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