What Are Inclusive Indoor Playgrounds?

Playing on the playground is one of the most treasured activities of childhood. Whether you swing, slide or climb, the moments spent outside with friends are forever cherished memories. Outdoor playgrounds are perfect for sunny days and a breath of fresh air, while indoor playgrounds make fun available year-round.

Beyond the enjoyment, playgrounds also provide kids with meaningful developmental opportunities. They learn emotional and social skills while also engaging in physical exercise. Playgrounds are an essential tool for all kids, so every child must have the opportunity to use them.

Sometimes, playgrounds don’t offer many inclusive components for kids. Play areas can often be overly loud or have complicated equipment that not everyone can use. You don’t want to make playtime stressful or frustrating for kids. Instead, you should aim to make your indoor playground inclusive for all kids.

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What Are Inclusive Playgrounds?

An inclusive playground allows kids of all ages, abilities and developmental stages to play safely together. Inclusive playgrounds maintain the fun of a typical play area while also providing extra respite and nurturing for kids. The toys and equipment reflect the needs of all kids while promoting enjoyment and growth.

Inclusive playgrounds maintain

About one in six children in the United States have a developmental disability. This reality makes inclusive playgrounds more crucial than ever. Every child deserves to play safely and happily. These disabilities might limit a child’s:

  • Learning capabilities
  • Physical abilities
  • Language development
  • Behavioral patterns

While play is exciting for some kids, vibrant play areas can be overwhelming for others. If a playground appears too noisy or crowded, a child might refrain from playing at all. A play space might also not offer accessible pieces or toys, which makes a child hesitant or embarrassed to play.

When kids skip playtime, they miss critical developmental opportunities. Play is an essential way to build social and physical milestones. Feeling left out of play or like they don’t belong in a play area can harm a child’s self-esteem.

That’s where inclusive play areas come in — an inclusive playground ensures no child feels left out. Even if an area seems frightening, the space provides options for respite and relief. Or, if a child has a condition that prevents them from accessing regular equipment, inclusive playgrounds offer options for their ability levels. Providing all kids with play opportunities ensures everyone has the same chance to progress through important stages.

These playgrounds don’t have to be built from scratch, either. You can update your current indoor playground to be more inclusive by adding certain features. Try incorporating soft play materials or develop a quiet space. A playground equipment manufacturer, like Soft Play®, could help you select the best new elements to add.

As long as you provide fair opportunities for all kids to play, you create an inclusive play space.

Benefits of an Inclusive Playground

There are many advantages of inclusive playgrounds. Whether building a new one or upgrading an existing one to be more inclusive, you provide kids with safe and comfortable play spaces. By removing barriers between kids, you create an inviting and warm play area where kids can grow to their full potential.

Benefits of an inclusive playground

Here are more benefits of inclusive playgrounds:

  • Help kids with self-esteem: If kids don’t have access to a play space that suits their needs, it could make them feel different or unwanted. Inclusive play areas encourage all kids to play together despite differences. Kids can build self-esteem by learning how to use the equipment and playing alongside others. The inclusivity shows them their needs matter and they can play just like any other child.
  • Build friendships: Playgrounds are one of the best places to meet new people. Whether it’s a public or school playground, they make social hubs for kids. Inclusive playgrounds remove boundaries between kids and allow them to all play together. They learn to share equipment and make games, which builds connections between kids. Best of all, friendships make kids healthier and happier overall.
  • Family inclusivity: Inclusive indoor playgrounds aren’t only for kids. Adults or other family members with disabilities can easily play with their kids in an inclusive play space. Make happy memories together in all-encompassing play areas.
  • Build social skills: One of the most important developmental milestones for kids is building social skills. For kids, this might look like learning how to read others’ emotions or caring for someone as a friend. Social skills are necessary for success in life, and it’s essential to develop them at a young age. With inclusive playgrounds, kids can navigate new relationships in nurturing environments. They know it’s safe to create these connections and feel supported while doing so.
  • Develop physical exercise skills: Another benefit of inclusive playgrounds is the opportunity for physical exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that kids get 60 minutes of physical activity daily. With more movement, kids become stronger and healthier. Inclusive play areas give kids of all developmental levels the opportunity for exercise. Kids can share this exercise time, so it feels like fun.
  • Encourage meaningful play: Inclusive playgrounds encourage safe and supportive play for all kids in the community. Because they feel safer, they become more open to creating connections. Meaningful play lets kids express themselves without fear. You can help build an accessible and formative experience for all kids.

Overall, creating an inclusive play space provides kids with physical, social and emotional benefits.

What Makes a Playground Inclusive?

