Keeping NYC kids entertained outside in the winter can be challenging but can so staying home which typically means a post-playdate messy apartment. When LeapFrog and MomSelect asked if I wanted to try out the new LeapTV and host my very own playdate, I was excited to say the least.

Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

My five-year old daughter had never played with any gaming devices other than the iPad but I had a feeling she would quickly become hooked on LeapTV.  Over the years we’ve amassed a variety of LeapFrog learning products and I’ve always been impressed with their ability to hold her interest. The LeapTV from LeapFrog is a great addition to our collection since it gets her moving and having fun while teaching reading, math, science and problem solving.  That’s a win-win in my book.

LeapTV, designed for kids ages 3-8, is way more advanced than anything I ever had as a child of the 80s. It uses a motion-sensing camera so kids can use their bodies to “touch” and watch themselves on TV (so cool!) and a controller that fits small hands perfectly and can be used in two positions. The audio instruction makes it simple for little kids while older children can read the prompts.  My five-year old and her pal had a super fun time testing out the Pet Play World (free when you register) as well as the LeapFrog Sports! and LeapFrog Dance & Learn games. Several other game are available as well.

These little girls like to boogie so they wanted to start with the dancing games.  They danced around and loved watching themselves on the tv screen.  While they danced and drummed, they learned new moves as well as rhymes and compound words. This game also teaches letters and sounds, sight words and word sounds.  For these kindergarten kids who are just learning to read, this was a huge hit.

Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

The LeapFrog Sports! cartridge features nine games (soccer/football, bowling, baseball, karate, skateboarding, snowboarding, swimming, rope climbing and weight lifting) that all teach math. The games involve shapes, number recognition and patterns for younger kids as well as addition, subtraction and fractions.  The soccer and skateboarding games were the favorites here.

Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

The controller takes a bit of practice for young kids to master and the response time seemed a bit slow compared to adult gaming devices but the girls didn’t seem to mind.  Overall, it was a big hit and the girls played nicely even as they competed against each other which is not always the case with board games…

The games adapt to each child’s level—starting with age, and then automatically adjusting the learning for just the right challenge so I think this will be a popular choice for years to come. If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas, this would definitely be a hit for families with small kids.

After an hour or so of hard core playing and learning, these girls were tired out and my apartment was still clean. It doesn’t get better than that…

Staycation Ideas 102: Get Moving with LeapTV from LeapFrog

If you want to see LeapTV in action, check out this movie…

Have a great weekend.

I was not compensated for this post but I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored MommyParty. As always, all opinions are my own.

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