Even if your kids have no desire to grow up and become a veterinarian, they can have fun pretending with the Pretend and Play Animal Hospital from Learning Resources. The kit features a tri-fold board for the vet office “walls” and 35 pieces including a wipe-off patient chart, stethoscope, X-ray cards, bandages, treats and thermometer. It also comes with a plastic puppy to use as a patient, but kids can easily use their own stuffed animals as well.
Our testing mom had her 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old neighbor try out the hospital and even though the packaging says it is for ages 3-6, both girls had a blast creating their own veterinarian office. “I like toys that give kids the tools to use their imaginations,” she said. “With no right or wrong way to play this game, the two girls were able to easily agree on how to play and to interact with each other and this toy despite the age difference of the kids.” Even after playing with it for a whole afternoon, the girls still enjoy setting up new appointments.
The Pretend and Play Animal Hospital retails for $34.95 and is available at www.learningresources.com.