatility of the double sections gives kids some variance in their play. They may prefer sand one day and then water the next to have a good choice of play environments.
Durability
Made of strong and durable plastic, each part of this item can take the regular and rough treatment from little ones. Even the sun and the outdoor elements will not deteriorate this cute table outdoors.
Physical development
Gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity of the fingers will be exercise with this terrific table for kids. As they enjoy the water and the sand, they will be gaining skills to last a lifetime.
5. Deluxe Canyon Road Train & Track Table
Surfaces are scratch-resistant
Cleans easily by wiping with a damp cloth
The hard lid is ideal for other modes of play
Includes a train set of three pieces
Construction is durable and long-lasting
A lot of assembly work is required
Has plenty of pieces to the set
Want to really surprise your young tots? Get the Deluxe Canyon Road Train & Track Table and they essentially get two types of play sets. The hardboard lid can serve as activity table while the deep tray introduces your kid to the wonders of playing with a toy train set within a canyon setting.
Read moreBesides all the fun train tracks and scenery inside of the train table, your child can also close the table to use it as an activity center. Additionally, the top is a whiteboard and can be colored or drawn on with dry erase markers. This train table will create hours of fun for children and their parents too. The surfaces are scratch-resistant and clean easily ensuring that it will last for years of constructive play. A wonderful train set comes with the toy, and other items can be kept in the deep tray for storing. Colorful and exciting for kids, this playset can be used successfully indoors or outdoors.
Design
Kids can use the lid for drawing and writing or the table for driving the train set on the surface tracks. The colors are bright and bold to engage the child to discover the endless train tracks that go around and around.
Entertainment value
The internal tracks of this cute trainset just wind and wind inside for hours of driving fun. The included train set can be used alone or joined with other toy trains for more excitement.
Durability
You can see how tough this item is by its sturdy four legs and durable table bed. The inside parts of the train and tracks are just as strong and long-lasting for continuous play all day long.
Physical development
Moving the train around on the multiple tracks of this playset is not an easy feat for toddlers. They will gain much practice with motor abilities, balance, hand-eye coordination and muscle development with their many movements in play.
6. Easel for Two Magnetic Letters/Numbers
Has a chalkboard and a dry erase board
Includes 94-piece magnet kit of foam
Both sides of the easel have clips
Usable for plenty of writing implements
Two kids can work at the same time
Legs are not adjustable – can be wobbly
Omitted bonus letters and numbers
Most easels will only allow kids to use it one at a time. The Easel for Two allows two kids to work simultaneously. The easel also includes magnetic letters and numbers to add to the children’s creative play.
Read moreDry erase markers, chalk, paint, regular markers, colored pencils, and even crayons can be used to do art on this beautiful easel. Best of all, the material the easel is made of makes it easy to wipe it clean. Use it as an easel or a dry erase board for varied entertainment and learning. For portability and storage, the item folds flat and stores out of sight under the bed, in back of a door, or in a closet. The removable bins can be easily cleaned with water and soap and wiped out quickly.
Design
Unlike regular child easels with just one workable side, this one has two with two distinct activities. One is the dry erase board and the other is the chalkboard to give children the freedom to draw and write what they want.
Entertainment value
Any child loves to spend hours and hours putting on paper what is in their minds to create. Even though the results may not look terrific, it is the ability to do such artistic expression that builds character and strength.
Durability
Strong and long-lasting, your little one can use this item for several years if you purchase it early in their life. Even the letter set will be viable for years as they learn to spell and make words.
Physical development
Writing and drawing talents should never be underestimated for kids who naturally like to do these things. Give them all the opportunity for such creativity with his incredible easy easel set for toddlers.
7. Duck Pond Water Table
Features a frog squirter and two little ducks
Has a springboard for the frog
Sturdy and strong for years of play
Colorful and engaging to interest kids
Water swirls with the crank
Mold can build up if not properly taken care of
Spinner may be hard to reach for shorter children
The two cute yellow duckies that come with the Duck Pond Water Table either waiting for mommy duck to take them home or your kids to start spinning the rotary fan that will swirl them in a whirlpool. There’s even a frog on this excellent toy getting ready for a perfect somersault.
Read moreThe center feature crank will engage kids in the water table and get them physically active with this item. The frog is a squirter toy that can be used alone, plus he adds much fun to the set with the ducks. This is a good toy for hot days outside since children can keep their hands in the water and have splashing fun. It is also great for more than one child to use at a time since it is large and has many features and activities.
