The Banana Splits

Everything old is new again. The other day, I was watching a fall fashion show on TV and they said that bell bottoms are back. All I know is that some things that make a comeback are good, but others are most certainly not, stirrup pants for example.

Along with the trends in fashion, there’s another group of things seeing a resurgence. Any parent can walk through the toy stores now and see tons of toys that are similar to when we were growing up.

Now there’s a musical group to bring it all back as well. If you weren’t around in the 60’s, you won’t remember them. I wasn’t either so it’s all new to me and it will be to your kids too. "The Banana Splits" are a costumed rock band that sing catchy songs, tell silly jokes and have an all-around good time.

Starting September 1st, "The Banana Splits" will make their debut on The Cartoon Network with brand new comedy shorts featured Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All of their songs and comedy shorts are kid friendly and parent approved.

My girls spent some time on the site and the music is the type that gets stuck in your head. Because it’s not super annoying kid music, but more reminiscent of a day gone by, it’s something that both parents and kids can enjoy. There are also games that can be played, such as the coaster game where you choose your character and maneuver through a roller coaster ride with help from some computer keys.

If your child is a jokester, they’ll enjoy phoning in their favorite jokes that could get picked for the site. There are also secret codes to decode and a fan mail section where kids can pose a question and see it answered in a Fan Mail Video. If your kids are super into the "Splits," they can join the free club with a printable membership certificate and no other requirements.

The only negative about the site is that it is very busy. While you’re listening to one song, the website music is playing in the background and that was a little too much overstimulation for me. I’m sure there’s probably a way to turn the website music off, but I couldn’t figure it out. The button on the top didn’t seem to work, at least not for me. While a little annoying to me, Big I didn’t seem to mind at all. She’s one who likes constant noise. But don’t take her word; go check it out for yourself.

Overall, "The Banana Splits" offer a friendly and fun kid alternative that will be a welcome addition to The Cartoon Network and to your home computer.