How Playgrounds Support Lifelong Healthy Habits for Children
It’s no secret that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining health and well-being, but did you know that an active childhood significantly increases the likelihood of leading an active lifestyle as an adult? Research shows that children who engage in consistent physical activity are more likely to develop habits that continue well into adulthood, shaping healthier, happier lives.
At Venture Play, we believe that playground time is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to promote this lifelong commitment to physical activity. Here’s why early movement through play can lay the foundation for a more active future.
- The Power of Play
Play is much more than just fun for children—it’s essential for their development. Playgrounds are unique environments where children naturally engage in physical exercise without even realising it. Whether climbing a tower, swinging from monkey bars, or racing through a trim trail, children are strengthening muscles, improving coordination, and developing motor skills in a way that’s enjoyable and unstructured.
By incorporating a wide variety of play equipment that challenges different physical skills, such as balance, agility, and strength, playgrounds become a natural training ground for lifelong movement habits.
- Developing Positive Connections with Physical Activity
For many children, structured physical activity, such as organised sports or PE classes, can sometimes feel intimidating or pressured. Playgrounds offer an alternative— a space for unstructured, child-led movement. This creates a positive relationship with exercise from a young age.
By associating physical activity with fun, freedom, and exploration, children are more likely to develop an intrinsic motivation to move. This intrinsic motivation is key to continuing an active lifestyle as they grow older, as it shifts the focus from obligation to enjoyment.
- Social Skills and Teamwork
Playgrounds don’t just support physical activity—they’re also a hub for social interaction. Whether it’s a game of tag or navigating the rules of play on a climbing frame, children learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These are skills that carry over into team sports and other group activities later in life.
Collaborative play encourages kids to remain engaged in physical activity by making it a social experience. When children build friendships through play, they’re more likely to stay active because it becomes part of their social framework—another key factor that promotes long-term engagement in physical activity.
- Building Resilience and Confidence
One of the benefits of physical play on the playground is the way it challenges children to take risks and push their limits in a safe, controlled environment. Whether it’s climbing a bit higher or trying something new, these experiences build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
These early experiences of success through physical challenges create a sense of competence that motivates children to seek out more opportunities for physical activity as they grow up. With increased confidence comes a desire to stay active, knowing that they are capable of overcoming challenges and trying new things.
- Setting the Stage for a Healthy Future
The physical and mental health benefits of being active are well-documented. Children who stay physically active are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, have stronger bones and muscles, and experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. By incorporating regular playground time into their routines, children set the stage for these long-term health benefits.
The habits and skills they learn during playtime on the playground carry over into adulthood, leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle. The playground, in this sense, becomes much more than just a place for recreation—it’s an investment in a lifetime of well-being.
- How Venture Play Helps Support Active Futures
At Venture Play, we understand the important role playgrounds play in nurturing an active lifestyle. That’s why we’re committed to designing play spaces that promote movement, creativity, and exploration. Our playgrounds are designed to encourage children to challenge themselves physically, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to stay active.
From climbing units that develop strength and balance to interactive play areas that encourage imaginative and social play, we create environments where physical activity is part of the fun. Whether it’s at school, in a park, or in a community space, we design playgrounds that help children fall in love with movement, setting them on a path toward a more active and healthier future.
Start the Journey to Lifelong Activity Today
Encouraging children to be active from a young age isn’t just about today’s health—it’s about tomorrow’s habits. Playgrounds provide a wonderful opportunity to nurture the physical, emotional, and social skills that lead to a lifetime of healthy activity.
If you’re looking to create a space that supports this journey for the children in your school or community, Venture Play is here to help. Let’s work together to build a playground where children can develop their love for movement, and in turn, a foundation for a healthier, more active future.
Contact us to discuss how we can design the perfect active play environment for your space!
Unveiled on 29 November 2022 and featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the school’s previously waterlogged, boggy and swampy school field has been transformed into a vibrant play surface. Where there was previously no suitable surface or space for outdoor play, the children can now enjoy a fully usable and durable games area, free draining and stable under foot - a long way from its boggy muddy past where Grealish would have played.
Former pupil Jack attended the school until the age of 11. He has gone on to achieve Premier League football success for Aston Villa and Manchester City, as well as his now established place in the national side. 27-year-old Grealish currently has 25 caps and 2 England goals under his international career belt and has been an ever-present member of the England team playing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The pitch was installed over three days in November 2022 by Venture Play. The 4-strong team first created a six-inch raised platform and prepared the surface with 30 tonnes of hardcore to ensure free drainage. Using 100 square metres of Lusso 30mm olive-green artificial grass, the pitch was also finished with white artificial grass line marking. The Venture Play team installed the goal posts and the corner flags, bedecked in the School’s colours.
Venture Plays Dallan Tan said: “This was a great opportunity to transform a muddy field unsuitable for outdoor play into an all-season, all-sports area. Using artificial grass offers the children a clean and safe play environment and provides the school with a hard-wearing, long-lasting, free-draining solution. A real win-win for everyone.”
Headteacher Neil Emery is very pleased with the new pitch and play area which allows the children extensive outdoor play on a safe, clean, durable surface - and maybe the new pitch will open the opportunities for the next Jack Grealish to extend their soccer skills at the School.