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Why is Physical Activity Important for Kids?

1st October 20241st October 2024Plum Play

When it comes to happy and healthy kids, the role of physical activity cannot be understated. Consistent physical activity doesn’t just benefit your child’s overall physical health but has meaningful benefits to their mental health and social capabilities.

In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at the various benefits that physical activity offers growing children and how you can help foster an active lifestyle for them with Plum Play.

Physical & Mental Benefits of Activity for Kids

Perhaps one of the most important lessons any child (or person, for that matter) can learn is how physical activity directly correlates to many physical and mental health benefits.

While we’ve known for a long time that physical activity leads to physical health, our understanding of the mental health benefits has evolved substantially over the past century.

Though there was a general understanding that physical activity appeared to have positive impacts on someone’s mental state, scientific research into the link between the two ballooned in the 20th century.

Regular activity improves a child’s overall physical and mental well-being in three key ways:

It improves their overall physical health
It better supports their mental health, mental well-being, and emotional well-being
It fosters various social benefits for young kids

Improving Physical Health

One of the clearest benefits that come from kids living an active lifestyle is how it improves their physical health.

Regular activity goes a long way in improving things such as:

Cardiovascular and aerobic health
Bone and muscle strength and development, both of which are essential for growing kids
Flexibility
Weight management
Motor skills and coordination
Lowers the risk of issues such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes

Physical activity is also of great benefit to a child’s sleep.

The best sleep often comes when we’ve managed to put in a good balance of physical and mental effort for the day, making it easier for our brains and bodies to relax and switch off.

For young children especially, they need a good amount of physical activity every day. As a parent, you undoubtedly appreciate how much energy your kids tend to have – sometimes it can seem like they have a bottomless supply of it.

For children between the ages of 1 and 5, you want to encourage them to be physically active for at least three hours each day.

Supporting Mental Well-Being

Kids who stay active also benefit on a mental and emotional level. Given the intrinsic relationship between physical activity and mental health, various positives come from having an active childhood. These include:

Improved cognition, including better concentration, memory, and the ability to absorb and retain information.
Physical activity helps stimulate the growth of brain cells and neural connections, which assists in learning.
Greater mental resilience in times of stress and anxiety.

Along with these mental factors, physical activity also helps with emotional factors. Because a better-balanced mental state facilitates better emotional regulation.

Kids’ moods can be improved through the release of endorphins during physical activity, which boosts mood and helps build resilience against conditions like depression. Self-esteem is often improved and emotional regulation improves.

Social Benefits

Physical activity, especially when undertaken with other kids, can bring about a number of social benefits, too. By engaging in group activities with other kids, it will help your children develop their social skills.

Physical activity can foster team building and organically encourage cooperation. It presents an opportunity for your children to interact with other kids, problem-solve and compromise, and learn the benefits that come from working with others towards common goals.

Regular socialising can help bring them out of their shell, develop essential communication skills, and help them learn how to emotionally regulate. Healthy competition can also teach them to not take losses seriously. These combined benefits also lessen the likelihood that your child will engage in antisocial behaviour.

How Plum Play Can Help

At Plum Play, we’re all about encouraging play and physical activity in young ones. Since our beginnings, we’ve been focused on manufacturing and selling products that spark children’s imaginations and get them moving and socialising.

Our array of products includes trampolines, swings and slides, climbing frames and even backyard water play parks. We focus on creating experiences that help children develop their motor skills, cognitive problem-solving abilities, and physical well-being.

Given young kids need to be active for several hours each day, the key to keeping them active is through making physical activity fun. That’s why our products take a fun first approach. If your kids are enjoying themselves, then they’ll happily play and be active for hours.

We’re confident our products will open the door to your children being more physically active and engaged in play.
Be sure to check out our range of products to see what’s possible, view our FAQs for answers to the most common questions regarding our range, and get in touch if you have any questions or concerns not covered in the FAQs. We’re happy to help!

In-Ground Vs Above Ground Trampolines

12th March 202412th March 2024Plum Play

Getting a new trampoline for the garden or outdoor space is a memorable event for the little ones, so we don’t blame you for focusing on their happy faces. But you might be forgetting about an age-old question: do I get the in-ground trampoline or the above-ground one?

Well, maybe it’s not an AGE-OLD question, but it can certainly cause a moment’s pause. That’s why we at Plum Play are here to help you make up your mind by going over which trampolines are the best for you and your family.

Above-Ground Trampolines

Let’s go over the most common trampoline, the above-ground model:

What Are They?

Above-ground trampolines are the traditional trampolines elevated off the ground on legs and frames, making them easy to set up and move around if needed.

Benefits

Above-ground trampolines are cost-effective, easy to install, and portable, allowing for relocation in your yard. They typically offer better bounce and can be fitted with nets & enclosures for added safety.

Disadvantages

These trampolines pose a higher risk of injury from falls due to their elevation if they don’t have a net. Additionally, they are susceptible to being blown over by strong winds, requiring secure anchoring in some parts of Australia.

