KIDS WANT EXCITING PLAY EQUIPMENT TO VENTURE OUTSIDE FOR FUN:
Children want exciting play equipment to use in fresh air environs
JASMINE Jensen knows the importance of getting her children outside for playtime.
But not all kids are getting enough time outdoors because they’re bored with conventional playground equipment.
The mother of two said her kids, seven-year-old Imogen and three-year-old Logan, loved nothing more than heading to local playgrounds.
“We go to plenty of playgrounds but most of them are nowhere near as exciting as Muddy’s,” she said.
“The kids really enjoy so many of the activities here, there are lots of different climbing activities that they enjoy.”
She said her kids were always keen to try out new types of playgrounds.
“If there’s any kind of play equipment they’re excited to get in and give it a go.”
But not all kids are the same. Research from Southern Cross University (SCU) shows children and teenagers need stimulating playground equipment to entice them outdoors.
SCU physical education and health expert Dr Brendon Hyndman said the lack of interest in playing outdoors and using extra energy could lead kids astray as boredom took over.
“In my research, students have voiced that boredom can prompt them to misbehave, push boundaries and even become reckless to the point of injuring themselves or others,” he said.
“In addition, students say they become tired of certain facilities when their abilities have developed to such an extent that those facilities no longer challenge them or meet their movement needs.
“Thinking of opportunities in outdoor spaces for learning and engagement is the key, rather than considering playgrounds as a venue for letting off steam.”
THE KIDS REALLY ENJOY SO MANY OF THE ACTIVITIES HERE, THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT CLIMBING ACTIVITIES THAT THEY ENJOY
JASMINE JENSEN