(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — April 23, 2008 — The Step2 Company's® Neighborhood Fun Center™ was awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2008 Gold Award this week. The only independent consumer review organization, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, which was founded by the country's most trusted and respected child development experts, recognized the new all-in-one activity center from Step2 for its ability to combine active play with a setting for pretend role-playing.

The Neighborhood Fun Center features multiple activity stations, including a hook and loop target board, two balls, ring toss, crawl-thru rotating door and wavy slide. It also has a crawl-thru hole that leads to a slide and playhouse. The playhouse has a working Dutch door, window and doggy door.

"If you don't have room for both a playhouse and a slide — this certainly will fill the bill," says Stephanie Oppenheim, founder of the Oppenheim Foundation. The Neighborhood Fun Center joins the ranks of such Step2 toys as the Five Alarm Fun Center, Welcome Home Playhouse, LifeStyle™ Dream Kitchen and Naturally Playful™ Sand & Water Activity Table — just a few of the seventeen Step2 products that have received top honors from the Oppenheim Foundation since 2004.

The majority of Step2 toys (90%) are made in the USA and all are free of phthalates, including the award-winning Neighborhood Fun Center. Built to last with sturdy construction, Step2 puts all of their toys through rigorous safety testing to produce the highest quality products for families that will last year after year.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio judges on educational and play merit, safety, value, age appropriateness and other factors including actual child and parent feedback from testing families around the nation. Award winners must also meet the highest toy safety standards and be lead and phthalates free.

"We appreciate this award from such an upstanding organization. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award represents many of the same standards we believe in at Step2," said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "As always, we will continue to create toys that are safe, fun, and provide hours of imaginative play for kids."

The Neighborhood Fun Center is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on toys, swing sets and wagons. For more information, visit Step2.com or view the award posting at www.toyportfolio.com.

iParenting Media Awards has recognized the Fun Flow Play Sink as one of 2008's most excellent products in the Toys and Games category! As part of the testing process, the Fun Flow Play Sink was submitted to testing in three different locations. While the Fun Flow Play Sink received much praise here are a few of our favorite quotes:

"I love that the sink teaches my children about science and how things work,"

"we have had a blast with this toy and my kids want to play with it everyday. It's big enough that a group of kids can play, but not big enough that it's tough to store. A definite hit!"

You can view more reviews of the Fun Flow Play Sink at Step2.com!

Speaking on the Today Show, Stephanie Oppenheim (of ToyPortfolio.com) lauded Step2's new Neighborhood Fun Center:

When we start putting together our list of "must have" active toys, I always look for new climbing equipment. In fact, this season I had a number of toy testing families ask for just this type of "first" climber equipment, while others requested recommendations for the best new playhouse. So I was really happy when we first saw the new "Step 2 Neighborhood Fun Center," which combines both those active play opportunities with its slide and the playhouse — just right as a pretend setting for this age group.

View the entire segment at MSNBC

iVillage "Chief Toy Officer" Elizabeth Werner Offers Advice for Outdoor Play

Parents and kids are ready to head to the backyard for outdoor fun, but according to Elizabeth Werner, after a few weeks it takes unique toys to keep kids happy and having fun in the sun for the entire summer. As the Chief Toy Officer for online parenting community iVillage.com and a toy industry expert, she offers these top tips for choosing outdoor toys and equipment for kids.

• Let Kids be Kids — The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends spontaneous "kid play" for healthy physical and social development. Take advantage of the weather and find toys that lend themselves to unstructured play outdoors — like play houses or ride on vehicles.
• Role Play Promotes Creativity — Play houses and make-believe cottages offer creative environments for neighborhood kids to play together and create story lines in their own fantasy worlds. Role playing is an important way children practice decision making skills and express their own interests and personalities.
• Just Add WaterAs the temperature heats up, take the fun outside and spray, splash and soak the hot weather away. Find toys that circulate or pump water to allow for increased child interaction and products that allow for easy drying and storage.
• Kick It — Outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to entertain kids and promote their health at the same time. Sports-related toys can help teach kids how to aim, jump, kick and toss — keeping them active while helping develop gross motor skills.
• Classics in Plastic — Easy to clean, sturdy and durable, plastic toys can last a lifetime without a splinter or chip of paint. For example, Step2's Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center looks like a wooden classic, but it's made with plastic and much more convenient to care for and store.
• Portability Makes Play Easier — Pull handles and wheels on heavy toys like sandboxes and water tables let you easily move them around the yard — in and out of the sun and shade. Look for sturdy wheels and handle construction, and plugs that allow draining water or rinsing out sand.
• Better Safe than Sorry — Buy brands you trust, and make sure you read the labels. Quality toys are well-tested, and many are made in the USA. Be sure that toys are properly labeled with easy to understand sales and manufacturing information, and include a customer service email or hotline to contact for help.
• Block the Rays — Toys with umbrellas or canopies are helpful in preventing sun exposure that can leave tots with unhealthy sun rashes and burns. Always use sunscreen on yourself and little ones.

Known for its signature playhouses, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons, The Step2 Company is heating up summertime fun with new toys to foster hours of imaginative, active and safe play for your backyard or patio.

