Review: 42631 Adventure Camp Tree House
Posted by MeganL,So far in the adventure camp theme we've seen two Friends with their cosy cabins, another pair working on their archery skills, and yet another pair working on their artistry and kayaking skills. All the sets came with a cute Friends animal.
Now it's time to take a look at the largest set in the adventure camp, 42631 Adventure Camp Tree House. I suspect we're going to meet the other three Friends here, and I expect more animals. (The sloths may make an appearance or two, as this is where they spent their summer vacation.)
Summary
42631 Adventure Camp Tree House, 1,128 pieces.
£114.99 / $129.99 / €129.99 | 10.2p/11.5c/11.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The largest adventure camp set is filled with fun activities and cute animals
- So much going on!
- Cute animals
- High level of play value
- Discernible ways to get between floors!
- A little on the pricy side
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Inside the box there are 11 numbered bags, 1 unnumbered bag containing a canoe, slide and other specialty parts, a folder with three instruction books, and a sticker sheet. Considering the size of the set, this is a reasonable size for a sticker sheet.
Minidolls and animals
There are five minidolls in the set. Three of the regular crew are included: Olly, Aliya, and Zac. Joining the Friends on this adventure are Jamila, outfitted here in a camp shirt and purple pants and bright orange shoes, and camp counsellor Jonathan, who strikes a commanding figure with the whistle around his neck.
Olly and Leo are both provided alternate expressions in this set, which show that they may be facing some of the challenges at the tree house with a certain level of trepidation (or fear?).
As befitting nature, the set does not disappoint when it comes to cute animals. Included in the set are two beavers, an owl, a hedgehog, and a squirrel. Acquiring these adventure camp sets provides quite a collection of animals!
The completed model
The side build for this set is a small island. There's a dock for the canoe (or kayaks) for the Friends to tie their watercraft to. There's a tree in the same construction style as the trees in the other sets in this subtheme. There's a small moving function (not pictured) - the rock on the left side hinges open to reveal some hidden treasure underneath!
The larger part of the set shows that the tree house actually includes more than one tree, spans a river, and includes an obstacle course. There's a tree swing hanging from the tallest part of the tree house.
The rear view of the set shows there is even more activity going on in the back.
Starting with the tree on the left looking at the front, there's a dock that allows the Friends to pull up to the treehouse for some fun. Directional signs point the way to different activities. Some mushrooms are found at the base, and a solitary cattail is in the water.
The rear view of the bottom level shows some supply storage, including one of the guide books that includes the collectable tiles.
A ladder is built into the wall to get the next level. I love that contrary to many Friends sets, there are discernible ways to get between floors in this structure!
Moving up a level, there's a hutch for the resident squirrel. A boom box is located on this level on the handrail, but it's unclear exactly what the squirrel's taste in music is.
In an adorable add, the squirrel has its own little apartment! I love the detail on the stickers in this space, especially the teddy bear on the squirrel's bed.
Following the Friends coloured purple ladder to the top level, we see the top of the swing, as well as one end of the zipline.
The back view shows two helmets ready for the adventurous Friends about to take the zipline. For the Friends who want an alternate means of transportation across the river, one end of the log bridge starts here as well.
The zipline takes the Friends to the other island, or they can cross using the log bridge. I'm not sure which one looks safer! I think partaking in these activities shows why Olly or Leo may have those alternate expressions. However, the sloths don't seem phased by the zipline in the slightest, and are likely wondering why Olly is making such a big deal of this.
(Note: Ziplining sloths not included in this set.)
The end of the zipline leads to a platform in a tree on the island. The platform has a research area so the Friends can study the local flora and fauna. Of course, there is a conveniently placed slide to get back to ground level.
This tree has a map affixed to the front of the trunk that shows the location of all the adventure camp sets. A campfire is at the ready with some benches for the Friends to hang out.
Others may want to hang out, too.
(Note: bench-warming sloths not included in this set.)
The sloths didn't notice, but the rock formation can be flipped up to reveal some extra surprises.
