We Speak Playground

Outdoor play is not just “fun and games” but an essential part of a child’s development.

“No matter what the weather brings, playing outside is good for kids,” says HealthyChildren.org. “There is scientific evidence that playing outside improves health, and children of all ages love it.”

Participation in team sports is not just about the joys of running around outside, scoring goals, smacking baseballs, and making game-saving tackles – it’s a powerful tool for the development of physical, mental, and social skills in children.

Climbing is an instinct that traverses the animal and human kingdoms and for good reasons. While animals may climb for food and basic survival, humans find climbing to be a fun and thrilling experience that helps their mental development. Let’s leap into the benefits of climbing for youngsters.

As screen time becomes more and more tempting for both children and parents, the importance of engaging in outdoor play remains as imperative to growth and development as it's ever been. In some ways, playgrounds haven't changed; they continue to offer opportunities for exploration and adventure, supporting physical, emotional, and social development in children.

In other ways, though, innovation in recent years has transformed playgrounds, making them more inclusive - and even therapeutic - for all children, but especially those with sensory disabilities. This is critical as we're becoming more aware of the prevalence of sensory processing disorders. One of those innovations is the addition of sensory panels.

Playgrounds hold a special place in our childhood memories—a realm where imagination takes flight, friendships are forged, and endless laughter fill the air. But have you ever wondered about the origins of these magical spaces?

Today’s children have fewer siblings and better connections to their grandparents. Fostering intergenerational play, then, may be one of the best ways for families to find themselves connecting those links. In many instances, both parents work, and households are single-parent-led.

Many parents and educators are familiar with the term STEM, which is an acronym for “Science,” “Technology,” “Engineering” and “Mathematics.” These concepts are a foundational aspect of learning that helps students succeed across the board. STEM is designed to allow young people to gain real-world knowledge using these principles through hands-on applications and immersive experiences.

As the school year winds down, Field Day is one thing teachers and students look forward to. Field Day is a time-honored tradition in almost every school, and it offers a special opportunity for kids at all grade levels to interact, compete in a friendly environment, and show off their athletic abilities.

Inclusive playgrounds are essential to modern communities, providing opportunities for children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together.

These accessible spaces cater to the unique needs of every child, ensuring that physical, mental, and learning disabilities do not limit their enjoyment and participation.

It's no secret that play and physical activity are essential ingredients for a child's growth and development. But what if your neighborhood is lacking a space for children to run, climb, and explore?