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