Building healthier minds

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2nd December

Not just physical: How outdoor play is key to children's well-being

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We all know playgrounds can help children stay physically healthy- climbing, swinging, and running are great ways to burn off energy and build strong muscles. But did you know that playgrounds also play a huge role in boosting kids' mental and emotional well-being?

Strengthening the mind

We often think of kids as being care-free, but more and more children are feeling stressed and dealing with their own challenges.

Playgrounds are more than just places for exercise- they’re a space where children get to unwind and reset.

  • Unicef has found that the opportunity to play releases endorphins that help to reduce stress and improve mood . After some time on the swings or scaling a climbing wall, kids feel more relaxed and ready to take on the world (or the next school day!). 



Improving social skills

Playgrounds are the ultimate social classroom. They’re where kids learn to take turns on the slide, cheer for each other on the monkey bars, and help each other on the swings. 

  • The NHS has found that being able to take turns, share, and approach others to make friends is key to children' s social development. Playgrounds help kids acquire skills like communication, teamwork, sportsmanship and conflict resolution… all without them knowing they’re learning!



Fuelling creativity

When children play, their imaginations run wild. A ship becomes a pirate adventure, a tower becomes a jungle hideout. This kind of creative play is more than just fun- it helps kids develop problem-solving skills and a sense of creativity that they’ll carry throughout their lives.

  • The British Council has found that creativity starts with play. It gives children an opportunity to look at a situation from multiple perspectives, create their own worlds, and set goals by themselves or with others. 


Developing emotional resilience

Overcoming small challenges on the playground, like figuring out how to traverse across a tricky play trail or the frustration of all the swings being taken, teaches kids perseverance and builds their confidence. 

  • UK Youth found that play means children get to experience a range of emotions helping them learn to express their feelings, develop their own emotional self-regulation, and feel a sense of accomplishment.


More than just play

While playgrounds are fantastic for keeping kids active, their benefits go far beyond the physical. They’re spaces where children grow emotionally, connect socially, and relax.



Ready to create a playground where kids can grow, learn, and play?


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