How does nature play stimulate children's development?
Children already spend so much time indoors, which is why it is good to play outside in a natural environment. Nature play contributes to development cognitively, physically, and naturally—high time to increase outdoor play in a natural environment.
Two children stand on a leaf-covered path, holding a large, colorful umbrella. They wear rain jackets and boots, one in red and the other in black and grey. Trees with autumn foliage line the path, creating a vibrant, seasonal backdrop.
Nature Play: Put on Boots and Engage in Nature's Playground Fun
Children's play spaces often lack a connection to nature. Yet, the outdoors has countless wonders for play—think twigs, robust boulders, tree trunks, sandy expanses, and vibrant plants.
A natural playground allows children to interact with elements like boulders, sandy terrain, willow tunnels, shrubbery, flowers, water features, and tree trunks. These natural components foster unstructured play and encourage the discovery of the wonders of the outdoors.
The impact of nature play on children
Nature play involves engaging with natural materials like sand, branches, and pebbles. This form of play significantly contributes to the development of creativity, imagination, and resourcefulness in children. Unfortunately, children spend less time outdoors in today's digital age, leading to decreased physical activity and an increased risk of obesity.
Recent studies have demonstrated that a broad range of outcomes are related to access to and contact with nature, including increased physical activity, reduced obesity, decreased stress, and improved mental health. (Lubans DR, Morgan PJ, Cliff DP, Barnett LM, Okely AD. Fundamental movement skills in children and adolescents: a review of associated health benefits. Sports Med. 2010;40(12): 1019–1035)
Child climbing | Markelo, NL | Lappset Nederland
Playing in nature is healthy!
Engaging in outdoor activities within a natural environment significantly contributes to the development of children. Beyond the evident physical benefits, such as enhanced motor skills and overall health, immersing oneself in nature yields substantial cognitive and emotional advantages. However, a noteworthy trend has emerged over the years, indicating a decline in children's frequency of outdoor play.
Recent research stresses this shift, revealing that a mere 27% of children report regular outdoor play near their homes, starkly contrasting the 71% observed in the baby boomer generation. Notably, for individuals aged between 55 and 64, the rate soars to 80%, underscoring a generational difference in outdoor engagement. This data stems from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Islington Play Association between July 6 and 11, 2022.
Emphasizing the importance of natural play, it allows children to embark on enriching adventures, marvel at the nuances of the natural world, and actively engage through activities like hopping, climbing, and exploring. One notable advantage is that when given the freedom to create their play experiences, children exhibit a reduced likelihood of boredom. This creates an environment where instances of bullying and undesirable behavior decrease.
Nordic identity and sustainability
Our roots are in the North, and we infuse Nordic identity into our products even when they leave home. Our approach prioritizes function, sustainability, and a warm, tactile user experience.
We use locally sourced Nordic pine, known for its low carbon footprint, as our primary material. For sculptural forms, we utilize large steel frames, combining Nordic aesthetics with the benefits of steel.
Unleashing Children's Adventure and Exercise
Playgrounds nowadays are stepping up the game with a mix of wood, nets, ropes, and natural materials that turn them into mini jungles. It's not just the usual swing-and-slide routine – kids can crawl, run, hide-and-seek, climb, scramble, and just let loose. They thrive on pushing boundaries, and tackling a crooked beam, similar to what you'd find in a jungle, adds an extra layer of challenge compared to a straight one! Here's a remarkable fact: wooden playgrounds are encouraging more intense exercise. So, not only are they having a blast, but they're also getting a good workout in the process!
A young boy with blonde hair, wearing a striped shirt and gray pants, is playing on a wooden climbing structure in an outdoor playground. The ground is covered with colorful numbers and designs. Houses and parked cars are visible in the background.
Unique Challenges for Children
Playgrounds are stepping up their game with natural materials like willow huts, tree trunks, timber play equipment, nets, and ropes. This is a big deal because research proves that natural play brings children unique challenges and learning moments. It not only adds more fun to their playtime but also helps them stay calmer. It's a win-win for everyone!"
Nature-inspired Playgrounds
When you mix elements from nature with exciting playground gear, you create the perfect playground experience. Natural playgrounds bring challenges and adventures that every child craves. The equipment, like slides, climbing structures, and swings, ensures continuous fun and promotes children's motoric development. It's the best of both worlds for a fantastic playtime!
Children playing on the Flora | Boshoek, NL | Lappset Nederland
Benefits of natural playgrounds
- Children discover much more while playing in a natural environment.
- Natural play allows every child to test their limits.
- All senses are stimulated through play.
- With imagination and creativity, children create their world.
- With Flora and Clover's natural play equipment, children continue to develop motor skills at various levels.
- Natural surfaces such as wood chips or artificial grass with integrated shapes fit in well with this.
- Our play equipment has a long lifespan of 10 to 20 years and low maintenance costs.
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Nordic Pine: Timeless Beauty, Enduring Strength
Our Nordic pine timber is incredibly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, from frost to sun. This robust yet soft material ensures children a comfortable and enjoyable experience, regardless of the weather. Not only is it resilient, but with an environmentally friendly carbon footprint, you can trust that these products contribute to preserving the environment for future generations. Only the best parts of the wood are used in our playground equipment. In addition, we offer unpainted options for all our wooden playgrounds and fitness equipment.
Wood has a natural and warm appearance, making playgrounds and outdoor sports areas feel inviting. The natural surface of the Nordic pine whispers stories of timeless beauty, with its rich grains creating a captivating visual harmony. The unique pattern and texture of each knot and whorl add depth and character, weaving a distinct mosaic that showcases nature's own artistry and unparalleled design. After some time outdoors, the Natural Tone surface will develop a beautiful grey patina.
The Flora product line features natural play equipment inspired by organic shapes found in nature. The roofs mimic tree leaves, and the climbing handles resemble tree branches, capturing the randomness of a forest. The visible grains maintain the wood's natural character, and the warm brown colour stays true to the wood's original hue.
Are you feeling the itch to head outdoors for some playtime?