Exploring the benefits of challenging playgrounds

This article debates the importance of thrill in children’s playgrounds.

Playgrounds are places where children learn how to navigate the world securely. An important life skill, that children only learn by doing. 

Many parents and grandparents find playgrounds too risky. However, existing research shows that good playgrounds are important for developing children’s physical literacy, and that physically challenging play actions teach children to handle risk.

Get a profound understanding of the benefits of challenging playgrounds by reading this article.

White paper

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

5 TIPS FOR SECURE CHALLENGING PLAY

5 tips for secure challenging play

  1. Use the possible fun features of the landscape in your design (eg. slopes, streams)

  2. Choose play equipment that is age appropriate and developed and tested with children

  3. Make sure that play equipment is certified to meet safety standards

  4. Make sure that the play area meets space and surfacing safety guidelines

  5. Choose robust, durable technical solutions for equipment that moves

Webinars and white papers about play

Mastery through make-believe play

Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in playgrounds

Children playing on a large playground tower made from more sustainable materials in Olins Park

Play for the Planet: Redefining Outdoor Design to Minimize Carbon Footprint

Tweens love playgrounds: 5 new science-based practice tips for school playground design

8 ways to encourage nature play in playgrounds

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Unleashing Creativity: Building Unique Playgrounds with KOMPAN Design Studio

a children's play area with children playing on the playground.

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Play value - the influence of playground equipment

truly inclusive section

Truly inclusive – the reward of thrill in universal play designs

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

Innovative products - The key to more play

The more thrilling playground

Play for all - Universal designs for inclusive playgrounds

Sensory Play: The why, how and what of sensory stimulating playgrounds

Physical activity among preschool children

Tweens love playgrounds

Nature play and Natural Playgrounds

Equality in play – Survey on playground use in children with disabilities

Play value increases with sensory play

A couple of girls climbing on KOMPAN play equipment.

Climbing activates tween girls - How to increase tween girls' physical activity

Unique play designs - Increase play duration

More Play and No Conflicts

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