In-Ground Trampolines

What Are They?

In-ground trampolines are trampolines installed to sink into the ground. This means you don’t need an enclosure or a ladder. They blend seamlessly into the garden, providing a safer and more aesthetically pleasing option for the whole family.

Benefits

In-ground trampolines offer enhanced safety by reducing fall height, making them more accessible for all ages. They are less obtrusive in garden designs, preserving the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. They are less affected by wind, ensuring better stability.

Disadvantages

The installation of in-ground trampolines can be costly and labour-intensive. Putting the trampoline in the ground requires significant excavation. Drainage issues might arise, leading to potential water damage. They may offer less bounce compared to above-ground trampolines due to restricted airflow beneath the jumping surface.

So, In-Ground or Above-Ground Trampoline – Which is Better?

Choosing between in-ground and above-ground trampolines boils down to what you value most. In-ground trampolines are pretty sleek and blend right into your backyard. While all trampolines come with the Plum^Ⓡ Springsafe^Ⓡ technology, in-ground trampolines are a safer option for all ages.

But, they can be a bit of a headache to install and might not give you that super high bounce. Above-ground ones, on the other hand, are way easier to set up and move around, and they seriously deliver on the bounce factor. Just remember to get a safety net, or things could get dicey. So, it’s all about your outdoor play area’s vibe – low-key and safe, or high-flyin’ with a bit more caution.

In-Ground Trampoline Information

Set up

In-ground trampolines require excavation and installation, making the process more complex and time-consuming. Adequate drainage must be ensured to avoid water damage.

We recommend that the initial excavation be performed by professionals to make sure it is safe. For the installation of the trampoline itself, as long as you have the correct tools outlined in the set-up manual, then this can be done by yourself. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Price

In-ground trampolines are generally more expensive due to the installation process and landscaping requirements, while above-ground models are more budget-friendly.

Safety

In-ground trampolines offer enhanced safety with a lower fall height. As such, they don’t require the use of safety nets as there is no risk of falling from a significant height onto the ground, though we still recommend getting a pad cover to prevent injury from the springs.

Maintenance

In-ground trampolines may face challenges with debris and water accumulation, requiring regular cleaning. A good tip is to cover the trampoline at night with a cover like tarp to prevent rain from seeping through the net into the hole below.

Above-Ground Trampoline Information

Installation

Above-ground trampolines are relatively easy to set up, often a DIY project. You just need a flat surface, and you’re good to go, no digging is required.

Price

Normally, above-ground trampolines are more wallet-friendly. They come in various sizes and styles, making it easier to find one that fits your budget.

Safety

While they’re a blast, safety nets are a must with above-ground trampolines due to the risk of high falls. Always double-check those safety features.

Maintenance

Keep an eye on the frame and springs for rust or wear, and make sure the safety net and padding are in good shape. A little TLC goes a long way.

Where to Get Trampolines in Australia

Right here from Plum Play! You can buy from junior size to premium size trampolines in a range of colours.
For more information about orders, deliveries, spare parts and more, feel free to browse the Plum Help Centre or reach out to us directly.

A Guide on How to Set Up a Trampoline

13th December 202313th December 2023Plum Play

Trampolines really are a fan favourite for everyone in the family, and really, who could be surprised? They’re an endless source of fun that requires no power, no water, and no effort from the parents once they’re set up. And obviously, the kids just love them. But all of this hinges on one crucial little task just at the start of your trampoline ownership; that is, of course, the set-up.

The importance of correct trampoline setup can’t be understated, as it is the primary thing that ensures safe play all day, every day. In this guide, we’ll be covering some of the key components of the trampoline and providing a general overview of what to do during the setup process. Let’s get into it.

The Parts of a Trampoline

Before you get cracking on building your trampoline, it’s important to have some idea of what components you’ll be dealing with prior to construction. In fact, we’re hoping that this information may even serve as something of a buying guide prior to purchase.

Springs

The springs of a trampoline are the unsung heroes, providing the essential bounce and support for every leap and bound. High-quality springs are crucial for maintaining both the fun factor and safety. They should be robust, rust-resistant, and properly installed to ensure a consistent and safe bouncing experience.

Plum Play’s Springsafe® technology is a prime example, offering an innovative design that enhances safety by keeping the springs external to the jumping area. This not only improves performance but also significantly reduces the risk of spring-related injuries, ensuring a worry-free playtime.

Mat

The trampoline mat is the heart of the bouncing experience. It’s where all the fun happens, so its quality and durability are paramount. Made from strong, UV-resistant fabrics, it should provide a smooth, consistent bounce while ensuring safety. When setting up, ensure the mat is free from tears or weaknesses and is correctly attached to the springs. Regular checks and maintenance are essential to keep it in top condition, ensuring it remains the safe and thrilling centrepiece of your trampoline.

