Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. My goal for my kids is outdoor play as much as possible. Living in CA we get the best weather, never too hot so let’s get outside and make the best of the seasons!

Step2 makes wonderful toys for children, and we got a chance to review the Naturally Playful Countryside Cottage for my youngest, perfect for what we have in mind for our summer!

The backyard cottage is completely inclusive for hours of imaginary play. The playhouse includes:

* Detailed interior features stone fireplace and kitchenette with sink, swivel faucet, burner, and clicking knob
* Large windows
* Working dutch door, built-in planter for flowers, and mail slot
* Durable, poly construction
* Electronic features: Doorbell and play phone (requires 4 “AAA” batteries, not included)
* Adult assembly required

Check out our slideshow on putting together the Cottage in our own backyard!

Our Take: With only some help from my husband, his drill and his supervising, my oldest two children (ages 9 and 11) put the playhouse together. It’s adorable and fits nicely in our backyard, not even too heavy for two people to move around to different locations! My 4 year old has dubbed the cottage her “clubhouse” and has spent hours of imaginary play inside and out of it. With a “kitchen” area, cell phone, and built-in-wall-stickered fireplace, she’s introduced our neighbor as well as her stuffed animals to her clubhouse. I love the attention to detail with the adorning stickers and carved designs. The planter now has soil, and a bulb from irises from our front yard in it! My daughter loves watering her special plant, and it will continue to be a fun activity for our summer!

The Countryside Cottage sells for $329 at the Step2 website, and that includes free shipping which is a fabulous deal considering the size of the package!

We were sent product to facilitate this review. Our opinion are our tried and true experiences and were not influenced by any source.