Almost any child who loved making forts would have loved one of these vintage play tunnels — mini passageways that kids could crawl through, play in, or even sleep inside. Here’s a look back at a few of these expandable wonders!
Vintage cotton play tunnel toy (1968)
Giant slinky metal frame covered with cotton fabric makes a 9-foot play tunnel. Collapsed, it is flat and portable. It was $4.95 at FAO Schwarz.
A vinyl vintage play tunnel from the early ’70s
An expanding play tunnel was a hit gift at Christmas! (Check out the awesome shag carpet and the Hoppity Horse toy, too.)
MORE POPULAR RETRO CHRISTMAS TOYS:
- Wonder horses! See old ride-on spring horse toys from the ’50s to the ’80s
- Easy-Bake Ovens: The vintage kitchen toys that let kids bake their own mini cakes
- See how retro Spirograph toys made it easy for anyone to draw amazing geometric designs
Fold-away vinyl play tunnel (1981)
Playground fun indoors or outdoors . . . Activity toys for girls and boys
Crawl through it, play in it, hide in it. Use indoors, outdoors as a secret passageway, a cave or a hideaway.
Construction: Perforated weather-resistant washable vinyl fabric over tempered steel spring hoops, 22 inches in diameter. Tie straps for easy storage. Tunnel folds to 2 inches.
