Rocking Boat : Ride On Boats

You may be familiar with the classic toys, rocking horses. When I was a kid, my friends had a lot of ride on toys. So fun! They had rocking and bouncy animals, not just horses. These are boats, pirate ships, play boats.

Go on a voyage of imagination in your own home or yard. Taking iconic toys and furniture and seeking them out in boat or ship form -- even pirate ship form! -- adds a whole new level of fun to them.

When not in use, these are wonderful for collection display! Place your bear collection or dolls in the boat. How much more fun is that than placing them in a case? Less is more these days. Put a few out to enjoy.

It also allows you many new possibilities in decorating. Of course these go with nautical decor, but think of the rise in travel themed kids rooms and play rooms. These are just right. One of those memorable preschool Christmas gifts that looks great in home videos!

When you're looking for preschool activities, consider getting the most for your time and your money with something that provides a lot at once. A toy like this does just that.

Not just dramatic play, but also physical activity. The fact that it may be an heirloom toy passed through the family is a big bonus. Let your kids, dolls & teddy bears reenact the Gilligan's Island opening?! A three-hour tour, indeed.

I remember getting a real workout in their basement play room as we made up games with those toys that are still popular today. Kids make up their own worlds, they can go on vacations without ever leaving home. What a perfect aunt and uncle or grandparent Christmas gift to kids.

Teach your kids about travel, about oceans. If you homeschool or have day care in your home, how fun would it be for the kids to sit in the boat at story time? These are just another selling point as props for those who do child photography.

Always talk to your kids and family about boating safety. A rocking boat may be a way to get an idea across. May 19-25 was National Safe Boating Week 2012. Are you ready to go out on the sea?

Imagination, pretend play. Children enjoy rocking back and forth on the rocking boat just as though they are rocking on the ocean waves. Add a few costumes, toys and props -- some store-bought, some home made -- and you've got not just hours but generations of fun and memories if you make the right choices in the toys in which you invest. Where will your imagination take you??

Retro Rockers Pirate Boat