NEW YORK — I took a field trip to the prehistoric era today and learned all about the dinosaurs as they walked right beside me.

While this concept isn't entirely new thanks to the growth of virtuality reality headsets like the Oculus Rift, it was the first time I had explored an augmented world designed entirely for kids.

Let's recall the iconic View-Master toy that first launched in 1939 — it used small colored film that brought images to 3D life. Now, it's getting a massive overhaul with the help of Google and its Cardboard VR (virtual reality) viewer.

Mattel’s new View-Master, which launched on Friday, will debut this fall for $29.99. The View-Master uses Google's virtual reality cardboard technology and it works with various smartphones; users must slide in their mobile device, and pair it with a corresponding app.

I held the View-Master (there are no straps) in my hands and moved my head from side to side to see different scenes as if I was actually there. After looking at the center of the circular reel, a 3D image surfaced — in my case, it was a dinosaur. I then hit a button on the side of the device to enter the virtual world. Little circular blurbs popped up across the landscape too. By pressing down on the button again, I was treated to some facts about the dinosaur age.

Image: Mashable, Elizabeth Pierson

When it launches, kids will be able to explore various 3D scenes, including the streets of Paris and Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay and the solar system. While some scenes like the Golden Gate Bridge include actual images from the area, others like the dinosaur and solar system scene are enhanced with CGI technology to show, for example, what it's like to fly through the galaxy. There's also the option of buying additional reels (four for $15) for other immersive experiences.

Image: Mashable, Elizabeth Pierson

The View-Master aims to give children a look at what virtual reality technology could be like in the future. Mattel said it is still scratching the surface of virtual reality with its brands, including Hot Wheels and Barbie.

"We are also in the process of adding light gaming — interactivity is the key to making this work," Doug Wadleigh, Mattel's senior vice-president and general manager, told attendees at the View-Master unveiling.

The company also plans to use old archives and footage to enhance the experience.

Mattel added that the technology is safe for kids ages 7 and up, and shouldn't cause dizziness, as it often does with some virtual reality headsets on the market. It should be noted, however, that after a few minutes of testing I started to feel queasy myself. The company said the View-Master should only be used for a short period of time, and that it is conducting more testing.

Although the View-Master started off as a toy 75 years ago, it's also been used for other purposes throughout history — long before 3D technology was even in the mainstream. For example, Wadleigh said the View-Master was used during World War II to spot enemy aircraft before U.S. soldiers got onto a plane. The medical industry also used it to understand the intricacies of the body before people underwent surgery.

The company expects the View-Master virtual reality set to launch "sometime in October."