With licenses from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Zamboni, and more, Kool Karz Playground is making a name for itself in the ride-on space. Daniel Wang, CEO at Kool Karz Playground, put the brakes on Toy Fair preparations to speak to us about how the company got running, why it stands out, and what’s next for the world of luxury ride-ons.
The Toy Book: What makes Kool Karz Playground stand out from other ride-on toys?
Daniel Wang: With many players in the market, each trying to carve out their niche, standing out and ensuring that our offerings were truly unique and superior was a challenge. Kool Karz Playground offers an immersive experience unlike any other. Each ride-on toy is meticulously designed with children’s safety and fun in mind. We incorporate features such as interactive sound effects, realistic designs, and an intuitive drive mechanism. What truly sets us apart, however, is the level of detail and authenticity in each product, ensuring kids feel like they’re driving the real deal!
TB: How did the company get its start? How does it continue to grow?
DW: My passion for cars as a child has led me on a remarkable journey that resulted in the establishment of Kool Karz Playground in 2015. My vision was to share my love for imaginative play with others through ride-on toy cars that promote creativity, bonding, and imagination.
Today, Kool Karz Playground is one of the top providers of luxury ride-on vehicles for kids, offering an extensive range of high-quality products that cater to children’s varied tastes. As a company, Kool Karz Playground is committed to promoting values such as safety, creativity, bonding, and imagination through its products. Every ride-on toy car is carefully crafted to ensure that it provides a safe and enjoyable experience for children, while also promoting imaginative play and fostering a sense of bonding with parents and siblings. Through its dedication to quality and innovation, Kool Karz Playground has become a trusted name in the industry, recognized for its commitment to excellence and its ability to provide children with a fun and engaging way to explore their imaginations. Whether it’s a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, or a Mercedes, Kool Karz Playground offers something for every child, making it a favorite among parents and children alike.
Getting licenses from intellectual property (IP) owners to offer exclusive models posed its own set of challenges. There were legal, financial, and operational obstacles to tackle, ensuring we had the rights to produce and sell exclusive models that separated us from the competition.
TB: You work with a wide variety of licensors. Which in particular stand out?
DW: Creating a unique and innovative product requires significant effort and collaboration. Our team spent 2.5 years working with the National Hockey League (NHL) and Zamboni to create the world’s first Zamboni ride-on toy car. This was a complex project that required careful attention to detail, from the design phase to the manufacturing process. We collaborated closely with NHL and Zamboni to ensure that every aspect of the product met their exacting standards. We incorporated their input and feedback at every step of the process, from choosing the right materials to designing the ride-on car’s intricate details. Through our collaboration, we were able to create a product that not only meets the highest quality standards but also captures the essence of the NHL and Zamboni brands. We are proud to have been a part of this exciting project, and we believe that the world’s first Zamboni ride-on toy car will bring joy and excitement to young hockey fans everywhere.
TB: How has the rollout of the NHL Zamboni ride-on been?
DW: The response for the NHL Zamboni ride-on has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s been featured by multiple mainstream media outlets including ESPN, New York Post, NBC News, Turner Sports, and more. The NHL Zamboni was the second most popular item on NHL Shop and a bestseller on Zamboni’s official site during the holiday season last year.
TB: What gave you the idea to create such a vehicle for kids?
DW: Our goal has always been to create unique and memorable play experiences. We recognized that children often emulate adults and are drawn to distinctive and sizable vehicles they see in real life, such as the iconic Zamboni at hockey games. Seeing a gap in the market for sports-themed ride-ons, we wanted to craft something that not only resonated with young fans but also provided insight into the behind-the-scenes world of their favorite sports. This inspired us to design the NHL Zamboni ride-on, offering children a fresh and exciting play experience beyond the conventional car or bike toy.
TB: What will Kool Karz Playground debut at Toy Fair?
DW: We’re extremely excited about Toy Fair this year! Without giving too much away, attendees can expect to see a line-up that combines classic favorites with a few new surprises. There will be a few exclusive models, of course.
Visit Kool Karz Playground at Booth No. 6143 at Toy Fair, taking place Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2023 at the Javits Center in New York City.
