Having Summer Fun with Mattel {Review & Giveaway}

Can you believe summer is halfway over? I’m always looking for fun things to do to keep the kids busy and while we’ve spent a lot of time outside but with summer comes summer weather: storms and many rainy days spent inside. I don’t want Jackson to watch TV all day, so we do activities like crafts and playing with his cars and trains. In the past 6 months, he has developed a love for his cars and we have amassed quite a Matchbox and Hot Wheels collection.

One thing we did not have (until recently) was a track designed for his Hot Wheels & Matchbox cars. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to review some Mattel products as a part of the wonderful Rhode Island Digital Media Women group (#RIDMW on Twitter). My son was THRILLED when we opened the box and found two awesome toys to revire: Team Hot Wheels Double Dare Snare Stunt Set and the Matchbox Cliff Hanger Shark Escape Playset.

Finally he had the perfect sets for his Hot Wheels & Matchbox cars. He had to take along the box while we ran errands on the day the toys showed up– he was not going to let this toy out of his sight!

When we got the Cliff Hanger Shark Escape set up on our coffee table, Jackson had a blast exploring all of the fun ways to maneuver the cars down the track, avoiding the shark and “saving the day.”  Side note: since playing with the Shark Escape set, Jackson now “saves the day” multiple times a day– I just love his imagination!!

I saved the next play set: the Double Dare Snare Stunt Set for another rainy day. My Mom was in town and both she and Jackson had fun setting up the set so they could race each other.

Once we got up and running, there have been countless hours spent racing cars. Neighborhood friends of all ages have taken part in the races and I love that Jackson can “race” our 6 year old neighbor on an even playing field thanks to the Double Dare Snare Stunt Set, which has taken up residence in our living room and gets used all day long!

The sets weren’t the easiest to put together, but have clear instructions and with a little patience you’ll be up and running in no time. With an impatient 2.5 year old by your side, no toy can be put together fast enough!

I’m excited to offer my readers a chance to win a great prize pack from Mattel to keep your guy or gal busy this summer.

a Rafflecopter giveaway