WhilePokemon Gois geared toward adults and teens, a lot of parents are playing it with their children too.
I helped my kindergartener install it yesterday, and we spent an afternoon at a park looking for Pikachu.
There are some safety concerns, but lots of potential for exercise and learning, too.
If youre still not sure what this game is all about, readour explainer.
Its a free game where you walk to places in the real world to collect in-game supplies and characters.
Supply stops and gyms are usually places like libraries, churches, and parks.
They can also attempt to throw pokeballs to catch the pokemon you find.
That job takes a little dexterity, but if you have enough pokeballs, why not let them practice?
More on that in a bit.
Instead, see if you have an old phone or tablet around that hasGPScapabilities.
Even if it only has wifi and not a cellular data connection, you could still play the game.
you could do this by sticking to areas with wifi, of course.
Its even possible to catch pokemon without leaving home.
SincePokemon Gohas lots of opportunities to spend real money, you may want to limit in-game purchases.
On an iPhone, theres a setting toturn off in-app purchases.
I go a step further, on my kids phones.
For kids (13 and under), it doesnt offer Google as an option.
Unfortunately, since Pokemons servers are currently overloaded, it may be impossible to create a Pokemon Trainer account.
When you begin, you could customize an avatar, and then its time to catch your starter pokemon.
(You dont have to wander around for this one.)
Theyre going to completely forget all that when they have their eyes glued to their phone.
Lures make the situation a little more complicated, from a parents perspective.
It can also be concerning to parents.
Whos setting out that lure, and why?
Be sure to ask your kid who hes been running into while playing games.
The exercise is a given: you have to walk to incubate eggs, for instance.
Driving doesnt count, and the app knows the difference.
Different kinds of places have different pokemon.
I caught a goldfish-like Goldeen today near a lake.
A lot of pokestops are at interesting places, including historical markers.
While youre out wandering, you may even findrealanimals.
The game intertwines so many interests that its a natural for family outings.
And since you might play it almost anywhere, it works for city strolls as well as nature walks.
Watch out for safety concerns, to be sure, but dont forget to have fun.
Illustration by Angelica Alzona.
