Step-a-Trail is an exceptionally well-conceived and executed product that children not only find to be loads of fun but that also helps them acquire a host of physical skills. The set consists of colorful, visually-appealing stumps and logs (3 of each) made of durable molded that are strong enough to support an adult. The stumps function as stepping stones, while walking the length of any of the logs is akin to traversing a balance beam. Their surfaces are adorned with elevated wavy or curving lines that serve to prevent feet from slipping, while the bases are nonslip as well. That they are all low to the ground (the tallest being 5.2 inches high) does nothing to detract from the physical benefits or the delight and pride kids take in successfully navigating them. Youngsters employ a great deal of creativity in arranging the pieces in a large variety of impressively original configurations, encouraging themselves, friends and family to develop the necessary balance, strength and motor skills to conquer any and every obstacle course they concoct!
Evaluation comments:
“The colors are very vibrant and the “stumps and logs” are sturdy enough for an adult to stand on, while also being light enough for kids to move around themselves. Very impressed off the bat!”
“This is a fantastic toy to have around for fun, educational indoor play. Kids can have a great time jumping from log to stump while working on their gross motor skills and engaging in imaginative play. Balance and coordination are improved as they walk from piece to piece.”
“My daughter loves to play “floor is lava!” She also likes seeing how far she can jump from piece to piece and creating a challenge. She also likes to arrange the pieces in different ways or at different distances to see if she can follow the path. You can see her mind ticking while she considers the placement very carefully.”
“The plastic is really heavy duty; they are wide enough and strong enough that an adult can also stand on them. The bottoms and tops are rubbery, so the pieces do not slip around on the ground and the kids don’t slip when hopping from one piece to the next.”
“When we’re not playing with them, the logs stack easily and the stumps nest within one another.”
“These logs and stumps are a ton of fun for the kiddos!”
“ They are a good way to practice gross motor skills. My child enjoys setting up and rearranging different obstacle courses until it’s just right before asking us to take a turn.”
“I love how much she uses her imagination with this toy.”
