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The Melissa & Doug Let’s Explore line taps into children’s fascination with the outdoors by bringing camping, fishing, and hiking into the playroom. The Campfire S’mores set ($25) is the standout — an LED campfire with wooden marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers that invites children to pretend-roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
We tested it for six weeks with children ages 3 through 6.
Product Overview
LED “campfire” with flickering light effect (2 AA batteries), 2 roasting sticks, 2 wooden marshmallows, s’mores assembly components (chocolate, graham crackers), log pieces, and a mesh carrying bag.
Our Evaluation
Build Quality: 7/10
Classic Melissa & Doug wooden quality. The LED fire effect is charming and surprisingly immersive. The carrying bag makes cleanup easy.
Play Value: 7/10
The campfire became a narrative centerpiece in our testing. Children gathered around it, roasted marshmallows, told stories, and created elaborate camping scenarios. The play naturally generated sharing, turn-taking, and collaborative storytelling.
Age Appropriateness: 8/10
Ages 3-7 is accurate. The pretend play is engaging for the full range.
Value for Money: 8/10
$25 for a well-made pretend play set with strong narrative potential.
The Evidence
Pretend play supports narrative development and social-cognitive skills. Bergen (2002) found pretend play supports social understanding and creative thinking.1
Safety Notes
The LED light uses batteries; ensure battery compartment is secure. Roasting sticks are blunt-tipped. All pieces above choking threshold. No CPSC recalls.
The Verdict
A charming pretend play set that generates rich outdoor-themed narrative play. Well-made and well-priced.
Product Rating: 7/10 — Good narrative play value. Niche theme limits universal appeal.
Evidence Rating: Emerging — Pretend play and narrative development are well-supported.
Who Should Buy This
- Children ages 3-6 who love camping or outdoor themes
- Families building the Melissa & Doug Let’s Explore collection
- Parents seeking indoor pretend play with outdoor themes
- Gift-givers for nature-loving children
Who Should Skip This
- Children uninterested in camping/outdoor themes
- Families with extensive pretend play food already
- Minimalist families seeking fewer specialized toy sets
- Children over 7 who may find it too simple
This review reflects our independent evaluation. ScienceBasedKids.com purchased this product at retail price.
Footnotes
-
Bergen, D. (2002). “The role of pretend play in children’s cognitive development.” Early Childhood Research & Practice, 4(1). ↩
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Melissa & Doug Let's Explore Hiking Play Set
“Extends the outdoor adventure theme with binoculars, compass, and trail map.”
Melissa & Doug Let's Explore Fishing Play Set
“Magnetic fishing rod and wooden fish. Same outdoor adventure series.”
National Geographic Outdoor Explorer Set
“Real exploration tools to pair with pretend camping.”
Fisher-Price S'more Fun Campfire
“Plastic alternative with sound effects. More interactive, less natural materials.”
