Video games can be a fun way to pass the time for both kids and adults. The problem is that they tend to cause major bouts of physical inactivity. Plenty of gamers spend untold hours in their chairs, which can be detrimental to their overall health.
Are you looking for alternatives to video games that will be equally as fun and engaging? The good news is that you’re not going to have any trouble finding options. In fact, there are tons of activities to rival the most intense VR video games on the market.
Why Look for Alternatives to Video Games?
Offering kids and adults alternatives to video games serves several purposes. First, it gets people away from their screens. Our society leans heavily on device usage, which means we’re exposed to screens from morning until night. That’s not necessarily a good thing, according to science.
Second, exploring offline activities can stimulate underused parts of the brain. And finally, having new pastimes adds some variety to life. Who can argue with the importance and excitement of switching up everyday routines?
Alternatives to Video Games for Kids
Let's start with a few gaming alternatives for kids, tweens and teenagers:
- Table games: Think foosball, air hockey, table tennis, pool and arcade-style games. Kids can have hours of fun, even if they’re practicing their mad skills by themselves. Plus, they’ll be moving instead of sitting around.
- Board games: Non-digital board games might sound dull at first, but most kids can get into a board game like nobody’s business. It’s fun to see them discovering the joys and pitfalls of Chutes and Ladders or thoughtful maneuvering of chess.
- Outdoor activities: Getting outside is good for the mind and body. While outside activities aren’t always feasible depending on the time of day or weather, they’re tried-and-true alternatives to sitting in front of a computer. Introduce kids to everything from skateboarding to geocaching.
- Hobby lessons: From martial arts classes to trombone lessons, kids always have room to learn hobbies that interest them. Even if they don’t stick with the hobbies for the long term, they’ll gain insight from the experience.
Alternatives to Video Games for Adults
Many adults are just as passionate about playing video games as kids are, and they’re also looking for alternatives to give them a break from gaming. In addition to all the video game alternatives for kids, adults may want to try these pastimes:
- Reading and writing: Picking up a book can stir the old gray matter. Sometimes, reading can activate a desire to write things like poems, song lyrics and even full-fledged books.
- Volunteering: Getting involved in a volunteer activity like cleaning up a local green space or serving meals at a shelter can be rewarding far beyond getting to the next level in a video game.
- Cooking: Becoming more familiar with the culinary arts is a skill that never goes out of style. It’s both practical and exciting, and who doesn’t love a hobby that’s edible?
Remember that gaming’s like candy. It’s fine in small amounts, but too much will keep you from achieving your best life. Variety’s the solution to avoid turning to video games whenever you have free time on your hands. Be sure to surround yourself and your kids with alternatives to screen time that you can all enjoy.
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