3 Reasons to Play as a Family (and the Best Colorado Parks to Visit Together!)

When we reflect back on the last year, it is easy to think pandemic, school closures, and toilet paper shortages, but there were also some important benefits of this year in quarantine. According to a study by Voice of Play, “60% of families said they are playing together now more than before the pandemic”. We experienced a shift in our house too! When it felt like the world was closed, we opened up new doors within our family. Puzzles were brought out, games were taught, obstacle courses created in the backyard…we truly played together! Now, as more places open up and sports/activities are back on the calendar, it is incredibly important that we don’t lose this play time as a family and below I’ll give three reasons why.

This is the second 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. Check out our first article “4 Reasons to Get Back to Your Local Park (and the Parks to Check Out First!)”.

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.

1 – Connection with Others

As I write about play as a family, I want to clarify that this can mean any kind of family as well as multigenerational. Play gives us a unique opportunity to connect with kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other important people in our lives. In an article about multi-generational play, PlayWorld shared that “Interacting with older adults gives children a sense of their own self-worth and builds confidence.”

In a way, play puts us all on a level playing field. Adults remember what it was like being a kid and the children get to see the adults relax as they separate from work and house responsibilities. According to an article on zliving.com, “When families play together, it’s inevitable that they lighten up and communicate in more casual environment. Play leads to the building of happy memories, and the sharing of inside jokes.” In a time where our schedules can be so packed full of commitments, make the pledge now to plan some family play time as well.

Deputy Zach S Parrish III Memorial Park

Our first park recommendation for your next family playground adventure is Deputy Zach S Parrish III Memorial Park in Castle Rock, Colorado. Dedicated to a fallen police officer, this play area is huge with truly something for everyone.

Depending on the age(s) of your children, you can connect and play right alongside them at this beloved Castle Rock Park. Parents can swing with little ones on the ‘parent and me’ swing, make up a musical masterpiece on the xylophone and slide down the toddler-sized slide. If you’re there with older children, I dare you to take on the massive play structure and obstacles inside! I am not one for heights so when I took a turn up there, my kids were ecstatic and it felt like we bonded in a whole new way as they saw me tackle the challenge too.

On a more serious note, this park includes a memorial site which provides a safe place to speak to your children about tough moments. In a random coincidence, we were there on a day some local Castle Rock Police came by which made the trip that much more special and our family conversation much more impactful.

For full park details, visit https://slidesandsunshine.com/deputy-parrish-best-park-in-castle-rock/.

2 – Teaches Cooperation and Encourages Creativity

One of the many benefits of play discussed on Voice of Play is group interaction. It is in group play where “kids learn with social roles and cultural rules, develop the appropriate cooperation skills and familiarize themselves with a shared system of symbols, including verbal and body language.” As a parent, aren’t those the kinds of skills you’d like to help them learn? Being with your children at a playground, you can show — and then they can mirror — these cooperation skills and social interaction. 

Your children also develop a greater sense of creativity with group play. According to an article on multigenerational playgrounds by GameTime, “Children who play with adults: Demonstrate greater creativity and higher levels of language and problem-solving skills.” Play also helps children to “learn discovery and develop verbal and manipulative skills, judgment and reasoning and creativity” according to Voice of Play. 

Twin Silo Park

When I think of what parks bring out both the creativity and cooperation in children, I think of large, themed playgrounds. There is no better place that combines large and themed in Northern Colorado than Twin Silo Park in Fort Collins.

With its farm theme and expansive footprint, Twin Silo park is a great spot to visit with the entire family. Children can conquer their fears as they climb to the top of the silo slide or run across the very high rope bridge. They can play games in the barn area and take the “elevator” down a level. With a playground this size, their cooperation and patience is tested at each popular spot as they wait for their turn.

We love visiting Twin Silo Park as a family, not just for the playground, but also for everything around it! There is a creek behind the silos where you can fish for crawdads and have a nature walk. In addition, there is also a large dog park, community gardens, a BMX track and many sports fields.

For full park details, visit https://slidesandsunshine.com/twinsilopark-fortcollins/.

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

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3 – Creates Foundation for Lifelong Fitness

Have you ever joined in a game of tag or groundies at the playground with your kids? Oh…my…goodness! That is one of the hardest workouts ever! There is no doubt that children get the benefit of physical fitness and endurance while playing at the playground, but what if we showed them that it’s just as important for us too? By staying active, and involving our children, we can cultivate a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. Voice of Play reminds us “Parents, as one of the best advocates for physical activity and play, limit your children’s screen time and set an example of a healthy, active lifestyle that includes plenty of play. It’s the first step toward putting your children on a path to good physical health.”

Carmody Park

As you may have seen “Fitness Zones” are popping up at parks all over, providing the opportunity for adults to exercise while their children play. While the idea is great, in many cases, the fitness zone is in a completely separate location from the playground and doesn’t allow you to both be active in those areas while in sight of each other. For that reason, I’m highlighting Carmody Park in Lakewood, Colorado. At Carmody, the fitness equipment is placed along the perimeter of the playground making it easy for everyone in the family to see each other!

In addition to the actual exercise equipment, there are many ways to show a love of physical fitness at Carmody Park. First, if you live close enough, there are great bike trails leading you to the playground so just in getting there, you can show fitness is fun. Second, there is the opportunity to play sports since you’ll find basketball courts and football/soccer practice fields. Finally, the play area is large and full of ways to play together (maybe even try a game of tag!)

For full park details, visit https://slidesandsunshine.com/lakewood-carmody-park/

To conclude, family play became a bigger part of our lives during the pandemic and quarantine, but let’s not let it stop there. To help each of us stay committed to play as a family, Voice of Play encourages us to sign the Play Pledge below. Be sure to sign the Play Pledge and commit your family to an hour of play — together — each day. When you and your kiddos have signed your pledge, share a picture with me on Instagram at @slidesandsunshine! 

“Outdoor play is an essential part of every child’s healthy growth and development. As a parent, please pledge to make your child’s play a priority by creating a “play program” with your child and signing the pledge below. Make a commitment to ensure that your child has an hour of outdoor play a day at home and/or at school.”

Thank you for visiting Slides and Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!

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