The Benefits of Outdoor Play

   

You don't need to be a jock, run marathons, or have an athlete in the family to inspire little ones to get out and play. Kids are naturally drawn to the outdoors and all the wonders it has to offer. Natural environments foster increased activities and provide children the opportunity to use their "outside" voices, run, jump, dance, and explore. More than releasing some pent up energy, the benefits of recreational play are numerous.

Physical Importance

The act of running, leaping, and jumping marks the foundation of emerging physical skills in young children. It is during this time they learn to become steady on their feet, master handling skills, hand-eye coordination as well as develop manipulative skills such as pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying.

Health Benefits

With the scary rise in our nation's childhood obesity crisis, the time to introduce children to athletic activities should be done as early as possible. Beyond maintaining a healthy weight, outdoor play improves healthy sleeping habits and makes children happy, which leads to a better immune system.

Intellectual Development

The neurological benefits of unstructured play strengthens intellectual stimulation, enhancing a readiness to learn. In exploring their surroundings, boys and girls will discover many new wonders and expand their knowledge of the world. This exploration encourages question-asking, which leads to enhanced intelligence. 

Another advantage is the discovery of the weather. Sunny days are not the only environments children can benefit from. With the proper attire, kids will enjoy splashing in puddles after the rain, watching the clouds move across the sky on an overcast day, and feeling the wind in their hair and against their skin during a windy afternoon. This experience also enables them to learn the different temperatures as well as what to wear during these different weather changes.

Cognitive Benefits

Playing outside improves memory, thinking skills, and the ability to soak up new information. As kids interact with and study the world around them, their powers of observation increase, their large and small motor skills develop and their endurance is boosted.

Social Advantage

As your child watches their skills grow with each new activity they learn or how the world works around them, their self-confidence blossoms, which in turn translates to a social confidence. Outdoor play allows for group play, which includes taking turns, whether sliding down a slide, using the swing, or tossing a ball. 

For many parents, the joys of outdoor play make up the bulk of their childhood memories. Sadly, the majority of our youth today will not enjoy that same beneficial experience. Much of this is due to the allure of mobile phones, video games, and television. While the pull of these devices can be strong, the appeal of outdoor toys will make children eager to frolic in the sunshine. Imagine your little one hauling toys in her wagon, or helping you garden with her wheelbarrow. Of course, ride-on toys such as bikes are always a winning choice. Add some drivetime signs to your driveway and let them "yield" and "stop" while they pedal along. Toddlers will love a stroller trike which allows them to see the sights of the neighborhood or park while also unleashing some energy. 

All the outdoor toys available at A Kid Place are carefully chosen. Our toys are made from durable steel, wood, and other sturdy materials that withstand the test of time. The toys found here will help your child discover the world around them and meet their individual needs.

Outdoor Ride-On Toys for the Whole Family

If you have been trapped inside your house for the past few months, chances are high that you are dreaming of the day you and your kids can finally go outside to play. The good news is that Spring is just around the corner; soon, the snow will melt and everyone can go outdoors and enjoy the sun and the fresh air.

The arrival of Spring can have a bit of a downside. When you spend winter indoors, you tend to get in plenty of family time. It is easy to do everything together and really bond with your children. Once the weather warms up, most outdoor activities seem to take place while the adults sit on the sidelines. So, how can you make the most of playing outside without losing out on family bonding?

Consider purchasing ride-on toys that are designed to work for the entire family. These toys are incredibly fun and really get everyone into a playful spirit. Not to mention that they keep you active and healthy. So, what are some ride-on toys to consider?

Some of our favorites are Mobo Cruisers. This line of innovative ride-on toys has options for kids of all ages—and their parents, too! Set on three wheels, with a recumbent seat, these ergonomically designed cruisers provide a super-comfortable ride. Because they are low to the ground and do not require any balancing, these are even safe for most senior citizens, so Grandma and Grandpa can get in on the action. Mobo Cruisers do come with safety flags, however, because of the low-profile of these cruisers, they should not be used where cars are driving by.

Mobo Mobito

Want to go on a real adventure? Then we recommend BERG Toys Pedal Go Karts. The steel construction will stand up to the roughest of riders. Around the neighborhood, in the woods, through the mud, no matter where you want to ride, there is a BERG kart available to handle any terrain. Each pedal go-kart that BERG Toys makes can even be driven backwards. Boys and girls as young as three can explore the world on these unique ride-on toys. Some models accommodate adults up to 285 pounds and 6’ tall. Equipped with adjustable seats and steering wheels, these karts will grow as your children do, really giving you your money’s worth.

 

If you are interested in something more along the lines of a bike—perhaps to start working on the skills needed to ride a standard bicycle—take some time to look into Glide Bikes Balance Bikes. These bikes have no pedals, allowing children to develop the correct balancing skills needed to ride a bicycle. There is a model for all children, even those with special needs. Children as young as 18 months can glide on these bikes and begin to learn the necessary balancing skills for riding a standard bicycle with their Ezee Glider. The Mini Glider balance bike is designed for kids 2-5 years old, and the Go Glider is for kids 5-10 years old and for those who have special needs. Even adults who have never ridden a bicycle before can easily learn with the Glide Bikes Super Glider which is for anyone over the age of 10.

