What's New in Children's Games: May 2024

Introduction

Children's games have become increasingly popular over the past few years, as parents and educators recognize the many benefits they provide. Games can aid in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. They also provide entertainment and quality bonding time for families. With new games constantly being released, there are more options than ever when it comes to finding the perfect game for a child. This article will highlight some of the most exciting new children's games that have come out in May 2024 across various categories like board games, video games, educational games, and more.

According to market research from NPD Group, year-to-date board game sales last month compared to the same period in 2019 increased 28 percent ( Source). This shows the rising popularity of classic board and card games. Video games also remain popular among children, with Mario Kart 8 being the most desired title in a 2019 survey of kids aged 5-18 ( Source). While video game popularity has increased over the decades, some experts note it may have encroached on traditional toy popularity ( Source). Still, with so many options, there are engaging new games being released every month across categories.

Educational Games

Educational games continue to be popular for helping kids learn while having fun. Some of the latest educational game releases in May 2024 include:

Starfall Education has launched new phonics and reading games like "Word Machines" where kids build words by selecting the right letters (https://www.starfall.com/). These interactive games make learning to read engaging through sounds, stories and pictures.

ABCya has added math games focused on fractions like Pizza Fraction Fun where kids learn fractions by dividing pizza slices (https://www.abcya.com/). The graphics and rewards keep kids motivated to gain math skills.

PBS Kids has released a collection of new science games like Crashimals Chemistry Lab where kids conduct experiments to see chemical reactions first-hand (https://pbskids.org/games/science/). These games let kids explore science concepts in a safe, guided environment.

New educational games are incorporating more interactive features, reward systems and vibrant graphics to turn learning into playtime. These latest releases help kids gain academic skills, from reading and writing to math and science, in an entertaining way.

Outdoor Games

Outdoor play is making a comeback as parents look for ways to get their kids off screens and engaged with nature. Several new outdoor toys and games have been released that encourage active, imaginative play.

One of the biggest trends is towards more open-ended outdoor toys that spark creativity, like Adventure Domes from PlayMonster. These lightweight nylon play structures come in different shapes like rocket ships or castles. Kids can crawl inside to play pretend or use them as part of an obstacle course. Having an open structure with multiple uses encourages innovative play.

Outdoor games are also utilizing technology in new ways. Laser X Laser Tag combines traditional outdoor tag with high tech vests and laser blasters. Players can dive behind real objects as cover while the vests track hits and lives. This allows for an active, real-world twist on laser tag. Similarly, Nerf Hyper Rush combines Nerf blasters with augmented reality goggles to create an immersive battle game as players chase each other around the yard.

Even classic games like hopscotch have gotten upgrades recently. Stomp Rocket has created a foam target board for playing hopscotch that also launches stomp rockets. By combining two iconic outdoor games, they have increased the active play potential.

Parents looking for screen-free outdoor play can find many new options hitting the market this year. From imaginative play structures to high tech versions of tag and hopscotch, toy companies are focused on getting kids engaged with their surroundings in fun, active ways.

Board Games

Board games continue to be a popular pastime for kids of all ages. Some of the most exciting new board game releases for 2024 include:

Kaboom Canyon by PlayMonster - This fast-paced marble run game has kids build twisting paths to race marbles against each other. With adjustable difficulty levels, it's great for ages 4 and up.

Sleeping Queens Card Game by Gamewright - The updated version of this classic introduces magical moons and shooting stars for enhanced gameplay. Kids will love the whimsical queen characters.

Planet by Blue Orange Games - In this strategic tile-laying game, players terraform a new planet with different biomes. It teaches planning skills for ages 8 and up.

Treasure Truck by Wonder Forge - Kids drive a toy truck around the board collecting treasures and avoiding obstacles. This exciting roll-and-move game is perfect for preschoolers.

According to the New York Times, some of the best new board games provide creative gameplay and opportunities for family bonding. From marble runs to magical card games, the latest board game releases offer entertaining new twists on classic play.

Video Games

The video game industry continues to release exciting new titles for kids and families. According to The Gamer, some of the best new PlayStation 5 games for kids include My Friend Peppa Pig, Hot Wheels Unleashed, Untitled Goose Game, and Gran Turismo 7.

My Friend Peppa Pig is a new 3D platformer based on the popular TV show that allows kids to explore Peppa's town and play mini-games. Hot Wheels Unleashed brings the iconic toy cars to life in a racing game with tracks based on real-world locations. Untitled Goose Game offers silly fun as players control a troublesome goose on a mission to cause mischief. Gran Turismo 7 is the latest realistic racing simulator that offers family-friendly modes.

In addition to console gaming, educational video game apps and online games for kids continue to grow in popularity. CBC Kids features a variety of free online games spanning different genres such as puzzles, adventures, sports, and more. With thoughtful development and design, video games can be a fun, engaging and even educational experience for kids.

