5 Types of Park Equipment That Help Children Develop Socially and Cognitively

Kids love the swaying motion of seesaws. This playground equipment also encourages cooperation.

A park that includes a bridge climber offers an additional opportunity for balance challenges. Choose a model made from pressure-treated pine, a safe material that resists rot and insect damage. Make sure a protective surface is inspected regularly to keep it intact and free of potential tripping hazards.

Slides

Slides are a playground staple that provide children with an exhilarating experience. Kids can climb a structure to reach the top of the slide, then sit and enjoy the rush as they speed down to the bottom of the slide. This thrill-seeking behavior helps to develop confidence, and kids often return to play on the slide many times while visiting a park.

Slides can be built with a variety of designs and materials. Some slides feature a smooth surface, while others are made of metal or other materials that may be more durable and weather-resistant. Some slides are designed to be used by multiple children at a time, and this feature can help foster positive social skill development. The process of waiting for a turn on the slide can teach children how to take turns, work with other children and practice patience.

In addition to being fun for kids, slides are also a great way to exercise. Kids must exert their muscles to climb up the ladder and then speed down the slide, which can help build strength in their arms and legs. They can also build balance and spatial orientation skills by navigating the structure and finding their place on it at the top. To park equipment keep a slide’s slick surface intact, it is important to regularly scrub it down with warm water and soap.

Spring Riders

Playground spring riders offer a fun and challenging way for children to use their bodies while burning energy. These coil spring playground toys resemble rocking horses and can be ridden by one child at a time or grouped for more social play. They also stimulate the mind as they help kids discover new sensations and develop a sense of how their actions affect the world around them.

These popular park pieces are standalone units that can be added to a playground with ease. They can be built into the ground or set on a base to allow for portable use, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Many spring rider playground equipment designs have back support to help children feel comfortable while bouncing back and forth. They may feature sound elements or music to encourage sensory experiences, and their surfaces can be textured or smooth for a variety of tactile experiences.

Kids can enjoy imaginative and gamified play while using a spring rider, and they often develop their sense of fairness by taking turns. Some models can accommodate multiple children, which allows for social interaction that promotes teamwork and cooperation. Kids can also use their creativity and problem-solving skills as they pretend to race each park equipment other while balancing on the rider. This can improve their core and balance muscles, which can translate into better walking development and athleticism down the road.

Musical Instruments

Music is a universal experience that can accelerate children’s cognitive, social and emotional development and enhance overall motor skills. It can also be a great tool for sensory stimulation and can help with speech and language acquisition. Incorporating musical instruments in your playgrounds is a way to offer these kinds of powerful learning opportunities in an environment that’s more casual than a traditional classroom.

LSI Rhapsody Instruments provide an immersive sensory play experience that is accessible to children of all abilities. Featuring a broad range of sounds, these instruments can be played individually or combined to create an enchanting orchestral performance. These outdoor musical instruments for playgrounds can withstand the rigorous play of kids, extreme weather conditions and vandalism and will remain in tune for years to come.

Playgrounds with musical instruments are a perfect fit for childcare centres and preschools. LSI offers a selection of chimes, metallophones and drums in different sizes and heights to ensure that children of all ages can find the perfect fit.

These instruments are crafted by Freenotes Harmony Park, who are committed to creating durable, sustainable and perfectly tuned sound sculptures that will enhance any space. The instruments are also designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, and can be accompanied by ergonometric mallets that are both affordable and easy for children to use.

Age-Appropriate Equipment

Children need playground equipment that matches their growing bodies and developing skills. When kids are playing on equipment that is too advanced or big for them, they may become frustrated and want to leave the park altogether. The best way to minimize this frustration is to ensure that playground equipment is age-appropriate for all children.

When you see a piece of playground equipment marked with age groups, this means that the equipment has been designed for play activities that are ideal for that particular age group, including deck heights, climbing features and slides. For example, an overhead climber would not appear on a playground for toddlers and preschool kids because they do not have the upper body strength to use these elements. Older kids, on the other hand, have the strength and skill to use this type of equipment.

Additionally, many playgrounds incorporate a variety of sensory play elements for children to experience as they play. This helps to stimulate their sense of touch, smell, sight and hearing. This type of equipment can include things like musical instruments, sand or water play and trike paths. All of these types of equipment should be surrounded by a soft, safety surfacing material that meets CSA playground standards. This includes materials such as shredded rubber, wood chips, mulch and synthetic turf.