There’s no definitive “rule book” of how to raise children – this we all know all too well. While we can follow rough guides, what is good for one child may not be good for another. Maturity progresses differently from child to child, and learning achievements may come at different times for different children.
One thing that is important for children is that they are stimulated enough when it comes to learning activities, be they mental or physical.
Outdoor play systems are a brilliant way to teach children about physical play and their interactions with a physical environment, and also provide mental stimulation too.
But what age is too young for an outdoor play system?
Today we delve a little deeper into playgrounds and look at when children are ready and able to get to explore them.
Learning early
Playgrounds can be explored by children of all ages, it is simply the design of the outdoor play system itself that dictates the correct age that a child can use it. Once a child is walking – from the age of about 1 and up – they are ready to start exploring play systems designed specifically for their age.
Baby play systems can be developed for children from the ages of around 1 to 3, and are full of simple and safe elements for them to master. These sorts of systems require adult interaction to help babies explore in a safe manner – they are not simply leave and go. They are ground level designs where a fall or trip will not injure children.
Other items that may be included in a system may be a secure, strap in swing, to be operated by a parent.
Young children
Young children over the age of around three can be ready for a little more adventurous activity. Play systems with more built-in mental stimulation are particular good for this age, as are playgrounds which are a little more diverse in terms of heights and obstacles.
Ages 6 and up
From the ages of around 6 and up, children are becoming more aware and safe physically, which means that climbing obstacles can be a great way to help them explore. Whether it’s rope ladders or safe mini climbing walls, these sorts of outdoor play systems encourage body confidence and taking risks, without the effect of real injury if they do manage to take a tumble.
Play systems may be faster, taller, and more involved than systems for younger children
From the ages or around 10 and up you can really add most elements to a playground which children are able to discern whether they are physically capable enough to conquer it. This level of reasoning only comes about around this age.
So, as you can see, children of all ages are capable of using outdoor play systems, it really is the age of a child that will determine the design and elements of a playground. This needs to be kept in mind if you are thinking about installing an outdoor playground.
Whether you’re a school, preschool, or private company, you need to think carefully about the ages of children that you are looking to facilitate with a playground. Many playgrounds are made up of different zones or areas, each one dedicated to serving a particular age group effectively. These types of multi-level playgrounds are popular with parents as if they have multiple children, they can simply go to the one spot for all their kids to be able to play comfortably while being supervised at all times.
If you are simply looking to cater to one particular age group, then you can get a little more specific and targeted by adding multiple different playground elements suited particularly to that age. This can be added to in the future if you are finding that your playground is getting a little stale with the kids.
When choosing playgrounds it is important to choose wisely. It is best to take advice from experts when it comes to the playground elements that are most suited to children of particular ages. This way, kids can be appropriately stimulated mentally and physically, according to their age group.
Safe, secure, and age appropriate playgrounds are within reach of all businesses and government-assisted facilities.
