Raising two independent and inquisitive children has meant that regular outdoor play has become an important part of our family’s routine. We’re also lucky enough to form part of a like-minded community at North Brighton Kindergarten (NBK), where children are encouraged to develop an understanding of their natural environment, and are taught valuable lessons about animals, plants and sustainability.
Last year, the not-for-profit kinder was able to raise enough funds to overhaul the outdoor space – turning into a unique play-based garden that blends with the surrounding natural environment. To help fund the next exciting stage of improvements, my friends at Vuly Play generously donated an Ultra Medium trampoline to the kinder, valued at more than $649.
The Ultra trampoline has been designed with advanced safety features – including a heavy-duty secured enclosure, tightly woven polyethylene net and a soft-landing mat. The trampoline has also been performance tested for safety in high-UV and wet weather conditions, making it perfect the great Australian outdoors.
Vuly Play Ultra trampoline. PIC: Vuly
This incredible trampoline was the prize in a silent auction and was delivered to a kindergarten family in time for Christmas, raising funds to support ongoing upgrades for this not-for-profit preschool.
The benefits of regular outdoor play
Vuly Play Ultra trampoline. PIC: Vuly
Regular outdoor play is proven to boost our kids’ mental and physical wellbeing, and can help create lifelong healthy habits. Families who incorporate regular outdoor play into their routine are less likely to develop lifestyle related diseases, such as obesity or diabetes. According to guidelines from the Department of Health:
- Infants (Birth to 1 year) should have supervised floor-based play every day, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time.
- Toddlers (1 to 5 years) and Pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years) should be physically active for at least 180 minutes every day. A variety of high-energy playtime activities (including running, jumping and twirling,) should be spread throughout the day.
- Children (5 to 12 years) should participate in moderate or vigorous activity for at least 60 minutes every day. (Including organised and non-organised sports, games and other outdoor activities.) Regular outdoor play allows the body to intake Vitamin D, which is essential to the process of calcium absorption and building healthier bones. Eighty per cent of Vitamin D is obtained from the sun, which means it’s important for little ones to have at least 15 minutes of sun-safe outdoor play each day.
Vitamin D also boosts the production of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. These ‘feelgood’ hormones can decrease feelings of stress or anxiety, helping create happier and calmer young minds. Incredibly – every tissue within the body has Vitamin D receptors, including the heart, muscles and immune system – which means it’s vital for children’s development.
Outdoor play also encourages children to use their imaginations and express themselves creatively. In fact, outdoor play helps children to take risks, to develop self-awareness, and to grow an understanding of the world and their interactions with it!
*MillieMummyMelbourne gratefully accepted a Vuly Play Ultra medium trampoline to be used as the grand prize in a North Brighton Kindergarten Christmas fundraiser.