Toys that teach code and music

As important as it is to get kids up and outside, the fact is that we live in a high-tech world and it’s critical that our children develop a high level of comfort will all things electronic. Here are a few of our new faves. Marbotic Smart Letters (Marbotic):

This interactive alphabet toy cleverly combines physical and digital play by combining traditional (and very beautifully crafted) wooden letters with the touchscreen technology that’s as close as your tablet. Just download the (free) app, place the letters on your device, and start ooh-ing and ahhing. And since you aren’t accessing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it’s 100 percent internet-safe. For ages 5+. About $57. www.marbotic.com Ozobot Evo (Ozobot): We reviewed one of the first Ozobots several years ago. And wow, have these cute little guys evolved! You can code this Ozobot, Evo, yourself with the built-in OzoBlocky code or manually (and in many ways more entertainingly). Ages 8+. Under $100. ozobot.com ROXx 2s (A-Champs): ROXs are round devices that can be placed on the ground, hung in a tree, or worn on your body. You and your soon-to-bemore-active kids can play tap-and-go games, target throw, memory games, do movement challenges, and play a number of variations on the old classic, Tag, including Zombie Tag. For ages 5+. Prices vary. www.playroxs.com