Cover

A trampoline cover is an indispensable accessory for any trampoline owner. Designed to shield your trampoline from the elements, the cover plays a vital role in prolonging the life of your trampoline. It protects the mat, springs, and padding from rain, sun, and debris, keeping them in top condition.

When selecting a cover, ensure it fits snugly and is made of durable, weather-resistant material. Fitting the cover is straightforward; it should securely encompass the entire trampoline, providing a shield against wear and tear caused by harsh weather conditions.

Netting

Safety netting is a critical component of a modern trampoline, acting as a safeguard to prevent falls. This is particularly important for children, as the netting provides an extra layer of protection during play. When choosing netting, look for strong, durable materials that can withstand the impact of jumpers and resist wear over time.

Proper attachment is key – the netting should be securely fastened to the poles and the edge of the trampoline, leaving no gaps. Quality netting not only enhances safety but also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their children can enjoy their bouncing adventures safely.

How to Set Up a Trampoline

Setting up a trampoline can be a straightforward process when you follow these essential steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through each stage, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trampoline experience for everyone.

1. Reviewing the Materials

Before diving into the assembly, it’s crucial to review all the materials and parts provided. Lay out the pieces and cross-check them with the instruction manual to ensure everything is accounted for. This step helps identify any missing or defective components before assembly begins, saving time and ensuring safety. Pay special attention to the springs, mat, frame, and netting, as these are key elements of your trampoline.

2. Assembling the Trampoline Frame

The trampoline frame forms the foundation of your trampoline, so it’s important to assemble it correctly. Start by connecting the pieces of the frame, usually in a circular shape, ensuring each section is tightly and securely fastened. If your trampoline is oval or rectangular, make sure the longer and shorter sides are correctly positioned. The legs should then be attached, providing stable support. Double-check all connections for stability before moving to the next step.

3. Setting up the Mat

Once the frame is in place, the next step is to set up the jumping mat. Begin by attaching the springs to the mat, then carefully connect them to the frame. This can require a bit of strength and patience, as the springs need to be stretched to hook onto the frame. It’s crucial to evenly distribute the springs around the frame to maintain balance and tension across the mat. Ensure that each spring is properly hooked and secure for optimal safety.

4. Putting Together the Enclosure Net

The final step is to install the enclosure net, which is vital for safety. Start by attaching the poles around the trampoline, ensuring they are upright and firmly secured. Then, attach the netting to these poles, following the instructions to ensure it is tight and free of gaps. The net should cover the entire circumference of the trampoline and be secured at the top and bottom, preventing any falls or injuries.

Remember, safety is paramount when setting up a trampoline. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Once set up, your trampoline will provide endless hours of fun and exercise. If you have any questions about the content covered in this guide, feel free to contact our team!

Unleash the Magic: Imaginative Play Ideas for Kids [6 ideas]

13th June 202313th June 2023Plum Play

Children love imaginative play, and whether indoors or outside, there are countless opportunities to incorporate magical and creative ideas into their playtime. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply looking for ways to engage your little ones, these imaginative play ideas will inspire their creativity and provide hours of entertainment.

1) Pirate Play Adventure

Ahoy, little adventurers! Embark on a thrilling pirate voyage with this imaginative play idea that will transport your children to the high seas. Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny afternoon, this playtime adventure is sure to ignite their imagination and keep them busy all day long.

To begin, gather some basic materials to create a pirate ship setting. Use chairs, blankets, and pillows to construct a makeshift ship in your living room or backyard. Encourage your little ones to dress up as sea-travelling pirates with pirate hats or bandanas and cardboard swords. Now, it’s time to set sail!

Encourage your kids to create a treasure map by drawing a simple route with landmarks around your home or backyard. You can even hide small treasures or treats along the way for your valiant voyagers to keep the excitement building.

As they navigate the imaginary sea, encourage them to engage in role playing and storytelling. Let their creativity soar as they encounter storms, sea monsters, and friendly sea creatures along their journey.

This imaginative play idea not only promotes creativity and storytelling skills but also encourages teamwork and problem-solving as they work together to navigate their pirate adventure. So, set sail with your little pirates and let their imaginations run wild on the high seas!

2) Tea Party Water Play

Make a splash with tea party water play to unleash your little one’s imagination.

Set up a water activity table with teapots, teacups and teabags. Children can pour the water into the cups and have a pretend tea party. You can enhance the sensory play by adding other elements, such as flower petals, food colouring or bubbles, to the water for a royal sensory tea party like no other.

Sensory play can help your little ones develop their fine and gross motor skills as they hold teacups, pour from teapots and pass plates to their friends as they play.

3) Castle Building Competition

Building blocks are an excellent way to encourage imaginative play, and a castle-building competition is a perfect imaginative game for kids.

Select one child to be the judge and divide the rest into teams. Give each team a set of building blocks and thirty minutes to make their most imaginative castle design come to life. Encourage children to work together in groups to create the most impressive castle.

