Research has shown that active bodies and active minds translate into happy children. It’s also important to limit screen time and technology and get children to interact with others, play and exercise.
This is how active play helps:
- It develops strong muscles and bones
- It develops gross motor control
- It controls weight
- It helps them sleep better
- It gives them more confidence and a better outlook on life
- It makes them more mentally alert and improves their likelihood of being academically motivated and successful.
- It lowers their chances of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning
Parents record a worrying obsession that children have with technology, including cell phones, tablets, television and gaming.
The pandemic lockdown didn’t help either and, after five months of restricted movement, it’s time for kids to get active and play again. Perfect timing for Playstation by Rush to open its 600m2 interactive, indoor playpark for children aged 2 to 13. It’s a safe space where ‘kids can be kids’ and parents can take some much needed time out!
Play is so important for young children, it not only teaches them social skills but also promotes physical activity. Playstation is designed to provide multisensory experiences as children play and have fun. It is proudly tech-free and encourages active play. This is critical for developmental skills, including visual and tactile stimulation, agility, balance, hand-eye coordination, upper and lower body strength and cognitive thinking through problem solving.
In addition, a sedentary lifestyle (whether voluntary or not) also increases the risk of obesity in children. South African statistics show an alarming number of children are overweight or obese. Very good reasons to get children moving and exercising, particularly in the fun form of play. The earlier the better.
Although it’s a truism that, ‘We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing,’ when there is so much technology around us, we sometimes forget to play.
Damon Walmsley, general manager and father of twins, says, ‘We know that play time is essential for our kids, especially after the long lockdown and limited activity. The equipment is similar to what we had when we were young – sort of old school cool.
‘Some of the activities on offer at Playstation include an adventure maze with swing bridges and hidden areas to explore, a 4 metre rock climbing wall that will test children’s strength and co-ordination, 6 metre high slides, a bike pump track and the little kid’s city.
What we think is a winner with parents is the fact that we have highly trained staff who will look after the kids. This means parents can take a breather, catch up on work, watch TV or sit in the restaurant and have breakfast lunch or supper knowing their children are safe, playing and getting all the benefits derived from active play.’
The halaal-friendly, 50-seater restaurant offers an à la carte menu plus daily specials and is open in the evenings for dinner.
‘The Covid-19 lockdown rules mean we are limiting access and the number of children playing, so booking is essential,’ says Walmsley. He also explains that strict protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff. This includes the taking of temperatures, sanitising and a daily deep clean of the playpark.
Pricing varies for peak and off peak visits and are charged per hour of play. Monthly and annual memberships are available and there are discounts offered if a family has a meal in the restaurant.
You’ll find Playstation by Rush at 10 Honeywell Road, Kirstenhof – turn at the Spotty Dog landmark. The playpark is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday and from 9am to 6pm on Sundays
Playstation by Rush is brought to you by the team who successfully manage the Rush Indoor Trampoline Parks.
For more information go to: www.playstation.rushsa.co.za
