Last Updated on 01/12/2021 by Mandy
Do video games harm your children? Do you want them to have more productive activities that will help their development instead of just being glued to the screen? If this is the case, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are 12 alternatives to video games that your kids will love. Learn everything you need to know about them and why they’re useful!
Are video games a hobby?
Video games are a hobby if you subscribe to the widely accepted idea that a pastime is something done for enjoyment and leisure. Yes, video games are a hobby, albeit one with important benefits. But they can also be more, either by playing or going in a new and different direction.
Hobbies to replace or supplement gaming
So, if you have a young child or adolescent who doesn’t seem to care much about anything, or you believe their enthusiasm for video games might not help them achieve their goals, keep reading.
11 Alternatives to video games your kids will love
1. Learn to code
Games are an essential part of the creative process. They not only inspire us, but they also give us something to do when we need a break from reality and help make our imagination run wild. The connection between gaming hobbyists and programming could hardly seem closer than it does here; after all without both activities, these fantastic interactive worlds would come crashing down around them almost immediately (not that anything stops gamers).
2. Learn 3D modeling
Learning to code and then learning 3D modeling can be an amazing experience for any teen interested in video games. For example, kids may find enjoyment designing the characters that appear on screen or creating a whole world they want other players to see; it’s just as fun making things from scratch and having the opportunity to print them on a 3D printer and have a real copy of their ‘art’ – rather than editing pre-existing content!
3. Melbourne Water Frog Census
Do you want to know which species of frogs are in your local area? You can do so by participating in a frog census! All it takes is a bit of time and some dedication.
If this sounds like something that interests you, then check out the Melbourne Water Frog Census. It’s a great way to get involved in the community and learn more about your local wildlife.
Melbourne Water Frogwatch is an amazing opportunity for children to learn how important citizen science can be. By taking part in this program, you’ll have the chance to contribute data towards long-term frog monitoring and conservation efforts!
4. Explore Roblox monetization
The perfect hobby for gamers looking to get away from their video game addiction is starting with the suggested idea of playing games again but in an unexpected way. The key here though isn’t just about playing any old board or card game; it’s finding something that will stimulate your mind and imagination while still being fun!
But how do you know what kind might work best? Well, there are quite frankly thousands available on Roblox—a social multi-player online gaming platform where users can create worlds and simulations together as well buy & sell products within them.
5. Create a YouTube channel
Let’s Plays is a type of video that features the player playing popular games while also commenting on what they’re doing. Teens can become Let’s Players, where it is their hobby and helps them learn engagement skills for an audience: how to record themselves; building skill sets such as commentary about game mechanics or strategies needed when completing levels within these walkthroughs.”
6. Bird Feeder Stakeout
The most important thing to remember when it comes to feeding birds is what’s called the “feeding protocol.” Birds have different diets and preferences, so make sure you know which type of feeder they prefer before putting out any food! Help a local group a doing a tally and try the Merlin Bird App on your phone for hours of fun for twitchers!
7. Become a video game tutor or coach
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, winner of the Fortnite World Cup solo division at age 16 is not your average gamer. To win such an honor and make over $3 million in doing so shows his level-headedness as well as a natural talent for this game which has millions upon millions playing daily!
As a refresher: Buga was coached by Hugh Jackson through Discord video chat who also uses it himself as one of America’s most popular coaches teaching gamers how to play better than ever before.
9. Strength train
For gamers, a career in gaming can be both physically and mentally demanding. Those who do it are required to game frequently which could take quite the toll on their body; many spend long hours at the gym for strength training as well as running specific regimens to stay up-to-date with what’s happening within this industry so they don’t lose any competitive advantage over other players.
10. World Monitoring Day
Celebrate World Water Monitoring Day. Take a test kit and sample the local waters for data! Share your findings with other communities around the world, and all celebrate together on this day of global environmental awareness.
11. Observe Plant Life Cycles
Join Project BudBurst to help gather environmental and climate change information in your local area. Observe the life cycles of trees, shrubs, flowers, or grasses through their first leafing stage; then move on a flower’s petals unfold into beautiful colors before you have ever tasted its sweet nectar!
It’s never too late to do what you love and make a living from it. You can tell all the awesome things this hobby has given you like new friends in social media gaming communities around the world and opportunities for advancement with some companies who want people with a passion for their work.
These are just some of the many alternatives to video games that you can use with your kids. Video games may be fun, but they’re not always good for development. If you want a more productive activity for your children, then perhaps one of these is right up their alley! Which alternative would make the most sense for your child? Give it a try and see how it goes!