Active Games

Getting kids active and moving is always a challenge, but new games are making exercise more engaging and fun. One popular new release is GoNoodle Games' "Chase Adventure" (https://www.gonoodle.com/games/chase-adventure), an interactive adventure game that has kids running, jumping, and dodging obstacles as they follow the story. It's an innovative way to combine interactive storytelling with physical activity. For more outdoor active play, Hasbro recently launched a new Nerf "Capture the Flag" set (https://www.amazon.com/NERF-Sports-Capture-Outdoor-Activities/dp/B09FPQQT3M) that includes flags, jail markers, headbands and Nerf blasters for an updated twist on the classic game.

Another noteworthy active release is Playground Games' "Tail Chase" (https://www.playgroundgames.com/tail-chase), a version of tag where players wear a tail and try to pull the tails from other players while protecting their own. It encourages constant movement and group participation. For a tech-assisted approach, the XRTerrains augmented reality system (https://www.xrterrains.com) allows kids to see virtual obstacles, enemies and collectibles as they run around, adding an extra layer of engagement and incentivizing physical activity through the game. Overall, these new active games focus on making exercise social, competitive, immersive and integrated into imaginative play.

Creative Games

Creativity and imagination are vital for children's development and growth. Many new games released in May 2024 aim to nurture creative thinking in fun and engaging ways. Here are some of the most notable new creative games for kids:

The Creative Game Box by Mindware ( https://www.mindware.orientaltrading.com/the-creative-game-box-a2-142029.fltr) includes five different games focused on building creative thinking skills. Children are challenged to come up with unique uses for everyday objects, continue open-ended stories, and build sculptures from random materials. It provides open-ended play that sparks imagination.

Squiggle Bits by Playmonster has children use magnetic "bits" to turn simple squiggles into elaborate illustrations. This drawing game enhances visual creativity and problem-solving as kids transform basic shapes into animals, people, vehicles and more. It's perfect for ages 4 and up.

The new PBS Kids Creative Arcade app (available on iOS and Android) features fun games focused on music, art, and storytelling. Kids can make their own tunes, turn doodles into animated stories, and experiment with creative freedom. The app encourages open-ended play and imagination in a digital space.

Educational Tech Games

Technology continues to transform educational games in exciting ways. Some of the latest tech-based games focus on engaging kids through immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences. For example, National Geographic Explore VRallows kids to travel the world and explore places like Machu Picchu in Peru or the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The visually stunning environments aim to spark kids' curiosity and inspire them to learn more after taking off the VR headset.

Other new educational games leverage artificial intelligence to adapt in real-time to a child's skill level and needs. Waterbear Worldis a coding game that adjusts the challenges as kids play to keep them engaged and progressing. The AI tracks progress and provides personalized feedback without the need for constant adult oversight. This allows kids to learn independently at their own pace.

The combination of emerging tech like AR/VR and AI with educational content holds tremendous potential for making learning more interactive, adaptive, and fun. As these immersive, responsive games continue to evolve, they will likely play an increasingly important role in how kids learn while gaming.

Games for Special Needs

Games designed for children with special needs focus on building specific skills while keeping play fun and engaging. Many feature simple rules, visual cues, and adaptive components. Some popular options include:

Cooperative games like parachute activities help build teamwork and social skills. Children work together to move a parachute up and down or pass a ball around its edges (https://www.disability-grants.org/cooperative-games-for-children-with-special-needs.html).

Matching and memory card games strengthen cognitive skills. Using picture cards that show different emotions or social situations lets kids practice identifying facial expressions and emotions (https://www.parentcircle.com/games-and-activities-for-special-needs-and-autistic-children/article).

Games that involve building structures with blocks or other materials help develop fine motor control. Simple stacking toys are ideal for younger kids. Older children may enjoy assembling model sets.

Dance and movement activities get kids active while working on balance, coordination, and body awareness. Following simple dance moves together teaches patterning and sequencing. Using scarves or rhythm instruments incorporates sensory elements.

Specially-designed electronic toys engage children through lights, sounds, and textures. Switch-adapted devices let kids with limited mobility participate (https://www.amazon.com/Games-Special-Needs-Children/s?k=Games+for+Special+Needs+Children).

The key is finding games that align with each child's specific developmental needs and abilities. With some creativity and adaptation, traditional games can often be adjusted to enable all children to play together.

Conclusion

In summary, the latest trends in children's games this May 2024 offer exciting new options for fun and learning. Parents and kids alike will be delighted with the new educational games that make science, math, and reading interactive and engaging. Get ready for more time outdoors with innovative outdoor games that encourage physical activity and social skills development. Classic board games have also gotten a refresh with new licensed versions featuring kids' favorite characters. On the tech side, new educational apps and video games integrate learning into interactive adventures. With more active and creative games available, kids can stay engaged while building key skills. This roundup highlights the most notable new game releases that are worth exploring if you're looking to update your child's game collection.

The key takeaways are:

• New educational games make learning interactive and fun across subjects like science, math and reading.
• Outdoor games encourage physical activity, movement and social skills.
• Classic board games have new versions with kids' favorite characters and licenses.
• Educational apps and video games integrate learning into digital adventures.
• Active and creative new games keep kids engaged while building skills.