Play is very important for children’s development; it helps them learn how to interact with each other, explore the world around them and most importantly, have fun!
Outdoor play is a great way for children to get some exercise and fresh air, which is why many homes, schools and nurseries have installed artificial grass to provide safe, easy to maintain play areas for children of all ages.
The benefits of installing artificial grass outside are obvious – it saves time on maintenance, stays green all year round and prevents patchiness from developing – but you might not know that it can be used inside too.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher or childcare provider, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with the challenge of trying to keep children entertained.
A creatively designed play area can be the solution, and there are lots of ways to use artificial grass to create outdoor and indoor play areas at home, nursery or school.
Artificial grass ideas for home play areas
You can turn your garden into a year-round play area by replacing the lawn with artificial grass; it provides a soft surface underneath climbing frames, slides and swing sets and won’t get muddy, even when it’s been raining.
Fairytales – turn any bedroom into an enchanted forest with soft grass underfoot and flower designs on the walls. You could even paint a mural of a faraway castle in the distance.
Sports – instead of carpet, use artificial grass to create a miniature football pitch, tennis court or even a pitch-and-putt golf course! Children will love having a sporting arena that’s just their size.
Animals – create an indoor jungle with a grassy floor and trees painted on the walls and ceiling. Don’t forget about the animals – cuddly monkeys and birds will help bring this theme to life.
Artificial grass ideas for school play areas
Artificial grass can be customized with game designs such as snakes and ladders to help children learn basic literacy and numeracy in the playground. You could even create a road design with clearly marked lanes for children to race in, as well as traffic lights and zebra crossings to teach them about road safety.
When it’s raining outside, an indoor games area can be a great alternative to typical “rainy day” activities like quizzes or crafts. Traditional garden games such as skittles, pick-up sticks, hoopla and tug of war (all played on artificial grass, of course) can give children the feeling of playing outdoors even when they’re inside.
