| There are thousands of kids games. From my | | | | board games. In contrast, kids are getting |
| experience the best kids games are the | | | | used to picking up games consoles and playing |
| simplest, and have usually been around for | | | | their games in short bursts. In response, |
| generations. | | | | companies such as Hasbro, who make favorites |
| | | | such as Scrabble, Monopoly and The Game of |
| Kids video games are more popular than ever. | | | | Life, are adapting to the needs of their |
| Despite economic downturns in the USA and UK, | | | | customers by coming up with versions of their |
| video game and console sales continue to | | | | games that can be played within 20 minutes. |
| increase, with an amazing 57% growth over the | | | | The advantage of these games, is that they |
| previous year in the USA alone, according to | | | | open the game up for direct interaction with |
| the research company NPD. Some of this | | | | family and friends, as opposed to the usual |
| growth is related to the new video consoles, | | | | solo play mode of video games. |
| many of which appeal to younger children. | | | | |
| Touch screens and interactive menus make | | | | Playground games are still being played, |
| video game play possible for preschoolers, | | | | thank goodness. Kids still love hopscotch, |
| with games featuring favorite characters add | | | | jump rope (skipping), elastic games, even |
| to the attraction. With so many consoles to | | | | dodge ball. Despite protestations of many a |
| choose from, many families are multi console | | | | parent, kids love rough and tumble, and |
| owners, with different consoles appealing to | | | | medicine balls and bull dog games are still |
| different age groups and tastes in games. | | | | popular, especially amongst boys. Will this |
| | | | ever change? Probably not, most kids play |
| But what does this mean for more traditional | | | | these sort of games at some point or other, |
| kids games? | | | | and live to tell the tale! |
| | | | |
| Board games have been around for thousands of | | | | Party games are still as firm a favorite as |
| years, with the earliest board games dated | | | | ever. Kids games can make or break a party, |
| around 3500BC. Most of the board games you | | | | but it isn't hard to plan a few fun party |
| find in the shops are variations on a classic | | | | games to make your party a real hit. Classic |
| theme, although you do find some original | | | | games such as Musical Bumps, Pin the Tail on |
| twists. | | | | the Donkey, and Pass the Parcel will always |
| | | | be popular. Make sure that the games are |
| Classic kids board games are still popular, | | | | played fairly as more tears can be caused at |
| but consumer trends are dictating a need for | | | | parties because someone feels that another |
| more modern versions. According to an article | | | | guest has cheated, than any other reason. |
| by Michelle R. Smith, Associated Press | | | | Prizes are expected, but these do not have to |
| Writer, families are busier than ever, and | | | | be elaborate. Kids enjoy the fun of the game |
| often don't have time to play the traditional | | | | and most are content with some yummy candy. |