Create A Fun Household with An Air Hockey Table for Kids
Invest in an air hockey table for kids to help them create fun moments indoors and attract more peers around for social interactions. The current generation of kids love staying indoors and playing various games, attributed to changes in social life and limited outdoor space. However, some of the indoor games they play negatively impact their lives.
Air hockey for kids provides fun play, which is good for their health as it engages their body and mind. But you need to bring in the best kids’ hockey table that’s durable, safe, and suits your kid’s age.
So, if you intend to create a fun household, this guide will help you understand all the concerns regarding an air hockey table for kids.
What Age Are Air Hockey Tables For?
There are several air hockey tables for kids, which vary according to the child’s age. You’ll get these tables from ages 3 and up. The age will determine the hockey table’s size and type. Remember, the standalone kids’ hockey table enables them to play while putting their weight on it.
On the other hand, the tabletop tables are not as stable as the other type, which requires kids to be careful while playing. The standalone tables best suit younger kids, and the tabletop tables are for bigger kids who understand more about safety. But this choice will vary according to the kid you’ve got.
Also, the air hockey table size for kids determines the age that they can use it. For example, an older kid will need a larger air hockey table depending on their height. Such a table will offer them more fun indoors.
The kid’s age also determines the puck size. The small puck tables best suit smaller kids, while the larger ones are for older children. If you buy the smaller hockey tables for your kids, you’ll have to replace them with bigger ones.
How Long Do Air Hockey Tables Last?
This is a question most parents ask while making purchases of hockey tables for kids. It’s right to do so as you’d like to have your hockey table last longer after spending good money buying it. On average, the table can last between one and five years.
However, you need to know that this majorly depends on the cost of the table, how often it’s used and how you maintain it. An expensive hockey table consists of high-quality, durable construction materials. Also, if you use your hockey table regularly without doing any maintenance, expect it not to last longer.
How To Maintain An Air Hockey Table for Kids
Maintaining and caring for your air hockey table for kids will help you prolong its lifespan by up to 4 years. You can do this by following the below steps;
Clean The Table Regularly
You should do this to avoid particles that can contribute to the crucial parts getting spoilt faster. Do this at least weekly and ensure you clean all the surfaces. Some manufacturers recommend you do this before and after the game to have it last longer.
If you clean the table regularly, don’t overdo it as it can also contribute to the table getting spoilt faster. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia which can erase the marking on the kids hockey table and make the surface unattractive. So, use a cleaner that’s meant for this only. But if you can’t get this, use non-ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners. When cleaning the surfaces, do it gently with soft cotton.
Clean The Fans, Filters, and Air Holes
You should also clean the fans and filters of the air hockey table for kids. Remove any dust or dirt on the fan and filter using an air compressor. After that, clean them with a microfiber cloth to avoid lint build-up.
Also, clean the hockey table’s air holes, which tend to clog faster. Do this regularly to have better surfaces for your kids to enjoy playing. When making the air holes ensure you turn the air blowers off. Then use a 1/32″ drill or toothpick to remove the dirt on the air holes. After that, use a vacuum cleaner or soft cotton to clean the surfaces around it.
Do Repairs Where Necessary
Another thing you should do is to repair any damaged area on time to avoid having it extend to other areas. You will, however, need to be smart enough to do this. Use epoxy resin to cover the dents on the air hockey table for kids. Then sandpaper the surface to create a smooth finish. Doing this will prevent the challenges, like the puck and striker not gliding over the surface, which can be frustrating.
Take Care of The Pucks
The pucks are what make this game fun and competitive. So, you need to maintain them in good shape all through. If the puck doesn’t float or is bent, consider replacing it. But if it’s damaged or with dents, sand it with sandpaper of 150 grit to smoothen out its surfaces. You should also do the same with the strikers to have it serve your kids longer.
Care For the Surface of The Hockey Table
But don’t forget to keep the surface of the air hockey table for kids in perfect condition. Look for any dents or any problem with it. Also, avoid using excess wax-based cleaners on this surface to make the game bearable.
Avoid Having Drinks or Food in This Area
Don’t allow your kids to have drinks around the hockey table to avoid messing it or causing accidents.
Is Air Hockey Safe for Kids?
Every parent wants their kids safe. Air hockey tables for kids are safe for use. Some features make these tables safer for kids. This is why you should buy an air hockey table for kids with the right features.
A safe hockey table should have;
Strong Support
A stable and robust air hockey table for kids will protect them from falling whenever they play. Look at the leg’s design and how strong they’re, especially if you buy the standalone tables that your kids will lean on as they play.
In this case, a cheaper hockey table may not support your child’s weight as they’re not top-quality materials. You can improve the safety of your kids by opting for a table with leg levelers, which enables it to stand straight and stable even on uneven surfaces. This will prevent accidents like your child falling over.
Also, look at what material the legs are made of. A hockey table made of natural wood will be stronger and more durable than manufactured wood. The manufactured wood is prone to break when the kids play roughly, resulting in accidents.
Strong Side Walls
An air hockey table for kids with strong sidewalls will reduce accidents as this is the area where children like leaning against while watching the game. The pucks also constantly hit the walls, exerting pressure and damaging it. However, a hockey table with strong sidewalls will withstand all these and serve your kids for long. A wall made of strong aluminum will ensure your kids are safe as they play, but they tend to be expensive.
The Right Size
For the air hockey table for kids to be safe for use, it must be of the right size, depending on your kids’ age and physical stature. A bigger kid will require a bigger hockey table that will not sink under their weight or force them to strain to cause stress on the surface. So, look for one within your child’s weight and height limits.
Area Of Use
But the safety also depends on the area where you place the air hockey table for kids. It should be spacious to allow your kids to move freely without squeezing in. Also, there should be no obstacles around that can make them fall or trip unknowingly. Plus, there should be enough light and air supply to the room for those playing here for long hours.
As a parent, you also have to be responsible for your child’s safety as they play. Tell them to be each other’s keeper while playing and also take some time to watch them as kids can be canny. If possible, have the floors dry or have carpets/rugs to reduce the chances of tripping as they move around.
Bottom Line
Kids should be actively involved in different games for their health and social life. But because, for various reasons, as a parent, you need to invest in the best indoor gaming kits to give them the best household fun. Before buying any hockey table, consider the right size according to your kid’s age and go for a durable set. As we’ve elaborated above, don’t forget to do regular maintenance on the air hockey table for kids to last longer and ensure safety.
