WASHINGTON (Oct. 25, 2011)—National Geographic Kids is turning loose two new adventure play sets this fall, sure to engage preschoolers’ imaginations. The Wild Rides adventure sets focus on wild animals and exploration, encouraging youngsters ages 3 and up to go on their own fun-filled adventures. Both sets (MSRP $14.99 each), manufactured by Funrise Toy Corporation, are available at all Costco stores nationwide beginning October 2011.
The Wild Rides All Adventure Vehicle set is prepared for everything the mighty jungle can dish out. The freewheeling vehicle includes an open-air jeep and trailer. The canopy converts into a trailer with fold-out wheels and trailer hitch. The telescoping arm extends with a net to rescue any animal that needs help. The front of the Adventure Vehicle features a working wrench that retracts at the push of a button on the hood. The vehicle includes a removable play compass, child figure and three wild animals — crocodile, lion and toucan.
The Wild Rides Elephant set encourages kids to take their imagination on an adventurous trip into the wild. The Elephant Ride features a canopy that folds out into a slide. Kids can watch the monkey spin down the vine and can launch the monkey from the elephant’s spring-loaded trunk. The set comes with working binoculars that give kids a close-up view of their surroundings. The set also includes child figure, monkey, panda and hawk.
Both Wild Rides sets feature collectible animal fun facts and stickers. Additional National Geographic Kids Wild Friends, Wild Animals and Pint-sized Pals figures will be available at retail beginning spring 2012.
National Geographic’s net proceeds from the sale of these products support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.
“National Geographic Kids has always been considered educational, fun and dynamic, taking kids on a journey to new and exotic places. Funrise continues this tradition with toys that seek to send kids to a world of exploration, awareness and fun,” said Arnie Ruben, CEO of Funrise.
“At National Geographic, our mission is to inspire people of all ages to care about the planet. Through our relationship with Funrise, we’ve developed products that encourage curiosity and help children forge a deeper connection with the world around them,” said Krista Newberry, vice president of National Geographic Licensing.
About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; trips; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,600 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.
About Funrise
Founded in 1987, Funrise is an adventurous innovator of superior toys and an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of the most popular children’s toys. Simply put…we create fun! Funrise’s core property portfolio includes Gazillion® Bubbles, HEADBANGERS™, Home Arcade, Tub Town®, Lil’ Cupcake®, Sassy Stables™, Shelcore’s Shake ‘N Bobbles®, Sunny Steps and Play & Imagine® with leading licensed power brands such as Tonka®, Disney©, Sesame Street©, National Geographic© and more, making our product offerings diverse and full of fun for kids of all ages! Funrise Toy Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrix Holdings Limited. Funrise U.S. headquarters are located in Van Nuys, Calif., with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom and France and with additional showrooms in Dallas, Minneapolis, Bentonville, Ark., and Miami. Funrise is operated by Arnie Rubin, vice chairman of Matrix and CEO of Funrise, who also serves as chairman of the Toy Industry Foundation (T.I.F.) and is the past chair of the Toy Industry Association (T.I.A.). Funrise’s success results from its commitment to quality manufacturing, progressive marketing and a values-based corporate culture. For more information, visit funrise.com.
