Best Toys of the Year

Best School-Age Toys of 2012

YBike Explorer

Pedal across pavement, grass and other terrains in this go-kart. Steering is easy once your kid gets the hang og the right and left handlebars. 5 years+, $190; fatbraintoys.com

Race Through Space

Morph family game night into a galactic challenge. After each round of play, the bottom of the board is moved to the top to shake up your strategy. 6 years+, $20; ravensburger.com

Air Hogs Adventures: Fire Rescue

Shoot "water" missiles to put out fires and give cars a lift with this RC helicopter, which is simpler for younger pilots to fly because it's tethered to the playset. 5 years+, $35; airhogs.com

Marker Airbrush

Even kids who don't usually like coloring or drawing will want to give this awesome hand-powered sprayer a try. It lets you make funky designs on paper or clothing. 6 years+, $25; crayolastore.com

Speed Climbing Spider-Man

Wow your children with this remote-controlled, gravity-defying superhero that actually climbs walls! 6 years+, $40; Hasbro.com

Monster High: Create-A-Monster Design Lab

Your kid can customize the look of her doll with this goth-style tattoo parlor. 6 years+, $40; amazon.com

K'Nex Angry Birds

Little fans of the app can build scenes to knock down in the real world with bird launchers. 5 years+, $12 and up; knex.com