How Natural Playgrounds Help Children’s Development

Both boys have visited our local parks and playgrounds since they were very young. They both really enjoy being outdoors and whilst I wasn't one for swings or slides when I was younger I wanted to make sure the boys were comfortable using outdoor equipment from a early age. Playgrounds aren’t just about entertainment – they’re a key part of a child’s development. From confronting danger with climbing structures to social skills garnered by interaction in a play environment, playing outside helps children grow. I think the 'confronting danger' part for me was why I didn't like playgrounds as I never felt confident. Fortunately both boys love climbing and it's nice to see them taking risks because it is all part of development. 

Natural playgrounds and adventure playgrounds, built using wood, stone, sand and water, are a growing trend thanks to their sustainability and their suitability in a wide variety of landscapes. Put simply, they blend more seamlessly into different environments – from National Trust parks to schoolyards. However, the natural elements of play also benefit children’s development. Here’s how:

Versatility

Playground design that uses fixed, unnatural equipment limits development. There is a finite number of ways for children to play creatively. When children become bored, accidents are more likely to occur and as such, providing versatility in play is key.

Visual Preference

In a study, it was revealed that children actively prefer playground installations that utilised natural materials and forms. This helps engender imagination and encourages children to interact with the playground. Again, boredom can cause accidents in playgrounds – so visual appeal is also vital. 

Installing natural play elements was also found to improve children’s spatial cognitive awareness, socialisation and fantasy play skills. (Herrington & Studmann, 1998).

The environmental aspect can’t be ignored either – with natural playgrounds providing a less jarring fit to play areas in national parks or other scenic areas. 

Construction Skills

Natural playgrounds generally incorporate moveable objects such as sand, logs, pebbles and rocks. These are often complemented with buckets, spades, string or fabric which can be used by children to learn construction skills. Natural play encourages creativity through the interaction of these elements. These construction projects, such as digging channels in sand or creating dams in water channels with pebbles, provide satisfaction to children. 

Research has also revealed that children using construction skills in natural playgrounds are found to work cooperatively, which helps them problem solve and think creatively. A further study by Hestenes, Shin & DeBord (2007) found that in playgrounds that used natural elements, children were far more likely to use constructive play over functional play. 

 Improved Physical Fitness

While this is also true of more traditional playgrounds, the uneven landscapes and play equipment present in natural playgrounds are beneficial to exercise: whether that’s climbing a wall, jumping over barriers, climbing over log structures or building their construction skills, a child’s physical fitness will improve. 

Social Development

Outdoor play environments stimulate social development far better than indoor ones – and the size and variety of the equipment provided in outdoor playgrounds also helps stimulate larger projects. These larger projects generally encourage more play themes, as children tackle bigger obstacles in groups. (Davies, 1996).

Cognitive Development

Studies have found that playground design is crucial in aiding pretend play and divergent thinking. Creativity varies as a result of playground design – more pretend play and creativity occurs as a result of contemporary natural playgrounds compared to traditional designs. 

 Co-operation

Traditional playgrounds that use monkey bars, slides and swings encourage competition rather than co-operation. Natural playgrounds were found to create opportunities to play creatively and work together to either construct solutions or confront problems. 

 Time At Play

Studies have shown that children playing in natural environments spend more time actively playing. This increase in playtime has the additional benefit of providing better physical fitness. Put simply: your child will absorb more of the benefits of playtime, since natural playgrounds increase overall time playing. 

Teacher Interaction

Teachers are a key part of school play, as their role as an observer and guide is vital in development. Teachers were found to be more likely to support and facilitate a child’s development when in the presence of higher quality outdoor play equipment. (DeBord et al., 2005)

Confronting Risk

While safety is key to every playground, children must learn to confront risk as an important part of their development. Natural play areas are a good way to present elements of risk thanks to climbing and jumping challenges – but also balance that risk with safety measures such as soft landing surfaces and generally softer equipment.

Now that Summer is upon us it is a perfect opportunity to head outdoors and explore some natural playgrounds in your area. If you live by a large park or National Trust property you will probably be closer to a natural playground than you think.

Michelle