VTech, makers of electronic learning toys, are producing great toys designed for toddlers. Following the award-winning success of the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels in 2012, the new Go! Go! Smart Animals feature traditional role-play infused with modern technology for an engaging, multi-sensory learning experience.
For the purposes of this review, VTech sent us the Go! Go! Smart Animals Tree House Hideaway Playset. This playset is recommended for children 1-5 years, MSRP of $29.99. The following is an account of our experience. Opinions are my own.
First Impressions
Unboxing of the Smart Animals Tree House Hideaway is an absolute cinch and a welcome diversion from product packaging that’s become increasingly complicated and wasteful over the years. There is very little assembly required, with most parts simply snapping together. Kids are playing in no time. VTech has rallied together a colorful package that is very approachable to small children. My son was ecstatic to start playing with his new toy.
Playtime Observations
The VTech Go! Go! Smart Animals Tree House Hideaway really shines during playtime when the interactive features come to life. There are multiple manipulative features including swing, elevator and shape sorting. The various sorting shapes fit snugly through their respective openings in the tree, but then fall through the trunk and get deposited at the base. Observing my son revealed his penchant for categorizing and organizing.
The headlining feature of the VTech Go! Go! Animals Tree House is the interactive “pet” included with the playset. Our particular version included the SmartPoint™ Panda. “Pandy” (her new nickname) has wheels that make it easy for her to travel over SmartPoint locations throughout the tree house. These locations trigger one of her multiple phrases and songs, some of them even teach about the animal.
Our Go! Go! Smart Animals pet and tracks are interchangeable with other playsets made by VTech. There are a variety to choose from at vtechkids.com. The Go! Go! Animal sets can also be combined with the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels™ series. We already have the Ultimate Amusement Park and the Car Carrier playset – so our son was in awe at the “town” that has amassed in the playroom.
Overall Satisfaction
The interactive, “smart” aspects of the VTech Go! Go! Animals Tree House Hideaway provided multiple cognitive exercises for our son. This equated to value-added, hours-long playtime. It is colorful and the noise level is pleasant for everyone in the house. The added benefit of easy-to-assemble modular tracks means we can continue to expand the playst for endless variety.
The Talking Dad is excited to offer our readers the opportunity to win their very own VTech® Go Go Animals™ Tree House Hideaway Playset. Just complete the entry form below.
