Playgrounds as we know them are a relatively recent phenomenon. Few existed before the 20th century. Many sources claim that the first planned playground in the United States appeared in Boston in 1886, a year after a recreational "sand garden" was created in Germany. The rise of playgrounds coincided with the expansion of industrialization and the middle class, as well as the expansion of urban areas.
Groundbreaking Play: Classic Playground Games from the Past
Topics: Play & Fitness, Childhood Unplugged
Kids have a natural instinct to climb and explore, which I’m sure is not a surprise to anyone who is a parent. Children climb everything — furniture, countertops, trees, playground equipment — EVERYTHING. The question is why?
We talk a lot about the importance of playing on the playground for children. Playing on the playground plays a vital role in the development of a child, it provides them with a healthy dose of vitamin C, it’s a great form of exercise, it helps them learn social skills and it’s just plain FUN.
Topics: Play & Fitness, Childhood Unplugged