Children can bring their architectural creations to life and let their imaginations run free with this task by adding details like moats, drawbridges, and turrets. The sky’s the limit!

Once the time is up, the judge can choose their favourite castle based on design, features, and fun!

Another way to carry out this building competition is to replace building blocks with cardboard boxes and other recyclable materials. With cardboard boxes, there’s even the option to decorate and paint the castle to add flair to the finished design!

This activity promotes active social play and the development of key skills such as turn-taking, team building and creativity, so everyone’s a winner!

4) Dressing Up Fun

Dressing up is an imaginative way for your little ones to engage in pretend play and explore different costumes and attire, from dragons to doctors or superheroes to chefs. The possibilities are endless! You could even incorporate sensory elements into the fancy dress by adding fabrics with different textures, such as silk or velvet.

Dress-up play offers a multitude of benefits for children’s development and well-being. It’s not just about putting on costumes and pretending to be someone else; it’s a gateway to imagination and creativity. When children dress up as different characters, they embark on a journey of self-expression, boosting their confidence and nurturing their creativity.

Children develop essential social skills through fancy dress play as they interact with others in character. They learn to cooperate, share, and take turns, fostering positive relationships and empathy. Additionally, dressing up encourages language development and communication skills as children engage in storytelling and role playing, expanding their vocabulary and ability to express themselves.

Overall, it’s a powerful tool for holistic development, allowing children to explore, imagine, and grow.

5) Backyard Banquet

Orders up! A mud pie kitchen is a great way to incorporate sensory play into imaginative backyard play, whatever the season.

Plum Discovery Mud Pie Kitchens are perfect for preparing a backyard banquet. The kit includes bowls for foraging, utensils for stirring, and an easy-cleaning painting screen to draw up the menu.

Little ones can mix and mould mud and water to create their own mud pies and pretend to be chefs in a busy kitchen. You can also add some natural ingredients to the mud pies, such as herbs or flowers, to make them more lavish for the special occasion. Children can use their imagination to create their own mud pie recipes and serve them to their guests.

6) Space Explorers

3, 2, 1… Blast off! Take your children on an intergalactic journey with this imaginative play idea that will transport them to the far reaches of outer space. Get ready to explore distant planets and experience the wonders of the cosmos right from the comfort of your own home.

Start by transforming a room into a spaceship. Use blankets, chairs, and cardboard boxes to create a spacecraft command centre. You could even provide your little space explorers with astronaut costumes, complete with helmets and backpacks filled with essentials for their mission.

Set the stage by playing space-themed music and turn off the lights to create a starry atmosphere. Use glow-in-the-dark stickers or paper cut-outs to decorate the room with planets and stars.

Next, guide your children through a series of space missions. They can embark on an expedition to Mars, search for new galaxies, or even encounter friendly space creatures. Encourage them to use their imagination to describe what they see and communicate with mission control (you) throughout their space exploration.

To enhance the experience, they could build their own rocket ships using recycled materials; the sky’s the limit!

Imaginative play is a fantastic way to inspire children’s creativity and let them use their imagination. From pirate play to backyard banquets, there are plenty of activities that will ignite your little one’s imagination and provide hours of entertainment.

These imaginative play ideas for preschoolers and older children are bound to spark imaginations, and they’re also great for developing sensory skills, promoting socialisation, and encouraging role play. So next time you’re planning a party or looking for some play ideas for kids, consider incorporating some of these imaginative play ideas for an unforgettable experience that’s sure to be a winner with the kids.

If you try out any of these ideas, share your adventures with us @PlumPlayAus #lifeatplay

Make a Splash for World Ocean Day this June

31st May 202331st May 2023Plum Play

Oceans are an essential part of the Earth’s ecosystem because they provide us with food, oxygen and help to regulate the planet’s climate. So, looking after them is important to protect the marine life that calls oceans home.

When is World Ocean Day Celebrated?

World Ocean Day is celebrated around the globe on 8^th June to raise awareness about ocean conservation. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to engage children in ocean-themed play and activities that can ignite their curiosity and love of nature.

Discover some of our favourite ocean play ideas to teach your little ones about marine life, from creating a backyard ocean to jellyfish suncatchers. These activities will make a splash and inspire young minds to protect and cherish our oceans.

1) Create a Backyard Ocean

One way to immerse children in the world of oceans is by making your own mini ocean in your back backyard.

Set up a shallow pool or wooden sand and water table and fill it with water to represent the vastness of the sea. Add pebbles, seashells, and your child’s favourite sea creature water toys to create a visually appealing underwater scene.

Once your ocean scene is set up, the world is their oyster! Children can use their imagination to play with toy boats, simulate waves, and discover the incredible marine life in their ocean play pool. This hands-on sensory water play allows kids to understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and learn about different sea creatures that live in the sea.

