5+
HEAVENLY
HORSE RANCH
Let your imagination (and horses!)
run wild with this impressive set.
It has everything needed to outfit
a stable and a three-story house,
and children can stay occupied for
hours creating scenes.
Lab Results We were wowed by how
well made this toy was; the plastic
parts are hand-painted and feel sturdy
compared with those of some similar
sets. Kids loved that some parts,
like a secret attic door and ladders,
could be moved around. It comes
with one horse, so to fill the stalls,
you’ll have to buy more.
Schleich Large Horse Stable
With House, $ 1303+
PLAYROOM
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
This wooden activity center has it
all: a waiting area, an exam area, a
reception area and a sink — all you
need is a mini M.D. It’s even stocked
with things like a blood pressure cuff,
X-ray results, an eye chart and more.
Lab Results Our experts were
totally blown away by the quality
of this toy. It’s on the heavy side,
but feels extremely sturdy and well
constructed. Worth the price!
Melissa & Doug
Doctor Activity Set, $2003+
BOWLING ALLEY PLAY SET
Lace up your shoes for some old-school fun! Like a scene from a 1950 s
bowling alley, this has an interactive lane and pins (a switch lifts them up), balls,
score sheets, food, a vintage cash register and more.
Lab Results Parents, rejoice — it comes fully assembled! The dolls (from $25)
are sold separately, or kids can use any doll up to 18 inches tall.
Maison Battat Our Generation Retro Our Bowling Alley, $ 1709+
SPOOKY SCHOOL
These Legos add a techy twist to the longtime favorite toy: Build the
ghoulish set, then use the app to unlock an interactive story. Save the day by
capturing ghosts in the haunted high school! The kit has eight mini figures as
well as a hidden chamber, bus station, computer lab, chemistry lab and more.
Lab Results Kid testers had just as much fun building the school from the
ground up as they did playing with it in the digital world.
Lego Hidden Side Newbury Haunted High School, $ 1303+
COOLEST KITCHEN
Budding chefs will have a ball
whipping up pretend meals in this fully
outfitted kitchen. It boasts a magnetic
fridge and freezer, a “working” ice
machine and clicking knobs.
Lab Results The one complaint we
heard from the grown-ups? “It’s nicer
than my kitchen!” Everyone was jealous
of the chic mosaic details and the
on-trend gold accents and gear. Note:
You’ll have to buy play food separately.
KidKraft Mosaic Magnetic
Play Kitchen, $ 1308+
PINBALL POWER
Everyone’s fave arcade game is
pint-size! Add some colorful fun to your
American Girl setup with this working
pinball machine. It lights up, makes
sounds and keeps score as you play.
Lab Results This performed well in our
To y Lab tests, and though it’s made for
1970 s basketball star Julie, we found
that it went well with any doll of a
similar height — or people of all ages!
American Girl Julie’s
Pinball Machine, $ 150$
1
0
0
40P^ GH KEY SKILL-BUILDERS^ CREATIVITY^ LANGUAGE^ TEAMWORK^ PHYSICAL STEM^