Why Play is Important: The Health and Social Benefits of Playgrounds

According to Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play (NIFP), play is so deeply rooted in the brain that it becomes as essential as the human drive to eat and sleep. Therefore, playgrounds are important spaces to foster budding growth and learning for young children and users of all ages. The endless health benefits of playgrounds and the social play perks are some great outcomes achieved through active play.

Boosting Physical Health Through Active Play

Playgrounds equipped with interactive play elements and children's playground equipment guarantee a physical health boost. Here are ways active play contributes to children's physical development:

Cardiovascular Fitness

Active, repetitive play activities develop endurance and maintain heart and lung health. Some play activities, including running, hide-and-seek, and jumping, contribute to cardiovascular health and stamina.

Bone and Muscle Development

Climbing and bodyweight activities help grow children's muscle strength and bone density. Strong bones and toned muscles promote long-term physical development and reduce the risks of osteoporosis.

Motor Skills and Coordination

Regular engagement with interactive playground equipment, such as monkey bars and swings, fosters gross motor skills, flexibility, and coordination. Some activities that increase body awareness are swinging and balancing.

Obesity Prevention

With studies showing that 1 in 5 children in the United States is diagnosed with obesity, it has become a growing health concern for parents and health experts. Active play in public playgrounds is a guaranteed free solution to combat and prevent expensive healthcare costs for obesity.

Long-Term Health Habits

Early childhood exposure to playgrounds allows children to reap lifelong physical and social benefits of play. By spending at least an hour engaging with a play structure or physical activity daily, children play and cultivate a lifetime love for playgrounds and the entire play system.

Enhancing Emotional Well-Being with Play

The health benefits of playground play include a child's physical and emotional aspects. Playing games with playground equipment can create a significant difference in kids' self-confidence and emotional regulation, among its many advantages.

Social Skills Development on the Playground

Playgrounds are great avenues to witness the growing social benefits of play among children daily. Here are some social skills developed within the shared areas:

Cognitive Gains from Engaging in Play

NIFP studies show that play is one of the seven basic emotions that every human is born with. Well-designed playgrounds and interactive playground equipment can greatly enhance children's mental state and also affect their learning and academic performance, with the following benefits:

Problem-solving and Critical Thinking: Navigating through children's play equipment requires overcoming obstacles, negotiating with peers, and planning effective movements. With this, kids learn and develop problem-solving strategies and decision-making skills.

Creativity and Imagination: Every playground play offers limitless possibilities for imaginative and pretend play. Versatile and interactive playground equipment encourages children to think innovatively and come up with creative narratives.

Executive Functions: Memory, multi-tasking, attention control, and self-restraint are abilities categorized as executive functions. Playground dynamics and unstructured outdoor play stimulate these functions, allowing children to manage their words and actions properly. 

Spatial Awareness and Reasoning: Play improves children's understanding of spaces and objects in two and three-dimensional terms. Moving through playground structures, sliding, and physically interacting with playmates creates an awareness of spatial relationships.

Social Cognition and Emotional Intelligence: One of the social benefits of play would be the development of social cognition or understanding of social norms, cues, and other perspectives. Managing emotions and regulating feelings are also improved through interactive and cooperative play activities.

Strengthening Community Bonds Through Shared Play Spaces

A community can be made stronger through shared playgrounds equipped with both adult and children's playground equipment. Several social benefits of play can be acquired and affect even a single child's social skills with a unified community spirit.

Encouraging Intergenerational Connections

Playgrounds become a melting pot of different age groups, such as children, teenagers, adults, and grandparents. These public spaces allow meaningful interactions, mentorship, and exchange of experiences within cross-generational relationships.

Fostering Social Interaction

These shared play spaces serve as important social hubs for both children and their adult companions. Community bonding is strengthened as the people grow connections, friendships, and support systems. 

Creating Social Inclusion and Diversity

Playgrounds break down barriers, be it abilities or differences in cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. By welcoming everyone, they encourage empathy and inclusivity while removing biases, particularly for children who are open to new interactions and experiences.

Enhancing Safety and Well-being

Well-used and interactive playground equipment and areas promote community presence and safe space for children, increasing a sense of responsibility and ownership. Physical activities in the playground also raise community health and spark wellness goals in the area. 

Instilling a Sense of Belonging and Local Identity

Shared playgrounds can turn into symbols of community pride. In this public space where everyone is welcome regardless of age and abilities, playgrounds become neighborhood landmarks.

The health benefits of playgrounds and the social benefits of play can be experienced not just by children but also by adults. Play is a permanent part of the human life cycle and should never be forgotten, regardless of age. Whether at home or in a shared community play space, don't forget to spend some time relaxing and playing along the way!

Learn about the author: Nic Breedlove