LeapPad: A Cool Tablet for Kids

Courtesy LeapFrog

If your child reaches for your iPad more than often, it may be time to get them a tablet of their own.

Lucky for you, Leapfrog’s LeapPad ($99) may be just the answer.

Kid-friendly and chock full of apps and activities, it’s perfect for mini hands.

It also features a built-in camera, video recorder and two stylus pens — in case one goes missing.

Plus, it’s compatible with the games from Leapfrog’s Leapster Explorer so you don’t have to buy loads of new ones if you own both.

We also like that you can auto-adjust games to your child’s level and that you can follow your child’s progress online through the company’s learning path software.

The only hitch: At $10 to $20 a pop, it can get pretty expensive to download games and books.

For more info, go to leapfrog.com.

–Nancy Johnson Horn

Comments

It looks cool but, good luck finding one! Sold out on leap frog, amazon, tru, ect. Wait until next year they will be super cheap and everywhere then!

- Maryanne on November 28th, 2011

Yeah can’t find them anywhere!

- Mom*of*boys on November 28th, 2011

Can’t wait to see my son’s face when he gets this for Christmas!!! I’m glad I ordered it a month ago!!

- Jessica on November 28th, 2011

With apps that expensive, it is cheaper to just buy a regular (adult) tablet and download the free childrens apps…jmo

- Y on November 28th, 2011

Totally ordered ours early. Can’t wait to see how happy our boy is when he sees this present! He will then know how truly awesome his parents are, and how much more we love him than those parents who didn’t think about it early enough to secure one.

- Gordo on November 28th, 2011

Agree with Y, buy an inexpensive adult tablet and download free/cheap kids apps. This seems very overpriced, especially since you then have to buy apps too. If it were closer in price to the Leapsters I might give it a try, otherwise no thanks

- Amanda on November 28th, 2011

Great idea but way too expensive when getting the apps. And it uses a lot of batteries.

- Dominika on November 28th, 2011

Got my daughter one for her 5th bday end of Sept & she loves it. Only complaint is no AC adapter yet & none of the ones with our other LeapFrog items work with it. Otherwise it’s lots of fun and the games that are available have lots of progressive levels & maintain her interest.

- Kirby on November 28th, 2011

My niece got one for her 4th bday and it seems like something she will outgrow FAST. You’re better off springing for a Kindle Fire which has equivalent age appropriate apps for cheaper or free AND the ability for e-books as well as really long battery life and an AC adaptor. Or really be a hero and get them an ipad My 7 year old has hijacked ours.

- Lucy on November 28th, 2011

Gordon, how sad that you define love with a Leap Pad!

- Jillian on November 29th, 2011

we looked at Leappad, but liked the V-tech Innotab better. We bought one of each then returned the leappad after we playd with them for a few days. Innotab doesn’t have a camera, my only negative comment. But you can use memory cards (can’t on leappad) so movies, apps, ebooks, music, all that can be used on Innotab. Apps are cheaper, too. And the innotab actually has more to do on it than the leappad did. We were surprised leappad didn’t win out.

- nc girl on November 29th, 2011

Our 3 year old got a leap pad from his grandmother. He loves it. If you buy the bundle pack you get 4 free apps with it and Leap Frog also send you an additional app for free. So that is 5. There have also been coupons in the paper for $4.00 off a game. All of the children have enjoyed playing this, even the teenagers. The game is sturdy and built kid tough. You can also get a case that has added protection. My favorite part is the video and pictures he can take and then edit on the leap pad. And all of the games are learning games and he doesnt even realize it.

- Anonymous on November 29th, 2011

Does anyone know what age this is for.. My daughter is 6.. Is she at a good age or is she too old

- Natasha on November 29th, 2011

LOL JIllian you didn’t get that Gordon was being sarcastic? I laughed LOUD !

- kimmie on November 29th, 2011

So maybe going with the Innotab would be a better option rather than being on a mad chase to find the sold out Leap Pad.

- Mom*of *Boys on November 29th, 2011

Kimmie, not everyone is sarcastic. There are plenty of people who speak like this on here and elsewhere. There is nothing in the post that shows me it was a joke. I will not assume so. You can….

- Jillian on November 29th, 2011

Jillian, I posted similar comment but it is not showing? How would anyone who doesn’t know Gordo personally know He was being sarcastic? I really hope he was though.

- Jessica lee on November 29th, 2011

I had to order mine from VentureBridgeElectronics.com. Couldn’t find a unit anywhere. I paid a little extra, but was happy to at least get one.

- happymom on November 30th, 2011

happymom..just went to VentureBridgeElectronics.com and yikes! I think that $100.00 more is more than just a “little more money”. The granddaughter will just have to wait ’til her birthday. They are ripping us off with this years “hot item”. People buying them up to resell for 2-2 1/2 times it’s worth.

- discouragedgrammy on December 1st, 2011

KMART HAS THEM 4 STORE PICK UP

- Anonymous on December 1st, 2011

What is wrong with you parents? Buy a book for your children or take them to the library, which is FREE. Why would you want this for your children? Have you ever seen someone on a bus, eyes fixated on their phone or other electronic device? They all look like mindless drones staring off into space. This is the look you want your children to have on their faces? Have you all not read the latest research that electronic devices impair memory and concentration? How about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to limit TV and other media for children? Hello, this is a little portable boob tube to turn your brood into mindless boobs. There is no substitute for hands on learning by interaction with a real live person, period. This is the WORST gift idea I have seen this year! UGH!

- ReadingMom on December 5th, 2011

@ reading mom: I completely agree!!!!!

- John's Mom on December 5th, 2011