I think its a good idea in you're situation, i would not consider this because i just know i would be bored in 20 minutes, but that's me. I would recommend to buy a used one, so if you regret the purchase or the kids get bored of it you can resell it and not loose that much of that hard earned green.
And one more thing, there is no way a computer and the VP software can simulate all the physics and random weird shit that happens on the playfield of the real thing.