Play Parks for your Kids
Play parks are playgrounds for your children. Playgrounds are a great place for you and your kids to meet up with friends. Playgrounds provide plenty of Kids activities and lots of fun, whilst you and your children are outside in the fresh air.
Invented in Germany over 200 years ago, playgrounds were originally a form of boot camp where children were trained to play correctly. Modern play parks are geared towards kids having fun, and many happy hours can be whiled away in these exciting and usually safe environments.
Your kids will love the tunnels and slides of a play park!
Information on play parks for your kids in South Africa
Is a play park right for your kids and family?
When choosing a play park for your kids, consider what you want your children to take away from the experience. Fun should be a priority, but play parks can offer many other benefits::
- Experts agree that playground social skills are a vital resource that children carry forward into adulthood.
- Playing games is essential to learning. Kids benefit especially from the spontaneous play encouraged by playgrounds.
- Physical activity builds fitness and can foster self-esteem
- Playgrounds generally require social interaction, as kids need to wait their turn and share. The grounds of social etiquette are introduced in playgrounds
Will the play park you are considering meet your children's needs?
- Some kids do best in a calmer environment
- Others thrive on stimulation
- Some kids prefer the outdoors (but remember the sunscreen)
Ensure you select a park appropriate to your child's age. Regulations keep play parks relatively safe for kids, but a park designed for twelve year olds could endanger a toddler, for example.
Parks often provide additional facilities such as cafes and souvenir shops. Mums can relax while the kids entertain themselves, and parents can catch up with each other and enjoy a moment of relative peace and quiet. Indoor play parks provide a great opportunity for socialising on cold, wet days.
Getting there with your kids
When planning your play park visit, pick the right time. Some parks close for winter, and keep in mind they will be more crowded than usual during school holidays, rainy days, and weekends. If there is bad flu going around, you might want to reconsider your visit. Take some wipes to keep your children's hands and faces clean, and always make sure you wash your child's hands before you leave. Don't forget to take water, as your little ones can work up a thirst with all the running around.
Indoor play centres
Check prices beforehand to make sure they fit your budget. Many indoor play centres admit babies under one year for free. Family discounts are common, and paying online can be cheaper than at the gate. Remember to check that the price includes activities, entertainment, and equipment use.
Consult the park rules before going. Children may be required to wear socks when playing on certain equipment, or forbidden to wear thongs, etc. Play parks with cafes may not let you bring your own food. Check what kinds of food are sold beforehand, and if they aren't appropriate for your kids plan your meal times accordingly. You don't want your little ones to be left hungry, or worse; full of junk food!
Outdoor play parks
Don't forget to check the playground rules and the weather! Pack hats, sunscreen, warm clothes, and wet weather gear as needed.
Now you're all ready for this kids' activity, have a great time!