Keep The Kids Happy Without Video Games

So summer is upon us, and the kids are out of school. But now comes the dilemma: How do you keep them off the video games console this year? Ok, so you can always hide, or perhaps even better, sell them! However, there are a number of alternatives that can cost about the same price as a couple of the latest must-have video games that can provide much more enduring fun.

First on our list are air hockey tables. Invented in the 70′s this game may have been around a while, but it’s still extremely popular with kids of all ages. Tables start from as low as the latest copy of Call of Duty and provide a competitive, fun game that also gets them up and moving.

Great for a rainy day, the table can also be moved outside with the help of an extension cable if the weather is good.

There are even world air hockey championships if they get good enough!

Next up is table football (also known as foosball). This is another classic table game that can provide hours of fun. The skills involved for foosball are actually a step up from air hockey so, although both are extremely easy to pick up and learn, foosball actually requires a number of skills such as ball control and spin that can make the difference between a good and a great player.

Football tables start from very reasonable prices. However, if you have very young children running around the house it may be worth considering a table with extendable playing rods–where they disappear inside of the table rather than passing straight through–to avoid any injuries! Don’t worry. This is now a standard feature on the vast majority of family-orientated tables but it is still worth checking.

Third and final on our list is table tennis. This is another classic children’s game, actually dating back to the 1800s. This game keeps children very active. Try playing an hour or two of table tennis. It’s a lot more tiring than you might think! It also helps develop reaction skills helping children think one step ahead.

For this game you don’t even need to buy a table tennis table! If you have a large enough table in the house you can buy a net, bat/ball set extremely cheaply and play from there! Table tennis tables are usually a bit larger than the standard home dining table but that should just help make their aim even better!

One step up is to get a table tennis top that can sit on top of a standard dining table, giving a full size court to play on with the net already set up. Alternatively, if you have the space and budget you can go for a dedicated table. Most models feature a fold up design so they can be stowed to one side when not in use, taking up a lot less space.

So, those are our top tips for a video game-free summer for your kids. These games are so much fun that, hopefully, you’ll be able to persuade them to put the controllers down, if only for an hour or two. With a bit of luck, their competitive natures will keep bringing them back for just one more game!

About the Author:
Jamie Stanford is an air hockey specialist working for Liberty Games, the UK’s number 1 games room specialists.

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