Garden playground is not only a place for physical activity, but also a space to develop children's creativity and social skills. Here are some ideas for interesting games that can be organised in the playground using its elements and surroundings.
Ideas for physical and creative play in the playground
Playgrounds are ideal places for active play and spending time with children outdoors. Playing outdoors allows toddlers to develop their motor skills, supports their creativity and teaches them social skills through interaction with other children.
Toddlers love classic games such as soap bubbles or playing hide and seek, which engage them with movement and stimulate their imagination. The sandpit is another great place for creative play - children can build sandcastles, create tunnels and play-doh using buckets, spades and moulds. Sports accessories such as a skipping rope, ball or badminton racket can also be brought to the playground to add variety to the time spent together.
There are plenty of opportunities for play in the playground - the key is to think creatively, be willing to be active together and be open to children's ideas. Whatever form is chosen, outdoor play has many benefits for the physical, emotional and social development of young children.
Treasure hunt
Playing treasure hunts is a great way to develop children's perceptiveness and curiosity about the world. You can hide various 'treasures' in the playground, such as interesting leaves, sticks, pebbles or pinecones for children to find. Encourage them to use a telescope to observe their surroundings closely and look out for hidden objects. This not only develops fine motor skills and coordination, but also stimulates creativity and encourages them to look closely at their surroundings. The treasure hunt is sure to provide children with lots of positive emotions and interesting experiences.
Shadow games
Sunny days are the perfect time to play with shadows in the playground. Encourage your child to observe the shadows cast by playground elements such as slides, ladders and tunnels. Offer to create interesting shapes and figures using your hands and body. You can also draw shadow outlines with chalk and then decorate them or use them in subsequent play. Such activities develop children's imagination, creativity and artistic skills.
Games of skill and obstacle courses
Playgrounds are the perfect place to organise races and obstacle courses. Organise races using slides, climbing walls, buoyswhether hanging trapeziums as track elements. Use a stopwatch or hourglass to measure time and compete for the best score. Conquer an obstacle course, which can be, for example, going through a tunnel, climbing a ladder and descending Tyrolean. Such games are not only a lot of fun, but also develop physical fitness, motor coordination and healthy competition.
Ball games
A ball is one of the most versatile and popular play utensils for children. Take a ball to the playground and offer different activities, such as a game of pick-up, target throwing, etc. You can organise a mini-tournament or competition in specific competitions, adapting the level of difficulty to the children's skills and age. Ball games develop not only physical fitness, but also coordination, reflexes and social skills such as teamwork and following rules.
Role-playing
Playgrounds are also ideal places to develop imagination and creativity through role play. A playground house can become the setting for playing family, shop or restaurant. A tower can be the perfect place for guards to keep order and protect from danger. Use the swings as 'vehicles' - cars, spaceships or horses, depending on the play scenario you choose. Put your child's creativity to work, they are sure to come up with lots of interesting ideas for themed play that will transport them into a world of fantasy and adventure.
Get creative - create the best outdoor games for children yourself
In summary, playgrounds are not only places for physical activity, but also spaces for children to develop their creativity, imagination and social skills. The ideas presented for play using playground elements and the environment are just some of the many possibilities. It is worth experimenting, inventing your own games and simply spending active time together outdoors. Experiences such as these not only give children lots of fun, but also have a positive impact on their physical, emotional and social development.
