The first thing my son packs for any family vacation road trip is a game system. I’m always glad when he brings it, because as a family we love playing multi-player games in the evenings or if the weather prohibits an outdoor adventure.
When we aren’t traveling, the neighbors will stop by for a visit on the back patio. The kids break out the games and before we realize it, we have a neighborhood game-fest in progress.
The entire neighborhood was excited when a package arrived at the door late the other evening. It included copies of a brand new Wii game. We broke open the package and tried out Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun.
I was Ninja Mom, while the kids raced boats at Summer Camp. My husband enjoyed the family football game. There are even board games and many other types of games to keep a family entertained. I wouldn’t suggest this for the smaller kids because there is a small bit of mild cartoon violence, but for the 10 and up crowd, we’re good to go!
Here’s what the company says:
Bring the outdoors in with the greatest value in family entertainment—Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun has something to offer everyone exclusively on the Wii™ with a wide variety of engaging and addictive party games featuring martial arts, team sports, individual athletics, and challenging brain games. Players can choose from over a dozen cute characters, participate in up to four player competitive action, and unlock games and challenges to achieve the highest score and win medals! Offering hours of at-home entertainment, Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun is a great value at $19.95 and a perfect follow-up to the 2008 smash-hit for families and friends to enjoy together.
Want to win a copy of Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun? Just leave a comment stating if you think it is okay to allow kids to play video games while traveling. That’s all! One entry per email address. Contest ends September 29, 2009 at 11:59pm with winner being announce sometime the next day. US residents only. Must be 18 to enter.
Winner Update: Congrats to Jaclyn Reynolds!
{ 150 comments… read them below or add one }
I not only think it’s OKAy to let them play video games when traveling, I encourage it, especially on a plane.
I think it’s a great idea to allow kids to play games while traveling, Kids can get so bored in the car on long trips which can stress everyone out, and games help keep them occupied.
I think it’s great. Keeps their minds occupied and helps the driver maintain focus on the road without having to worry about the kids in the back!
It’s a great way to pass the time when you drive. If I don’t have to hear ‘Are we there yet?’ I’m all for it
I always try to keep my kids occupied while traveling. We play games or read.
I think that it ok for kids to play games while they are traveling. On long trips is really does keep them occupied and not bored. There is nothing worse the kids being bored in a vehicle for hours.
I think it is fine for letting kids play video games while traveling. Helps to keep them from getting bored and asking a million times are we there yet.
Most definitely especially while waiting forever in airports!
funny you mention it! We have Nintendo DSs that only come out when we travel, and only on the plane. Up until last year, we were very much about books, games and other activities for the plane, but I have to tell you, the DS has freed us up to enjoy our trip more, especially during one of the more stressful parts (flying!). It is not for everyone, but certainly works for us…
need this our granbabies
I totally agree with you about packing the games. My son packs his just to go somewhere for 2 days!! It ends up being a great source of entertainment for out entire family.
I have no problem with them playing video games while traveling or resting in the hotel/cabin. I think you need to make sure you set ground rules and make sure that they know that when we’re doing family activities that the games are left behind.
Keeping kids occupied and interested is key to taking them on vacation. Keeping kids busy in a hotel room can help families maintain their sanity.
Sure it keeps them occupied.
I think it is fine to let kids play as it not only makes them happy but the parents too
I really don’t see a problems with them playing video games while traveling. Keeps them happy and makes the time go quicker for them. Thanks.
I think it’s great… wish I had them when I was on a long family trip!
My family drove cross country when I was 10 and the only thing to do in the car was play I Spy, Car Bingo or sleep. I would have welcomed video games to keep me occupied.
yes, it is not like they can be moving around.
I think it’s perfect for when you are stuck inside because of the weather. I’m definitely for anything that keeps kids entertained when traveling. Usually if we are going through some really cool area, I make all games or tv get turned off so we can check things out, otherwise if I’m making the 9 hour trip back home with 3 kids by myself….whatever works.
Yes, it is okay to let kids play video games while traveling. It keeps them occupies when otherwise they would be bored.
Yes I agree kids should be allowed to play. It helps pass the time.
In the car yes but they should be doing other stuff otherwise.
if it keeps them happy why not . mverno@roadrunner.com
Wish we would have had these games when I was a kid……….absoluyely play games when traveling
Yes, if it keeps them occupied and quiet for a short period of time – great!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I think it’s a great idea for kids to play them while traveling. It keeps them entertained.
Of course it’s OK. Can you imagine having to deal with them if they weren’t distracted?
yes very much ok
Its 100 percent better then listening to are we there yet for 500 miles
sure, better than nonstop ‘are we there yet’
Yes, I think it is okay. Traveling is so boring and if that keeps kids happy and passes the time, more power to them!
We are big gamers in this family so I absolutely think it’s fine to use game systems while traveling. As with everything in life, the key is moderation. Thanks for the contest opportunity!
Maybe in the car for long rides – but once at our destination, I say video games are off limits until we leave to go home!
Yes! What else are they going to do in the downtime between activities?
I think it is ok…it keeps them busy while traveling…thanks for the great giveaway
I think it will keep the kids distracted especially on a long road trip
I think it is ok to let your kids play video games while traveling, however as soon as you get to your destination make them put it away. It is now family time!
I think it would be alright when your traveling but I would make them put up the games once we got where we were goin.
Oh yeah–playing on their DS’s are what keep my kids from picking at each other the whole way there! Thanks for the contest!
Oh yes,playing video games while traveling is a good idea, keeps them busy and quiet.
if only to preserve my wife’s sanity it is okay to allow the kids to play video games!
I think it’s okay if your in the car or plane. I don’t think kids should play games while they are family activities to do or that type of thing.
I think it’s perfectly fine to let children play video games while traveling because it keeps piece of home with them at all times plus keeps them busy on a long plane or car trip, if the system is portable. Thanks.
kport207 at gmail dot com
We play some games with them… family time of any flavor is good
My kids play travel hockey, so yes, I do allow them to play video games. It is great for the whole family to play.
Yes I think is ok while traveling, it keeps them busy!
my kids play while traveling and while waiting at restaurants – love it!!!!
I’d love to win this prize, thanks for sponsoring this.
2kidsblogger(at)gmail(dot)com
Why not? The kids play video games anyway! Thanks!
Yes, it’s okay because it’ll keep them from being bored.