The idea of giving children their own special play areas might seem strange at first, but in fact, it’s something that many schools and daycare facilities are starting to do more and more these days. If you’re someone who knows how important fun and exploration are to kids at this stage in their lives, you probably want to know everything there is to know about safe play areas for children — from the importance of having these areas to the things you should consider when designing one of your own. Here are some pointers that can help you have as much success as possible with your children’s secure play area!
Why is it Important to Offer a Safe Play Environment?
Studies show that spending time in nature reduces anxiety and stress, helps foster creativity, increases problem-solving abilities, boosts confidence, and strengthens social skills. To put it simply — it’s important because it’s necessary for kids to grow up healthy. If you want your students to succeed as adults, you have a responsibility as an educator to ensure they are happy and healthy. And one of the best ways you can do that is by giving them a safe place where they can run around freely!
The Right Equipment
Soft play areas typically consist of brightly colored, cushioned structures that kids can climb on, such as a castle with a slide or climbing wall. These soft materials prevent bumps and bruises if kids fall, so play is more about rough-and-tumble fun than anything else. Soft structures can be convenient in some situations, but they’re best suited for toddlers.
Designing Your Playground Area
The playground is one of your children’s most important learning spaces — and safety must be at a premium. Take these steps when it comes time to build your area. For example, make sure you have enough shade structures so that kids can play in all kinds of weather, but make sure those structures are tall enough that kids can’t fall out or climb on top of them. Make sure you have plenty of soft surfaces like sandboxes or swings so that kids don’t hurt themselves if they fall while playing. And, yes, remember to install plenty of colorful equipment like slides and climbing walls; these will keep kids active as well as engaged with their peers.
Creating an Ideal Environment for Children to Foster Creativity and Imagination
An important first step in creating a child’s play area is deciding how much money you want to spend. Do you want a large structure with trampolines, tunnels, and slides? Or is your space limited? The latter may benefit from having custom-built furniture such as climbing towers or other obstacle courses.
What Themes Can Be Used?
Every child likes something different. Some like princesses, some like pirates, some like monkeys or dinosaurs. The possibilities are endless; here are just a few examples of themes you could use for safe play areas for children:
- A Safari Theme: This theme is perfect for kids who love animals. You can incorporate all sorts of wild animals into your safari theme, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos! You can also include things like trees with coconuts hanging from them and even a few palm trees! You could also have an outdoor climbing wall with vines hanging down from it that kids can climb up! This is one of our favorite themes because it’s so versatile.
- Space/Galaxy Theme: If your kids love outer space, then why not create a space-themed room? This type of theme works well if you want to add in lots of bright colors as well as many stars and planets. Children will enjoy running around pretending they are on another planet while also learning about science at the same time!
- Underwater World Theme: Another fun theme would be an underwater world theme. This type of theme is great for little boys and girls who love playing in water. You can have fish tanks along with other types of sea creatures swimming above your students heads while they play! Your students will learn how to swim as well as how to identify sea creatures. They will also learn how deep water can be, which is important knowledge for any child to know.
Contact us at Epic Studios today for more information about soft play areas and our process!