From teeny, video-equipped racecars to a paintbrush that makes music, TIME picks what’s new and what’s smart in 21st century playtime. See the list HERE.
Does your preschooler have iPad envy? Try Leapfrog’s LeapPad Explorer ($100), a tablet for the younger set. Powered by four AA batteries, the LeapPad comes complete with touch screen, microphone, gaming control pad and a camera. Run on Leapfrog’s catalog of Leapster Explorer cartridges, the tablet allows tech savvy kids to read books, play games and listen to music and just might be interesting enough to lure kids away from mom and dad’s device. LeapPad Explorer will be available in the summer of 2011.