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!
{ 151 comments… read them below or add one }
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I think video games are great for the kids as long as parents control the content and the amount of time the game is played.
Yes, we often travel from Seattle to KS via our car so we definitely bring all kinds of video games for the 26+ hour drive. We have a game cube and an original x-box that we can hook to the dvd player in our van and we have two DS’s as well to keep us sane during the drive and once we get to grandma’s house, there isn’t alot to do so I let hte kids play video games so they aren’t breaking grandma’s vintage china or depression glass.
Video games while traveling makes the ride a much more enoyable experience for all.
Yes I think it is okay for kids to play video games while traveling. I would think it would keep there minds occupied instead of asking how much long all the time. I would be picking out the games though. There are some out there that I don’t think are very suitable for children.
I don’t think it’s a good idea for a kid to zone out totally during a really long trip but if you can allow video games for short periods of time interpersed with conversation and other games, I think it’s fine.
My daughter loves playing video games while traveling. It helps the time pass quickly. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
I think it is fine in moderation.
Video games make a trip with the kids easy! Cool site thanks
Video games do help the miles melt away and definitely decreases the “Are we there yet?” refrain.
I think it’s OK for part of the time. Sometimes I think it’s nice for them to take in the scenery and learn something about different parts of the country.
If you have ever been on a long road trip without video games for the kids to play with I’m sure you’ll agree, as I do, it’s not only okay to allow it’s a needed item to maintain your sanity.
As long as it’s not all day of playing, it’s perfectly fine!
I think playing video games in the car on the way to a vacation spot is fine if they keep the volume down. I prefer them to not play while on vacation unless they are absolutely bored out of their mind. Thanks!
sherri419 at gmail dot com
I have no problem with my son playing video games when we travel in fact on long car trips I encourage it. lol
We let our son play his DS while traveling in the car on road trips. We also take either our Wii or Playstation 2 when we are going to stay in a hotel to play a little in the evenings. Then we all can still spend time doing something together as a family instead of sitting and watching tv.
I let my kids play video games while traveling on long trips. I find they only play for 30 minutes to an hour total anyway so no big deal.
It is totally okay to let your children play video games while traveling especially longer distances. Video games get a bad rap sometimes but there are a lot of decent ones out there. Moderation is key.
letting my son play videogames while travelling keeps me sane!!!
I think it’s fine – of course I wish mine would read but that’s never going to happen so…. video games it is!
i think its great for kids to have something to play during long drives
I think it’s OK while on the plane or in the car, and of course like you pointed out, if the weather is bad. It’s a lot better than bored kids goofing around and annoying other travelers!
i think its great while traveling to and from the destination.. we are always too busy while actually at our destination to think about video games
I think it is fine. Traveling can be stressful for anyone so it is nice for kids to have a distraction sometimes. Thanks for the chance!!!
I believe several – but not all – video games offer value and what better way to break up some of the monotony and/or stress of travel than to find a form of entertainment that you can take with you!
I see nothing wrong with kids playing video games while traveling. Travel can be tedious for adults and absolute torture for kids. Best to keep them occupied with something fun. Thank you for the chance to win.
nice prize
i dont have a problem with this, if you have ever been on a long road trip you would understand, but i think that it should be used in moderation!!
I think its ok, as long as the amount of time is limited. When stuck in the car, I’ll do anything to keep the kids entertained!
I think it’s fine for part of the traveling time. We also read books and enjoy the scenery.
yes, I think it’s a great idea while traveling-makes riding in the car more enjoyable for everyone!
Yes! While I agree that video games are good only in moderation, travel is one of their best times. Fun and educational video games are best, but anything to keep the kids occupied or happy when in for a long drive or plane ride.
No, I don’t think it’s okay to play video games while travelling. Whenever children are playing video games or have ear buds stuck in their ears from iPods, etc., they become disassociated with the rest of the family. They also become oblivious to all the things they see along the way in their travels.
While driving or flying playing video games keeps young minds active and engaged. However, once at the destination or visiting, the videal games should be put away.
While in route to the destination I think it’s OK to play games – reading would be better but both would work. While on vacation and touring – visiting the destination – no gaming allowed.
Absolutely I think it is okay- the point is to do things TOGETHER and if you all enjoy playing, then play.
I think it’s okay as long as you limit the amount of time they are playing them. A car ride can be very boring for kids, heck it’s boring for me, so I think anything that helps pass the time is fine. Once we are at the destination I think other things should be done instead of video games but they can also come in handy while I’m trying to get ready for the day or as a wind down at the end of the day.
I think it’s ok if the drive is not distracted and there is a time limit..children should enjoy the scenery as well!
I do. It really cuts down on the frustrating feature you have when traveling with kids
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
I think that is fine to play video games while traveling especially if you have a long car ride.
While traveling I think anything that keeps them quiet is a good thing, even if it’s video games. I don’t know how they do it though I get nauseous just reading a knitting pattern in the car.
I definitely think video games can be allowed during travel, depending on the child, especially if the game promotes learning or family bonding!
As long as the video game that the child is playing is age and content appropriate I think that they are a wonderful idea while traveling.
To me it allows the parent that is driving to be able to pay more attention to the road versus breaking up arguments,screaming etc.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
Personally, I would try something other than video games but I can understand that some parents would disagree.
I think video games are OK, but they shouldn’t be used for the whole journey. Taking time to point out interesting things, playing I Spy or singing along to songs would give children’s eyes a rest from watching the screen.
I love the video games that my kids play. Most of them are full of puzzles and encourage logic and persistence. So, yes, I think it’s fine for kids to play while traveling.
yes as long as they don’t puke
Absolutely. While traveling. That means in a car, train, plane or boat. But as soon as the destination is reached the game goes away and we enjoy the vacation as a family.
I think it’s okay. The parents should be aware of the game and around when it’s played.
While traveling HECK YA… However, I’m the Mom that wants the games to be educational and have tried to only get educational games for them… It makes the trips seem shorter and if there is no tv, pool, etc at the stops along the way a little family game time is fun..
Looks like a fun game.
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