Video games are all the rage with kids today and that doesn't look like changing.
So it's only natural that when little Johnny has his friends over we quickly turn to the video game console to keep everyone entertained.
The only problem with this is that many of today's games are single player, role playing games that can take many hours.
Instead of a group of kids having fun, the result is often a group of bored kids, watching one kid having fun.
Video games are a great entertainment idea for kids parties though - it just has to be done right! To keep everyone at your party entertained you need to select the correct games.
What you are looking for are shorter, multiplayer games full of fun! Ideally 2 to 4 kids should be able to play together and the game should take no more than a few minutes, allowing the next group to take their place.
Of course the game should also provide some spectator value so everyone remains interested.
We also need to be careful to ensure the content is appropriate to the children's ages.
In my experience the following 5 are sure winners! 1.
Mario Kart (2 to 4 players) Mario Kart is an easy to learn, easy to play, action packed racing game featuring characters from Nintendo's traditional Mario World.
Make sure you have four controllers and four Wii wheels and you're ready to go.
Even the most inexperienced of gaming kids will pick this one up in minutes and its always a load of fun (just keep the parents from hogging the console!).
2.
Skylanders Battle Mode (2 players) Kids love fighting games but with the propensity of the current crop of gaming developers to ensure they include at least a couple of profanities in every fight scene it's hard to find games rated less than 12 these days.
Skylanders battle mode makes use of the fantasy creatures 3.
Fifa 2012 (2 to 4 players) Split the boys up into teams of 2 and have them run a little world cup tournament.
Four players at a time and games can be limited to just a few minutes.
They have as much fun picking their teams and players as they do actually playing and the competitive element makes it all the more interesting for those watching! 4.
Guitar Hero (1 to 3 players) It may be out of production but it's definitely not out of date! Ideal if you have the full set (guitar, drums and microphone) allowing up to three players at once but it's not the end of the world if you are limited to one.
The game need last only as long as one song and has great spectator value.
In fact this one can be as much fun to watch as it is to play.
5.
Dance Central (2 players) Okay - admittedly this one is mostly for the girls.
And it may take some of them a little while to warm up.
But once they gain a little confidence they will go at it all day.
Battle mode allows for 2 players on the Kinect and as with Guitar Hero, game time can be limited to one song and spectator value is high! Next time you going to break out the video games for your kids party entertainment, just give some thought to which games to load up.
Hopefully the list above will give you some ideas.