For backseat travel and plane trips, the Leapster system -- for ages 4 to 8-- has popular animated characters, but with an educational twist: kids play learning games, read electronic books, create art. (They can also do stuff like watch videos.)
Travelers will also want a carrying case, and a recharger so you can stop feeding AA batteries - click through to page 2 for that. The system is sold without cartridges but does come loaded with one or two educational games for starters. And for home use, a gadget can do a hook up to a tv screen.
1. LeapFrog Leapster - Multimedia Learning System
The original game player, with color display screen, control pad, and (physically attached) touch-sensitive stylus. The games themselves are sold separately (although it's possible to buy a unit with one preloaded game.) For ages four to ten.
2. Leapster2 Learning System
This newer Leapster connects online to the LeapFrog Learning Path, which shows you what your child is learning. Meanwhile kids can connect online to extra activities and rewards. For ages 4 through 8; pre-loaded with two learning games. You'll need to buy an SD card to save artwork, download new games, or use Learning Path. (Read comments at Amazon.com; some people are reporting glitches with the SD card use, and delays in access to Learning Path. Hopefully these glitches will be gone by the time you're reading this!)3. LeapFrog Leapster L-Max Learning Game System Pink
Of course the Game System comes in gussied-up guises too. This one is going for good looks, in pink. LMax can plug into a TV for dual screen gaming (for LMax titles.) You can use Leapster titles on the Lmax, and LMax titles on the Leapster.4. LeapFrog Leapster Educational Game: Finding Nemo
The "Finding Nemo" movie was one of Disney's big successes, thanks to several memorable characters. Swim along with Nemo's overprotective father, Marlin, and comically forgetful friend, Dory, as they try to find Nemo. The game invites kids to "dive" into math, phonics, science. For ages for to six years.5. LeapFrog Leapster Educational Game: SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants may be silly, but that doesn't mean he can't be educational. When a new restaurant in Bikini Bottom brings too much competition for the Krusty Krab, SpongeBob needs help to make a new, improved Krabby Patty sauce. Five "action-packed" learning games teach skills in phonics, money concepts, science, addition & subtraction.6. LeapFrog Leapster Educational Game: Dora the Explorer Wildlife Rescue
Dora the Explorer is a popular character with a Spanish flair, on Nick Jr. TV. In this Wildlife Rescue game, Dora and Boots need help rescuing animals. Choose from 5 learning games and 3 interactive storylines teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten skills.7. Leapster2 Star Wars Jedi Math Pack
For ages 4 to 8: kids can play as Anakin, R2-D2 or Clone Commander Rex, on missions to rescue members of the Republic and to "restore order to the galaxy". Kids can earn rewards, then connect online for additional activities, games and "creativity studio". (That online connection's the Leapster2 part -- see above.) There are Leapster2 Game Packs for Dora the Explorer, too.8. LeapFrog Leapster Educational Game: Disney Princess
Both Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Cinderella appear in this set of games: 5 games teach Pre-K and Kindergarten skills as the player progresses from Little Lady to Her Royal Highness.9. LeapFrog Leapster Game: Pet Pals
Target age is for to seven years old, for this game that combines kids' love of pets with some reading and math skill-building.10. LeapFrog Leapster: Mr. Pencil's Learn to Draw and Write
For ages 4 to 8: Leapster's Digital Art Studio: Mr Pencil's Learn to Draw and Write Let your imagination run wild! Mr. Pencil Learn to Draw and Write has over 150 step-by-step lessons showing how to draw animals, objects and characters, and upper andlower case letters and numbers.Also has dozens of art tools.