Sunday, June 10, 2012

Chalk City -- A Must Have Outdoor Toy for Families (Review)

Chalk City Road Sign Stencils

We have become the hit of the neighborhood thanks to products from Chalk City.  With the recent rain, everyone in the neighborhood has been cooped up in the house.  So, when the sun finally decided to show itself the other day, it was like the neighborhood came alive.  I think I was more excited than my daughters about getting outdoors, as I would finally be able to try out the Chalk City products sent to me a few weeks prior for review.  What is Chalk City you ask?  "Chalk City® is a family of outdoor toys that combines two activities that boys and girls love—playing with sidewalk chalk and playing with riding toys. Kids of all ages can easily use the Road Maker®, Road Sign Stencils and Obstacle Course Stencils for hours of fun."

Chalk City Obstacle Course StencilsChalk City Road Sign StencilsChalk City Road Maker

I was sent their Activity Kit, which included their RoadMaker, Road Sign Stencils, and Obstacle Course Stencils to try out with the girls.  Where were these products when I was younger?  As a kid I remember trying to make roads to drive through, but they were never even or didn't look good.  And, as for stop signs and directional signs, my brothers and I would make them out of cardboard and try to get them to stay put on sticks we found and taped them to.  But, as kids, we were not that crafty and in a matter of minutes, the the tape would give way, and the signs would fall to the ground.

But, thanks to the folks at Chalk City, kids today can not only make even , bu they can also add directions and the word stop to their paths.  After watching the following online video and reading the instructional/ideas booklet that came with the set, I was ready to create a race track for the girls.




Loading the Road Maker was easy.  I simply slid a piece of colored chalk (which came with the set) to each side of the Road Maker and was ready to go.

 Chalk City Road Maker

The cool thing I liked about the Road Maker was that it snapped into place, and when not use, could be folded up and stored in the mesh bag it came with, for easy storage.  The same thing holds true for the stencils, which also came in a neon green mesh storage bag.  This is great for parents, as you don't have to worry about finding a spot to store all the pieces to this kit, and chance losing something.

Chalk City Road Maker

In a matter of minutes, I had turned half my driveway into a race track.  In addition, I set up stations, where Savannah would have to get off her bike and do a physical activity, like 10 jumping jacks.  When I was done, I had my husband bring the girls outside to see what I had done.  Savannah saw it first, and proceeded to run around the track, making sure to stay within the lines.  When she was done, she quickly ran to the storage shed to get her bike and ride on toys.



I guess the laughter and excitement of Savannah signaled the neighboring kids to stop by and see what was going on.  When they saw a race track, they asked if they could bring their bikes (and siblings) and play along with my daughters.  How could I say no, as I know how other moms must be so happy to finally have the kids outdoors.  Thankfully we have a long driveway, as we had over a dozen children with bikes in tow, lining up to ride through the track I had made.  Everyone liked the physical activity stations I had set up, as it kept them busy, while waiting for their turn to ride through the wavy obstacle course, as some called it.  Our neighbor's son, who is 10 years old, asked to try out the Road Maker, and after showing him how it worked, he made an empty circle.  By the end of the day, all the kids who had stopped by had their names and drawings fill this once empty circle.

Go figure -- that night, it rained yet again.  But, once the sun came out again the next day, I was all ready for my daughters and local children with a new race track -- which I switched up.  Everyone had a blast, and it provided great entertainment for children young and old.  My daughter, Arabella, who is 7.5 months old even got in on the fun, with my husband and daughter taking turns pushing her in her ride on car through the track.

If you are looking for a fun product to make your summer more memorable this year, why not check out the Activity Kit, including their RoadMaker, Road Sign Stencils and Obstacle Course Stencils from Chalk City?  At only $35.97, plus shipping (you need to buy individual pieces to make the complete activity set from Amazon, it will provide hours of enjoyment for all.  I can't wait until my daughter's birthday in a few weeks, when I will have a few tracks set up for the kids to enjoy.  Parents will also be able to have basketball shootouts, thanks to the circles I will make near the basketball court.  I am so excited, and can't wait!  :-)


---BUY NOW---

Click here to order the Chalk City Road Master and Stencils sets at Amazon. In addition, you can also see if a retailer near you carries Chalk City products by using the online store locator here: http://chalkcity.com/wheretobuy.html.

Don't forget to follow Chalk City on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for news and special offers:



Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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