Over the coming weeks

We are going to be getting out and about

Exploring some of the parks in our local area

We have quite a lot of playground equipment in our garden

But sometimes we all need a change of scenery

Our village park has recently been updated

But it still has a hideous and dangerous 1970s tall, narrow, metal slide

So we are park cuckoos

Finding the parks designed for others

And making them our own for a short while

Tomorrow we are off to the brand new park in Benenden

We already know it is fabulous

Great fun

Great for getting kids active

And great for growing their confidence!

Playground play can do incredible things for a child’s self-confidence and not only encourages children to step outside their comfort zone to tackle things unknown, particularly on their initial visits to the playground, but can improve their social confidence and problem-solving abilities.

Playgrounds come in a variety of sizes and types to accommodate different age groups and interests. While to a passer-by a playground may seem a noisy place of chaotic blurs, they offer children a fantastic way to develop new skills while also having a lot of fun. These opportunities for self-growth aren’t limited to outdoor spaces but can be enjoyed at indoor soft-play areas, climbing walls and even waterparks.

Play equipment is a common addition to park spaces and school playground areas but you can normally find your nearest speciality playground online, look out for the following types of playgrounds near you that your child might enjoy;

Role-Playing and Adventure Playgrounds

Playgrounds have come a long way from hot metal slides and creaky swings and it’s not uncommon to find adventure playgrounds built with incredible wooden ships that boast working pulleys and exciting secret cabins and towering forts that bring a smile to even the most ‘mature’ adult’s faces. In addition to toddler-suitable playgrounds featuring play equipment built with detailed and brightly coloured fire engine panels and working child-sized construction machines combined with fun sand play. These sorts of playgrounds allow children to embrace new roles and act out responsibilities and explore hierarchies and team building when playing with peers. This is an excellent source of self-development and can help foster new interests and help define the type of role your child may fit into in the future.

Achievement and Heighted Playgrounds

Whether you’re an avid climber or someone that feels uncomfortable on a second-floor balcony, it’s likely you first experienced this love or hate of heights at a multi-level playground as a younger child. While there is always going to be apprehension, even at the safest of indoor soft-play areas or outdoor rope playgrounds, reaching a new level or the top of structures offers an exhilarating and unbeatable feeling of achievement and can help children of all ages and abilities feel a boost in self-esteem. These sorts of activities offer the benefit of being enjoyed with peers or alone with the encouragement and support of a parent.

Co-operation and MUGA Playgrounds

Team sports and games are a fantastic way for children to explore making new friends, building social skills and learning to play politely alongside others, even if they don’t always get along. Multi-use games area playgrounds offer children multiple ways to play various ball-sports including traditional football, basketball and netball. Some modern MUGA installations also have additional interactive technology that allow users to use smartphone apps to add an extra level of competition or difficulty to playground ball games.

National Trust Parks and Playgrounds

The National Trust in the UK is a network of cultural and natural attractions offering everything from castles and manor homes to forests and lakes. Alongside these gorgeous natural and historic sites, you’ll often find a fantastic themed or adventure playground for your children to enjoy and burn off some steam after a day of enjoying courtyard water mazes, watching deer and learning something new about days gone by. Individual National Trust attraction entry can quickly add up, especially when you’ve got a clan to take around. If you plan to visit several sites or parks in the summer break, consider signing up for a yearly membership and taking advantage of the beautiful autumn sites in the coming months.

If you are looking for some inspiration during the summer break, why not find your nearest adventure playground or National Trust park and sit back to enjoy watching your child growing their confidence while having a blast.

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