Ready for your kids to take off on a safari of learning? Then you need to check out Animal Island Learning Adventure. It’s educational but incredibly fun and teaches young kids the fundamentals of math and reading. It offers technology-based learning, so kids get to enjoy time on the tablet but parents can rest assured they are viewing age-appropriate content and learning something at the same time.
If you’re ready for your kids to make the most of their screen time AND get them a head start for school, you have to hear about Animal Island Learning Adventure. Read on for an overview as well as our experience with the program.
What Is Animal Island Learning Adventure?
This is an educational tablet-based learning tool for young toddlers. It’s a welcome relief to the traditional “Hand my kid my expensive tablet, hope it doesn’t get broken, and hope they don’t find age-inappropriate content while they watch Youtube” that so many parents are doing nowadays.
While your kids are at home, they can now take part in a fun program called Animal Island Learning Adventure (or AILA for short) which is a tablet on a stand that is designed just for toddler to preschool-age kids.
The screen is nice and big, perfect for little hands and eyes. The kids won’t be squinting and straining their vision or fingers to see and interact with the screen and games on this device.
The operating system is Android, but once you start it up, there’s no tech stuff to deal with- it goes straight to the program, which makes it easy on kids and parents alike.
The device is designed to keep kids focused on the task at hand- which is learning about numbers, shapes, colors, the ABCs, music, reading, and basic math.
There are also underlying themes about problem-solving, communication, creativity, and effectively collaborating with peers.
What Will My Child Experience?
Your child will look forward to a kid-sized tablet, with a sturdy stand that is ergonomically designed for the average toddler to enjoy. They won’t have to crane their necks or hunch over the device, an action that could hurt their backs.
They will enjoy stories, songs, and educational games. The characters you meet on the tablet are adorable animals that kids are sure to fall in love with. We’d also like to note that there is no violence at all in this program, so parents don’t need to worry about kids seeing something that could give them nightmares.
Your child will enjoy an ever-changing array of games and activities that will keep them entertained for hours. With your purchase, you will enjoy free updates- there are no subscriptions or purchases you have to buy to fully enjoy all this tablet has to offer.
And parents, you can use the included free mobile app to keep track of how your kiddo is doing on their learning and see how they are progressing along.
The tech is backed by AI. The device uses artificial intelligence to see how the child interacts with the program. For instance, are they singing along when asked to do so? If not, it’s no big deal- every kid learns at their own pace and does things when they are ready. The device will use these interactions to create a learning program that’s appropriate for your child.
It’s Award-Winning
Yes, this device did earn an MCA or Mom’s Choice Award for its ability to entertain kids without frying their brains. You can click here to learn more about the Mom’s Choice Award.
To give you an idea of the mission behind Mom’s Choice Awards, their goal is to “help families grow” in a physical, spiritual, and emotional way. They put a seal on certain products for kids that denote high quality and good value for money. Their evaluation system involves physicians, scientists, and other child specialists.
They also incorporate opinions from caregivers, educators, parents, and kids as they work to determine the best products for children.
Tablet Experience: A Parent’s Perspective
I’d like to tell you about my thoughts on the tablet as a parent. The AILA program is just perfect for toddlers especially in the hardware aspect of things.
The tablet is built for falls and bumps. We all know kids are a bit clumsy, so this tablet is going to fall off the table, get knocked over, and probably dropped as the little one carries it from place to place. The good news is that it can handle all that.
The edges are smooth and round, so heaven forbid the child bumps into it, there won’t be sharp corners to deal with.
The button in the front is large and easy to press for little fingers. Parents are responsible for turning the tablet on from the back, but a few intrepid kiddos are going to be turning this on themselves.
The touchscreen is nice and bright, but not so bright your child is squinting. The display is crisp and clear.
All in all, I am pleased with how this thing looks and feels, AND that it can stand up to the wear and tear of the average toddler.
Buying Guide: Products Offered By AILA
Now let’s go over the various products you can purchase when you shop with AILA. There are three different tiers and we will go over them plus provide pros and cons.
