As summer approaches, time outside will be plentiful, and I’m always on the hunt for new toys for outdoor fun. One recent arrival here at Rock Father HQ came from Uncle Milton, and is a pretty unique bit of fun, albeit one that’s been known by a few different names over the past year or so. The National Geographic Explorer Academy Explorer’s Torch (also sold by ThinkGeek as the “Wall Torch Sconce” or Uncle Milton direct as “Torch in my Room“) is one of those simple toys that just hits on all the right marks for exactly what it’s supposed to be.
The authentically-styled torch just screams “adventure” and is perfect for indoor use, or those backyard explorations that we tend to enjoy here at home. If I were a kid, I can guarantee that I’d be out pretending to be INDIANA JONES, roaming the darkness hoping to avoid snakes as I did my best Han Solo Harrison Ford impression.
Simple, sturdy and overall a good design, the torch features a realistic flickering light that’s powered by a pair of AA batteries. Complete with a mountable wall bracket and “rope” (it’s molded plastic), the torch can, indeed be mounted on a wall for fun at a moment’s notice, which is really handy if those bedroom monsters happen to show up.
The only thing I’m not fond of is how the switch works. To turn on the torch, you simply twist the flame, but if you go too far, it can open up as if you were doing a battery change. Far from a deal-breaker, but just a little bit of Rock Father examination.
Overall, a 4-star toy that I highly recommend (and the kids do, too!).
