When children play on a playground, they use and develop gross motor skills, enhance their cognitive abilities, and improve social skills. All forms of play are important to child health and wellness, but the additional room outdoors gives children more space for crawling, walking, running, climbing, jumping or even jumping. With more space to run, jump and climb, kids can test their physical ability and build muscle strength while playing outdoors.
Read on for three ways commercial playground equipment can help enhance a child's overall health and wellness.
1. Physical Strength and Emotional Health
When a child is regularly brought to the playground, they learn to develop the physical and social skills needed to keep pace with other children. In a play environment, children learn to develop their social skills and learn how to meet new people. Playgrounds provide the necessary environment for children to engage with elements of developing key cognitive, social, and physical skills.
It's not just about building physical strength and training the mind; playgrounds allow you to develop your child's cognitive skills such as problem solving, memory, and imagination. Playgrounds are a place where children develop important physical, social, emotional, and creative skills.
2. Accessibility and Inclusion
With the right equipment, surfaces, and thoughtful design, the playground becomes an accessible space for all children. A well-designed, inclusive playground offers a multi-sensory experience that plays an important role in the development of a child's brain and a better understanding of the world. In addition to physical well-being, playgrounds can give kids the experience and development they need in areas as diverse as social skills, creativity, problem-solving, abstract thinking, and more.
3. A Variety of Play Activities
Today's playgrounds are filled with a variety of activities, including swings, slides, climbers, spinners, seesaws, and more. While a playground may seem like just entertainment, play variety is essential to enhance the developmental benefits.
From exploring social norms to sharing and collaborating, the playground environment gives children the opportunity to experiment with their social skills. This type of play allows children to move freely, interact with others, and explore the world on their own, helping them develop many skills in the process.
By providing equipment suitable for different ages and abilities, more confident or athletic children can play on the same playground as those who are just learning basic motor skills. This is especially true of playgrounds with a variety of equipment that gives children the opportunity to jump and play wherever their age and level of training allow.
Make Play a Priority
Playgrounds and playground equipment are a great way to keep children entertained and active so they learn skills that last a lifetime. Playgrounds help children develop fine and gross motor skills, enhance their social and emotional health, and promote strength, agility, and flexibility.
Outdoor playgrounds are a key element to providing healthy, active opportunities for all children. To learn how to design the perfect playground for your community, contact a GameTime representative.