Creating an ocean sensory pool can be beneficial to your child’s development. The different toys and materials in the sensory pool create tactile sensations and colourful patterns in the water, captivating the curiosity of young children. Engaging in this interactive experience encourages learning through touch, enhances dexterity, and promotes sensory exploration.

child playing with Plum Play Build and Splash

2) Eggbox Ocean Craft

Another ocean-themed play idea is to let children explore their artistic side by making an eggbox ocean craft and creating their seascape.

You will need:

🌊 Egg cartons

🌊 Paint – blue and green are ideal colours

🌊 Paintbrushes

🌊 Cardboard

🌊 Glue

🌊 Scissors

🌊 Natural materials – shells, pebbles and seaweed work well

Collect empty egg cartons and help children paint the sections blue to resemble the ocean. Then, encourage them to create their own underwater scenes using various art supplies such as cardboard cut into sea shapes, like starfish and natural materials like shells and seaweed.

Get kids to pop their ocean creations into the eggbox, which acts as the ocean backdrop to complete their design.

This craft activity encourages creativity and imagination while fostering discussions about the importance of protecting marine habitats and conserving our oceans.

eggbox next to Plum Play Discovery Natureplay Hideaway

3) Jellyfish Suncatcher

Jellyfish are mesmerising creatures that captivate the imagination of children. To celebrate World Ocean Day, engage kids in creating Jellyfish Suncatchers.

You will need:

🪸 Pencil

🪸 Black cardboard

🪸 Tissues paper in lots of colours

🪸 Glue

🪸 Ribbon

🪸 Scissors

Start by drawing a Jellyfish body outline on black cardboard paper and cut this out. Also, cut out the middle of the jellyfish shape; this is where the colourful tissue paper will go to create the suncatcher.

Time to get colourful! Kids can get creative here and use their favourite colours in lots of shapes and sizes to create a vibrant suncatcher pattern. Let kids stick pieces of coloured tissue paper to the middle of the jellyfish, working from the edges to the centre.

Then, help them cut out long, dangling tentacles from colourful ribbons or attach these tentacles to the bottom of the jellyfish and secure them with glue.

Hang the finished suncatchers near windows, allowing the sunlight to shine through and illuminate the shimmering colours. As children admire their creations, it’s an excellent opportunity to start a discussion with your little one about the significance of jellyfish to ocean life and the importance of looking after all the creatures in the ocean.

4) Fishing for Numbers

Fishing for Numbers is a playful way to introduce young children to numbers while enjoying the ocean theme.

Create fish-shaped cut-outs from colourful cardboard and write numbers on each fish. Attach a paper clip to each fish.

Make a fishing rod using a stick, string, and a magnet tied to the end of the line.

Spread the fish cut-outs on the floor and have the children take turns fishing for numbers.

As they catch a fish, ask them to identify the number and count aloud.

This activity enhances numeracy skills and hand-eye coordination. This activity is also versatile – on the other side of the fish, you can write letters and get children to fish for the letters of their name or to spell ocean-related words. This can also help children develop their letter recognition, reading and literacy skills.

Plum Play Build and Splash activity table

World Ocean Day provides the opportunity to talk with your little one about the importance of caring for the world and looking after oceans and the sea creatures that live in them. We hope these play suggestions have given you some fun ideas on engaging your children in ocean-themed play, sparking their imaginations and making a splash this World Ocean Day.

If you try out any of these ideas, share your adventures with us @PlumPlayAus #lifeatplay

9 Outdoor Activities – Keep Your Kids Busy This Winter

18th May 20235th June 2023Plum Play

As nature begins to wind down and the days become crisp and bright, it’s the ideal time to get out and about. There are lots of activities that you can do to keep your kids busy as the weather cools down and enjoy the changing seasons together outdoors. Read on to hear some of our favourites…

1. Winter Walk

A simple outdoor activity to keep the kids busy during the colder months is to go on a Winter walk.

Winter is the perfect time to whack out those Wellington boots, pop them on and go for a walk as a family. Jump in the puddles, splash in the mud or search for vibrant tree leaves. It’s all part of the fun of a winter walk!

Why not see who can find the most leaves, see how many birds you can spot or count the puddles as you go to immerse yourself and your little ones in the beauty of the season?

2. Scavenger Hunt

What will you find? Take your Winter exploration a step further by going on a scavenger hunt. This is an excellent activity for children of all ages to get involved in. You can keep this activity simple by looking out for the signs of Winter and scavenging for seasonal treasures.

Why not make a list of things to look out for:

🪵 Twigs

🪶 Feathers

🍁 Red leaves

🍂 Yellow leaves

🍃 Green leaves

🌰 Conker

🌼 Flowers

Need a chest to keep your Winter treasure safe? Egg boxes are a great way to look after all your finds. Use the egg box to keep things together as you go. Little ones can even decorate the box with pens and paper or stick some of their treasures to the box itself when they get home.

3. Wild Work of Art

Another great use of your little one’s nature treasures would be to create a wild work of art.

Use leaves, twigs, feathers and more to make a natural artwork. You can get your little ones to create their artwork straight onto the backyard patio or grass, then take a picture to remember their masterpiece. Or why not use a sheet of paper as the base for their design, so they have something to create and keep?

