3 Hidden Benefits of Play (and the Colorado Playgrounds to Experience Them!)

I could go on for days about how important play is for children, specifically outdoor free play. The confidence, the strength, the imagination…you get to watch your child make huge steps in their development every time you visit a playground. Below I will explore three “hidden” benefits of play and highlight some fantastic Colorado parks to check out along the way!

This is the fourth in a series of articles sponsored by IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) and Voice of Play, IPEMA’s ongoing, consumer-facing initiative to promote the benefits of children’s play and playgrounds. Voice of Play also provides helpful information and resources to help us all improve the quality and quantity of children’s play on playgrounds. For more benefits of play, check out the other articles in the series:

This post may contain affiliate links and while we may earn compensation when you click on the links, it is at no additional cost to you.

BENEFITS OF PLAY: PHYSICAL

The physical benefits are probably the least “hidden” of the three I’m focusing on today, but I think they’re often forgotten. We take our kids to the playground to “get their energy out” and in doing so, they are pushing their bodies to new physical limits.

Voice of Play shares “When kids are playing, they are learning reflexes and movement control, developing fine and gross motor skills and increasing flexibility and balancing skills. On top of that, when kids are involved in physical activity, they’re building stronger muscles and improving bone density, improving heart and lung function and preventing obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.” By taking your kids to the playground, you are fostering a love of physical activity that can lead to a lifetime of health.

Crescent Park

Address: 1300 Lombardi St, Erie, CO 80516

Challenge course playgrounds are popping up all over giving a perfect recommendation for enhancing those physical benefits of play. Not only that, they are great for older kids and teens! To see one of these challenge courses, check out Erie’s Crescent Park! One side of the playground is a 7-piece course, complete with synthetic turf, to test your skills while the other side has some exciting new play equipment. For full review and additional pictures, visit https://slidesandsunshine.com/erie-crescent-park/. If you’d like recommendations of a challenge course near you, leave us a comment below!

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Don’t forget to take along some of our park favorites!

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BENEFITS OF PLAY: SELF-CONFIDENCE

You know that look your child gives you when they are successful at something for the first time? It makes your heart grow bigger seeing that glowing proud smile! The best part about playgrounds is that you see that smile and sense of growing self-confidence all the time! Playgrounds are fun, but they also provide opportunities to face fears and take risks.

According to Voice of Play, “When kids take that risk and overcome the challenge, they develop a sense of accomplishment that leads to higher self-esteem. Free play also encourages children to develop skills that build self-confidence, such as conflict resolution and imaginative dramatic play.” Whenever I take my kids to a playground with new friends, I sit back and watch the social dynamic and it is so exciting to see children take on leadership roles, help younger children, and become more confident in their abilities.

Junkyard Social

Address: 2525 Frontier Ave Unit A, Boulder, CO 80301

As I reflected on perfect playgrounds to represent building self confidence, I realized that fits about every park review I’ve ever written! There are always elements that encourage free play with others and elements that provide some challenge. Instead, I thought I’d give a preview of an outdoor “adventure playground” coming soon! The Junkyard Social Club is going to be the ultimate spot to watch your children (and play alongside them!) as they take some risk, expand their imaginations and truly free play.

For more information on the Junkyard Social Club opening date and offerings, visit https://junkyardsocialclub.org/.

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BENEFITS OF PLAY: COGNITIVE & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Did you know that the Tic-tac-toe and other game panels at the playground provide an important benefit? I used to walk by them, sometimes not even take a picture for reviews, until I started learning about their purpose. These activity panels provide a fun way to improve cognitive abilities, as well as provide a space for children to separate from the busier areas of the playground. (This option can be very beneficial for children with sensory issues.) They also can create a more inclusive location as they do not require the same physical skills as the rest of the playground.

These activities can assist in brain development and many of the physical aspects of a playground can as well! According to research, “swings help kids learn perceptual processes and body awareness through space; decorative barriers and activity panels, like the tic-tac-toe panel, improve children’s perception of form and shape, spatial orientation, depth and size and their visual and tactile perception; and overhead hanging equipment, like hanging rings and monkey bars, helps kids learn scientific concepts such as force of gravity and spatial awareness.”

Brighton Volley Park

Address: 882 Bear Creek Ct, Brighton, CO 80601

This new playground in Brighton Crossings is wonderful for so many reasons. Kids will love that not only are there the typical slides and swings, there are also multiple activity panels such as a racing game, tic tac toe, and a scavenger hunt!

In addition, Volley Park has structures that will provide challenge for all ages and provide that early knowledge of the force of gravity and spatial awareness. For more details about additional outdoor games available at Volley Park, visit https://www.brightoncrossings-connect.com/amenities/volley-park/.

There are so many benefits to taking your family to new playgrounds! Which will you choose first? If you need a park recommendation closer to home, let us know in the comments.

Thanks for joining us at Slides and Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!

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