Whiz Kid Pc by Vtech or Other Computer Games for 3 Year Olds.

We had really good luck with anything by VTech. They were kid friendly, and educational, and fun. I'd feel comfortable buying anything they made. Just go for things in the appropriate age group and you won't go wrong.

As far as computer programs for kids, yes, we've tried tons. My son LOVES computer games, and has since he was old enough to climb in my computer chair. We liked the Jump Start series, the Dr. Seuss Series, and Clifford the Big Red Dog (really good for reading!). Another thing he liked was Freddie the Fish. (That was a game, but had educational elements, and his preschool teacher let him play on her computer. I had to buy it for him after that, he enjoyed it so much.)

I would steer away from "hot and latest thing" kinds of programs. They are a lot more expensive, and weren't as interesting. Never felt they were worth the extra bucks, and my son was only interested in them for a flash, and then it faded to nothing. Look for the stuff that's been around for a while. Ask your son's preschool, too, if they recommend anything. Some preschools have computers, and will share what interests the kids.

I have a three year old, and he just Loves his Leapster! It will grow with him too!

Hey MomK ~

Check out your local library - some have the units that you can use there - or you can 'rent' them out for a week at a time. ELGIN has A GREAT library and computer rental program!! It is a drive - but we make a full 'field trip' out of it, with a picnic and everything and spend the whole day!! Well worth it esp. with cold weather setting in. GOOD LUCK.

We bought our first daughter a Leapster the Christmas after she turned 3. She LOVED it! It was great, fun but mostly educational and all the games are age appropriate (Prek-K, 1st-2nd grade) you advance the level as they get older. I believe it taught her how to spell, one day she started sounding out small words (and sad to say I didn't teach them to her) the games Letter Factory and Word Factory goes over phonics and she learned it from there. She is now 7 and it has since gone to our 4 year old but she occasionally will pick it up and play some games. Great for long car rides too! If you get it I also suggest buying the charger adapter so you save on batteries!

last christmas when my oldest son was 4, we gave him the leapster. he loved it! hours of entertainment! we chose not to get one intially for my younger son at the time 3, because i thought he was probably to young for it. however the day after christmas we had to go and purchase another leapster because he loved playing it so much! and he actually was/is pretty good at it! so for us at 3 he was ready for a leapster. they still play it almost everyday!

We bought the Vtech V smile system when my son turned 3 and he loved it. He learned so much from those "games". They really are excellent for preschoolers. They teach all of the things they need to know, but in fun ways. He is now 5 and we bought him the cyber pocket system for him to play while we are out. He still loves playing the Vtech, but we have had to move to the 5-7 year old games and they are challenging for him. I need to help him at times because they are learning to read ones and they really aren't meant to teach you to read. It's only meant to supplement. So, I loved the preschool ones and feel it is totally worth the money. The older ones, the jury is still out.

The "Jump Start" CD-Rom series is excellent!

You may want to try some things out at the store with him to see what he will actually like---and you can get your moneys worth. My children have picked so many things up and dropped them so quick. Really, I would be very cautious about any video game, even if it involves learning at this age. Learning by interacting with others and support from you, social interaction and imaginative play is very important at this age. Advice from a former Montessori School Director and mother of 6. Best of luck.

When my older son was 4, we bought him the handheld Leapster & the VTech VSmile for the TV. We limited the time that he got to play it so when he did play it he loved it. He seemed to play the Leapster more though. When he turned 6, he earned a DS, so the Leapster went to my little guy who was 3 at the time. He loves it to this day, especially because they keep coming out withe games that he loves, like Star Wars & Wall-E and they are still compatible with the old Leapster. It's great for when my older one has practice or games because it keeps him occupied. Again, other than those times he doesn't get to play it so it is a treat for him. But I could seem him getting bored with it if he played it all the time.

Good luck!