PLAY. OF THE thousands of words in a dictionary, this is perhaps one of the most underrated. Perceived by most as an activity done solely for leisure, few ever realize that there are a lot of things that play can offer… when done the right way.
"Play is work for kids. It is a time when they develop their physical functions. Brain development does not only involve reading and writing. Mastering the lower functions like the physical functions is also a prerequisite to children’s cognitive function development," said Blair Agero, a registered occupational therapist.
In addition, play can also teach children lessons in leadership and courtesy. It is an avenue where children can practice their social skills by interacting and talking with other children. Play is also a time when they can practice being independent, to become responsible for themselves and to learn to make their own decisions. Unfortunately, with most parents’ focus on schoolwork and grades, they fail to recognize the value of these lessons in their children’s emotional development.
The advantage of play
This is perhaps what prompted Tony and Gina Butler to open Active Fun, an indoor playground in Hobbies Asia along Macapagal Avenue, where children can play to their heart’s content.
"There is more to playing than having fun. More than doing something during spare time, playing enhances imagination and creativity; and strengthens abstract thinking and problem solving. It also encourages teamwork and the ability to cooperate. In effect, playing makes children more sociable and confident," says Tony, adding that adults who have not engaged in regular active play when they were kids may suffer when they are adults.
Active Fun consists of a five-level play area that houses a labyrinth of obstacle courses and a giant six-meter high slide at the end. Occupying a 400-square meter space, it is the biggest play area in the country to date. It is in fact so big that one can even hold a birthday party inside, something which Active Fun actually organizes. Catering to a wide age range, two years old to twelve years old and sometimes even older, the play area is divided into two parts, the soft space at the lower level where kids below five years old can wander around and the play frame with different kinds of obstacles that will surely be a set of challenges for the older kids.
Fun for everyone
Although the first of its kind in the Philippines, play areas like Active Fun can be seen in other countries. In fact, Tony and Gina were inspired by the ones that they have seen in Ireland. Of course, the design and structure were constructed to fit Filipinos. Features of the play area that kids will definitely find interesting are the pillars, punching bags, balls, doors, bridges, tunnels, and planks that are incorporated in the area. There are also mini stairs which they can climb, soft floors where they can roll around and crawl, trampolines which they can use to jump and even an area where they can play ball. There is even a section where kids can try their hand at some wall climbing. And to ensure quality and safety, they even consulted clinical physiotherapist Mark Uy, who also believes that the exercise derived from play is important.
And because, it is made not only for kids but also for adults, moms and pops can cure their paranoia by accompanying their little tots inside. Knowing that parents are not as active as their kids, Active Fun also has a lounge where they eat and wait. Parents can even leave their kids in Active Fun while they go to the market or shop at the Mall of Asia. This way, they can ensure that their kids are in a place where they are safe and where they can have fun.
"It is child-and-adult-friendly because kids and their parents are assured of safety and consistent good service, plus the play fee is very reasonable," enthuses Tony.
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