Peter Rabbit Treehouse Playset Review
Peter Rabbit Treehouse
Reviewed by Alissa McDonald
My two children (7 and 4) were very excited about the arrival of the Peter Rabbit Treehouse, and although the name meant they thought it was an actual treehouse for a few minutes, they were still impressed when they first caught a glimpse of the toy in the box. It is well presented, and whilst I struggled to remove it from its protective packaging: cable ties and plastic coverings in an illustrated cardboard box, the average adult (with a pair of scissors to hand) would not be overwhelmed. Sometimes I think there is a special course you go on as a parent – I must have missed this one – but clearly it covers removing cable ties, opening childproof lids, using resealable seals… I digress…
The treehouse and the majority of its components are made from moulded plastic. The treehouse is sturdy and stands up well. The trapdoor feature at the top was a particular hit as the model of Peter Rabbit supplied with the set can ‘escape’ and slide down the curved slide away from potential foes. There is a small bucket and an attractive lift that Peter can fit into, both of which can be separately lowered and raised pulling the attached cords. The treehouse also contains a telescope and a removable ‘planning’ table with an insert that can be flipped over – a little stiff on the first few uses. Overall, I was impressed by how well thought out the toy was and it was attractive too – the colours are bright enough for little ones to enjoy, but not garish, and most people would be happy to have it on display. Another bonus: no batteries!
It was interesting to see my two play with it. After seeing the treehouse, the first response from my young man (4) was ‘Does the lift really work?’ The first response from my daughter (7) was ‘Where are his (Peter Rabbit’s) friends?’ Sadly, both were a little let down as the lift, with careful use, worked for precisely 1 minute and then became unattached from the treehouse. (It can be pushed back into the top of the treehouse, but is very fragile and prone to falling off again). Peter Rabbit is the only figure in the box – this is stated on the packaging, and you can buy other figures separately, but it may work better if one or two other figures were to be included. Other play figures that we already owned soon entered the stories that my two were making up. At one point the treehouse caught fire and my son had to get his fire engine to put it out! The treehouse certainly sparks imagination, and it was lovely to see my two playing cooperatively with it. After the first novelty play, it maintained the interest of my four-year old more than my seven-year old.
The Peter Rabbit Treehouse Playset has an RRP of £29.99 and seems reasonable value for money, but it was disappointing that the lift (on the model I received) did not work as it should. Overall, I would give it three and a half stars out of five.
View the video advert here.
Rating: 3.5/5
RRP: £29.99
Suitable age: 3 years +
Available to buy from Amazon here.