Product 1: AILA Sit n’ Play
This is the very basic of AILA tablets. These are the essentials that your child needs to get a great start on their way to preschool. The device is worry-free and perfect for little hands and fingers to press and touch. The tablet is situated on a stand that is made of hard plastic, so it’s easy to wipe down once playtime is over.
Here’s what this device offers to your youngster:
- Colors, ABCs, shapes, 123s, music, reading, and words
- It teaches a basic preschool curriculum
- Comes with free updates on content
- Parents can take advantage of the mobile app to track their child’s learning
- Uses AI to adapt to the learning style of your child
- It has zero ads or inappropriate content
Included with this purchase is the AILA learning system, plus a handy carrying bag for the tablet. It’s also capable of holding other items such as diapers, snacks, and wipes.
Key Feature: Daily Learning Adventure
Your kiddo will enjoy sing-along songs, activities involving ABCs and colors, stories told by their animal buddies, and reading out loud plus dancing and so much more with this tablet. These activities are designed to help your child learn basic preschool skills, but also grow emotionally and socially as they play and learn.
Setting It Up
Setup is pretty easy on this tablet, and it can be done in three simple steps.
Take the tablet out of the box and charge it up using the included cords.
- Power the device on.
- Go through a quick setup and allow your child to begin exploring and having fun with their new animal friends.
What Is Included?
In this package, you get:
- The AILA Sit ‘n Play tablet
- Comes preloaded with the Original Animal Island Series, “Animal Island Learning Adventure.”
- A USB C-type cable
Tech Specs
- Type C Ports
- Stereo sound
- Connected via WIFI
- Battery lasts 4 hours
- 5 MP camera
- 1280×800 resolution
- 7” anti-blue-light display
- 23 oz weight
- 32GB storage
- Android 8.1 OS
- Measures 7.4” x 6.4” x 4.6”
You can purchase this product online but also at various retailers such as Electronic Express and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gets your toddler a basic preschool curriculum at a fair price
- It’s easy to charge up and start
- Battery life is long
Cons
- Does not come with any extras (more expensive models include a softcover book).
Product 2: AILA Sit n’ Play Plus
This particular setup comes with all the same great stuff you get with the original AILA system, but with a cool extra. Let’s go over the complete system right now.
It offers you the AILA program your child is sure to love plus a 400-page book called Read-Aloud Stories. There are 60 curated books inside that are designed to entertain and educate kids, all while helping them develop a love of reading. The device reads the stories aloud to them, so they can follow along and learn various words.
Plus, parents can take the book on the go and read to their child without the tablet! They also make great bedtime stories for kids.
Here’s what you get:
With this program, you get all the benefits of the AILA system as discussed in the first product review, plus that huge storybook.
Key Feature: Storybook Library
Your child will enjoy 60 different stories when you purchase this tablet. The device actually reads the stories to your child, which they are sure to enjoy. Parents can enjoy reading the stories to their toddlers by themselves, or by letting the tablet read and holding the book up for the child to see the pictures and words.
Children will delight in these fun stories and learn life lessons along the way.
Setting up this tablet is easy- see the steps above. It’s a matter of charging it, powering it on, and letting your child explore freely.
What Is Included?
In this package, you get all the stuff you get with the original package, and an extra:
- The AILA Sit ‘n Play tablet
- Comes preloaded with the Original Animal Island Series, “Animal Island Learning Adventure.”
- A USB C-type cable
- 400-page Read-Aloud Stories book
Tech Specs
- Type C Ports
- Stereo sound
- Connected via WIFI
- Battery lasts 4 hours
- 5 MP camera
- 1280×800 resolution
- 7” anti-blue-light display
- 23 oz weight
- 32GB storage
- Android 8.1 OS
- Measures 7.4” x 6.4” x 4.6”
As with the original device, you can purchase this product online but also at popular retailers. However, the package you want might not be available at a brick-and-mortar store, so consider buying online for the best results.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Read-Aloud Stories is fully illustrated and full-color, kids love it
- Comes with everything you get in the original package
- Children learn to enjoy reading
Cons
- The large book is difficult for little hands to hold- parents will want to help.