With a year-round commitment to safety, Step2 lets parents feel confident that they are not only buying fun toys, but smart toys for their family. The majority of Step2 toys (90%) are made in the USA and all are free of phthalates. Built to last with sturdy construction, Step2 puts all of their toys through rigorous safety testing to produce the highest quality products for families that will last year after year.

Check out The Step2 Company's summer 2008 product introductions that make the backyards the cool place to go to enjoy the summer sun:

New From the Step2 Company:

781800 - All Star Sports Climber (MSRP: $99.99) [View Demo]
It's game time with the All Star Sports Climber. Outfitted with a basketball hoop, rock wall, football toss, soccer and slide, this set is sure to win some big points! Kids will keep active as they learn how to toss, shoot, and kick on target at a young age. Keep score with the built in score keeper. Rock wall provides a safe and easy challenge for children. Junior-sized inflatable football, basketball, and soccer ball included. Durable poly construction is built for years of play. Adult assembly required. Ages 2+

785400 - Neighborhood Fun Center (MSRP: $299.99) [View Demo]
The fun never ends with Step2's Neighborhood Fun Center. Unique design features multiple activities so there is something for everyone. Activity stations include a hook & loop target board, two balls, ring toss, crawl-thru rotating door and wavy slide. Ring toss comes with four rings. Crawl-thru hole leads to slide and playhouse. Playhouse design has a working Dutch door, window and doggy door. Durable poly construction is built for years of play. Adult assembly required. Ages 2+

781600 - Fun Flow Play Sink (MSRP: $49.99)
A battery-powered pump keeps the water and fun times flowing through the Fun Flow Play Sink's gooseneck faucet (requires 2 "D" batteries, not included). Faucet rotates to allow children to direct water flow and play with the included accessory play pieces: cup, strainer, spinning waterwheel and funnel. Accessory pieces have handles that allow them to hang on outer rim so kids can clean-up after play time, just like the big kids. Water pump has built-in timer to save battery power. Durable poly construction lasts for years. Minimal adult assembly required. Ages 2+

785500 - Naturally Playful® Magic Fountain Cottage (MSRP: $299.99) [View Demo]
Imaginations can run wild with this magic cottage that hides surprises around every corner. The old-world inspired design features stone cottage-look with shale roof and battery-powered wall fountain that recirculates water (requires 3 "D" batteries, not included). Full size door and working shutters for peek-a-boo fun. Detailed interior features a secret crawl-thru door, stone fireplace, and a kitchenette with sink, swivel faucet, burner and clicking knob. Postal mail slot, electronic doorbell with realistic chime sound and electronic play phone (requires 4 "AAA" batteries, not included). Durable double wall poly construction lasts for years and is maintenance free. Adult assembly required. Ages 2+

780600 - Sand & Water Cart (MSRP: $79.99)
No beach? No problem with the Sand & Water Cart, the new raised sandbox and water table which offers elevated play. Two front wheels and handle help easily move sand cart from one place to another. Durable protective lid helps keep debris and water out. Elastic tie-downs help keep lid securely attached. Holds 40 lbs. of sand and 1/2 gallon of water (not included). Drain plug in water tray for easy cleaning. Accessories include: 2 boats, 1 water tower, 1 cup and 1 umbrella. Underneath storage shelf allows toys to dry after use. Comes with a 42" tilting umbrella to help shade children from sunlight. Minimal adult assembly required. Ages 2+

782200 - Skyward Summit (MSRP: $399.99)
Authentic design makes this climber look like a real rock climbing wall. Four unique climbing surfaces create varying challenges. Features 2 climbing cargo nets, 1 floor net, and 12 grips. Narrow top offers a challenging climb for children. Hole on the top of peak for children to peek out. Over 100 square feet of outer climbing area, and a total height of 80". Mounting hardware included. Adult assembly required. Maximum weight limit 300 lbs. Ages 4+

Returning Favorites from The Step2 Company:

764900 - Front Porch Playhouse (MSRP: $299.99)
Perfect for sunny or rainy days, the raised front porch with built-in bench provides shade when it's sunny and cover when it rains. Detailed interior includes a pass-through window with table surface, molded-in sink with swivel faucet, and stovetop with clicking knob. The playhouse is complete with a working Dutch door, side window with shutters and decorative peaked roof. Also features electronic doorbell with chime, mail slot, and electronic play phone. Ages 1.5+

735300 - Neat & Tidy Cottage (MSRP: $159.99)
Your kids will enjoy this playhouse year-round! Molded-in floor keeps kids out of the dirt, and dirt out of your house. Open design provides easy view of children at play. Interactive phone and pass-through mailbox. It features a molded-in kitchen table, faucet, burner and two seats. Also includes a working doorbell for visitors. Ages 1.5+

774600 - Naturally Playful® Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider (MSRP: $999.99)
Active and imaginative play abounds with the versatile Adventure Lodge Play Center! Fill the summer hours with this giant play set designed for variety, stability, and maintenance-free fun! The two-story playhouse with a rustic lodge theme encourages imaginative play while the slide, swings, glider, climbing ladders and ball toss provide plenty of opportunities for more physical activities. Ages 3+

Labels: new toys, summer toys