15 games to let off steam without leaving home
When your teens are running around in circles at home, you need concrete ideas to channel their energy. According to Statistics Canada, 72% of young people spend more than 3 hours a day in front of a screen, so you might as well make that time fun and interactive! Whether you’re dad, big brother or just the cool guy in the group, here are 15 games that will turn your living room into a veritable playground.
When your teens are running around in circles at home, you need concrete ideas to channel their energy. According to Statistics Canada, 72% of young people spend more than 3 hours a day in front of a screen, so you might as well make that time fun and interactive! Whether you're dad, big brother or just the cool guy in the group, here are 15 games that will turn your living room into a veritable playground. From strategic video games to sports challenges and creative activities, there's something for everyone. Ready to see your teens laugh, move and forget about TikTok for a few hours? Here's a selection that's sure to boost the mood at home!
1. Epic battles on World of Tanks
There's nothing like a session of World of Tanks to let off steam! This online strategy game attracts over 160 million players worldwide. Tank battles are intense, competition is fierce and adrenaline is pumping. Perfect for those who love tactics and action, all from the comfort of their living room.
2. Improvised ping-pong tournaments
No need for a real table! Two chairs, a board and a ball are all you need to organize a home ping-pong tournament. According to a Université de Montréal study, ping-pong improves hand-eye coordination and burns up to 300 calories an hour. Ideal for letting off steam while boosting reflexes and competitive spirit.
3. Strategic board game evening
Board games like Risk, Catan or Uno are classics that bring the whole family together. They stimulate thinking, negotiation and team spirit. According to Ipsos, 65% of families play board games at least once a week. Perfect for creating memories and memorable laughs!
4. Let off steam with Iron Order 1919
For teenagers who love history and strategy, Iron Order 1919 offers epic battles in an alternative World War I universe. This online game lets you create alliances, plan attacks and experience intense confrontations. Perfect for channeling your teens' energy and competitive spirit!
5. Home-made treasure hunt
Organize a treasure hunt around the house! Prepare riddles, clues and physical challenges. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, treasure hunts stimulate creativity and team spirit. It's the ideal activity to get everyone moving and create a lively atmosphere.
6. Karaoke and singing battle
Turn your living room into a concert stage! Karaoke is all about letting loose, laughing and discovering the family's hidden talents. According to Spotify, karaoke playlists will grow by 120% in Canada by 2023. Get the microphones (or hairbrushes) ready and get the competition going to see who gets the highest score!
7. Express fitness challenges
Fast-paced fitness challenges: push-ups, squats, burpees or planks. According to ParticipACTION, 60% of teenagers don't get enough physical activity. These mini-challenges are the perfect way to let off steam, challenge yourself and burn off energy, even in a small space. Who'll last the longest on a board?
8. Conflict of Nations' frenzied games
For budding strategists, Conflict of Nations offers hours of immersive gameplay. This modern war game lets you manage armies, negotiate with other players and conquer the world. With over 2 million active players, it's the perfect playground to let off steam and test your strategic skills.
9. Escape game house
Create a home escape game with riddles, padlocks and hidden clues. According to the Escape Game France website, 80% of players say that these games strengthen group cohesion. It's the ideal activity to stimulate your teens' thinking, logic and team spirit, while having lots of fun.
10. Local multiplayer video games
There's nothing like a session of Mario Kart, FIFA or Just Dance to set the mood! Multiplayer video games encourage healthy competition and laughter. According to the ESAC, 91% of young Canadians play video games. Get those controllers ready, and may the best player win!
11. Top Chef-style cooking workshop
Start a cooking challenge: who'll make the best burger or the most original dessert? According to Statistics Canada, cooking as a family improves communication and creativity. It's also an opportunity to taste new flavors and turn the kitchen into a real playground. Watch out for flour fights!
12. Home Olympics
Organize mini-Olympics with a variety of events: sock toss, sack race, hallway relay. According to ParticipACTION, active play at home increases motivation to get moving. Prepare homemade medals and motivate your teens to give it their all!
13. Interactive quiz on tablet or smartphone
Prepare a quiz on your teens' favorite subjects: music, cinema, sports or general knowledge. According to a Laval University study, quizzes stimulate memory and the competitive spirit. Use apps like Kahoot! to make the game even more interactive and dynamic.
14. TikTok dance session
A TikTok dance session to get everyone going! According to TikTok, 70% of users take part in dance challenges. Learn a choreography as a family and film the result to share a fun and energetic moment. Who'll be the next star of the show?
15. Pillow fortress construction
Back to childhood! Build a giant fortress out of cushions, blankets and chairs. According to Psychologie Québec, building games stimulate creativity and reduce stress. Once the fortress is finished, start a pillow fight to end the day on a high note!