4. Pooh Sticks

This is a classic outdoor activity, made famous by a certain bear, and will be a fun way to pass the time together during Winter weekends.

You need two or more players, each with a stick. Find a bridge that sits over a flow of moving water, like over a stream or river.

Once everyone has chosen their favourite stick, everyone needs to stand on the bridge.

On your marks, get set, go! Everyone throws their sticks into the water at the same time.

The stick that floats under the bridge and emerges first on the other side wins, hooray!

Top Tip: Double-check how the water flows so that your sticks go the right way!

5. Bug Buddy

Insects and bugs like to stay cosy in Winter, living under snuggly moss or in big hollows in tree bark, so this is the perfect time of year to make a bug buddy.

Go on a bug hunt around the backyard and look for the marvellous minibeasts hiding out.

When your child finds their bug buddy remind them to be kind and gentle. To the bugs, your child is a giant. The bugs are minibeasts, after all! Encourage your child to scoop them up carefully in their hands and place them down gently once they have finished meeting their bug buddy.

You could even get children to write out the names of the bugs they see, count how many they find or draw their bug buddies too.

6. Bug Hotel

So, you’ve found some bug buddies. What about making a bug hotel so that they have a cosy place to stay in your backyard this Winter?

This activity is a great way to encourage your kids to help look after nature and will keep them occupied.

Use those leaves and sticks you collected on your scavenger hunt to construct a tiny house for the insects that call your backyard home.

When your child is creating their bug hotel, ask them to consider whether their bug visitors need leaves and whether they like their hotel to be wet or dry, in the shade or the sun – so it really can be the perfect retreat for backyard creatures.

Things like cardboard tubes and boxes can help to create ‘rooms’ for minibeast guests in your bug hotel.

7. Conker Painting

Conkers are the glossy brown staples of Autumn and Wintertime.

They are robust and relatively large, meaning they are great for painting!

This activity can be mindful and an excellent way for your kids to wind down after a busy Winter day.

Gather some paint and paint brushes, along with your conkers and get painting.

This is a great activity to do in the backyard. For one, your children can take inspiration from the outdoors around them for their painting-they’ll spot wildlife, flowers, and colours. Painting in the backyard also means no mess indoors, and the rain can wash any spills away afterwards!

8. Make a Mud Masterpiece

For this one, prepare to get messy, but that’s really what outdoor exploring is all about!

Encourage little ones to grab a big handful of mud and mould it like clay into mud masterpieces. Why not develop mud into a mud creature or perhaps a mud pie?

This is a great idea to encourage children to engage their senses outdoors. When creating their mud masterpiece, encourage your kids to fully immerse themselves in the sensory play by asking them questions such as, what does the mud feel like? What does it sound like when you squish it?

Encourage them to mould it in different ways, such as rolling, squashing, mixing and patting. This will help them create their mud masterpieces and aid the development of fine and gross motor skills.

9. Winter Obstacle Course

This a fun way to encourage healthy, active play during the cooler months of the year.

Your children can make an outdoor nature obstacle course for their friends by gathering sticks to jump over or create hopscotch. Why not collect a big pile of leaves to jump into at the finish line?

If you have a climbing frame, why not use this as a challenge within the obstacle course? Kids can climb up the ladder, swoop down the slide, and go to the finish line!

If your backyard has a small footprint, children can take turns to complete the route and see who can complete it in the fastest time, so everyone safely gets a go with plenty of space.

plum play discovery create & paint easel

Wintertime is the perfect time to get outdoors, so pop on a coat, get the kids together and get out there! We hope these seasonal outdoor ideas give you lots of inspiration to keep your kids busy this Winter.

If you try out any of these activities for kids, share your adventures with us @PlumPlayAus #lifeatplay

Prepare to get set for even more Plum Play Fun…

There’s lots of fun to be had in Winter, and we hope that you and your little ones enjoy trying out some of these seasonal outdoor ideas. However, if you’re dreaming of sunnier days and even more Plum Play fun, don’t worry as the countdown has begun… You can now pre-order play equipment in time for Spring!

You can enjoy over 15% off on pre-order items, making it the perfect opportunity to get set for an unforgettable season of backyard play.

Explore pre-order play here.

Get Your Plum Play Equipment Ready For Springtime

18th April 202318th April 2023Plum Play

Spring is in the air, so what better way to celebrate than by giving your Plum Play equipment a fresh look for the start of the season?

Why Should You Do DIY With Your Kids?

DIY allows children to develop key skills and nurtures their creativity. Painting or digging enhances their fine and gross motor skills as they learn to grip a paintbrush or a spade.

Involving the kids in backyard DIY projects will spark their imaginations. So, Spring is the perfect time for families to come together and have fun working on these projects.

Get Ready For Spring!