Design
Kids can have their own personal frog and duck pond with this stunning product. It comes with two ducks and a frog and a few activities for them to do, but other water toys added in can increase the fun.
Entertainment value
What could be more fun and exciting that chasing after the two ducks and the vibrant frog in this swirling pond of clear water? It will enchant little ones and make them squeal with excitement to see the ducks moving around.
Durability
Made of sturdy and viable plastic material, this adorable pond toy will last as long as your child is interested in it. It will surely keep them entertained for the first few years of their lives with active play.
Physical development
Playing with the ducks and the frog and using the middle crank will help build muscles and coordination for the toddler. Their motor abilities will also get a workout with grabbing and placing the cute animals in the water.
8. Neat and Tidy II Playhouse
Has several fun exterior features
Doorbell looks realistic
Windows and door are functional
Can be used outdoors or indoors
Good for one child or several
No drain holes for water to escape
Very lightweight – can blow away
The mailman just delivered a letter and it’s in the mailbox just outside the Neat and Tidy II Playhouse. Kiddie ‘mom’ was washing the dishes, so she wasn’t able to hear the mailman calling.
Read moreBesides, kiddie ‘mom’ still has a lot of cleaning to do to keep this little house as neat and tidy as possible. Kids remain visible to parents throughout the play in this superb playhouse that has several exterior features such as a flower box, doorbell, and mailbox. The mailbox is just a pass-through one, but items can be delivered in play. The doorbell looks realistic and the flower box can hold flowers that are fake or real. It requires some assembly from adults but can be used outdoors or indoors. Both boys and girls love this cute house that is designed for one child or several.
Design
Inside the house, there are drain holes in the floor, a faucet, kitchen table, shelves built-in, play phone, wall clock, fireplace, and a kitchen seat. The windows have opening shutters and the little door is functional.
Entertainment value
The chores of the household may seem like a boring toy to adults but for kids to get the opportunity to mimic what they see grown-ups do it is a wonderful thing. Both sexes of kids will spend hours engaged in house duties with this activity item.
Durability
The thick plastic construction of this adorable little house ensures that kids can enjoy it a long time in their early toddler years. Be sure to purchase it early enough in their life so they can obtain several years to use it.
Physical development
Playing house can expel plenty of energy that children never seem to run out of during play. From moving the indoor items around to using the exterior features, they will work on muscle development and motor skills with this toy.
9. Play and Store Sandbox
Has a capacity of sand of 200 pounds
Includes four "seats" one on each corner
Toys can be left inside
Comes assembled
Lids protects the sand when not in use
Rain and bugs can easily get inside
Is not a standard size sandbox
Sandboxes are a popular outdoor play sets for young children. The gritty feel of sand on their hands can provide an interesting experience. The Play and Store Sandbox is a bit different since it already comes with a lid.
Read moreThe four corners make terrific seats for children to sit and play in the box that is good for one child or many. Critters and the weather will not affect the sand because of the protective lid. The closed box can be used to store other accessories and toys and features a contemporary design. This wonderful play box has a large space for kids to play with their toys and comes already assembled and ready for use.
Design
It may not look like much with the lid on top, but when that lid is removed, a whole other world of fun is revealed. This sandbox includes four strong seats in the corners for your child and some friends.
Entertainment value
So many other toys can make a sandbox exciting and thrilling for toddlers. Toy cars and trucks, doll figures, shovels, pails, and blocks can all be used for hours of fun in the sand.
Durability
You can expect to have this cute box for sand in the family for at least several years. Only when the child outgrows the box and its seats will they want to not play in it any longer. Then it can be just a toy box or some other type of item bin.
Physical development
So many skills are developed in playing in a sandbox, such as motor abilities, balance, and coordination. It is a very physical type of entertainment for toddlers that can greatly improve their mobility.
10. Game Time Sports Climber
Good for one child or many
Can be used outside or inside
Colorful, durable, and bright
Good for fun group games
Has several featured activities included
Holes to assemble are not pre-drilled
Inflated ball is too big for the hoop
Want your kid to love sports? How about getting the Game Time Sports Climber? It’s actually a slide, a climber, a basketball hoop, and a soccer goal all rolled into one. It’s perfect for encouraging kids to engage in sports at a young age, developing their gross motor skills in the process.
Read moreIt has a soccer toss and goal, basketball hoop, slide, and climbing ladder for the jungle gym. Children can practice kicking, shooting, and tossing on target with this marvelous item that is very colorful and bright. Included is a score keeper in the design and a sports ball that is multi-purpose. There is a weight limit of sixty pounds, but both preschoolers and toddlers will enjoy climbing on this toy. This sports toy provides many modes of playing such as chase, hide-and-seek, and follow the leader besides the original intended activities.
