It's Play Family Time!!
🧸 A Nostalgic Journey: Vintage Fisher Price Play Family Playsets
Before screens and digital toys, childhoods were filled with the charm of wooden wheels, plastic figures, and imagination-fueled adventures. At the heart of it all was Fisher Price’s Play Family series—a line of playsets that brought entire worlds to life in compact, colorful form. Originally launched in the 1960s, these toys have become cherished relics for collectors and a beloved memory lane for generations of families.
Let’s explore the magical world of Vintage Fisher Price Play Family playsets—from farms to ferries, airports to amusement parks.
🚜 Play Family Farm #915 (1968)
Possibly the most iconic of all, the red barn with a “mooing” door sound became a staple in toy rooms across America. The 1st version was made with a wood bottom with wood doors. Later on it changed to a green plastic bottom and plastic doors. Complete with animals, fences, a tractor, and Little People farmers, the Play Family Farm taught early lessons in nurturing, responsibility, and imaginative storytelling.
✈️ Play Family Airport #996 (1972)
With a working conveyor belt, baggage cart, and helicopter, the Play Family Airport brought the thrill of travel to life. The spinning radar tower and colorful planes made kids feel like captains of the sky.
🏥 Play Family House #952 (1969)
The charming split-level Play Family House came with a garage, furniture, and a family of four. It invited children to play out everyday life—cooking, sleeping, parking cars, and even having guests over!
🚌 Play Family School #923 (1971)
A personal favorite of mine as I had this one as a child. A bell that rang, a chalkboard, and a mini desk setup made the Play Family School feel just like the real thing. Then add a school bus, swing and merry go round with a diversity of students, it was perfect for role-playing classroom scenes (complete with nap time!).
⛴️ Play Family Houseboat #985 (1972)
Ahoy, tiny travelers! The Play Family Houseboat featured a floating vessel, deck chairs, a putt putt sound as you pull it, and a rooftop cabin. It was great fun in bathtubs or backyard kiddie pools.
🎠 Play Family Animal Circus #135 (1974)
This set included 6 circus props and 7 performers. Ladders as see-saws and a hoop can stand by itself or fit on the ladders. Little ones can mount a 2nd ladder and attach a trapeze. Needless to say endless possibilities and it gave kids a sense of funfair adventure and was one of the more dynamic playsets.
🚒 Play Family Action Garage #930 (1970)
The Action Garage came with an elevator, gas pump, and working ramp system. Complete with cars and a grease rack, one of the most fun playsets as the cars go up and down the ramp; helping children with their eye/hand co-ordination skills as well as inspiring hours of vehicle-themed storytelling.
🚂 Play Family Rooms #909 (1971)
This set was sold only at Sears It is a 31 piece set, with a main piece being rooms without a roof. It also came with a white drawstring storage bag which is quite rare and hard to find nowadays. This set when complete with original box and storage bag goes for a good amount on the market!
🧺 Play Family Car & Camper #992 (1980)
This portable camping set came with a pop-up camper, and picnic accessories. Its iconic clam shell storage container is the hard to find piece to this set. It brought outdoor play into the living room for nature-loving kiddos.
🔨 What Makes These Sets So Special?
-
Durability – Built to last, many of these playsets are still in great shape today.
-
Design – Thoughtfully engineered with working parts like elevators, barn doors, and moving vehicles.
-
Imagination-Focused – No batteries or screens—just pure, open-ended play.
-
Collectability – Today, vintage collectors hunt for complete sets with original figures, accessories, and packaging.
🛍️ Today’s Takeaway
If you grew up in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, you likely had at least one of these magical playsets. Whether you’re a collector, a nostalgic parent, or someone discovering them for the first time, Vintage Fisher Price Play Family sets are reminders of simpler times when fun was hand-powered, and stories were built from plastic and dreams.
I've only listed a few of the playsets above. There are actually more which we'll explore in my next blog :)
💬 Which Play Family set was your favorite? Or which one are you still looking for? Drop a comment and let’s relive the memories together!
🔁 Share this post with your fellow vintage toy lovers and keep the Fisher Price legacy alive!