Kids and teens love electronic devices, but spending so much time with these gadgets can turn them into couch potatoes. The good news for both kids and parents is that technology and outdoor play are no longer mutually exclusive. Encourage your kids to get outside and play with these new high tech toys.
Radio-Controlled Airplanes and Helicopters
Radio-controlled airplanes and helicopters are an old favorite, and today’s versions can be controlled with a smartphone, tablet or PC. Many include GPS and software to track flight patterns and assist in doing barrel rolls or other tricks. Some models have cargo holds for transporting notes and small items to friends, while others come with an on-board camera to get a bird’s eye view of the neighborhood.
Hover board
The hover board is the high tech toy that everyone is talking about. A hover board consists of two large, rugged tires, a sturdy board to stand on, an electric motor and a gyroscopic balancing mechanism that keeps the board upright. Kids will want to travel all over the neighborhood on this futuristic toy. When choosing a hover board for your child, stick to trusted brands like Glidecraft because some cheap hover boards have been associated with fire hazards while charging.
Telescope
If you are looking for a toy to get your kids outside and expand their brainpower at the same time, you can’t go wrong with the classic telescope. Today’s telescopes do more than just provide a view of the stars and planets. Many models work in tandem with smartphone apps to guide kids around the galaxy and allow them to snap photos of objects in space. Don’t forget to pick up some astronomy books along with your telescope.
Augmented Reality Games
The smash hit “Pokemon Go” brought augmented reality games into the mainstream. These games are a great way to get your kids moving around outside, and the best part is that most of them are free or low cost. Besides capturing digital monsters, augmented reality games let your kids play basketball or paintball, race cars, fight zombies and more. Explore your phone’s download store with your child to find a game that will make you both happy.
These toys are all great ways to get your tech-savvy kids off the couch and encourage them to play outside and explore their world. Consider joining your kids in these activities to get healthy exercise for yourself while creating valuable memories.
