There is something truly noteworthy about toys that are designed for children aged 4+ but which can still inspire pleasure and creativity in a teenager. Recently I saw this in action when the teenage son of friends I was visiting played for 45 minutes with my 4 year old grandson and a bucketful of PLAYMOBIL toys.

The red dragon designed Rock Castle is as intimidating as it is fun. Built on a bed of rocks, this Castle challenges anyone who wants to enter - especially since a camouflaged trap door lies just behind the castle door! With 3 levels of play, the Rock Castle also features a castle dungeon for enemies, 4 knight figures, a horse, many different weapons, a treasure chest, and other realistic details to make this ghoulish castle more authentic. $79.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

Viking Fortress is the stage for the following story line: During the last battle against the wild barbarians the Vikings managed to capture one of their leaders. Now their prisoner sits in the escape-proof prison cage of the Viking bastion and is pulled up to a lofty position far above the sea by the fearless warriors. From their lookout tower they keep a constant watch so that no movement on the horizon escapes them. When will the barbarians launch their next attach on the bastion and try to free their comrade?! $39.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

Open up the Pirate Treasure Chest and get ready for exciting pirate adventures! Inside the chest is a fantastic playscape that allows for an imaginative play experience. The chest opens for two sided play so two children can play together! And, the Pirate Treasure Chest is a great storage container so children can take the fun wherever they go. $24.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

Red Dragon is a fire breathing monster ready to attack! The Knight is ready to battle the Dragon as he hops on the dragon’s back. He quickly throws the shackles on the Dragon and has safely taken down the enemy! $14.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

Dragon Attack Cannon contains a firing cannon and knights who are infamous for their nobility and accuracy. This combination of figures and weaponry keep the village safe from raiders. When darkness falls the knights sit by the light of the campfire. $10.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

The mysterious Pirate Lagoon is a perfect pirate hideaway. The pirates make camp there with the local wildlife --a toucan, parrot, and pelicans. A dangerous floating shark guards the lagoon entrance. After coming ashore in a little rowboat, the female pirate and her dog hide the treasure chest behind the rotating rock. The chest contains coins, plates, a crown, headpiece, gold plaque, and gems. Additionally, the pirates are equipped with a ladder, furniture, fruit, goblets, a candlestick, a manually operated safety-shooting cannon, and other items to defend their loot. The main structure has a secret door and a prison with break-away bars. There is even a deck of cards so that the pirates have something to do in their leisure time! $84.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

Ready for a rest after exploring in the Outback all day? Climb up the ladder into the Tree House which features a secret trapdoor and a treasure! Kick back in the hammock or grill up breakfast but beware of the hungry wolves that lurk nearby. Also included are a cable rail to transport equipment, a rock hiding place to conceal a treasure, and plenty of accessories. $39.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

The Fire Station with Tower includes a manually operated elevator, fire fighters and lots of realistic looking fire department equipment $64.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.
The Viking Longboat is 17 inches long, floats in water, and has a moveable sail, rudder and oars. The eight Viking figures can attach to foot locks and can hold oars. $39.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.

The Knights Castle comes complete with a break-away wall, two floors for play action and a lookout tower. Includes four knights with armour and a horse. $39.99. Available at fine toy stores or call 800-351-8697 or click here.