While there’s no official inclusive playground definition that outlines what it should include, some features help create comprehensive opportunities for all. Here are some components inclusive playgrounds might feature:

  • Accessibility: Playgrounds should have accessible equipment that appeals to all abilities. Kids need to have an easy way to approach the playground and enter it. Choose durable and safe surfaces where possible to ensure kids stay protected during play. Kids should also have accessible paths between sections of the play area. It’s best to leave as much space as possible in paths and equipment so all kids can access it comfortably. Your playground must be accessible to all kids to be considered truly inclusive.
  • Quiet areas: Kids might experience sensory overload amidst the excitement of a playground. Between the yelling, bright colors and many equipment options, they might become overwhelmed and need a place to retreat. Inclusive playgrounds often feature secluded areas where kids can withdraw to calm down. These areas are still safe and in the sightline of adults so kids stay safe during their withdrawal.
  • Variety of play equipment: Every kid has different physical abilities. Some might be able to swing easily across the monkey bars, while others see it as a challenge. Offering equipment that suits every skill level is crucial for an inclusive environment. You could provide equipment with varying challenge levels and still place them close to one another. That way, kids with different ability levels can still play alongside one another without feeling frustrated or left out.
  • Variety of social opportunities: Inclusivity should support all types of play. Some kids want to play in large groups, while others might prefer solitary play. You can support all these needs by providing equipment for all forms of social play. Encourage cooperative play with pieces designed for more than one child. You could also offer play stations that suit one kid at a time.
  • Sensory stimulation: It’s best to provide kids with opportunities to stimulate one or more of the five senses — taste, smell, touch, sight and sound. Whether it’s a sandbox or a bell, be sure to give kids a way to engage with their senses. It allows them to work through discoveries, burn off excess energy and take a break.

Upgrading your playground

An inclusive play area aims to ensure all kids have equal play opportunities. If you want to upgrade your current playground to be more accessible, get creative and consider what a child might need.

How to Make Your Playground Inclusive

If you’re interested in making your existing playground more inclusive, you have many options. You can alter current playground equipment or buy new pieces that are more accessible for everyone. Or, you could create wider pathways and more opportunities for quiet areas.

The best way to implement inclusive options is to use creativity. Put yourself in a kid’s shoes and think about what they might look for in a playground. Consider how you could make your space more inviting. Using empathy and imagination in your design is a great place to start.

Here are other steps to take if you’re wondering how to make your playground more inclusive:

1. Initial Planning

In this first step, you should consider the state of your current playground. Indoor playgrounds usually are cozy and colorful areas. But if they don’t offer enough space for movement or possess other potential limitations, you should probably switch things around.

These are good questions to ask yourself as you plan for a more inclusive indoor play area:

  • Do you have any activities that stimulate the senses?
  • Can kids or adults who use wheelchairs easily access all play areas?
  • Is the play equipment accessible to all kids no matter their abilities?
  • Are there spaces for side-by-side and solitary play?
  • Does the playground equipment consist of soft, safe materials?

You should also consider if your playground is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. ADA guidelines outline how equipment should offer equal access to all people. For instance, the playground must have an accessible path to enter and exit. Be sure to check ADA standards before adding new equipment.

2. Choose Location

Next, you should select the right places to add or upgrade inclusive equipment. Indoor playgrounds differ from outdoor ones by the lack of open air. Because they’re inside, indoor playgrounds might feel less open to people. If you decide to add new, more inclusive pieces of equipment to your play area, be sure to leave enough room around it for easy access. Make sure kids have enough space to approach it and play without obstacles.

Adding new playground furniture

Alternatively, you might consider removing pieces to make your indoor space more inclusive. If you notice a location that could be overwhelming or crowded, take out some equipment to make it more inviting. Update locations so they have adequate room for everyone to play. Remember to try and look at the space through a kid’s eyes, and consider what would improve it.

3. Map Out Your Playground

After you select locations, it might be a good idea to map out your updated playground. Create a blueprint or draw a picture of what you want your upgrades to look like. This way, you won’t forget any features during your implementation.

Remember to map spaces for:

  • Entrances: Many times, indoor playgrounds span across lots of rooms. Plan for wide doorways and entrance paths. These make it easier for kids and adults to enter the play spaces. Remove any obstacles that might make it harder to access a room. As always, strive to make entrances inviting and warm for kids.
  • Exits: Just like entrances, exits need to be easily accessible. Be sure you have enough exits and every kid can get through them safely. Take away any hindrances that might prevent a child from accessing these doors.
  • Quiet spaces: One of the most essential components of an inclusive playground is respite areas. You can designate an existing area of your playground as a calm space. Add soft blankets or pillows to show that it’s a safe area, and design it so that kids get privacy. Make sure teachers or other adults would still be able to see kids at all times, though. You might also consider building an entirely new space for a quiet area. Either way, consider planning for one of these as you map out an inclusive playground.
  • Social spaces: Also, remember to map out areas for single, parallel and companion play. Inclusive playgrounds should offer options for all forms of play. Plan for stations that suit one kid at a time, and then create spaces for multiple kids to play together. This way, whether a kid wants to play alone or with others, they feel encouraged to do so.

