Summer in our house? It’s like herding caffeinated cats. I’ve got a curious 5-year-old on a mission to climb every tree in our zip code, a 3-year-old daughter with ADHD who thrives on high-speed everything, and a 4-month-old who needs a nap every 90 minutes (but refuses to admit it). Oh, and I’m just trying to keep everyone alive, hydrated, and not screaming. And while I adore summer memories, the chaotic soundtrack of “I’m bored!” and the hourly snack demands wear thin by day three. That’s when I discovered a game-changer for our ADHD household: the Nex Playground.
What Is the Nex Playground?
If you’ve ever found yourself frantically Googling “What is the Nex Playground?” mid-tantrum while clutching your third iced coffee of the day, you’re not alone.
The Nex Playground is a motion-powered play console that uses a body-sensing camera to track your child’s movements and turn them into interactive play. There are no remotes, no wearables—just pure, active movement. Think: a streamlined, modern Wii designed specifically for active, body-based play.
What makes the Nex Playground for summer with kids truly special isn’t just the tech—it’s the experience. It allows for active screen time that feels more like play than watching. And for my daughter, who needs movement to regulate her ADHD, this has been the closest thing to magic we’ve found all summer.
Why We Use the Nex Playground Daily
If you’re raising an ADHD child, you know the balance between stimulation and calm is delicate. Too much screen time leads to emotional meltdowns, while too little structured activity leads to chaos. The Nex Playground for summer with kids helps meet both needs.
1. Purposeful Movement = Regulation
My 3-year-old doesn’t just enjoy running—she needs it. She needs to jump, twirl, balance, and climb to help her brain settle. Nex’s motion games like Mini Athletes and GoNoodle’s Let’s Move let her burn energy in a focused, contained, and guided way.
And yes, it’s still screen time. But it’s screen time with a purpose—and that changes everything.
We pair our Nex sessions with blue-light blocking glasses for kids to help manage overstimulation and support better sleep at night.
2. It Creates a Predictable Routine
Summer without structure is a special kind of chaos. One of the best things about the Nex Playground is how easily it slides into our daily rhythm.
Our typical summer routine:
- 9 AM – Morning Energy Burn: 20 minutes of games after breakfast to help everyone settle into the day
- 3 PM – Pre-Dinner Reset: When everyone’s melting down, Nex gives us a structured transition period
- Rainy Days or Heat Waves: Total lifesaver when we can’t go outside
During those 15–30 minutes, I sip coffee. Maybe switch the laundry. Sometimes I just sit. It’s glorious.
3. It’s Inclusive, Even With a Baby in the Mix
What surprised me the most about the Nex Playground is how much my 5-year-old loves it too. They play together—without needing me to referee. Most days, my baby is in a bouncer nearby, cooing and watching the chaos unfold.
For a short time, all three kids are content. Do you know what that’s worth? Everything.
And, bonus: I sometimes sneak in a yoga session from Nex’s adult-friendly library while my toddler naps.
4. Designed for ADHD-Friendly Engagement
Nex isn’t loud and overstimulating like other games. It’s calming, intentional, and focused on gross motor development—a perfect match for ADHD kids who crave sensory input.
My daughter loves tracking her progress in the simple dashboard. I love that she’s learning emotional regulation without even realizing it. And yes, we see real improvements: fewer tantrums, better focus during quiet time, and improved sibling dynamics.
5. It Encourages Sibling Bonding and Cooperation
In our household, “sharing” is often a full-contact sport. But the Nex Playground introduced cooperative gameplay that helps my 5-year-old feel like a leader, and my 3-year-old feel like a winner.
Games like Fruit Fighters and Balance Quest bring laughter, teamwork, and even turn-taking (gasp!). The best part? I don’t have to be the constant referee.
6. Safe, Indoor Physical Play
With a 4-month-old, outdoor adventures aren’t always feasible. Nex gives us a way to meet our movement goals indoors.
We added these foam play mats and a balance trainer for kids to support safer jumping and more diverse gross motor play. You don’t need a ton of space—a small living room corner does the job just fine.
Top Benefits of the Nex Playground for Summer with Kids
- ✅ ADHD regulation through movement-based play
- ✅ Interactive screen time that feels purposeful, not passive
- ✅ Sibling connection with cooperative and competitive games
- ✅ No extra remotes or complicated setup
- ✅ Great for indoor energy burn on hot or rainy days
- ✅ Customizable routines that support structure and predictability
Our Favorite Affiliate Picks for a Nex Setup That Works:
- 🔗 Nex Playground Console (Amazon) – The heart of our play-based summer strategy
- 🔗 Foam Play Mats – A must for safe indoor jumping and movement
- 🔗 Blue-Light Blocking Glasses for Kids – Reduce sensory overwhelm during screen time
- 🔗 Balance Trainer for Kids – Builds core strength and supports regulation
- 🔗 Portable Tower Fan – Keep the play space cool while they move like maniacs
Other Posts You’ll Love:
Final Thoughts: From Chaos to Calm (Sort Of)
The Nex Playground for summer with kids isn’t a miracle cure, but it’s the closest we’ve come. It gives us a way to move, play, laugh, and breathe—even when the heat, hormones, and hyperactivity are in full swing.
For parents of ADHD kiddos, especially in multi-child households, it’s a safe, structured, and fun option that meets everyone where they are. Whether it’s a 10-minute post-breakfast dance game or a rainy afternoon energy dump, Nex gives us sanity-saving playtime with less stress and fewer meltdowns.
Is it still loud? Sure. But it’s joyful loud—not survival-mode loud. And that makes all the difference.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
One thought on “How the Nex Playground Saved Our Summer (and My Sanity)”