Indoor playgrounds are growing. It seems odd just when we're hearing more and more research about the importance of children playing outside.
A study by Oliver Pergams of the University of Illinois-Chicago and Patricia Zaradic of the Environmental Leadership Program finds that park visits and applications to hunt, camp and fish in US National parks have decreased between 18 and 25 percent in the last twenty years.
It only takes listening to a 5th grader to find out why. “I like to play indoors better ’cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”-that's what a suburban fifth grader said to Richard Louv, author of "Leave no Child Inside" in Orion Magazine.
Check out our featured articles page for more information on similar topics to playing outside including:
Why Play?
Countdown to Good Health: 5-4-3-2-1 Go
Recess is on the Upswing
Low-Cost High-Activity Playgrounds