Duckies And Dolphins Barron Games Takes The Wraps Off Novel Kiddie Rides

BUFFALO, NY -- Determined to raise the entertainment stakes of a perennial coin-op segment, Barron Games is rolling out two kiddie rides with some novel features and themes. The release of Dolphin Star and Bathtime Duckie is timed just ahead of the busy preholiday buying season.

Dolphin Star is an interactive kiddie ride. The marine mammal replica, equipped with a 19" LED monitor, features a videogame that challenges young players to collect points through simple, educational gameplay.

The age-appropriate game is designed to help young players build their language skills as they guide their dolphins on an oceanic adventure. Based on the theory of "edutainment," the game rewards players as they learn vocabulary words. With Dolphin Star, rewards can be remunerated in the form of redemption tickets.

"It's not only fun for the kids to ride, but they have tasks, such as spelling different words," said Barron's Alyssa Chawgo. "Depending on how well the player does, the game can be set to offer a bonus of additional time. So as they play and win, their ride times increase."

The edutainment device consists of a sturdy translucent dolphin facsimile with interior LED lights and a comfortable saddle. The game measures in at a compact 54" L. by 26" W. and 70" H. "It doesn't take up a ton of space and it's the kind of piece that attracts younger kids," Chawgo said.

Dolphin Star, originally created by China's Wahlap Technology, is distributed exclusively in North America by Barron Games.

With three seats, Bathtime Duckie uses the proven carousel kiddie format. It's similar to Barron's popular Fantasy Coffee Cup ride, and includes an upgraded controller box, music system and LEDs.

"This is a very traditional kiddie ride," Chawgo observed. "It's a three-seat carousel in which both the base and the duck spin."

With a history that dates back to the 1800s, the rubber duck has been the subject of popular songs, most notably Ernie's famed tribute on "Sesame Street," as well as countless consumer products. Admired around the world across generations, the iconic bath toy is a universally recognized symbol of childhood. In fact, the Strong National Museum of Play inducted the rubber duck into its National Toy Hall of Fame in 2013.

"The duck is very mainstream right now," Chawgo said. "We hit the market before it became a big deal and we're hoping it will do well with the trend. Wholesome nostalgia is making a big comeback."

Bathtime Duckie has a 65"-diameter base and 72" apex.

Both rides are suitable for street routes and FECs. More information can be had from Barron Games at (716) 866-0054.