Children love to climb; Since they are babies, when they begin to crawl and move on their own, this is one of the first activities they seek to do: climb on furniture, beds, pillows, stairs, and others. In addition to being a lot of fun, it is a complete exercise for children that also brings other benefits for developing their psychomotor and social skills.
Children can practice climbing in playgrounds using cable structures or play boulders; both allow this activity to be carried out, but they are different. In this article, we will learn a little more about them and their main differences.
What is a rope structure?
The rope structures are figures created with ropes specially designed for this purpose, so they are highly resistant to withstand continuous use and tension, but at the same time, they are made of soft fibers so that they do not hurt children’s hands. Rope structures can be incorporated into other playground elements and are versatile since they can create different shapes, such as pyramids, towers, diamonds, and much more.
What is a play boulder?
Play boulders are solid structures that simulate rocks and mountains, which, being of different sizes and shapes, can be combined to create more complex designs and form a complete entertainment and climbing center. They can also combine them with other elements, such as bridges or strings.
The experience with its use is more organic and natural, simulating nature in its textures and colors, integrating perfectly with the environment. Resistance, agility, and balance are three main qualities developed with the practice of climbing in play boulders.
Climbing Benefits
Climbing combines fun with the benefits of a sport, thus helping children to combat a sedentary lifestyle and, therefore, childhood obesity; they have a greater knowledge of their body, and this also allows greater psychomotor coordination between the eyes, arms, and legs. It also improves laterality, flexibility, endurance, agility, and balance. The dynamism of climbing helps children drain excess energy, shake off nervousness, and combat stress, which allows them to relax and sleep better.
On a socio-emotional level, it helps children with their independence, to improve themselves, and gain self-confidence, increasing their self-esteem. Through the development of decision-making, their thinking is streamlined since they have to anticipate the facts to move forward correctly, overcome problems by searching for timely solutions, and contribute with attention and concentration.
Cable structures vs. play boulders
The function of both the cable structures and play boulders is mainly to offer elements that allow climbing; both can be integrated and combined with other components of the playground and provide similar benefits physically and psychosocially. The main difference between the two is that play boulders are solid and firm structures, while cable structures are flexible and give the feeling of instability, even though they are firmly attached to their frame.
Saying that one is better than another is not possible; the choice of these elements and their incorporation into the playground will depend on the client’s requirements, the available space, budget, and time allocated for the implementation of the project. However, the two are excellent options to offer children a place to exercise and have fun simultaneously.
What did you think of this topic? Which of these structures is your favorite?
If you want to know more about play boulders or cable structures, you can contact us or write your question at the bottom (comments section).