Design
Usable outside or inside, this climbing and sliding product is colorful to attract kids and sturdy to hold a few kids. It has several main activities tied into one build and will last for several years of fun.
Entertainment value
Jungle gym-type toys are always a good choice for children that like to be active. Even if they are not, this climber combination item may be just the thing to motivate them to be more active and play with others.
Durability
Strong and sturdy is the build of this sports item. It can hold more than one child at a time depending on the weights and can withstand the rough treatment from young kids well.
Physical development
Oh, the physical workout that children will get with this amazing product will exert them joyfully! Kids seem to have endless amounts of energy when it comes to playing, and this toy will put it to good use for hours.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
As you probably have noticed with these featured items, these are not sit-down toys that require little physical exertion. They are designed to get the child up and moving in positive and progressive play either outside or inside. This is the theme of most Step2 items that encourage toddlers and little kids to participate in exciting activities and gain some physical skills. They are all colorful and very inviting to little ones of both sexes.
Entertainment Value
Whether your child likes to play with water, sand, balls, slides, or ladders, these products have something for your child to enjoy. Each colorful part motivates kids to be in the excitement and have fun. Usable for one child or several, children have a way of entertaining themselves with just the basic of setups. These products are meant to entice that type of creativity and imagination from your child in effective playtime.
Durability
Each one of these Step2 products is made tough and durable to last for many years. Even after the intended child has outgrown the item, it will still be in good condition for other younger kids to use also. Built strong to withstand the rough play that kids can dish out, these toys can take the punishment from toddlers because they are thick and well-balanced. You will not experience any wobbling or swaying of these toys when they are assembled correctly.
Physical Development
Physical child exertion does not get any better than these amazing activity items. Whether it is climbing a ladder, spinning the water in the frog pond, or shooting some hoops in the basketball goal, your child will be busy in progressive fun for long periods. In these activities, the gross motor abilities, coordination, balance, dexterity, and muscle development are all exercised. All the child knows is that these toys are fun, but parents realize the many benefits of such active and physical fun.
When parents first receive large play gym-type toys that need to be assembled, it is best to inspect promptly for all required parts. Warranties only last a few days, so ensuring you have everything quickly is vital.
Make sure to obey the weight limits on toys that the child must get on and use. Even though they are made of tough plastic materials, these items can only hold so much weight safely.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
Just assemble the few parts that these products come in and let your child go. They will run with thrill and excitement to get to these incredibly inviting and colorful objects. Playtime will consist of several hours before they want to stop since these toys are so engaging and the right size for little hands and bodies. Parents will not have to do much to teach kids how to use the toys, as they are basic and simple to use.
Social Development
When kids play with other children using these highlighted items, they will learn several talents in getting along with others. Taking turns and sharing are two or the most important lessons that kids playing together can learn. All of these terrific toys are large enough for several kids to use at one time and interact with each other to develop these important social skills for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What age groups are these products for?
Preschoolers and toddlers are the best ages for the majority of these items. They have small areas where only a child of this size can fit and weight limits for that particular age range.
q: What do parents complain about the most concerning these toys?
Assembly problems with such toys are the usual issues for parents. They are the ones to put these larger products together for the child to use. missing parts or holes that should be pre-drilled and are not cause major headaches for them. If the item is not fitting together right or the assembly is difficult, it makes it unenjoyable for the parent.
q: Are any of these good traveling toys to use in a vehicle?
No, none of these are small toys, so they will not transport well for using in the car. They are great for inside and outside, mostly, so they are versatile in that respect.
q: Are these for one child or two to use?
Any one of these featured toys can be used in several ways. One child can play alone, a couple of kids can play together, or an older child or adult can play along too. The adult will not be able to get in the toys as the child can, but they can cheer and encourage from the sidelines and participate in the activities, such as the sandbox.
q: Do any of these items have plenty of small parts?
No, there should be no worries about small problem parts that would be unsafe for the child. as you can see, most of these toys are activity items to play on or in and not really ones that have small pieces.
q: Do they all have to be assembled when received? If not, which ones are those?
The only one that requires no assembly is the sand box, which comes intact completely. The rest have some assembly necessary, but it is easy or minimal to do.
Sources
- 10 tips to get your kids outside (because it’s not always easy), Online Article ,
- 5 interesting benefits of Water Play in Early Childhood Development, Online Article ,
- 10 Benefits Of Ride-On Toys For Your Child, Online Article ,