Why We Love the Nex Playground (Especially as a Neurodivergent Family)
As a mom of five (three of whom have high support needs) I’m always on the lookout for ways to help my kids regulate their bodies, burn energy safely indoors, and actually enjoy screen time without turning into overstimulated gremlins. The Nex Playground has been one of those rare wins that works for every kid in our house, regardless of age, ability, or sensory sensitivities.
MOVEMENT-BASED PLAY THAT MAKES SENSE FOR OUR KIDS
What I love most is that the Nex Playground encourages whole-body movement without being chaotic. The games are structured but flexible and engaging without demanding constant high-intensity motion. It hits that sweet spot where my kids are regulated and not overstimulated.
For my neurodivergent kids especially, this has been huge because:
it gives them a safe outlet for energy
it supports coordination and motor planning
it offers clear visual cues and predictable gameplay
and it doesn’t rely on complicated controllers (just their bodies!)
Even our kids who struggle with transitions do well with it because each game has a built-in rhythm helps give their brains a natural “close the loop” feeling.
BUILT-IN LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES (A HUGE PLUS FOR HOMESCHOOLING FAMILIES)
One of the unexpected bonuses of the Nex Playground is how many of the games naturally support learning through movement. As a homeschooling family, I love anything that blends physical activity with skill-building, because it helps my kids retain information better and stay engaged longer.
Several of the Nex games incorporate:
Problem-solving and strategy
Sequencing and pattern recognition
Reaction time and motor planning
Following directions
Basic math concepts (counting, matching, timing)
Reading skills through on-screen instructions and prompts
For some neurodivergent kids, learning is often more accessible when their bodies are involved and this system does that beautifully. Movement-based learning supports regulation, which means the brain is in a better state to actually take in information.
I’ve noticed my kids naturally practice teamwork, turn-taking, and communication through the cooperative games. And because the games feel playful, they don’t even realize they’re building executive function skills at the same time.
For us, the Nex Playground isn’t just entertainment… it’s become a homeschool tool that fits nicely into our routine, giving the kids a meaningful learning outlet while keeping things fun and active.
PERFECT FOR INDOOR DAYS
With the chilly winter weather in Ohio, we needed something indoors that still promotes movement. The Nex Playground has been perfect for those times when I want everyone to be active inside without turning the living room into a wrestling ring.
SIMPLE SETUP, ZERO CLUTTER
The Nex Playground is so easy to manage! It’s a tiny device. No bulky equipment. No giant mats. No endless cords.
Just turn it on and play!
THE GAMES ARE ACTUALLY FUN (EVEN FOR ADULTS)
The games are fun, well-designed, and surprisingly responsive. My kids genuinely laugh when they play and the cooperative games mean we’re not dealing with unnecessary meltdowns over competition.
Safe & Private (No Ads, No Chat, No Online Access)
Another huge reason we love the Nex Playground is the built-in privacy and safety. In a world where so many kids’ platforms are loaded with ads, pop-ups, in-game purchases, and open chat features, the Nex Playground feels refreshingly simple and secure.
There are no ads.
No online play.
No open chats.
No stranger interactions.
No data-harvesting.
It’s a completely closed system, which means my kids can play without me hovering to make sure they’re not being exposed to something inappropriate or distracting. For neurodivergent kids (who may struggle with understanding safety, unexpected sensory input, or the overwhelm of online environments) this level of simplicity is a gift.
I don’t have to monitor notifications, mute other players, or worry about what’s popping up on the screen. The focus stays exactly where it should: play, movement, and fun.
And honestly? The peace of mind alone is worth it!
A COMPANY THAT LISTENS
Another thing that sold me on the Nex is their team. Inside their private community group, they are incredibly responsive, open to feedback, and genuinely invested in making the system better. They ask for suggestions, they listen, and you can tell they care about families actually using this - not just buying it.
I’ve seen them take community ideas and turn them into real updates, which is great!
WHY THE NEX PLAYGROUND WORKS FOR NEURODIVERGENT FAMILIES LIKE MINE
My neurodivergent kids need:
predictable structure
clear visual cues
movement-based regulation
low-pressure social play
opportunities for mastery
and activities that don’t require a ton of executive function to start
The Nex Playground checks all of those boxes.
The motion-based play also helps create sensory organization in the nervous system. My kids get proprioceptive input, vestibular input, and enough movement to regulate without tipping into overload. For us, it has become a tool—not just a toy.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE NEX PLAYGROUND
If you’re looking for something that:
encourages movement
supports sensory needs
works across ages
keeps kids regulated
is easy to set up
and has a company that truly listens to its community
…the Nex Playground is absolutely worth it.
It’s a fun piece of tech that fits seamlessly into our neurodivergent household. This has become one of our most-used tools for movement, connection, and fun.