For our next safari we will learn why taking your child to a play place is so beneficial to their health. As we know as adults, there are numerous benefits to taking on a healthy active life style and that applies to little ones too. Toddlers and preschoolers who are active have “stronger muscles and bones, leaner bodies, less risk of becoming overweight, a lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels and even a better outlook on life” (Gavin). It’s truly astounding how giving your child 60 to 120 minutes of exercise a day can help them both physically and mentally. But that’s not the only thing your child gains. Fun rigorous activities in a play place can help shape your child’s flexibility, endurance and strength. All of these are essential parts to your child becoming healthy and fit. During this safari we will cover all of them.
Endurance
When a child plays a game of tag, they often have to run for prolonged periods of time in order to stay away from the kid who’s “it.” As they run and dodge, they are increasing their endurance. Endurance is any aerobic activity that gets the heart beating faster and a person breathing harder. For children, this involves a lot of running around and when a child dashes through a play place, they are building their endurance and strengthening their cardiovascular system.
Strength
When a child uses their arms to cross a pair of monkey bars or climb on a rock wall or safety net, they are increasing their strength. Strength activities are anything that strengthens arms and legs and they don’t have to be lifting weights. Children can perform push ups, sit-ups and lift themselves up platforms on playgrounds and play places (Gavin).
Flexibility
When a child reaches up to the sky or down to touch their toes without bending their knees, they are increasing their flexibility. Flexibility is anything that involves stretching and extending arms and legs without hurting them. Stretching activities are always recommended before a child plays on a playground or a play places. Not only does it warm their limbs up for vigorous exercise, it also prevents them from cramping up or overextending themselves.
As we’ve seen, playing is one of the best ways to keep your little one fit and healthy. But sometimes, playing outside isn’t always the best option especially during winter. Play places like Clown Around allow for all kinds of aerobic, strength and flexible activity in a climate controlled play center for children. Even as the seasons change from winter to spring, Clown Around always allows a safe and healthy environment for children to exercise until their heart’s content.
Tips from Tiger:
-When performing stretching activities, always encourage your child to reach for 10 seconds. This strengthens their flexibility.
-For toddlers, the ideal playtime is 60 minutes long. For preschoolers, it’s 120 minutes. Make sure to allow time each day to help your child grow!
-Children should not be inactive for long periods of time. For toddlers, only one hour unless napping. For preschoolers, only two hours (Gavin).
Useful References
Gavin, Mary. “Kids and Exercise.” Kids Health. kidshealth.org, 2020. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/exercise.html,
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