We've got bugs. Thankfully (hopefully? knock on wood) not the bed-bugs everyone's been talking about. (Yes, I've already purchased some diatomaceous earth and various sprays just in case. )
No, I'm talking about a different kind of bug I brought home from New York City - the Hexbug Nano. I was fortunate to grab the last "Hexbug Nano Starter Pack" from the MomCentral suite. My boys loved the tiny set so much that we soon got a full "Hexbug Nano Habitat Set", plus of course another couple Hexbug Nanos. (In fact, my youngest son was thrilled to find some pink and aqua ones while we were purchasing a birthday present for his friend a couple days ago. Of course I gave in, because I think the little bugs are pretty cute, too.)
Essentially, the hard plastic bugs run around, jittering on their soft plastic fringed legs the way a real bug would. It almost appears that they "sniff out" where to turn in their little environment. This effect is a result of their vibrating motion. The Hexbug Nano website has more information about what makes this particular toy realistic, but my kids just love it because it is fun.
Each bug has a unique online code that unlocks various things on the site and allows users to track their "specimens" (each bug comes in a test tube.) My eldest poked around awhile doing trivia games there, but was soon discouraged because he deemed the questions too difficult. Perhaps we'll revisit another time, since I love the idea of learning insect science and physics through play. (Innovation Labs' Hexbug line has other science-oriented products as well.)
Although my eldest was initially very excited about putting together the habitat - he had lots of ideas about how he could fit together the various cells, and begged me to purchase add-ons - he became frustrated when one of the pieces broke off. Indeed, this hard plastic can "stick" such that trying to unlock it can break it. We were able to solve his problem by simply closing off the broken exit (each cell has a gate that can open or close that entrance) but this means that particular cell can't be a major "hub" in his design.
Frankly, my sons enjoy just letting their Hexbug Nanos run loose, but of course they must keep their eyes on them, lest they scurry into a tight space. On one hand, I like the idea of being able to create a major web of cells, bridges, and passageways - but on the other hand, the more "free play" approach is less expensive and doesn't add to toy room clutter. One friend suggested creating habitats by gluing together wood scraps. I think using empty (and snag-free) soup cans opened at both ends, empty paper towel tubes, and other such things as materials to create an obstacle course for the Nanos would be fun (And reuse/recycle-friendly.)
It has been nearly a month now that my boys have been introduced to the Hexbug Nanos, and their grins are still as wide as when I brought the initial one home!
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Disclaimer: I received a Hexbug Nano starter kit free at BlogHer at a table in the MomCentral suite. I will receive no compensation for choosing to write about this product. I've spent my own money on additional habitat pieces and on several other bugs. The links above to Amazon have my affiliate code embedded in them such that if you make a purchase I'll get a few cents.
