Have you ever watched a child on a swing and wondered what’s really happening beyond the fun? Playgrounds may seem like just fun and games, but there is a lot more going on than just that. Swings do more than just move back and forth – they teach children how to balance their body weight and use momentum along with their core muscles to propel them higher. Jungle gyms are fun to swing across, but they also introduce kids to scientific concepts like gravity and spatial awareness. Playgrounds are filled with fun activities for children, but underneath, they bring a wealth of benefits. Let’s explore them!

One of the most obvious benefits of play is the development of physical and motor skills. Children develop gross motor skills by using their larger muscle groups to jump, climb and swing across the playground. Concurrently, their fine motor skills begin to strengthen as the connection between their brain, eyes, hands, feet and limbs all work together as the child navigates through the playground.

Playgrounds are rarely a solitary experience; in fact, they are designed to encourage group play. This gives children an opportunity to learn essential social skills like how to introduce themselves, compromising and interacting with others. Through play, children can naturally learn about these social norms.

Playgrounds also foster creativity and problem-solving. Unstructured play gives kids the opportunity to make decisions, be creative and solve problems – it might just be the floor to us, but to a child on a playground it could be hot molten lava or the roaring waves of the ocean. Through imaginative play, kids explore different ideas which not only teach them different social roles but give them an avenue to explore themselves as they figure out what they like and dislike.

A large part about growing is taking risks, and playgrounds offer a safe place for kids to take low level risks. Whether it is climbing a taller structure, balancing on beams, or going down a bigger slide, giving kids an opportunity to gain small successes increases their confidence and self-esteem. These low-level risks will help children develop confidence and trust in their abilities.

Just like adults, kids feel stress and anxiety in their everyday lives. Playgrounds offer an outlet for these emotions. Studies have shown that not only does active play lower stress and anxiety in children, but through play, the brain makes new neural connections, improving a child’s memory, thinking and learning.

So, take your child to the playground! There is a lot more going on than just a fun time.