The AlphaPet Explorer
LeapFrog age guide: 2-6 years
Price point: Approx $25
My testers*: I had this toy tested with a friend’s 18-month-old girl and another friend’s 2-year-old boy (detailed reviews are below). It was also tested in my own home by my 17-month-old son and 7-year-old daughter.
The result? None of these children took any kind of lasting interest in the AlphaPet Explorer. Although the concept of the toy seems well-founded, it just doesn’t seem to execute. We found the games too complex and the buttons too small for children up to 3 years of age, and for over-3 set, the toy seemed too “baby-ish.”
My recommendation? For a toy in this same price point (actually less expensive!) and for a toddler, I can highly recommend the LeapFrog Mix & Match Fridge Farm Phonics, LeapFrog Wash & Go Magnetic Vehicle Set, and the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics. In a more expensive price point (approx $40), the LeapFrog Tag Junior is also highly recommended.
Other LeapFrog toy reviews are also available:
The Leapster 2 (approx ages 3+)
Tag Reading System (approx ages 2+)
Tag Junior Reading System (approx ages 4+)
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Detailed reviews
TESTER #1: Z is an 18-month-old girl who lives in Toronto with her Mom and Dad. Below are the comments from her Dad.
Interest?
If I measure Z’s interest by the length of time she initially plays with a toy, she hated the AlphaPetExplorer. When we took it out of the box, she played with it for 5 minutes and then moved on. Even though I’ve tried to re-engage her several times, she has no real interest.
I honestly can’t say I blame her. I found the buttons hard to push and the different game levels confusing at best (granted, she is still a few months below the age this is targeted towards.) I’m of the belief I shouldn’t have to read a manual to understand a kids toy.
Toy design & durability?
Regarding the buttons being hard to push. I tried playing with this toy and I really had a hard time with the buttons. If you don’t push on the exact right angle, it doesn’t register. There were a few times when I saw her pushing a button with no reaction from the toy and this definitely contributed to her moving on quickly. On that note, it seemed the toy lagged a bit if you pushed two buttons relatively close together. Not sure if this is a function of the buttons just being hard to push.
This toy seems durable enough. I’m sure the buttons will get worse over time. I do like the little dog that slides across the top to move from setting to setting. I’ve never seen that style before. It’s nice and light, and works well in the car or at the dinner table. But we tried both of these venues, and still not much interest.
Her favourite mode was the music mode. The others are way too advanced right now. We caught her dancing a few times to the music.
Age guide?
All in all, Z just seems too young (she is currently 18 months and the toy is recommended for 24 months minimum) for me to make an accurate assessment of this toy at this time.
TESTER #2: Jason is a 2-year-old who lives in Ottawa with his older brother, Mom & Dad. The comments below are from his Mom.
Interest?
Jason was instantly curious with this toy but quickly lost interest. I think it has more to do with the type of child he is. He doesn’t sit still and never stops!!
Toy design & durability?
Seems pretty durable — the kids were pretty physical while fighting for it. My 5-year-old played with it much longer even though he knows his letters and can read and write. It is more “his thing” — sitting quietly playing.
Age guide?
Hmmm, probably a toy that is best for a chidl that is at least 3 years old.
* Disclosure: I accepted LeapFrog toys, batteries and an honorarium fee from Harbinger (the PR agency for LeapFrog in Canada) to host a playdate. In exchange, I agreed to test the toys with my children and any other children of my choice. The agreement to test the toys does not come with any expectation from Harbinger for me to blog about them or to review them on my blog — just to try them out and share them with others. If I do choose to review the toys, I am at complete liberty to write about them in a positive, negative or neutral fashion. If you have any questions about this disclosure notice, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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