High-Tech Fun: Our Top 5 Picks from VTech’s Fall Lineup

It’s never too soon to start planning for the holidays—even in the middle of a late summer heat wave. VTech recently previewed its latest educational toys and gadgets for Fall 2013, and let’s just say that there are definitely some products worth talking about. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite innovations for your previewing pleasure—all of which will hit stores in the next two weeks.

1) InnoTab 3S Wi-Fi Learning Tablet, $99.99 (Ages: 3-9 years)

The newest addition to VTech’s innovative line of children’s Wi-Fi enabled learning tablets features VTech Kid Connect—a communication app through which kids can connect with their parents and friends. In addition to its tablet-to-mobile and tablet-to-tablet communication options, the high-tech toy includes a kid-safe web browser, a rechargeable battery pack, and 20 free apps that are already included. This learning tablet is both fun and educational as it teaches science concepts, vocabulary enhancement, and handwriting skills through engaging games and creative apps.

2) Switch & Go Dinos – Jagger the T-Rex, $69.99 (Ages: 3-8 years)

We’ve seen a lot of transformer toys over the years, but we have to say that this one leads the pack. In just a few simple steps, Jagger the T-Rex goes from a construction crane to a giant T-Rex. Voice recognition technology allows the toy to respond to specific voice commands, such as “move forward,” when in dino mode, as well as to activate the launcher-fired drill bit in crane mode. Although he almost sounds too fun to be educational, rest assured—Jagger teaches kids fun historical dinosaur facts as they play.

3) Roll & Learn Activity Suitcase, $36.99 (Ages: 12-36 months)

Imaginative little travelers can pack for a learning-filled adventure with this fun educational suitcase. The interactive toy features an activity panel, a removable phone, piano keys, spinning gears, a fun dog character, and more than 30 melodies and sing-along songs. Kids can pack up and take their fun anywhere as they strengthen fine motor skills while learning new words, greetings, modes of transportation, and famous places.

4) 2-in-1 Shop & Cook Playset, $49.99 (Ages: 2-5 years)

Is it a shopping cart or a kitchen? Actually, it’s both. This 2-in-1 transformational playset for kids ages 2-5 encourages little ones to pretend to play in both the grocery store and the kitchen. The cart responds with sounds and phrases, and the kitchen includes everything from a stove to a cutting board. Young chefs will learn about food, colors, and numbers as they discover how to successfully follow directions while preparing an imaginative meal.

5) Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset, $49.99 (Ages: 1-5 years)

This interactive play set for toddlers teaches learning skills through cause and effect, all while encouraging creative play. Included vehicles (as well as those sold separately) respond to SmartPoint locations and feature fun effects for kids to marvel at. The coolest part—this play set also connects to the new Airport Playset and Construction Playset from the Go! Go! Smart Wheels series, so kids can create a mini transportation system all their own.

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Dance Workshop - NY

Nestled in the heart of the UES, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!