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Role of Playgrounds in Child Development

Watching as kids shriek and run around a playground makes it clear that they are having a ton of fun. Yet, there are more subtle things happening at the park than most people notice on the surface. With every hop, skip, and jump, kids are exposed to new situations that help to stimulate their development. Whether you are designing a playground for kids to enjoy during school recess or a massive athletic complex with multiple play structures, it’s exciting to know that your designs serve a huge purpose in helping kids make major developmental leaps.

Provide A Healthy Outlet For Exercise

From the moment that they are born, children are constantly working on developing their physical abilities. The best playgrounds provide places where kids can practice skills such as climbing, that they might not be able to do at home. Kids playground equipment that contains features such as ladders, rope nets, and ramps all help children to develop their coordination and balance.

Inspire Curiosity About The World

Children are naturally curious, and playgrounds can also help encourage them to delve deeper to find out the answers to their questions about the world. For instance, a play structure is the perfect place to include a rain gauge and other kid-friendly scientific tools. Parents and teachers can work these types of features into lessons about science and nature.

Teach Essential Social Skills

A child’s social development is also influenced by their playtime. Unstructured activities on the playground allow kids to test out their social skills in real life situations. For example, children learn how to take turns when only one person at a time can fit on a spinner. Alternatively, merry-go-rounds with a center spinning wheel encourage kids to cooperate to get their equipment moving. Themed playgrounds are another way to encourage children to develop their communication skills since they tend to inspire kids to engage in dramatic play.

Build Self-Confidence Through Encouraging Safe Risks

In most situations, children are encouraged to err on the side of caution. Yet, children also need the opportunity to engage in safe risks that allow them to test out their developing abilities. For example, standing on an eight-foot high platform before going down a slide is thrilling for kids. They feel a sense of accomplishment from climbing up to that level. While you know that they are completely safe with guard rails protecting them from a fall and safety surfacing on the ground, doing these types of adventurous activities builds their self-confidence.

Help Kids Focus on Academic Lessons

School playground equipment also plays a role in stimulating a child’s academic development. Not only can teachers take their lessons outside, but kids also need play structures to help them burn off their energy. After a romp on the playground, kids are more likely to sit still for their lessons. The increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain that occurs after exercise is also a great way to stimulate learning.


Although the equipment and materials have changed a lot over the years, there is a reason why playgrounds have long been a part of every community. Giving kids a place to play and try new things allows them to strengthen their physical and mental abilities.

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