Top Toys for Active Families

Kinect is a camera add-on that allows users to play Xbox 360 games without a controller or other peripheral (like a mat). Instead, on-screen avatars mimic your off-screen movements and even respond to voice commands. Many Kinect games are family-friendly--no blood and guts here. Look for Kinectimals (in which the player cares for zoo animals), Kinect Sports, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Joy Ride (a kart-racing game), Dance Central, an EA Sports Active sequel, and even Zumba Fitness.

PlayStation3's answer to Wii and Kinect is a camera and motion-controlled option called PlayStation Move (compare prices).

Twister goes off the mat with this version that's really five games in one. You can play one that's akin to traditional Twister by scattering 16 colored rings, then placing your hands and feet inside based on what the spinner says. But you can also play a ring toss game and try other twisty, topsy, turvy options too. For two to four players, ages 6 and up.

Bop-It Bounce is a noisy, high-tech reinvention of the old paddle-and-ball-on-a-string toy. Use the paddle to play one of six skill games—the electronic voice commands will tell you what to do, but it's up to you to hit the ball in just the right way to win.

Just what is Swinxs, exactly? It's a game console, but it doesn't have a video screen or a power cord. One person can play with it, or 10 can. You can use it inside or take it to the park or the beach (it has a long-lasting battery). You can play the games programmed into it, download new ones, or even make up your own. Pull on a wristband, switch on the Swinxs and play! The wristbands let players interact with the console in relay games, tag and more.

Just about every backyard in my town has a pair of ladder ball goals in it somewhere! This simple game (also called Blongo Ball or Top Toss) features two goals, or racks, and six pairs of brightly colored golf balls attached together with rope. The object of the game is to toss the balls onto the goal to earn points. Simple? Yes—but addictively fun too. Play one-on-one or in teams.

Kids (and adults) still clamor for the Nintendo Wii, which features interactive, motion-controlled game play. Plus try active add-ons: The Wii Fit Plus (compare prices; read review) is a balance board and set of 40 activities designed to give a real workout in a virtual environment. A more little-kid-friendly alternative is Bandai Namco's Active Life Outdoor Challenge, which uses a durable mat controller (compare prices).

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Welcome to Wuhu Island. Here you can try 12 sports activities, from archery and cycling to table tennis and wakeboarding. This game comes packaged with the Wii MotionPlus accessory, which makes your Wiimote even more sensitive than before.

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