Our Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by NBC Chicago to play with toys that are as much educational as they are fun. For more on these great learning toys, check out the product information below. Plus, don’t forget to check out our full list of the best educational toys of the summer!
- Encourage early math skills with the Count & Learn Turtle.
- Press the light-up number buttons to hear the friendly turtle count and say each number.
- Choose the addition activity, and the turtle will help your child add two numbers and light up the correct number of buttons.
- The turtle also features two rollers that introduce shapes, colors and instruments and will add fun sounds into the melodies and sing-along songs in the music activity.
- For even more learning fun, switch to Spanish mode and the turtle will teach numbers, counting, colors, shapes and instruments in Spanish.
- Exercise your child’s memory and hand-eye coordination skills by having them watch the buttons light up one by one and then repeating the sequence.
- AGES: 2+
- MSRP: $14.99
- The leader in magnetic building kits for kids is launching its very first tech product this year, known as the Walking Robot.
- Recognized for its gender-neutral play and reinforcement of STEM education, the Walking Robot is now available.
- Click, connect and create! Kids can build 8 walking characters using STEM engine block and walking accessories.
- Imaginations will run wild as they discover the strength of MAGFORMERS and learn all the different shapes and structures they can create. With the Walking Robot, STEM education has never been so much fun!
- Using the strongest magnets and built for endless hours of play, this cute walking robot is quickly becoming a child’s favorite toy and will challenge their minds at the same time!
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $109.99
- Control Dash & Dot to move, light up, make sounds, and interact with each other.
- This dynamic duo can do anything you set your mind to.
- Introduces core coding concepts such as Variables and Conditionals in an easy ‘drag-and-drop’ interface.
- These ‘no assembly required’ robots can be programmed to the child’s imagination with just an iPad or smartphone and a growing suite of free Apps.
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $229.99
Electricity and Magnetism (Thames & Kosmos)
- Conduct more than 60 experiments with circuits and magnetic contraptions to learn about electricity and magnetism, and how these two fundamental properties are closely related.
- Build series and parallel circuits to light up a light bulb, experiment with push buttons and on-off switches, assemble circuits that include spinning motor, two switches, and up to three light bulbs.
- Conduct tests to see which materials are magnetic.
- The electrical blocks fit together with simple plug-and-socket connectors.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $59.95