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we want to inspire you to get creative with the kids and explore ways you can revamp, reuse and recycle your play equipment. Whether it’s a wooden sandpit, a cubby house or a trampoline, we have some great tips and tricks to inspire you to refresh your backyard play equipment and make your outdoor area more fun and inviting for your little ones. So, let’s get started!

children with wheelbarrow outside cubby house

Revamping

How To Decorate a Wooden Cubby House?

Decorating a cubby house can be a fun backyard play area DIY for children and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re looking to give your child’s cubby house a new look or you just want to add some personal touches, there are endless ways to get creative with decorating…

Cubby House Painting Ideas

One way to give your wooden cubby house a fresh look is by giving it a coat of paint. You can choose from a variety of colours to compliment your outdoor space or even opt for a theme to create a unique play area style. Pastel shades like pastel pink, mint and pastel blue are popular choices for cubby houses, as they can add a cheerful splash of colour to your backyard landscape.

To make your cubby house really pop, you could even add some quirky patterns, like polka dots or stripes. To fully embrace the DIY spirit, you could even create a mural on the outside of the cubby house, with a different pattern on each wall or paint a scene from your little one’s favourite storybook.

How to Decorate Inside a Cubby House?

Remember, it’s not all about the look on the outside. The inside of a cubby house can also be decorated to make it a cosy, inviting retreat for your kids. You can add some vibrant cushions, a little table and chairs and some playful wall decorations or plants to create a welcoming space that your kids can’t wait to spend time in. Adding a rug will give the cubby house that next-level warmth and comfort, making it the perfect place for your kids to play or read.

Let your creativity run wild

When it comes to decorating your kids cubby house, the sky’s the limit. You could add some fairy lights for an enchanted touch or even add some window boxes and hanging baskets filled with colourful flowers or herbs to give the cubby house a calming feel and allow it to blend seamlessly into your outdoor space.

Child gardening outside plum play garden hut cubby house

How to Decorate a Treehouse?

A treehouse is a wondrous place for kids to let their imaginations run wild and enjoy outdoor play. Decorating a treehouse can be a fun opportunity for parents and kids to connect, spending quality time enhancing the treehouse together. Here are some innovative ways to decorate your kid’s treehouse in time for Spring.

Use recycled materials – Decorating your treehouse doesn’t need to be expensive. Recycled materials like old cans make great plant pots, and plastic water bottles are ideal for making a cascading water run. To add a dash of colour, your kids can get creative, painting the cans and bottles, so their vibrant artwork can be seen from the treetops.
Add some greenery – Incorporating plants and flowers into your treehouse décor can create a natural and calming space. The Plum Discovery Woodland Treehouse encourages your little ones to tend to the flowers with a built-in potted planter so they can get a head start on sowing their veg patch or cultivating their own herb garden.
Use outdoor lighting – Adding some outdoor lighting to the area around your treehouse can create a magical atmosphere for evening play as dawn turns to dusk. Use string lanterns or solar-powered lights to illuminate the space, making it safe and snug for your little nature nurturers to enjoy active play in their treehouse all year round as the seasons change.

Whether you’re using recycled materials, adding greenery or incorporating outdoor lighting, decorating the treehouse is a creative way to spend time with your little one and make their outdoor play space even more special.

Plum Discovery Woodland Treehouse bottle run

Need a Spare Part for Your Trampoline?

Head over to the Plum Play website to discover our complete catalogue of trampoline spares for our full trampoline range. Simply use the handy spare part checker by typing in your product code to show all the spare parts available for your trampoline. Sprucing up your trampoline has never been so easy!

Top tip: Unsure of your trampoline’s product code – look for the sticker on one of your trampoline’s legs, and you’ll find it there.

Reusing

How to Repurpose Play Sand?

Reusing play sand is a resourceful way to give a new purpose to your children’s outdoor play materials. Here are a couple of easy ways to repurpose your play sand…

Make Textured Paint

Simply mix some sand and paint to create a textured paint effect. This can be a fun way to add a sensory element to play. By creating artwork with this paint, your children can explore the sensation of the rough texture and gritty feeling of the grains of sand in contrast against the smooth paper.

Revitalise Your Compost

Adding play sand to compost can improve its quality. Adding sand to compost improves drainage and aeration, which leads to healthier soil and happier plants – carrots especially love sandy soil as it helps them grow deep into the ground.

Repurposing your play sand is a creative way to give new life to something that may have otherwise gone to waste. So next time you have some leftover sand, don’t throw it away – repurpose it!

Recycling

Plum Play products are built to last for years to come, but perhaps your kids have outgrown their sandpit, or you no longer need your trampoline. If so, you can always recycle your play equipment when it’s no longer needed.

Sandpits also make the ideal container for a mini veg plot. By removing the sand, replacing it with soil, and planting some of your kids’ favourite veggies, you have an instant mini allotment in your backyard.

Encourage your children to embrace their green fingers and plant the seeds together. Looking after their own veg patch will help teach them the importance of nurturing something and caring for the environment.