Product 3: AILA Sit ‘n Play Deluxe
This particular setup comes with all the same great stuff you get with the original AILA system, but with added protection for your investment. This system is ideal if you have many toddlers playing with the system, and it tends to take a lot of wear and tear,
In this program, your child will learn all the basics to get them started on the right foot. They will get the same curriculum as included with the original Sit ‘n Play system, which teaches them their ABCs, vocabulary, numbers, problem-solving, and much more.
Here’s what you get:
With this program, you get all the benefits of the AILA system as discussed in the first product review, plus a Cuddle Case and a Secure Soft Base. Unfortunately, the big book of stories is not included in this package.
Key Feature: Cuddle Case & Sturdy Soft Base
Your child will enjoy the same great curriculum and activities AILA promises, but with added protection. The Cuddle Case protects the tablet from drops and falls, and the Sturdy Soft Base grips the tabletop so even if your child is forceful in how they press the tablet, the base keeps it steady.
The setup of this system is just the same as the other two- charge it up, power it on, and let your child enjoy it.
What Is Included?
In this package, you will get the sturdiest tablet yet:
- The AILA Sit ‘n Play tablet with a Cuddle Case and Secure Soft Base
- Comes preloaded with the Original Animal Island Series, “Animal Island Learning Adventure.”
- A USB C-type cable
Tech Specs
- Type C Ports
- Stereo sound
- Connected via WIFI
- Battery lasts 4 hours
- 5 MP camera
- 1280×800 resolution
- 7” anti-blue-light display
- 23 oz weight
- 32GB storage
- Android 8.1 OS
- Measures 7.4” x 6.4” x 4.6”
As mentioned, you can buy this product online and at various popular retailers. It’s best to go online, though- you will get exactly what you want.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great for families with many youngsters playing with the tablet
- Corners and edges of the tablet are protected
- It is easy to clean, wipe down and take care of
Cons
- Does not include the 400-page book of stories
Personal Experience
I’d like to take a moment and discuss how my daughter fared with the tablet. When we purchased her tablet, she was two years old. Now, at age 3, she still enjoys the stories and games included.
When we first got the tablet, my daughter wasn’t quite sure about it. But gradually, she learned how to work the device, and she plays with it every day, sometimes every other day. Her favorite is the sing-along songs, which she sometimes sings even when she is not on her tablet.
What I like best is that the learning shows through. My little one knows all her colors. She knows various parts of her body such as the nose, elbows, feet, and eyes. She counts to ten, which I think is pretty good for a three-year-old. She enjoys reading the storybook as best she can (She recites the stories from memory, although she cannot read the words in the book).
The bottom line is, I am very pleased with my child’s progress, and I like that she is reading on her own accord- it shows she understands that reading is a fun, educational activity that grows your brain.
I like that I can confidently give my child some independence while giving me some peace. I don’t feel guilty about her 30 minutes of screen time per day, because I know it’s educational.
I strongly recommend this to any parent that wants to give their kid a head start in school. On a side note, if your kiddo needs help learning reading, check out Hooked on Phonics. It’s great for kids that just need that extra boost when mastering reading.
In Conclusion
Animal Island Learning Adventure is a great program for youngsters to enjoy again and again. It’s bright, cheerful, and colorful, and your kids are going to amaze you with how well they learn and how quickly they pick up new skills.
And as parents, you don’t have to feel guilty about handing your child the tablet or phone. You can be sure that your little one is internalizing valuable information like numbers and letters. Best of all, they won’t even know they’re doing it!
I hope this review of Animal Island has been helpful to you and your family. It’s truly a wonderful program that gets kids learning about how to work a tablet, but also gets them fundamental skills needed to excel in preschool and life.