Bust Summertime Boredom with Nex Playground

Thanks to Nex Playground for providing a sample for this post. All thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

When a package arrived containing the Nex Playground and a one-year Play Pass subscription, you would have thought it was Christmas morning at our house.

The Nex Playground has been sitting at the very top of my oldest daughter's wish list for months, so when she and her little sister found out they'd have the opportunity to try it out, they literally squealed with excitement. As a mom, there's nothing better than seeing your kids genuinely excited about something that encourages movement, creativity, and family time all at once.

This cute little console packs big entertainment for the whole family.

What is Nex Playground?

Nex Playground is an active play system that transforms your living room into an interactive gaming experience. Unlike traditional gaming consoles that rely on handheld controllers, Nex Playground uses motion tracking technology and a built-in camera to follow your movements, allowing players to control games with their bodies. Think jumping, reaching, dancing, squatting, and moving instead of sitting on the couch pressing buttons. Up to four players can join in on the fun, making it perfect for family game nights or playdates with friends.

The system includes several starter games right out of the box, and a Play Pass unlocks a growing library of more than 50 games and experiences, including fitness challenges, sports games, dance activities, and beloved character-based titles featuring favorites like Bluey, Barbie, Sesame Street, and more. New content is added regularly, keeping the experience fresh for families.

The easy setup had us ready to play in almost no time.

Easy Setup Gets My Mom Seal of Approval

One of the first things my husband and I noticed was how simple the setup process was. No one likes a complicated setup. Those usually involve hours of downloading, updating, waiting, and tears- oh, the tears! I'm happy to report that zero tears were shed while we waited for my husband to complete to Nex setup.

Everything was neatly packaged and clearly labeled with easy-to-follow steps: 1, 2, and 3. We had the system connected and ready to play in just a matter of minutes. The instructions were straightforward, and there wasn't any frustrating guessing involved.

The console is so small. It takes up hardly any space, making it easy to tuck away, or perfectly fine to leave out on display.

I also love how incredibly small the console itself is. In a world where electronics seem to take up more and more space, the tiny footprint of the Nex Playground is a huge win. I don't usually let my kids leave their devices and consoles out in the open, especially in common areas of the house where we frequently entertain friends and family. Nex Playground is so small, I barely even notice that it's there.

Nex Playground includes an attached magnetic lens cover for added protection and privacy.

I always remind my kids to cover the camera lens after playtime is over.

Another thoughtful feature? The magnetic camera cover. When the system isn't in use, you can simply place the magnetic cover over the camera for added privacy and peace of mind. As a parent, I appreciate those little details. If you've ever had a little one running around the house like a wildling after their evening bath, you'll know just how much this lens cover matters.

Favorite games to get the whole family moving.

Perfect for Kids Who Need to Move

My daughters are 10 and 4, and honestly, I think they're the perfect ages for this system.

The very first games they wanted to play were Fruit Ninja and Bluey. Within minutes, they were jumping, reaching, laughing, and encouraging each other. What immediately stood out to me was how active the games are. There is no lounging around while playing Nex Playground. The games require constant movement, which means kids are burning energy without even realizing they're exercising. This is such a gift to me as a parent who is constantly harping on the kids to get moving. It's too easy to become sedentary, especially in extreme heat.

Slicing and dicing fruit with full body movement, and lots of laughter.

When it's blazing hot outside, freezing cold, pouring rain, or simply one of those days when the weather refuses to cooperate, Nex Playground gives kids an exciting way to stay active indoors.

And perhaps my favorite benefit?

I haven't heard nearly as many "Mom, I'm bored!" complaints.

Bluey is a family favorite. Literally everyone in the house wanted to play!

Fun for the Whole Family

What surprised me most was how quickly Nex Playground became something our entire family enjoyed.

The Play Pass includes family fitness and adult fitness experiences, making it easy for parents to sneak in some movement, too. Even a quick 10-minute workout can help you feel energized during a busy day.

My husband commented more than once about how cool the system is and how different it feels from traditional gaming consoles. Instead of isolating players, it brings everyone together.

When your teenager and preschooler play together, it's absolutely heartwarming!

I even caught my fifteen-year-old son playing after he discovered he could jump into Bluey's game of squash.

That may have been my favorite moment.

Finding activities that genuinely engage a 15-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 4-year-old at the same time isn't always easy. Nex Playground somehow manages to bridge those age gaps and create opportunities for family connection, laughter, and shared experiences.

As parents, those moments matter.

Why Nex Playground Makes a Great Gift

Whether you're shopping for a birthday, holiday, or simply looking for a way to keep the family active and entertained at home, Nex Playground is a gift that keeps on giving.

It combines screen time with movement, encourages family interaction, and offers something for a wide range of ages. For our family, it's become a summertime staple in the family room—a way to stay active, have fun together, and make memories regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

And if your kids are anything like mine, they'll be asking to play again before the first game is even over.

Want it? Get it!

Nex Playground is available directly from the official Nex Playground website, as well as major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. The console currently retails for around $299, and Play Pass options are available in 3-month and 12-month plans to unlock the full game library. Five starter games are included with Nex Playground.