A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and launch an object. The launcher comprises a driving element to form a drive connection with a receiving element on the object. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the receiving element disengages from the drive connection and launches the object. In one aspect, the launcher rotating system is a gear train capable of being rotated by a gear rack pulled by a user. The launcher is configured to release the object in only one direction, and a stopper prevents the launcher rotating system from rotating the object in an undesirable direction. The toy is also configured to launch multiple objects simultaneously or load multiple objects to launch in sequence.