Video games are just one of the many reasons people are spending more and more time indoors these days. Persuading a gamer to spend the day outside can be a tough task, so here are some exciting alternatives — from adventure activities to paintball — to help.

In the digital era, there’s an abundance of modern technology that has completely changed the way we live our everyday lives. While so much of that change has been positive, some technology (such as video games, iPads, etc.) has also helped to create couch potato syndrome. If you think your children should be embracing the great outdoors, or your spouse has taken up permanent residence on the sofa, these five alternatives might just be the answer.

Adventure Activities

For many people, video games are a way to experience things that are few and far between in the lives of everyday people. Fortunately, adventure activities are designed to be as exciting as possible — and definitely not something you’ll find yourself doing on an average day out. If there were ever a reason to put down the gaming pad and get outside, adventurous activities would be an ideal choice.

In regards to specific activities, the UK has an abundance of exciting experiences that will give you a day to remember. Whether you want to test your nerve from great heights or embrace the vast array of adrenaline-fuelled activities with both feet firmly on the ground, you won’t struggle to find something that’s perfect for yourself and your family.

Team Sports

It’s been nearly impossible to ignore the meteoric rise of the gaming community — and throughout the years, it has changed a lot. While other generations were happy to hop between levels as they controlled a small Italian plumber, the modern gamer craves a highly- competitive, graphically enhanced experience. The competitiveness is now at an all-time high, with the rise of ‘eSports’ and gaming entering the X Games as a featured event.

So, if competitive multiplayer gaming is what you (or a family member) loves about video games, then team sport is the ideal alternative. Not only does it fulfil their passion for competitive activities, but it also puts them in an environment where socialising is face-to-face, rather than through a headset. The development of social skills, team building and problem-solving are all aspects that can be incorporated into everyday life.

Paintball

Many of the most popular video games are combat-based, one of the biggest to date being the Call of Duty series. The excitement of authentic gun fights, war zones and espionage scenarios has made these types of games nothing short of a phenomenon on a global scale.

Outdoor alternatives for realistic combat scenarios are few and far between — but there is one extremely satisfying option. Paintball offers all of this in abundance and is a sport that fits the bill perfectly. While providing players with large-scale competitive ‘warfare’ during paintball games, it’s also a brilliant and unique way to embrace team building and exercise. Despite the popularity of gaming, the need for exercise shouldn’t be ignored.

Paintball is a sport that can be played by both adults and children. Paintballing for kids not only gives you an ideal way for them to enjoy a full day of outdoor activity but also gives you an idea for special occasions, such as paintballing birthday parties.

Extreme Sports

Film and television have been popular for years and years, but it’s safe to say that gaming is now a key player in the entertainment industry. The same can be said for extreme sports’ rise to popularity since the late 1990s, with extreme athletes such as Tony Hawk becoming a household name.

Skateboarding, BMXing and most even scootering have all become extremely popular in their own right. Skateparks continue to pop up all over the UK, from grand-scale builds in larger areas, to smaller council builds in towns and villages. These are great places to socialise with friends and other skaters — and tearing around on your vehicle of choice is ridiculously good exercise, too.

Unique Family Outings

It can be difficult to drag a gamer away from the screen at the best of times, especially if you don’t have an appealing alternative to provide them with. Family outings — no matter how frequent are an important part family life that provides some great memories outside of the home.

A run-of-the-mill family outing may not be as appealing as the excitement of a video game, so it’s a smart move to think of something a bit more unique. Excitement doesn’t have to be expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, there are an abundance of ways to enjoy the great outdoors for free.

Video games have been around for a long time, but these days, it’s on a whole new level of advancement and holds an incredible ability to engage people. This can be troublesome for parents trying to get their children to enjoy more outdoor time, but this post has shown you that there are options out there. It’s just a case of finding the right activities for your children and creating a healthy balance of indoor and outdoor time.

*Collaborative post

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