We received the LeapPad 3 tablet just before going on holiday, which was perfect timing since I’d been looking for something to distract 5-year-old Joe during the flight (leaving me to drink wine and read a book in peace).
It took me a little while to set up on the LeapPad on the website (although this wouldn’t be a problem if you already have an account) but once it was done, it was easy to download apps – you can do it via the website or direct from the tablet (with a wifi connection). The apps aren’t cheap, but the LeapPad comes with a few already installed, you get to choose another to download for free, plus there’s an introductory discount of 30% if you want any more.
Because I knew Joe would be using the LeapPad on the plane, I went for a selection of different games and entertainment, including songs and videos. (His favourite game was Stretchy Monkey: Swinging Through Time with Splurgle a close second.) (I thought Stretchy Monkey in particular was really great – it led to quite a few conversations about history.)
I was surprised to find that my 10-year-old, Harry, who is usually to be found glued to his DS, wanted in on the LeapPad too. You can set up more than one profile, so I set one up for Harry as well and downloaded a few more apps. (His favourites were the Disney Imagineers videos.)
One of the things we all loved about the LeapPad was that it has two cameras (with video) – this was just brilliant on holiday and the boys had loads of fun with it.
The battery life is great, there’s a volume button and a headphone jack (both of which came in handy on the plane and on holiday), the stylus is attached with a string (I can’t tell you how many DS styluses we’ve lost) and the tablet itself is sturdy, but lightweight.
Perfect for holidays and a great introduction to tablets and/or hand-held gaming.
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New book – STARRING KITTY – OUT NOW
Sometimes the greatest love stories happen behind the scenes…
Kitty’s keeping secrets. Like how she’s struggling to cope with her mum’s illness. And how she’s falling for the girl with the purpley-red hair… A fun film competition with her friends Sunny and Hannah seems like the perfect distraction. But then Dylan wants to be more than Kitty’s secret. Is Kitty ready to let her two worlds meet or will she risk losing Dylan forever?
