On weekends, a familiar scene unfolds in many families: parents try to distract their children from their phone screens, while the latter show little interest in traditional physical activities.
This paradox is becoming more and more common as digital devices become integrated into our daily lives. From a young age, children have access to short video platforms and video games, and are constantly stimulated by personalized content. At the same time, many traditional physical activities struggle to maintain their appeal in the long term.
It’s not just the children; the entertainment needs of urban youth are also evolving. After the rise of themed cafes, photo spaces and cinemas, many people are looking for more interactive experiences allowing them to exercise, meet up with friends and experience new emotions.
Children participate in interactive physical games instead of using electronic devices.
A new model of entertainment
In this context, several entertainment models integrating technology are emerging in Vietnam as an alternative approach to meet the leisure needs of several generations.
Recently, Cali Club, a South Korean brand, chose Ho Chi Minh City as its first destination in Vietnam. Instead of developing a traditional leisure center model, the company introduced the concept of “K-Sportainment”, combining physical activity, digital technology and gamification elements.
According to the unit representative, the difference of this model lies in the fact that the technology does not replace physical activity but is integrated into the experience, thus creating more interaction and enthusiasm for the participants.
The experience space at Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien, in Ho Chi Minh City, offers more than 20 interactive and physical games, combining competition, points system and group activities. Players use RFID wristbands to record their scores, track their performance and earn rewards after completing challenges.
Education experts have pointed out over the years that children are generally more interested in activities that have specific goals, rewards and a real sense of progression. This is also the principle applied in many educational applications, skill development programs and video games.
Many games require coordination, reflexes and motor skills from participants.
The integration of this mechanism into physical activities is seen as a new approach to increasing children’s initiative.
A mother living in the An Khanh district, after letting her child participate in the experiment, said she was surprised to find that her child had spontaneously asked to play more to improve his score.
« Normally, my daughter gets bored quickly in play areas. But this time, she kept looking at the scoreboard and wanted to try again to beat her own record. This made physical activity more natural, without the need for constant reminders », a-t-elle déclaré.
These types of models are not only aimed at young children, but also teenagers, students and young adults looking for indoor leisure activities.
Surveys in many shopping malls in He Chi Minh City show that interactive forms of entertainment such as bowling, virtual reality, physical games and group activities are attracting increasing numbers of young people in recent years. This phenomenon is explained not only by the playful aspect, but also by the need for social connections.
In the age of booming social media, many young people want experiences to share with their friends, creating shared emotions instead of just passively consuming content.
At Cali Club, many games are designed as team competitions, interactive dances or score challenges. Each round offers different results depending on the participating team, thus guaranteeing an ever-changing experience.
Many parents opt for indoor play areas so their children can both have fun and increase their physical activity.
Minh Khoi (24, resident of Ho Chi Minh City) said that he and his group of friends often had difficulty choosing places to have fun on the weekends.
« Going to the café or cinema too often becomes boring. Activities that involve physical effort and social interactions allow people to talk better to each other; no one sits with their nose glued to their phone “, he explained.
The emergence of new models also reflects the evolution of consumption behavior among young urban families.
Movement in the age of technology
Whereas previously spending was primarily on material goods, many families are now willing to spend money on experiences considered to have spiritual value or quality time for the whole family.
According to Ms. Tran Hoang Ngoc Uyen, general director of Cali Club Vietnam, the biggest challenge today is not getting children to exercise, but rather making them want to do it voluntarily.
« We have found that today’s children are growing up with technology. So instead of trying to separate them from it, this model leverages the very elements that spark their interest, such as scores, challenges, and a sense of accomplishment, to make physical activity something they actively seek out. », déclaré Mme Uyen.
She said the trend of combining technology and physical activity has grown strongly in South Korea in recent years and is starting to attract attention in many Asian markets.
From a market perspective, the emergence of such models indicates that the entertainment industry is entering a phase of competition based on experience rather than number of games or space size.
Indoor entertainment options are expected to meet the increased demand for leisure activities during the summer.
Modern consumers increasingly demand much more than a beautiful location or simple service. They want to feel involved, interact and create their own memories.
It’s also why concepts like gamification, immersive experiences and interactive entertainment are increasingly appearing in many areas, from education and sports to retail.
While it is too early to assess the long-term effectiveness of these models in changing children’s exercise habits, the reality is that the need for new play spaces is clearly evident in major cities.
With increased screen time, the challenge is no longer just about limiting technology. What many parents are looking for are solutions that help children find a balance between the digital world and physical activities.
In this context, entertainment models integrating technology become a remarkable experience, not only for children, but also for young people who are looking for new ways to have fun in an increasingly hectic urban life context.
Quynh Phuong
Source : https://vtcnews.vn/xu-huong-giai-tri-moi-hut-khach-o-tp-hcm-keo-tre-khoi-man-hinh-dien-thoai-ar1020865.html
