West Omaha families are deliberately choosing toys that get kids moving, thinking and interacting with one another instead of staring at screens. At the local retailer Fat Brain Toys, sales data show a clear shift toward products that challenge children’s minds and bodies.
Parents seek toys that teach problem‑solving
“I think parents are really looking for toys and games that kind of give them a problem to solve, rather than just keeping busy through play,” said Paige Vinkenberg, digital marketing manager at Fat Brain Toys. Shoppers are gravitating toward puzzles, building sets and strategy games that require focus and cooperation.
Pretend play nurtures social skills
One popular category is pretend play. These toys let children create their own scenarios, role‑play with siblings, parents or friends, and practice collaborative storytelling. “It helps with social interaction and collaborative play,” Vinkenberg added, noting that such toys encourage sibling bonding.
Physical activity is a priority
Dr. Danae Dinkel, a childhood growth and development expert at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, emphasized that movement is vital for both physical health and emotional well‑being. “Physical activity can play an important role not only in children’s physical health, but also in their behavior and emotional development,” she explained.
Research shows that excessive screen time often correlates with behavioral challenges. “We can see more heavy screen use is related to more behavioral issues, where more physical activity and movement can provide opportunities to get some of that energy out,” Dr. Dinkel said.
She warned that too much screen time can displace activities that nurture children’s development. “Families can help establish healthier habits early by intentionally setting aside time for interaction and play,” she advised.
Bridging technology and active play
Some manufacturers are designing toys that mimic phones or tablets but require physical manipulation, offering a familiar look without the passive digital experience. These hybrid products aim to satisfy children’s curiosity about technology while still promoting movement and hands‑on engagement.
Finding balance, not elimination
For most parents, the goal isn’t to ban technology entirely but to create more opportunities for kids to move, imagine, solve problems and play with the people around them. “Really trying to build in some of that intentional time where you are one‑on‑one trying to spend time with your kids doing whatever they want to do,” Dr. Dinkel said.
As Omaha’s families continue to prioritize active, imaginative play, local retailers like Fat Brain Toys report growing demand for toys that support healthy development and strengthen family bonds.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
