Outstanding Toys for Outdoor Play on WGN Chicago

Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by WGN in Chicago to talk about some of the best new toys for outdoor play. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the season, check out our Spring and Summer gift guide.

KID TRAX HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPO RIDE-ON (PACIFIC CYCLE)

• It’s hippo time! Bring the fun of the classic game right to the driveway and playroom with this adorable Hasbro Hungry Hungry Hippo Activity Ride-On from Kid Trax!
• Themed after the original green Homer Hippo, this ride-on toy car brings the Hungry Hungry Hippo fun to life with real hippo chomping action for the game’s 40^th anniversary.
• Kids can ride on or push along depending on their comfort level.
• While moving, the hippo’s head moves up and down and really “eats” up the (included) colorful play balls just like in the original game. Just roll over the balls to pick them up, then watch as they’re stored in the transparent container in the seat.
• The balls fly around inside the seat as you move! It’s a sweet playtime feature that doubles as a great way to store and never have to pick up the toy balls after. Everyone wins!
• Sits one rider, 44-pound weight limit.
• Ages: 1-3
• MSRP: $34.97
• Available: Walmart

HOT WHEELS 50th ANNIVERSARY 16-INCH BIKE (DYNACRAFT)

• Fast-paced fun is a definite with this custom 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels bike!
• Authentic Hot Wheels graphics decorate the frame of this bike that will grow with your little one. Featuring removable, adjustable training wheels and a quick release seat post, modifying this ride could not be easier!
• A rear coaster brake ensures safe, controlled stopping.
• The Hot Wheels Rev Grip Noisemaker attached to the handlebars enables your little one to feel the speed pulsating at their fingertips.
• Features: Custom 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels graphics, rear coaster brake, removable and adjustable training wheels, Hot Wheels rev grip noisemaker, quick release seat post, and handlebar shield.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $ 69.99
• Available: Walmart

MORFBOARD SKATE/SCOOT COMBINATION (JAKKS PACIFIC)

• Morfboard is a new, exciting, and innovative brand.  This high-performance deck and component system transforms in seconds and creates an entirely new play experience.
• The Morfboard ecosystem encompasses super simple Lock & Release Technology (LRT): simply drop Xtensions into the board and turn them 90-degrees.  The flex trigger locks in so kids are ready to skate, ride, balance, or bounce.  Morfboard is year-round fun – anywhere, anytime.
• Includes: A Morfboard, front and rear skate, scoot Xtensions and scoot T-Bar.
• Skate Xtensions feature 53mm Urethane wheels, durable cast aluminum trucks, and Performance ABEC 5 skate bearing.
• Scoot Xtensions feature lean to steer wishbone front truck and rear wheel with inset lever brake.
• Variable height T-Bar with rubber anti-slip grips.
• Available in a variety of color options to customize the board.
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $99.99
• Available: Target, Walmart

NEON STREET ROLLERS: LED LIGHT-UP CLIP-ON ROLLER SKATES (YVOLUTION)

• Say goodbye to bulky traditional roller skates by turning your regular shoes into roller skates in seconds! Simply clip on Neon Street Rollers, adjust them to size, and off you go.
• The wheels feature a special glow technology that makes them light up when you move – no batteries required!
• Now you can personalise your look and you’ll always be ready to move anytime, anywhere!
• Neon Street Rollers Features: Easy to use: adjust, clip on and go, secure rubber strap for safety and performance, motion-powered light-up LED wheels, fully adjustable to fit your favourite pair of shoes, LED light-up wheels – no batteries required!
• Max weight: 132Ib / 60kg
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $29.99
• Available: Now at neonlyghts.com

AIR HOGS SUPERNOVA (SPIN MASTER)

• Unleash the power of your hands with the Air Hogs Supernova! Only you can control this gravity-defying orb! Launch it, push it, spin it, using just your hands – no remote control or touching needed!
• Equipped with an intelligent on-board system and motion-sensitive lights and sensors, the Air Hogs Supernova responds to your every movement.
• To activate, just toss to launch an Air Hogs Supernova will levitate mid-air, awaiting your command!
• Master 30 moves and 9 super tricks, ranging from simple to complex, and take control of your Air Hogs Supernova.
• Learn solo or pass back and forth with friends and see what amazing tricks you can pull off.
• Engineered to handle the unexpected, Air Hogs Supernova is equipped with collision avoidance and stable flight technology – it’s ready for anything.
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $39.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart

BREAKAWAY BALLZ (ALEX BRANDS)

• “Breakaway” from the ordinary with Breakaway Ballz Series One.  Catch ‘em, bounce ‘em, break ‘em!!
• Each ball consists of eight identically sized foam pieces that break apart when thrown against a hard surface, revealing a bouncy ball surprise inside.
• The identically sized pieces allow you to easily piece back together.
• For added play, kids can hide something inside.
• Collect all six.
• Ages: 5+
• MSRP: $9.99
• Available: Amazon, Learning Express

SWIPESHOT (FAT BRAIN TOYS)

• SwipeShot is the new active game where players must be fast on their feet as they move their bodies strategically and work against one another to swing, swipe, bash, and knock their opponent’s cups over to win!
• To begin, just place the six blue and green cups evenly on the floor, then suit up and strap on the elastic wristbands!
• Players pull and swing as the work to be the first to knock down all of their opponents’ cups. Do you have what it takes to take control of the chaos and win?
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $19.95
• Available: FatBrainToys.com)

MAISTO R/C ROCK CRAWLER (MAISTO INTERNATIONAL INC.)

• Take your radio control experience off-road with the Rock Crawler from Maisto. This off-road radio control truck boasts articulated suspensions, two motors and low gearing to make for awesome rugged off-road action.
• Rock Crawler is 12.5-inches long and sports both articulated front and rear suspension.
• Vehicle comes with TPE tires for ultra grip.
• Tri-channel transmitter allows for three people to play simultaneously with their other Maisto radio control vehicles. Go off-road with your brand new Rock Crawler today.
• 6AA bateries required for vehicle (not included) and 2 AAA required for controler (not included).
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $29.99
• Available: Amazon