Glide Bikes Mini Glider 

With all three brands there are designs that work for young children all the way up to adults. If you are looking for outdoor ride-on toys that will help bring your family together this spring and summer, you cannot go wrong with any of the choices from these companies. To learn more about the options available or to purchase some for your family, visit AKidPlace.com.

Dexton Kids Pedal Car: Cruise Around Town in Style!

Are your kids ready to hit the park this summer? Why not make a real entrance with a pedal car that’s sure to turn heads? A Dexton Kids Pedal Car is just the ticket. These realistic looking pedal cars are safe, stylish, and whole lot of fun.

Pedal cars are a great way for kids age three and up to develop gross motor skills. They’re a great first step towards more complicated forms of transportation like bicycles. Instead of having to worry about balancing (and the scrapes and bruises that come with learning to ride), your toddler can sit comfortably in a stable car and focus on pedaling.

Each Dexton Kids Pedal Car is designed to give your children a safe and comfortable play experience. Their sturdy metal bodies will stand up to all the bumps that come from outdoor play. Padded seats will keep your kids comfy and happy for long afternoons “drives.” Steel wheels and rubber tires help keep each ride feeling smooth and safe. Some models have fun accessories like working headlights and working bells that both add to the car’s realism and increase its safety.

While each Dexton Kids Pedal Car is top notch when it comes to quality, where they really shine is in appearance.  Each of the ten different styles is unique and attractive, bringing to mind the styles of cars from years gone by. No matter what your child’s tastes or interests are, there’s a car that will suit them.

• Pretty in Pink: If you have a little princess in your life who loves all things pink, Dexton has several pedal cars that will be sure to delight her. Girls can choose from a classic 30’s design, a deluxe roadster, and even a 50’s style Dexton Kids Pink Comet Sedan.

• Cool Blues: If pink’s not your thing, you’ll also find some classic styles available in blue. Both the Voiture Classic Pedal Car and the deluxe roadster are available in a rich shade of blue.

• Imaginative Play: Many kids love pretending about the jobs they may have when they grow up. Pedal cars are a great way to encourage this imaginative play. Future mechanics will love coming to their friend’s aid with the Deluxe Tow Truck Pedal Car (it even has a working towing mechanism!). The Woody Wagon is a pint-sized delivery truck with a tailgate that opens up for additional storage.

• Saving the Day: Fire fighters and police officers are particularly attractive careers for young children. A Police Pick-up Pedal Car is available to help crime-fighters catch the bad guys. Any future fire man or woman is spoiled for choice with both a sleek comet firefighter car and the Dexton Kids Deluxe Fire Truck Pedal Car available to them.

The jaw-dropping designs and high quality construction of all Dexton Kids Pedal Cars are sure to please both you and your kids. Get ready for hours of play this summer with these fun, attractive, and safe outdoor toys. 

Berlin Flyer Wagons: A Classic Look for Kids on the Go

When you’re on the go it always helps to have a set of wheels to help you carry things. While you can always load up the car for a trip to the park or the store, you miss out on fresh air and exercise. If you and your kids are looking for a fun, yet practical and useful set of wheels, a Berlin Flyer Wagon is a choice that can’t go wrong.  

Berlin Flyer Wagons are made in the U.S.A. In fact, they’re all produced in the heart of Amish Country in Berlin, Ohio. When you buy one of these wagons, you know that you’re buying something that’s built to last. This isn’t a plastic big-box store special that will fall apart the moment you take it out of the box. Instead, it will last as long as your child needs it to. In fact, it will likely still be around when your kids have children of their own.

So what makes these wagons so long-lasting? It’s all about their construction. These wagons are built with naturally finished hardwood that’s tough enough to stand up to the banging and bumping that comes with active play. Each wagon features NO-TIP ® safety steering, which is a registered trademark of Berlin Flyer. The lack of tipping both gives your boy or girl a safer play experience and helps eliminate unnecessary damage to the wagon. Depending on the model you choose, your wagon will have either solid rubber tires or inflatable pneumatic tires. Both types are rugged enough to deal with all sorts of terrains and speeds.

You know that Berlin Flyer Wagons are tough, but are they useful? Absolutely! There are a few different sizes available, and each one is perfect for a certain use. For example, the Berlin Pee-Wee Flyer Wagon is perfectly sized for kids ages 3-8 to pull around. You can give your little ones a little more responsibility with this wagon, allowing them to pull their own belongings behind them when going on a walking trip. If you’re looking for something with a little more space, the popular Berlin Flyer Wagon gives you the same easy operation as the Pee-Wee but with a little more storage room. If you’re looking for some serious capacity, the Berlin Loadmaster Wagon is perfect for both heavy loads and rough terrains.

A final thing to note about these wagons is their looks. Each wagon is carefully crafted and painted to look its best. The classic design brings to mind the style of Radio Flyer wagons, and depending on your preferences the siderails can be painted red or green. Both good looking and hard working – that’s tough to beat!

American-made Berlin Flyer Wagons make for a hard-working yet attractive addition to any collection of outdoor toys. No matter what your children’s age or interests, they’ll love having a wagon of their own to help them transport their belongings. They’re a surefire way to build memories and have a ton of outdoor fun.