Plan for stations

4. Plan for Sensory Opportunities

You should also arrange sensory opportunities for your indoor playground. Sensory activities further development and allow kids to explore their developing senses. Kids of all ability levels should be able to enjoy activities that stimulate their hearing, vision, touch, taste and smell.

Plan for sensory stations around your playground and ensure they’re all easily accessible. Features like musical instruments or interactive, tactile walls give kids a way to use their senses.

5. Plan for Support Features

Finally, you should also provide ample support options for kids and adults. Playgrounds are hubs of activity. Kids, teachers and parents might stand or exert themselves for long periods. This activity might be easy for some people, but it’s harder for others. To make your playground inclusive, you should account for break times.

Try designing spaces for:

  • Rest areas: Resting in a comfortable area is the perfect way to regain some energy. Map out resting areas with cozy chairs and spots. Make sure these spaces can accommodate all playground users.
  • Shade: One of the advantages of an indoor playground is its protection from outside elements. While you don’t have to worry about being directly under the sun’s rays, big windows and open doors might cause excess sunlight to enter. This heat or sunlight might bother some kids. Consider buying shades or offering darker rooms where kids can avoid sun rays if needed.
  • Temperature: Another benefit of indoor spaces is temperature regulation. With that in mind, it’s important to provide a space with comfortable conditions. Check your ventilation system and make sure your indoor playground isn’t too hot or cold.

Resting in a comfortable area

Inclusive Playground Equipment to Include

After mapping out how you’ll update your indoor playground to be more inclusive, you can start selecting pieces of equipment. Luckily, indoor play equipment is available in a wide range of styles. You’re sure to find new equipment that suits your playground’s style and makes a more inclusive space.

What inclusive playgrounds include

Here are some examples of inclusive playground equipment you can include:

Sensory Equipment

As mentioned before, sensory activities are excellent features for inclusive playgrounds. As you select equipment, consider implementing equipment that stimulates the senses. These pieces can provide a cohesive experience for kids.

Consider how to include pieces that stimulate different senses, such as:

  • Visual: Colorful equipment is a great way to boost kids’ visual attention. Try choosing vibrant colors for new equipment or provide areas for drawing and painting. These stations can activate both creativity and visual senses.
  • Auditory: Implementing music or other sounds can help with kids’ auditory development and expression. Consider instruments like wind chimes or soft drums to let kids make sounds and express themselves.
  • Touch: You can also offer options for kids to use touch. Tools like sandboxes allow them to sculpt or play using their sense of feeling. Or, interactive walls let kids experience tactile input to the degree they prefer.

Ramps

Ramps are necessary for the safe movement of kids of all ability levels. Kids can reach elevated play spaces without feeling left out. With handrails and wide widths, they can feel safe while using ramps. If you don’t have ramps already, you should add them to create a more inclusive space.

Be sure to place ramps next to entrances, exits and any lifted play areas. Try picking styles that accompany the indoor space’s design or add more vibrancy to your space.

Soft Structures

Soft indoor equipment is fun and safe for all kids. Add more inclusive options to your playground with a Soft Play indoor play sculpture. These are durable and exciting features that appeal to all ability levels.

The sculptures’ soft material makes it safe for everyone while also encouraging fun. Kids can climb on these structures or find other ways to incorporate them into their play. They also add to your playground theme and vibe.

You can also choose soft materials for quiet spaces or resting areas. They give your playground a cozy atmosphere and help kids feel safer.

Seating

Because rest spots are so important for inclusive spaces, you want to implement seating options for your playground. Look for soft materials and inviting colors. Also, make sure to place the seating options near the other play areas so that kids won’t feel left out and adults can watch the action.

Options like Soft Play’s furniture designs provide an exciting and comfortable way to rest in your play area.

Make Your Playground Inclusive With Soft Play

For over 30 years, Soft Play has provided high-quality and fun playground equipment. Our commitment to excellence allows you to provide a safe and exciting experience for your patrons.

We understand the importance of inclusive play materials and pride ourselves on our ADA-approved equipment. Our customized options let you design an inclusive playground that’s best for your needs. With our high-quality pieces, you can create a memorable experience for kids of all abilities and ages.

Build an inclusive playground experience today with our free design consultations. Contact us for more information or request a quote today to get started.

Make your playground more inclusive with Soft Play

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