The decision to cut out or cut back on television and video games for young children might not be an easy one for your family to make. When screen time plays a big role in your family time, eliminating it can leave both children and their parents wondering what to do to fill the void. Making TV time and video game time family fun time, however, benefits your children and your family in more ways than you may realize.

Family fun time doesn't have to be a chore. Instead, make family fun time the time for your family to engage in something you enjoy. Select a game or a puzzle that everyone can enjoy. Play the family favorite Monopoly with a twist; Zappos Monopoly includes favorite Zappos brands that teenagers will recognize and adults will appreciate. Or if you have a house filled with little ones, consider purchasing a Melissa and Doug alphabet puzzle. Not only will you be spending time interacting with your children, but there's an educational component as well. Family fun time with puzzles and games is a great alternative to screen time.

If a family fun afternoon or evening with games and puzzles isn't your style, consider getting everyone in your house motivated and going outdoors. Enjoy the fresh air, go for a walk, take the little kids to the playground or consider a bike ride or a low-impact hike. Be sure to purchase comfortable and well fitting shoes for your children before you head out; consider New Balance Kids as one option to get you started with the youngest of children.

Whatever you do, you won't regret turning off the box and doing something with your children. Whether you decide to get outside and go for a walk or grab a board game and see who's got what it takes, spending time interacting with your children without television and video games can benefit everyone.