5 Benefits of Play for Kids That Parents Should Know

Kids run together outside while getting all the benefits from playing.Kids love to play, everyone knows that. Kids are great at doing what they want to do. They are guided by their passions. They don’t yet have the pressure of society telling them that it isn’t right. 

Aside from their happiness, there are many benefits of play for children that you, as a parent should know about - keep reading to learn about some of these benefits.

1. Play leads to Healthy Brain Development

Healthy connections in the brain are important for growing adolescents and young children. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, is a necessary component of their growth. Play helps produce more of this factor, leading to better brain development.

2. Play Can Cut Down on Obesity and Other Health Risks

Young kids who have a chance to physically play tend to lead more active lifestyles into adulthood. Even playing for one hour per day as a child has led to a more than 40% drop in chances of being overweight by the end of the school year, according to one study

3. Play Helps with Stress Management and Trauma Recovery

Playing freely can help young people manage their stress more successfully. According to one study, children who play have been observed with better behavior and lower cortisol levels, the hormone produced in response to stress. 

4. Families that Play Together, Bond More Strongly

Play helps build relationships. Playing with family members can tie parents or care-givers with kids so they can become more emotionally in-sync. 

5. Play Leads to Improved Academic Skills

Academic skills don’t just come from the classroom. Play can help improve test scores. Language development and other learning often take place during made-up or improv play. The more kids pretend, the more they are using their brains. 

Find a Place for Your Kids to Play

Play is not only fun, but it can also help your child grow up to be the best person they can be. Here at Kids Gotta Play, we believe in self-guided, active play. Our play areas are safe places for kids to enjoy themselves.

Give the team at Kids Gotta Play a call today at one of our locations to find out whether an event reservation or open play is best for your kid.

Hoops & Health: Why Basketball is So Good For Kids

Basketball is more than just a game. It is a sport that offers numerous physical and social benefits for children of all ages. From physical development to mental health, basketball has it all. In this article, Kids Gotta Play will explore the...

How to Elevate Your Playset As Your Child Gets Older

Playgrounds are often associated with young children, but do older kids still play on them? The answer is a resounding yes! As children grow, their play needs and interests evolve, and it's important to provide them with the right environment to...

DIY Obstacle Course for Kids

Discover the ultimate guide to building a DIY obstacle course in your backyard this summer. For high-quality playground equipment, call Kids Gotta Play.

Come Play with Us at Our Headquarters

Here at Kids Gotta Play, we are big believers that children should make the most of their childhoods and remain physically active, whatever the weather. Playtime and health is at the top of our priority list, which is why we have the most exciting...

Let's Get Outside: 5 Playsets for Your Child

Winter is nearly here, but that doesn’t mean that regular playtime outdoors needs to end. Instead, you can and should keep encouraging your kids to play outside during the chilliest season of the year. Playtime and health go hand in hand but...

Sensory Play & Cognitive Development

Playtime is a very important part of every child’s life. You may think it’s an opportunity for them to engage in fun activities to let off steam, but in reality, children develop a lot of their crucial skills during free play. Primarily,...

The Ultimate Summer Fun List

Summer provides a great opportunity for kids to get outdoors, go exploring with friends and enjoy countless activities together. In doing so, they can make the most out of the hot weather and avoid being stuck staring at some screens. Here are some...

Pool Party Ready: The Best Pool Games to Play

The summer season often means fun in the sun and if you’re lucky you can spend plenty of hours chilling in your pool. There are some great games and activities that will keep your kids entertained too and ensure they make the most out of the...

Ninja Warrior: Build Your Child's Dream Playscape

Are you or your kids a fan of American Ninja Warrior? The show has captured the hearts and imagination of countless individuals, encouraging them to get in shape and stay body positive. Obstacle courses like those showcased on the show are a great...

Bounce Back to Backyard Fun as You Head Into Spring

It does not feel like summer is around the corner, does it? It was only a few days ago that we were dealing with the Beast from the East. However, believe it or not, this is our spring, which means that summer is not far away. To make the most of...

Prepping Your Trampoline for the Winter

During the summer months, your trampoline probably gets a lot of use! However, during the winter period, we don’t typically want to spend all of our time outdoors in the freezing cold. You may be asking yourself, "Will winter ruin my...

How to Fit a Pool into Your Dream Backyard

Do you have a small backyard? Great things can come in all shapes and sizes. Even if you don’t have an acre of land behind your house, you can still fill it with fun things for your family, like a play system and a pool. Have you considered...

Trampoline Safety is Easy with These Top 5 Tips

Jumping around and playing go hand in hand. Bouncing on the trampoline is great fun for kids and adults, too. Going for a jump on your own, setting up competitions, or learning new tricks are all fun ways to use a trampoline.  But watch out,...

What Material Should You Put Under Your Play Set?

Modified: February 24 2023 Playing outside is essential for children's physical and mental development, and having a play set in your backyard can be a great way to encourage outdoor activities. However, safety should always be a top...

Benefits of Having a Play System or Swing Set at Home

With the stay at home orders, it can be tough to get outside and have some fun safely. Schools being canceled ended up making it even tougher for kids to stay active in their bodies and minds. It can be a lot to expect kids to calmly stay inside so...