Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
As summer approaches, children ditch their snow boots and put on their sneakers to play outside in the sun.
The right play activities can go beyond entertaining kids; certain elements of play contribute directly to their physical and cognitive development, helping them grow from curious kids into confident, intelligent, physically capable young adults.
Play fundamentals
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the International Journal of Early Childhood Learning has identified several key activities that make up the foundation of developmental play. These activities, or elements of play, should be a priority during children's outdoor playtime.
The fundamental elements of play are sliding, swinging, climbing, balancing, brachiating (hand-over-hand swinging), spinning, and sensory interaction.
These elements provide an experience for kids to have active outdoor fun while strengthening their balance, motor skills, coordination, confidence, curiosity, perseverance, awareness, and focus.
Playground equipment enhances play
The best and most comprehensive spaces for children to experience these elements are found in outdoor playground equipment.
One local playground equipment manufacturer, Lifetime Products, targets these elements from the very beginnings of the design process, ensuring access to foundational play elements in their play experience.
When interviewed, a Lifetime Play Systems engineer said:
"We want to make sure that when the kids are playing on our equipment, they can be having the time of their lives, meanwhile their parents are content that their children are safe and playing in a way that helps them learn and grow. We try to design the features of our play systems around the elements that make that happen."
As the weather warms up and kids start spending more time in the yard, parents are looking for ways to encourage growth and learning in children while keeping them excited and entertained. Through careful research and playset design, Lifetime Products is creating a playset experience for children that fosters fun, learning, and healthy development.
Lifetime's playsets offer a diverse range of features to engage and inspire young minds. But it's about more than just fun — it's about empowering children to explore, learn, and thrive.
Visit any of the six Lifetime store locations in Utah or two in Idaho to pick up a playset today or explore the selection online at lifetime.com.
