Switch & Go Dinos – new electronic learning toy from Vtech

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of VTechKids for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When it comes to kids toys, there are a lot of challenges we face as parents.

Technology, let’s face it, is a part of our lives and while we need to embrace it and allow our kids to explore the vast tech-based world that is available to them, it’s also important to challenge them in ways that go beyond a joystick and a screen.

Vtech has a fun new interactive learning toy that we had the opportunity to try out that really seems to have a great balance of combining fine motor skills with electronic learning and fun.

This new toy is called Switch & Go Dinos and they come in 7 different unique dinosaur shapes.

But the fun doesn’t stop there because each one morphs into a vehicle as well. The toys features 2-in-1 interactivity but also has electronic elements that take it to the next level making it come to life in a fun and unique way.

We received two of the Switch & Go Dinos to try out – Sliver and Horns and I have to say that despite their appeal to boys ages 3-8 my 4 year old daughter seemed to enjoy them as well – when my son would actually let her play with them.

Some of the important features of the Vtech Switch & Go Dinos:

• 2-1 one play: The dinos transform into vehicles – they are sturdy, ideal for any size hands, morph easily yet do provide a bit of challenge for the somewhat older child.
• Electronic sounds: Both dinosaur and vehicle sound effects allow your child to fully immerse themselves into the toy.
• Interactive LCD display: When in dino form, the display allows kids to choose between a selection of animated dinosaur eyes and when in vehicle form the display allows kids to choose from a selection of driver faces.
• Educational: Dinosaur mode provides up to 30 different expressions and interesting facts about dinosaurs with the press of a button.

Take a look (and a listen) at the toys in action:

While playing with Sliver, we learned that the T-Rex can eat 500lbs of meat in one day. That’s a lot of meat. My son also learned that a bi-ped stands on 2 legs.

These are great toys.

I mean it.

I can’t imagine a little boy (and some girls) who wouldn’t be thrilled to play with these. I actually found myself playing with them as well, transforming them and pressing all the buttons. I like how sturdy they seem considering they do have a decent amount of moving parts and I like how the morphing wasn’t super difficult but it also still provided a challenge each time to get the pieces just right. The sounds were loud but thankfully there is a volume control. I also love the dinosaur facts and the sayings, facial expressions and sound effects in either mode. They help engage my kids and kept them interested in the toy long after they normally would have lost interest and set it down.

And my daughter has asked me to buy her the red one too….and I really think these will be my next “go-to” gift for birthday presents this year.

The four Starter Dinos – Sliver the T-Rex, T-Don the Pteranodon, Tonn the S Stegosaurus and Horns the Triceratops – are on sale NOW exclusively at Amazon.com and at VTechKids.com beginning June 18 for a suggested retail price of $15.99.

All Switch & Go Dinos will be on-shelf at major retailers beginning in Fall 2012, including the four Starter Dinos, as well as Attila the Ankylosaurus (SRP: $24.99), Span the Spinosaurus (SRP: $29.99), Brok the Brachiosaurus (SRP: $49.99.

Which one will you buy first?

Buy today on Amazon