Best marble run toy I'm looking for a marble run toy for my 6-year old. She had one that she really enjoyed, but it was also frustrating because the pieces didn't fit together very well and the structures tended to collapse frequently. Unfortunately, I don't remember the brand name of that one. Can anyone recommend a particular model or brand that is well-constructed?Thanks! Best marble run toy I'm looking for a marble run toy for my 6-year old. She had one that she really enjoyed, but it was also frustrating because the pieces didn't fit together very well and... » Read More Best marble run toy I'm looking for a marble run toy for my 6-year old. She had one that she really enjoyed, but it was also frustrating because the pieces didn't fit together very well and the structures tended to collapse frequently. Unfortunately, I don't remember the brand name of that one. Can anyone recommend a particular model or brand that is well-constructed?Thanks! « Show Less
1843029
Grandma,The Quercetti Skyrail Rollercoaster (150 pieces) is great! And it only costs $34.99! I have bought over a dozen of these sets!!Michael
1843030
I am trying to purchase a marble run as well for my grandson. This is all new to me but I have learned a lot. I have discovered that the marble run "Extreme Mania" by Techno Co. is not a well constructed marble run..From many review's tell the story that It fall's apart and is very hard to assembly and is pour qualty made. There are reviews all over the internet of bad choice. Now, I have no clue what to buy. Can someone help me, PLease... Which is the better made marble run and for its longevity~Thanks, Grandma Tootles
1843031
Every single on of the sets reviewed appears to be made of plastic. If that is the case, I would never buy any of these. I would like to see the classic, wooden marble runs reviewed, like Haba, Cuboro, or Kaden. Not more plastic. Everyone I know is trying to reduce plastic in their homes, especially for their children.
1045033
We've used ours for a couple years. One side worked great with the Duplo / Mega blocks. Now he's moved on to the real legos & those fit well too. We haven't tried any off-brand small legos yet, but all the different brands of Duplo size fit the other side just fine.
1417491
It has been quite a long time since purchase. I have other marbles as well so I just added to the jar. My grandson (age 4) and I play "marbles". I must have been happy with them and if I was not I would have complained to the seller. My purchase goal was to increase the variety of colors and textures and it did help to do that. I hope this helps you.
483929
a great play gym -- 4 month old has been using it at various levels for a month now (at this point, grabbing toys and rolling over). Soft and cute, attention keeping for baby. I bought this for my daughter as a gift (baby's mother). For Grandma's house I have the Fisher Price with lights and music (baby likes nature sounds). Both are great -- one "no-tech", the other mildly stimulating with sounds and soft lights. Really just depends on what you like... I thought the Skip Hop was little pricey, but baby does love it and it is well-made (toys on this are super-cute, and soft. Mostly hard plastic on the Fisher Price one). Hope this helps! a great play gym -- 4 month old has been using it at various levels for a month now (at this point, grabbing toys and rolling over). Soft and cute, attention keeping for baby. I bought this for my daughter as a gift (baby's mother). For Grandma's house I have the Fisher Price with lights and music (baby likes nature sounds). Both are great -- one "no-tech", the other mildly stimulating with sounds and soft lights. Really just depends on what you like... I thought the Skip Hop was little pricey, but baby does love it and it is well-made (toys on this are super-cute, and soft.... » Read More a great play gym -- 4 month old has been using it at various levels for a month now (at this point, grabbing toys and rolling over). Soft and cute, attention keeping for baby. I bought this for my daughter as a gift (baby's mother). For Grandma's house I have the Fisher Price with lights and music (baby likes nature sounds). Both are great -- one "no-tech", the other mildly stimulating with sounds and soft lights. Really just depends on what you like... I thought the Skip Hop was little pricey, but baby does love it and it is well-made (toys on this are super-cute, and soft. Mostly hard plastic on the Fisher Price one). Hope this helps! « Show Less
378699
My 5-year-old really wanted a barn to go with her animals and I couldn't find anything the right size until I tried searching for "stable" instead of "barn". I ended up getting the Breyer Classics Country Stable with Wash Stall It is just the right size for these animals and she loves it! It might be a little too fragile for a younger child, but search for "stable" and see what you can find. I think the Melissa & Doug Folding Horse Stable would work too. My 5-year-old really wanted a barn to go with her animals and I couldn't find anything the right size until I tried searching for "stable" instead of "barn". I ended up getting the Breyer Classics Country Stable with Wash Stall It is just the right size for these animals and she loves it! It might be a little too fragile for a younger child, but search for "stable" and see what you can find. I think the Melissa & Doug Folding Horse Stable... » Read More My 5-year-old really wanted a barn to go with her animals and I couldn't find anything the right size until I tried searching for "stable" instead of "barn". I ended up getting the Breyer Classics Country Stable with Wash Stall It is just the right size for these animals and she loves it! It might be a little too fragile for a younger child, but search for "stable" and see what you can find. I think the Melissa & Doug Folding Horse Stable would work too. « Show Less
864744
Totally depends on the kid. Our 10 year old grandson loves to play with Marbleworks when he visits his cousins. However, he does not have a set at home at this point so he doesn't have a chance to get bored with it.
