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The Importance of Sensory Play at Playgrounds Sensory development is the brain’s way of exploring the world through its seven sensory systems — touch, taste, smell, sight, sound, balance and positioning. When a child participates in sensory play, certain brain functions are activated, including:
1. Tactile Children need to be able to manipulate objects with their hands, experience different textures, and push and pull objects around them — this is where playground features like climbing rocks and sandboxes come in.
2. Vestibular System
Features of Sensory Playgrounds A sensory-rich playground provides a wide variety of sensory experiences all in one space. These can include:
1. Sandboxes Tactile experiences like sand or water play are important for stimulating a child’s sense of touch.
2. Swings and Spinners Swinging — independently or with the help of an adult — is a great way for children to exercise their vestibular system.
3. Climbing Climbing equipment provides ample opportunities for children to engage their proprioceptive system, while climbers encourage children to engage the muscles and joints that help children determine where they are in space.
The vestibular senses are those that relate to a person’s balance and eye movement. Playgrounds provide a comfortable environment to exercise this system and overcome challenges associated with it on equipment, such as swings and spinners.
4. Outdoor Exploration
3. Proprioception System
Sensory Exploration at the Playground
This sense refers to how a person’s body is positioned, in order to use it in a correct and skillful way. By encouraging them to engage in climbing, crawling, hanging and other sensory and physical activities on the playground, children develop a better sense of where they are in space.
Incorporate sensory experiences into your next playground with Miracle Recreation. From exciting Sensory Panels to outdoor musical instruments, we’re here to help you put the thrill into sensory play at your park. To learn more, visit Miracle-Recreation.com.
A sensory-friendly playground will make the most of its natural setting, allowing children to see, hear and smell the world around them. This might include a small sensory garden or musical instruments.
4. Sound and Sight Sights and sounds signal the brain to explore and better understand what’s going on. Some children struggle with sensory issues related to sights or sounds, such as loud noises. Over time, developing these senses can ease their reaction to triggers and teach them how to cope when they appear.
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Parks & Recreation
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