Kids love the PlasmaCar and Perplexus

PlasmaCar^TM

The Car Fueled by Kid-Power

The PlasmaCar is a mechanical marvel that makes use of the cleanest and most inexhaustible energy source on earth…kid-power!  By harnessing the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, gravity, and friction, the PlasmaCar requires no batteries, no power-cells, no liquid fuel, just the occasional cookie or two.  The PlasmaCar is also very durable and can handle a load of up to 100 kg (220 lbs) on a smooth, flat surface, and 55 kg (120 lbs) on a rough, flat surface, so parents can have fun too!

Ever since the first time my kids saw a PlasmaCar at the London Children’s Museum, they have wanted one. They love that they can put their feet up and drive around without any pedalling or pushing with their feet! Griffin was lucky enough to get lots of riding time on the PlasmaCars that were at his day care, but the other two had to wait for our rare trips to the Children’s Museum, so when one arrived at our house, they were pretty excited.

I had to put the PlasmaCar together, and I only had about 20 minutes to do it because I was leaving for a weekend and I knew the kids wouldn’t wait for me to get home to try it out. It was actually really easy to put together, and I managed pretty fast. The kids tried it out and I realized that I had not tightened the handle enough because the front wheels twisted in a way that the car wouldn’t work. I tightened it up and then it worked fine. There is a cover for the hole on the handle, but they kids and my husband took it to play at the school and it came home without the cover 🙁

Kellen and Avery can drive it with no problem and really enjoy it. Griffin can drive it the way it is intended, but he prefers to push it around with his feet. He zips up and down the sidewalk, and I suppose he’s getting lots of exercise while pushing with his feet, so I don’t bother him about it.

Here is a short video of Avery showing how the PlasmaCar works.

We also received a Perplexus and a Perplexus Rookie to try, and they are a big hit! My Mom was here to babysit when they arrived and she immediately was trying them out. I think all of the “big people” in the house have enjoyed them as much as the kids.

Perplexus^™

The original bendy, trendy, can’t put-it-down 3D game maze challenge.  Don’t let the name fool you.  With 100 barriers to overcome the Perplexus Original will challenge and entertain the most experienced maze masters for hours.

Perplexus Rookie^™

Players that are intrigued by the original Perplexus but intimidated by the challenge can practice their skills with Perplexus Rookie.  Offering 70 barriers, this bendy, trendy maze game offers players plenty of twists and turns for hours of entertainment and fun.  New for 2011.

Both the Perplexus and Perplexus Rookie have a small ball tha tyou need to take through the maze, while twisting and turning the ball and not letting it fall off the track. There are numbered spots to let you know where you go next in the maze, and it is TRICKY! The kids can get easily frustrated because it is a bit challenging, but they keep trying and I think it’s a great toy for teaching concentration and patience. I have yet to complete the maze, but I keep trying!

Here is a short video of Kellen trying out both of the mazes.

To see these and other great toys, visit PlaSmart.