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Whether you are a parent at a park wondering about the equipment, or someone who is planning a playground at a school or community centre, playgrounds have excellent sensory benefits for individuals of all ages. In this blog post, we look at 5 popular pieces of playground and outdoor gym equipment.

Climbing Equipment

Whether it is a climbing frame or climbing wall, climbing is a great activity for providing proprioceptive feedback and is a good ‘heavy work’ activity to help children and young people regulate themselves. If you find yourself in an outdoor environment where there are suitable, safe trees to climb, this is a great option too.

Zipline

Ziplines are popular amongst many children and young people and are frequently seen in play parks. Going from one side to the other is a fun activity for children who seek out vestibular sensory input and movement. Holding onto the zipline is also a great way to build upper extremity strength and develop muscle endurance.

Outdoor Rower

This outdoor gym activity is designed to build core strength and muscle strength in arms and legs. However, the rhythmic linear movement of the activity is a great vestibular activity, and the benefit is that the user can control the speed of the movement in the way they like.

Cross Country Skier

This piece of equipment can be used individually or in pairs. Whilst it is great for improving fitness, it also works on balance and bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body together in a coordinated manner). The rhythmic, linear vestibular input can also be regulating for young people who seek movement.

Sliding Down a Slide or Fireman's Pole

This is a great activity for proprioceptive and vestibular sensory input. Typically there is climbing involved to get to the top of the slide or pole which is a great ‘heavy work’ activity.  Sliding down the slide or pole provides vestibular input. Climbing up a slide is also a great motor activity, as long as it is safe and no one is coming down.

In conclusion, playgrounds offer a wealth of sensory benefits for individuals of all ages, making them invaluable spaces for both recreation and development. Through activities like climbing, ziplining, sliding, and utilizing outdoor gym equipment like the cross-country skier and rower, individuals can engage in proprioceptive, vestibular, and bilateral coordination exercises. These activities not only provide physical benefits such as strength-building and endurance but also contribute to sensory regulation and overall well-being. Whether you're a parent exploring options for play or a planner considering equipment for a community space, these five playground activities offer diverse opportunities for sensory engagement and enjoyment.