Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse: Drama-Free Cooperative Play

When younger siblings become mobile, no matter how close they may have been with their older siblings previously, there are bound to be new squabbles over toys, books and the like. Finding toys large enough and interactive enough to accommodate both children can be a challenge, but not with the Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse ($100). Ideal for a 1-year-old baby, it also has enough going on externally to keep a 2 or 3-year-old child happy at the same time.

If you doubt that there’s enough to entertain multiple childrensimultaneously, think again. There is shape sorting, spinners, a beadcascade, and a lot of ball play including a ball rollercoaster and aseries of tubes balls can be dropped through on the outside, and thenreleased with color-coded keys on the inside. What I like best aboutthe playhouse, to be quite frank, is the barrier it creates because’out of sight out of mind’ is key to keeping the peace between our boyswhen they’re feeling possessive of their toys. Although they’re just afew inches apart when using the discovery playhouse, and although theycan keep tabs on each other through a series of peepholes, they’renever really threatened by what the other is doing because they’re moreoften than not working together — even if they don’t realize it. Thismakes the discovery playhouse the very definition of cooperative play.As an added bonus, the bright fabric panels are sturdy and strong, andthe entire structure breaks down easily for transport.

The only drawback I can find for the discovery playhouse is itssize, and even that is a plus in our house. At roughly 28"L x 28"W x28"H when assembled, it’s roomy to say the least. For us, the size isgreat because it serves as a fun little hideout for our boys and itsaves me from having to construct make-shift tents out of blankets andsofa cushions. If you’re living in an apartment or other crampedquarters, however, you’ll want to make sure you really have the spacefor the discovery playhouse before you place your order.

As the holiday season (rapidly!) approaches, and you find yourselfdealing with daily drama on the toy front — or if you’re just lookingfor a fun developmental center for your toddler-to-be — the discoveryplayhouse makes a great pick.

– Missy