Are remote-control (RC) toys right for your kids?

Remote controlled (RC) toys and animals are a popular choice for anyone who loves the thrill and fantasy of stunt driving miniature race cars.
Remote-controlled toys appeal to both younger and older generations, though the more elevated levels of technology require skill and patience. Some toys are simple and suitable for children, while more complex gadgets are geared towards adult users.

• Cars (vehicles and racetracks);
• Trucks;
• All-terrain vehicles;
• Airplanes;
• Helicopters and drones;
• Ships and submarines;
• Trains and railroads;
• Robots.

They say classics never go out of style, and it appears the adage also applies to remote controlled toys. The popularity of traditional race cars has opened up the market to all sorts of all-terrain vehicles and trains.

Generally aimed at an older audience, airplanes, helicopters and drones are more sophisticated, but their popularity is undeniable (even if they require practice to operate them).

The concept of remote controlled toys is hardly new and the appeal has endured for decades, yet recent technology has provided us with some surprising innovations. Boats and remote controlled submarines are so realistic now and the control is so precise that it’s astonishing. Meanwhile, robots (classic, animal, etc.) offer the most creative possibilities.

Today’s toy robot takes on many forms and seemingly limitless options including retro-style robots, zombie-machines, drones and robot warriors, just to name a few. The same goes for virtual animals, with stores stocking up to meet the demand for robotic dogs, cats, birds, fish, dinosaurs, snakes, rabbits, and even spiders.

Remote controlled (RC) toys and animals are a popular choice for anyone who loves the thrill and fantasy of stunt driving miniature race cars. Furthermore, those with allergies preventing them from adopting a pet love the interactive play of RC toys and animals.

Many RC toys can now be operated remotely using a smart phone, and thanks to built-in cameras, they can also supply images and video playback. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Pricing for remote controlled toys and robots vary from $70 to $1,000, meaning there's an option for every budget.