Heading to the back of this tree, we find another animal abode - this time, the adorable hedgehog! While they don't have as many amenities as the squirrel, its accomodation looks quite comfortable.
There's yet another way to get the island from the original tree in addition to the zipline and log bridge. A net bridge is located on the first level. Underneath the bridge we find another animal domicile, this time a dam with two resident beavers. Off to one side of the stream there's a tree that looks like it's attracted some attention from the local castors.
Pulling the Technic rod causes the tree to fall, showing the toothy rodents have been hard at work.
Finally, there are also multiple levels of activity in the corner tree. The ground level is a game room, offering a place for the Friends to sit and chat.
Other visitors may want to stop by, especially if it gets too cool by the campfire.
(Note: gaming sloths not included in this set)
Up one level, there's a storeroom with a chest filled with supplies that's attracting some visitors.
(Note: supply sloths not included in this set.)
The supply area connects to the study area via a horizontal ladder. It's by far the safest looking way of traversing at height in this set, so the visitors/sloths have chosen that method to get around. I particularly like the rock wall that's been included to get from the supply area to the next level up.
(Note: traversing sloths not included in this set)
One more level up is a sleeping area, but just for two Friends. I guess the rest are staying in the cozy cabins?
The roof of this area lifts up for easy access for play, and it seems that the sloths may have different ideas as to who will be staying in this treehouse overnight....
(Note: overnighting sloths not included in this set).
Yet one more level up is an observatory with a telescope. This is in the top of the tree, which is also lodgings for another animal, this time the owl. I think my favourite part of this level are the log steps that lead up to this level. This is yet another way to get around the tree house that is not for the faint of heart!
Overall thoughts
Wow, there is so much to do with this set! While there was an adventure camp subtheme in 2016, this year's definitely surpasses it, and this tree house is definitely next level.
There is so much play value here - the swing, zipline, slide, and all the fun ways to get between levels - it's intended to be an obstacle course, and there's no shortage of challenges incorporated in the tree house. Similar to the water sports set, there are some areas set aside for the quieter activities, such as games and studying nature, so there's truly something for everyone. I really like how the Friends designers have incorporated that level of inclusivity in their sets. Speaking of inclusivity, I also like that the five minidolls in this set have five different skin tones - it's so refreshing to see and shows again how the Friends line sets the stage for diversity and inclusion.
My tongue-in-cheek complaint for many Friends sets is that there is typically no discernible way to get from one level of a set to another - I understand that these sacrifices are often made for parts count/space. But this set has not neglected this at all, and I love all the different ways that the Friends can get around.
There are plenty of animals in this set, so fans of Friends animals will enjoy this set, along with others in the subtheme.
This is a super fun set, and the sloths had a great time hanging out there this summer. All that being said, like several Friends sets this year, it feels a little expensive for the price. This would make for a great gift for Christmas for any Friends lover.
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25 comments on this article
close enough, welcome back Ewok Village
Too bad it's minidolls...:-(
I don't think that sticker set is reasonably sized.
That being said, this is truly a sloth palace!
This review seriously prioritizes sloths over the minidolls and animal figures that are actually included in this set. I'm sure the joke is still (somehow) funny to some, but I think for review purposes it's better to show off a set's features by having figures in the images that consumers will find packaged with a set. There are six pics of this set with sloths in them, and only one with minidolls. Sloths are best used sparingly, IMHO.
@edmi said:
"Too bad it's minidolls...:-("
If that's really a concern, just throw them out and use your favorite clone troopers instead ;) (or any other minifigs)
Is that owl the same mold that was included with 71039-6? It looks like it is. If it is, that would be the second time an animal mold was shared between Friends and Marvel, the first being 76254.
As absurd as it sounds, the sheer brown with yellow slide at the end in the title pic reminded me of a banana. I'm not sure why.
That sticker with the squirrel balancing the nut on its nose is the CUTEST!
Just a few years ago I was really impressed by both the designs and the value many Friends sets offered. But while this looks like a good play set to me, at least part of that apeal has gone.
