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Gearing Up The Toys Of Summer

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 21, 2008

Summer is here, and you know what comes next: You, standing with your hands on your hips, trying to get the kids to go outside and play.

Maybe you can tempt them with some of the same toys that got you out the door when you were little. Depending on how long ago it was, that might have been a Hula Hoop, Frisbee, Hacky Sack, SuperBall and/or Slip 'n Slide - all made by Wham-O, which celebrates its 60th birthday this year.
Hula Hoop - The Hula Hoop is also celebrating a birthday. Inspired by Australian children's use of bamboo rings for exercise, Wham-O's founders created the plastic hoop in 1958. It was so popular, Wham-O suspended production of its other toys to meet demand. Some boomers are still hooping in workout classes that promise to burn calories and sculpt abs. Your kids won't care about all that; for them it'll just be a really fun toy. The 60th anniversary Hula Hoop is $3.99.

Frisbee - Kids played catch with metal pie tins for decades before two friends thought to make a plastic flying disc in 1948. Wham-O took the "Pluto Platter" to market in 1957 and renamed it the Frisbee. Frisbee tossing is a big-time sport now, but you can find a disc that's just right for a rousing game in the backyard or at the beach. The Frisbee Pro Classic is $7.99.
SuperBall - The "out of this world" SuperBall is made of a material called Zectron that makes it bounce high and - you remember this - all over the place. Your kids will be amazed, and won't even notice how much of a workout it is to chase it. A SuperBall costs 99 cents.
Hacky Sack - Playing with a Hacky Sack is still a great way to improve foot-eye coordination. Invented in 1972 and sold to Wham-O in 1983, the Hacky Sack is especially popular with kids who love soccer. A Hacky Sack Impact costs $3.99.

Slip 'n Slide - A Slip 'n Slide has always provided a quick and fun way to cool down. Wham-O's Mega Shark Slip 'n Slide includes a water-powered shark jaw that opens and closes continuously without electricity. They'll end the ride in the inflatable splash zone. The Slip 'n Slide Mega Shark is $29.99.

Kim Franke-Folstad

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