We tested tons of Nintendo Wii video games and found the ones that let you have fun and break a sweat. Here’s how to choose the best video game console for your kids! For more fun ways to shape up, check out Parenting’s Fit Generation 2011!
by Laura Sullivan and Kim Ku
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Star Wars The Clone Wars
The Wiimote turns into a pulsating light saber (well, virtually) in this head-to-head game full of fierce sound effects. Heaving light sabers and blocking shots will give kids a major upper-body workout, and reason to throw their voice (Yoda, anyone?) in all sorts of funny ways. Parents, take note: the dark graphics and cartoon violence -- not to mention the complicated saber combos -- make this game appropriate for older kids only. Activity level: 6.5 out of 10 Best for: ages 10 and up This game is rated TEEN
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High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance
Dance along with High School Musical characters -- or create your own custom Wildcat -- in this groovy dance party with tunes from (shriek!) all three movies. The game itself is easy and intuitive, so kids will be dancing along -- we're talking aerobic dancing -- without even noticing it. Our favorite is the stop-action "pose," which always gets a laugh from the peanut gallery. Activity level: 9 out of 10 Best for: ages 6 and up
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We Ski and Snowboard
We definitely weren't expecting all of the great action in this game. Some of the other ski and snowboard games are more about balance than movement. But here, kids have to move their arms back and forth to get moving, and point to turn their skis or board. The result: lots of great exercise, and you feel very connected to the game since every tiny movement translates to something on screen. Activity level: 7.5 out of 10 Best for: ages 5 and up
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Mario Power Tennis
The old-school Mario graphics and go-go-go of this game won us over, 40-love. It's simple enough that if you swing the Wiimote, you will hit the ball -- so even young kids will get into it. And despite the relatively low skill level, this beefed-up tennis game is really quite exciting. Each player has an entertaining trick up his sleeve, so watch out or you'll get served! Activity level: 8 out of 10 Best for: ages 4 and up
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Playground
Now you can act out classic schoolyard games like tetherball, wall ball, and -- our favorite -- dodge ball (which is much less vicious on a virtual playground) in your living room. We loved heaving the dodge ball at the other players, then jumping out of the way when the roles flipped. Simple, straight-forward, and fast-paced! Activity level: 6.5 out of 10 Best for: ages 4 and up
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Outdoor Challenge
When it comes to breaking a sweat, this heart-pumping game was the clear winner in our testing. It comes with a floor mat, which really expands the range of activities and movements possible, giving a full-body workout in ways that other games don't. Our favorite was the mining cart mini-game: You and your partner have to jump at the same time to clear and hole in the tracks or you both go tumbling. Lots of great team-player lessons here! Activity level: 9.5 out of 10 Best for: ages 5 and up
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Ultimate Band
If Rock Band is too complicated for your kids but they want to get in on the be-a-rock-star fun, Ultimate Band is a good option. We love that there's a lot of positive reinforcement as you play. And we noticed that some of the roles are far more active than others -- playing the drums are the best way to rock out in this game -- but at least you don't have to buy expensive "instruments," which can sometimes feel as pricey as the real thing. Activity level: 6 out of 10 Best for: ages 7 and up
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Raving Rabbids
These mini-games are beyond imaginative, and the amazingly cute graphics and wacky storyline -- hyperactive rabbits get stuck in the TV and have to perform different tricks on different channels to get out -- will win over your heart immediately. (One favorite was a driving game that lets you steer with your butt!) On the most active of the channels, you get to do some crazy-fun disco dancing, the best we've seen on Wii, while judges look on. Activity level: 9out of 10 Best for: ages 8 and up
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Boogie Superstar
In singing mode, there's not much moving around. But as soon as the techno beat that drives this game kicks in, all you-know-what breaks loose! Once your kids get going with the dance sequence, there's absolutely no down time! Activity level: 5.5 out of 10 Best for: ages 7 and up
