6 Active After-School Games for Kids on Nex Playground

School is back in full swing, and it’s a great moment to think about how to schedule transitions and active play into your family’s new routine.

Every afternoon routine will look different, and every kid needs something different after school. For some families, it’s all about getting the wiggles out after a day of sitting still. For others, you may want to help your child regulate after a chaotic day, or connect with a friend for a playdate. I have 3 kids, and they all need something completely different after they get home from school, and I am also trying to help them balance healthy screen time habits.

Here are some tips and popular Nex Playground active video game options that have helped many people in our community have great after-school transitions. The three steps that I’ve been keeping in mind are: 1. Snacks, 2. Movement, 3. Connection

Always Start with Snacks After-School

Some parents come to school with snacks in hand, but in my house, it's best to let the kids find their own way, so I keep the pantry and refrigerator stocked with health(ish) snacks they have to grab before they turn to play. If we are biking or walking home from school, I’ll have apples and a snack bar ready in my bag to deploy if the hangry hits.

Movement Before Sitting

Sadly, most of our kids don’t get enough daily exercise. At school, they mostly sit, which can lead to restlessness and a lot of emotions by the time the afternoon rolls around. Before my kids start homework or get any passive screen time, they have to move. That could be a bike ride, sports, or, some days, it's Nex Playground. We always turn to 5 games during that after-school transition.

6 Best Active Video Games on Nex Playground for After-School Transitions

1. Party Fowl

One of the funniest games on Nex Playground is Party Fowl, and it is included with the console in the 5-game Starter Bundle.

You’ll find yourself squatting to lay eggs, jumping around wiping mud off the screen, and turning your body into a prize machine. This is a 2-person game, so it is perfect for siblings, parent and child, or a 1-friend playdate.

2. Starri

1 or 2 players

Music is known to move you, and Starri is the perfect way to get the party started. This rhythm-style game has 2 styles (Catch and Slash) and 3 difficulty levels picked per player, making it perfect for kids of different ages and abilities. There are 2 versions of Starri. The one included in the 5-game Starter Bundle has 20 songs. The upgraded version of Starri, included with the Play Pass subscription, has over 150 songs updated monthly

The following games are included with a Play Pass subscription and are perfect for after-school active play.

3. Mirrorama

Unlimited people can play

Mirrorama is one of Nex Playground’s most popular games because it gets everyone in the room involved as long as the camera can see you. There’s no learning curve, no skills, just moving your body, and the applied “filter” changes the treatment on your television.

This is a great icebreaker for playdates, getting the giggles started, and not having any “rules” to the game.

4. Bluey: Bust-a-Move

1, 2, or 3 players

Bluey: Bust-a-Move is a Nex Playground favorite for many reasons. The mini-games let you relive your favorite Bluey episodes, like Keepy-Uppy and Fancy Restaurant. This game is fun for players of all ages.

5. Luminous

1 or 2 players

If your kiddo (or you) just needs to get into a zen zone, Luminous is for you. You slowly orbit around with your glowing light, forcing you to be in the moment and move in subtle ways.

6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Mayhem

1 or 2 players

If you are looking for high energy output, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Mayhem is for you. This action-adventure active-play video game gets you jumping, ducking, slicing, and your heart rate into the red zone.

If your kiddos need to really get their energy out, this classic side-scrolling action motion game is ready to deliver!

Don’t Forget the Connection Part

Movement matters, but using movement and active play to connect is critical to the after-school routine.

Depending on the day, this could help you connect with your kid, ease into a playdate with a new friend, or bring siblings together during a busy school week.

It truly is magical when the screen becomes what prompts everyone to move, laugh, compete, and spend time together.

Your family’s after-school routine probably won’t look exactly like ours, but if your family needs a bit of help regulating or resetting after school, start simple:

Snack. Move. Connect.

Have your own routine to share? We would love to hear it in our Facebook Community!