I mean, let's compare this against the 41703 Friendship Tree House from 2022, which I think was a pretty brilliant set (and I was really disappointed my niece no longer wanted Friends for her birthday, but only Ninjago....). Obviously that one was quite a bit smaller, but also a much more dense build, hence almost the same piece count (just 14 less). And then consider it was almost 40% cheaper....
Friends has gotten a lot more expensive since, while I don't necessarily feel the sets have gotten better.
The adventure camp theme has been quite cool.
@Ridgeheart said:
"I like the set, but let's be very clear here - "camp counsellor Jonathan" is very obviously Hans Gruber. "
And now I can never unsee that :-)
@Ridgeheart said:
"I like the set, but let's be very clear here - "camp counsellor Jonathan" is very obviously Hans Gruber. "
Happy trails, Jonathan.
Thanks for the review. This looks like a very fun set indeed!
I do feel the aftermarket value of the sloth pieces may be rising by 10% after each release of a new Friends set review here on Brickset :)
Olly, Aliya, Zac, Jamila, Jonathan, Leo. How come this set has 5 minidolls then? Something does not add up.
I really liked this whole series of camp sets. Besides the price my one issue with this set in particular is the brick built boom box. Since there is a decent boombox piece creating a brick built one is totally unnecessary. I think I'll be leaving the sticker off & tossing the pieces in the parts bin.
Best sloth note ever:
(Note: Ziplining sloths not included in this set.)
@WizardOfOss said:
"Just a few years ago I was really impressed by both the designs and the value many Friends sets offered. But while this looks like a good play set to me, at least part of that apeal has gone..."
At least in the UK, Friends sets are widely available, so you can usually count on getting significant discounts after they've been out for a while. Indeed, this set can easily be bought for £65 currently (thus negating the review's only minus point). The exception, sadly, seems to be 42639, which is a LEGO exclusive and not available elsewhere I think, so we've held off on that.
@Banners said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
"Just a few years ago I was really impressed by both the designs and the value many Friends sets offered. But while this looks like a good play set to me, at least part of that apeal has gone..."
At least in the UK, Friends sets are widely available, so you can usually count on getting significant discounts after they've been out for a while. Indeed, this set can easily be bought for £65 currently (thus negating the review's only minus point). The exception, sadly, seems to be 42639, which is a LEGO exclusive and not available elsewhere I think, so we've held off on that."
Oh sure, 30% or more discounts are pretty common here too. But that was also the case with the old Treehouse I mentioned, which was usually around €50-55.
I wonder how much rent the squirrel is paying for that cosy apartment ...
Finaly a set with decent playspace. Love all cozy details.
I do agree the price seems like 20$ too much.
@WizardOfOss said:
" @Banners said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
"Just a few years ago I was really impressed by both the designs and the value many Friends sets offered. But while this looks like a good play set to me, at least part of that apeal has gone..."
At least in the UK, Friends sets are widely available, so you can usually count on getting significant discounts after they've been out for a while. Indeed, this set can easily be bought for £65 currently (thus negating the review's only minus point). The exception, sadly, seems to be 42639 , which is a LEGO exclusive and not available elsewhere I think, so we've held off on that."
Oh sure, 30% or more discounts are pretty common here too. But that was also the case with the old Treehouse I mentioned, which was usually around €50-55. "
Good. I can feel your anger....
Strike me down with all your hatred [and greedflation], and [Lego's] journey towards the Dark Side will be complete.
Friends was the last hope for merely expensive Lego. Now, things are much worse.
You can also use this set to recreate Zombeavers!
Thanks for the review! This is a great set, particularly if able to be picked up at a discount. The landscaping is a real step on from the earlier iterations of adventure camps and treehouses in the Friends line and it’s nice to see the same attention to detail shown with interiors carrying through
Es horrible esas placas base (baseplates) ¡en distintos colores!. A vista general, falta cohesión en el modelo. Sigo echando de menos los sets con baseplates...
Thanks for the review. I'm so used to fun big sets to be overpriced that the price for this one doesn't surprise me :P The zipline and several "modules" makes me think of 43215 that was even more expensive (but there's the Disney tax I admit)