LeapFrog LeapPad2

The #1 learning tablet just got better! LeapPad2 inspires kids to imagine and explore with front-and-back cameras and video recorders, 4GB of memory and a library of 325+ games, apps, music, videos and more for limitless learning and fun!

I’ve had my eye on the LeapPad since the original version was released.  And now, with the LeapPad2, LeapFrog brings parents and kids an even more advanced tablet!

Many of us own our own tablets and yet the kids somehow find a way to access them and make them their own.  Our own tablet is pretty used and abused, though I’d like to claim it back as “mine” for sure.  I have friends who won’t let their young kids touch their tablets for anything – which is ok too considering how expensive they are.

Here’s a solution for both parents – a way to get your own tablet back, or a way to give the kids something of their own to play with so they stop bugging you to use yours.  Another awesome benefit: you can keep this device offline.  You only need to connect it to a computer to download apps so you don’t have to worry that your little wonder will charge a ton of apps to your credit card or end up on Facebook by tapping the wrong icon.

After checking out the LeapPad2, I was really excited to see how many games are available for purchase as well.  If you’re considering this product for Christmas, I’d suggest purchasing a game or two to start or downloading some initial apps and having everything set up for Christmas morning so your little one is good to go!  We purchased Disney Tangled because as soon as my 5 year old saw it she needed it, but you can get by without purchasing any other games off the start because the apps and games included are a ton of fun on their own.

Of course, the LeapPad2 comes with a bunch of preloaded fun as well including Pet Pad, LeapFrog Learning Songs, Cartoon Director, Art Studio and one app of your choice.  Pet Pad is a ton of fun, my 5 year old and I giggled trying to figure out how to blow-dry her puppy’s fur after a bath (you actually have to blow into the mic on the Leap Pad to make the blow dryer work, very creative!)

I am super impressed with the LeapPad2 when, in all honesty, I didn’t expect to be.  I know that LeapPad is an awesome company with creative products for kids (we’ve reviewed several over the years and have never been disappointed) but with my kids being SO into our iPad and Apps, I really thought that they wouldn’t find the LeapPad entertaining.  I was wrong!  My 5 year old has been playing with it every single day (I’d suggest buying an adapter right away so you’re not draining batteries!) AND perhaps the most surprising – my 8 year old “gamer” who plays a variety of platforms from the computer to Xbox, likes playing on the LeapPad2 as well, and even created his own identity on it so his sister doesn’t “touch his stuff”.

So, if you’ve been considering a LeapPad2 but weren’t sure how it would compare to items you may already have like the iPad, etc., I say go for it!  You may actually reclaim your iPad, and the kids will be entertained – and educated – using this product from LeapFrog.  Ours is coming along with us on the flight(s) to Orlando this week – which says a lot if I’m depending on it to help keep my sanity on an airplane!

Look for the LeapPad2 in Canada at stores like ToysRUs ($99.97 currently on website) and Walmart ($107.87 currently on website) among others!  Keep an eye out for sales and promotions leading up to Christmas!