With spring upon us, it’s time to do some cleaning and maintenance for your school playground. The changing seasons provide a timely opportunity to ensure your playground is safe and in good working order for students. Regular care will keep your investment looking good and lasting longer. Check out our expert tips for cleaning and maintenance, so your school playground is ready for increased activity in the warmer months ahead. Clean the Playground Regularly Playgrounds have high-contact surfaces, and all plastic and metal surfaces should be cleaned regularly to be hygienic. A good rule of t ..read more

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund is a wonderful opportunity for schools to improve the lives of the kids in their care. If you still have ESSER funds available, consider using them to enhance your school’s playground. Outside of classrooms, playgrounds are the heart of the school, where kids can have fun and learn important life lessons. In this guide, we’ll dive more into the ESSER fund and what it covers, plus innovative playground improvements you can make using your school’s ESSER fund. The Role of ESSER Funds in Schools The United States government c ..read more

Balance beams are a fun piece of playground equipment for kids to play on, but did you know they also provide many benefits to kids’ growth and development? From preschool to adolescence, learn how balance beams can benefit the kids in your area. How Are Balance Beams Good for Kids? A kid’s balance beam provides many benefits to a growing child. Playtime is a great way to work on your kid’s physical and cognitive development. Some of the specific benefits and skills kids get from balance beams include: Builds concentration: While on a balance beam, kids need to focus and concentrate on the t ..read more

Are you looking for a new way to engage kids in the classroom? The answer you’re searching for may actually be outside. Outdoor classrooms have proven to be beneficial to students, and they provide a unique learning experience. Use our complete guide to learn about outdoor classroom benefits and how to bring one to your area. What Are the Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms? Before you move your class outdoors, you may wonder what the benefits of outdoor classrooms are. The various benefits of an outdoor classroom include: Promotes creativity and problem-solving: When kids spend time outside ..read more

Play is the universal language of childhood, and through Little Tikes Commercial’s partnership with the nonprofit Kids Around the World, we have a special role in helping more children across the globe have access to safe play environments. Like us, Kids Around the World is dedicated to the power of play. The organization has built playgrounds in war-torn and impoverished communities in more than 70 countries, fulfilling its mission to help children in orphanages, refugee camps, and poverty-stricken environments experience hope through play. To make this vision a reality, Kids Around the World ..read more

When it comes to school playgrounds, which during recess serve as vital components of students’ social, emotional, and physical development, we know that compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential. Following those rules ensures that playgrounds are accessible. We also know there’s a lot more Little Tikes Commercial can do to offer playgrounds that are truly inclusive. So, what’s the difference? ACCESSIBLE: Able to be reached or entered by people who have a disability For starters, if you have a playground that’s accessed by the public, including a public school, by ..read more

Recess is an essential part of a child’s school day. This time gives children a much-needed break from the rigors of the classroom, providing them the opportunity to unwind and engage in unstructured play. That said, there is greater benefit to recess than simply free time to run around. It’s a valuable time for children to build their social skills, a critical aspect of child development for promoting connection and relationship-building. While simply providing a safe space allows kids to interact with their peers, recess can be optimized in a variety of ways to promote students’ social skill ..read more

Music is everywhere, and it’s more than a calming tool we use to relax and unwind. Music is fun, inspiring, and motivating. On top of helping you focus, giving you a break, and creating a welcoming environment, music also impacts children’s development and growth. Your park can incorporate music to encourage children to explore new concepts, learn new terms, and foster a sense of curiosity in a social and stimulating environment. How Does Music Affect Child Development? Music can be a fun pastime or a routine practice that children enjoy. Whether your child is interested in learning to play ..read more

Wednesday, Feb. 7, is the Global School Day of Play, an annual event that recognizes play as more than recreation. Rather, it is a vital aspect of childhood development. More than 1.5 million kids from 75 nations have celebrated Global School Play Day since it began in 2015. The movement encourages school administrators, teachers, and others to allow children time for free play without the use of screens, structured games, or adult direction. It is a day to focus on letting children explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions in an unstructured and spontaneous env ..read more

Picnic tables are in many of the best public green spaces and community parks because they offer a relaxing space for visitors to unwind and enjoy the clean air. These tables have a wide variety of uses and benefits for your park and your community, including encouraging more people to visit. In our guide, you’ll discover why picnic tables are important to parks and how to arrange yours to create a unique, welcoming space. Reasons Every Park Needs Outdoor Picnic Tables Every park can benefit from adding picnic tables. Whether you want to add picnic tables for school groups to gather, encourag ..read more