243841
I'd like to know the same thing. We had one break off shortly after we assembled it. It works fine with one, but two would be better. We definitely like the toybox.
951516
I purchased the 1/2" peewee marbles. I wasn't sure what size would work with my marble run. I got the PlayGo marble run deluxe as that was the marble run my grandson played with in school. Both my granddaughter and grandson had fun with it over Christmas. I like the small marbles better than the ones furnished with the marble run.
1978323
I will have to ask my husband regarding the "facts" question. However, I must admit that I'm not sure I would buy this toy for my 4 year old son again. It's difficult for it to transform. My husband has to do it ever time. And it doesn't really move on it's own. Just says things every now and then. And they are somewhat difficult to turn off. If you have any of the other Switch N Go Dinos - in comparison, this one fails. It's much more flimsy, etc. I know it's a spendy purchase. My son wanted Jagger too, but I convinced him to go a different route. He just doesn't play with it all that often.
1519458
I am having problems, too. Call Hasbro! They no longer offer Alphie (no longer manufactured) but they will send you a toy free. We got Elmo rocks. :) And it came very quickly. I am still bummed about Alphie bc my son LOVED it! We plan to take it appart and use an air gun (those canned air that you use on electronics) and maybe even use erasers (those work great at dusting batteries/electronics)...and hopefully that will help make him work again.
1017505
Your one and a half year old would really enjoy it, and I think it would hold your four year old son's attention as well. If the boys play together well, there would be opportunities for car races and other creative play, especially if you have other car toys and can combine activities. As a former preschool teacher, I like the older one mentoring the younger and encouraging joint play! They could make block tunnels and obstacles, etc. I have many of the Fisher Price items that have endured years of play from my grown kids and now are being reused for our five grandkids under three years of age. Enjoy these times as a family! Your one and a half year old would really enjoy it, and I think it would hold your four year old son's attention as well. If the boys play together well, there would be opportunities for car races and other creative play, especially if you have other car toys and can combine activities. As a former preschool teacher, I like the older one mentoring the younger and encouraging joint play! They could make block tunnels and obstacles, etc. I have many of the Fisher Price items that have endured years of play from my grown kids and now are being reused for our five grandkids under three years of... » Read More Your one and a half year old would really enjoy it, and I think it would hold your four year old son's attention as well. If the boys play together well, there would be opportunities for car races and other creative play, especially if you have other car toys and can combine activities. As a former preschool teacher, I like the older one mentoring the younger and encouraging joint play! They could make block tunnels and obstacles, etc. I have many of the Fisher Price items that have endured years of play from my grown kids and now are being reused for our five grandkids under three years of age. Enjoy these times as a family! « Show Less
1002525
Duplo seems to stay together better for me. My daughter (age 3) loves them as she can build with them! :)
14447
Yes! There are some ideas of how to build it and any marble works fine with it. If your kids are anything like mine, you'll need to replace lost marbles eventually. :) This is a fabulous set. My siblings and I played with Marbleworks for hours as kids and now we are buying additional sets for our kids. Enjoy!
239496
I totally understand- it's fun to create different designs, but it would be cooler if you could do them taller. We have an older set, from a friend who's kids are grown and I'm not sure what brand it is, but it's more sturdily built & I was hoping we could use them together, but these marbulous ones are a little smaller. I wish I could help more, but all I know is the two sets we have are not compatible, so at this point I would recommend getting more of the same. I've seen these things in teacher supply /educational stores though, so maybe you could bring a piece into one of them & ask to try another one? Good luck! I totally understand- it's fun to create different designs, but it would be cooler if you could do them taller. We have an older set, from a friend who's kids are grown and I'm not sure what brand it is, but it's more sturdily built & I was hoping we could use them together, but these marbulous ones are a little smaller. I wish I could help more, but all I know is the two sets we have are not compatible, so at this point I would recommend getting more of the same. I've seen these things in teacher supply /educational stores though, so maybe you could bring a piece into one of them & ask to... » Read More I totally understand- it's fun to create different designs, but it would be cooler if you could do them taller. We have an older set, from a friend who's kids are grown and I'm not sure what brand it is, but it's more sturdily built & I was hoping we could use them together, but these marbulous ones are a little smaller. I wish I could help more, but all I know is the two sets we have are not compatible, so at this point I would recommend getting more of the same. I've seen these things in teacher supply /educational stores though, so maybe you could bring a piece into one of them & ask to try another one? Good luck! « Show Less
1155856
I would recommend the Leapster 2. I have 4 girls whose ages are 3, 4, 6 and 8. They all love the leapster 2. There are many different games at various levels that keeps them all interested. We have also never had a problem online or with any of the games. The other thing that I like is that my 3 year old has seriously dropped the toy several times and it keeps working perfectly.
865784
The wooden tracks came from a used toy store. I do not know the brand but there are Thomas and Friends engines and cars that roll well on the tracks. The bridge most definitely gives a new interest. Good Luck and have fun.
1741848
Michael's or Hobby Lobby would be a good choice for replacement marbles. Also flea markets and thrift stores would be a source, but would take a bit of work. We replaced the marbles from Michaels. I also sewed up a silk bag with tassles for the marbles figuring that would be important to a little girl.