Toy Review: Playmobil Penguin Zoo
Author: Caitlin
A couple of months ago the kids’ mom made the mistake of bringing into the house a catalog from Playmobil, a German-based toy manufacturer. Well, that catalog quickly became the preferred bathroom reading material of Small Person #2. With his birthday coming up, he started begging for many of the toys, including the water zoo sets, which included a caiman exhibit, a penguin exhibit, and a larger (and more expensive) dolphin exhibit. After listening to him beg and beg and beg and beg and beg and beg and beg, I finally decided to get him the penguin one for his birthday.
Now, keep in mind that, for a short period of time, Small Person #2 was absolutely convinced that these were life-size sets. He truly thought he could get in and swim with the dolphins (which he also thought were alive). You have to admit that the pictures in the catalog were very well done and looked very lifelike. After much explaining, I finally convinced him that they were small sets, the same as his other toys, and that he might be disappointed. Well, he was still adamant that he wanted them, so his mom went ahead and ordered other sets. (Look for those reviews soon!)
Yesterday was his birthday, and he finally got the chance to see his brand-spanking-new penguin zoo. In fact, it was a bit of a revelation for all of us. Turns out, it’s not assembled. In any way. So after opening it, he had to go away so I could assemble it and get it ready for him. Now, keep in mind, I actually LIKE assembling things, so this wasn’t a minus for me.
The quality of construction is immediately apparent. I mean, they even include two little plastic tools you use to attach specific pieces to the toy. Specialized tools. How cool is that? Of course, there are a LOT of little tiny pieces, but if you like puzzles or Lego, you’ll definitely enjoy putting this together for your kid. And no, your 4 year old won’t be able to assemble it themselves.
The best part of this set is the little pump that you assemble at the very beginning. It hides in the back and your little one can use it to make a little waterfall effect on the front. It’s just ingenious how they designed everything. There are also a lot of little extras. For instance, one of the spectators is an old man - he comes complete with a newsboy hat, spot-on outfit, and cane. It’s just perfect.
I will say that the pump is a little hard to use. While awesome in theory, in practice it’s a little tough to push and the water stream is a little weak. It’s still fun to do, but I know Small Person #2 was a little disappointed. (Who wouldn’t be disappointed when you still secretly thought you could go diving with the penguins?)
The good news is that both Small Person #1 and Small Person #2 seemed to get a lot of good play time out of all the sets together this morning (after I managed to assembled everything). They all hold water and most of the figures float. Yet another thing I love about Playmobil - they recognize that kids love to put anything and everything in water or use water in them, so their toys are designed to be used that way.
Oh, and another great thing - the boxes. They’re very sturdy and can be reused to hold the sets if you need them. And, in typical German attention to detail, they’re even made to open easily with little effort without being destroyed.
I have to give my wholehearted approval for the penguin zoo, and for Playmobil in general. They may be a little more money, but you know they’re going to hold up over time (if you don’t lose the pieces - small Ziploc bags are your friend). Now if only I can convince someone to spend the money on that giant pyramid…
Buy Playmobil Toys Online:
- at Amazon.com
- at Target