Wooden Products

All Plum Play outdoor wooden products are made using FSC^®-certified wood, so they come from sustainable sources and can be recycled at the end of product life. Even our sandpit liners can be recycled, so the environmental impact is minimal.

Girl playing in Plum Play Giant Wooden Sandpit

Trampolines

100% of the metal used in a Plum trampoline is recycled, so the impact on waste is minimal. To keep this reduce, reuse, recycle circle going, you can recycle the elements of your Plum Play trampoline after use – be sure to check with your local recycling centre to recycle the different elements efficiently.

Chicken Run

Did you know trampolines can be transformed into the ideal home for chickens?

When you no longer need your trampoline, turn it into the perfect sanctuary for your feathered friends by removing the enclosure and securing chicken wire around the base of the trampoline. The jumping mat becomes the coop roof, and your hens can then live sheltered under the sturdy trampoline base, making it the perfect pen.

Even More Ways to Transform Your Trampoline…

Of course, if you want to reuse the trampoline for yourself, then other options are to transform the base into a robust frame to hang a hammock for backyard dozing or use it as a trellis for plants that love to climb high.

These are just a few ways to inspire you to get your play equipment Spring ready and revamp, reuse and recycle your Plum Play products. So, if you give your play equipment a new lease of life, then be sure to let us know over @PlumPlayAus #LifeAtPlay. We’d love to see your revamp, reuse and recycling innovations.

How to Celebrate the International Day of Happiness [7 Ideas]

17th March 202317th March 2023Plum Play

What is the International Day of Happiness?

Happy International Day of Happiness 2023!

Happiness is about experiencing positive feelings such as contentment and joy. International Day of Happiness is a day that encourages people to focus on what truly matters in life, and that is happiness. This year it is on Monday, 20^th March 2023. While adding some happiness to every day is important, the International Day of Happiness is an excellent opportunity to celebrate happiness with your family. Here are some fun activities you can try out to celebrate the International Day of Happiness with your kids…

Activities for Kids to Spread Joy on the International Day of Happiness

1) Share Your Happiness with Each Other

One of the best ways to celebrate the International Day of Happiness with your family is by sharing your happiness with each other. Take some time to sit down with your family and ask each other what makes you happy. Share your happy moments and memories, and remember all the fun activities you have done as a family. This is a great way to create a positive and happy atmosphere in your home.

2) Bake Some Treats Together

Baking is a fun and creative way to celebrate the International Day of Happiness with your family. Not only is baking a fun activity, but you also enjoy the delicious treats you make together. You could bake some gingerbread biscuits together and give them yummy happy faces by creating eyes and a smiley mouth out of fruit.

3) Go Outside and Play

Spending time outdoors is a superb way to promote happiness. Spend some time in the backyard together. You can jump on the trampoline, play hide and seek around the climbing frame, go on a backyard scavenger hunt, or play any other games your family enjoys. Spending time outside in nature can boost your mood and help you feel happier.

4) Do Some Arts and Crafts

You can draw, paint, or make crafts together. Creating art together is a great way to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. A really simple craft to try is creating happy potato prints. You’ll only need a few things: paint, paper and potatoes.

You will need the following:

📜 Paper

🎨 Paint – bright colours to spark happiness, like orange, yellow and pink work well

🥔 Potatoes – big baking potatoes work well

Instructions

Cut a smiley shape into your potato or try other shapes, like stars using a biscuit cutter to indent the outline and then finish cutting with a knife.
Let your kids loose on the paint and stamp the potatoes into the paint and then onto the paper.
Leave the creations to try.
Display where all the family can see to give you a little happiness every day.

This is a great way to express your creativity and spend quality time together as a family.

5) Have a Picnic

Having a picnic is a fun and easy way to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks (and don’t forget those biscuits you made earlier) and head outdoors together. This is a great way to enjoy nature and spend quality time together as a family.

6) Make the Wildlife Happy

There’s a whole host of activities you can encourage your kids to do to make the animals and insects in your backyard happy; it’s not just about happy humans! Why not get your kids to build a bug hotel to keep backyard minibeasts content and cosy or scatter some wildflower seeds so that you will have a host of happy bees in your backyard in the summertime?

Doing activities like this is a great way to get your children to spend time in nature and get involved in the outdoors. It also teaches them how to look after wildlife and make the planet happy.

7) Give Back to Your Community

Giving back to your community is a compassionate way to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. You could donate something to a local food bank or help at a community event. This is a great way to teach your children about the importance of giving back and positively impacting the world.

What is Happening Around the World on the International Day of Happiness?

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated around the world; families share online what makes them happy and how they celebrate the day with loved ones.

Schools sometimes have special events like dressing in clothes that make you happy or a happiness post box where children can post compliment cards to their friends.

Local community hubs might host events like bake sales or pop-up craft tents to spread happiness and joy in the local community, so keep a lookout in your local area.

It’s time to share happiness! What are you doing to spread more happiness? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us @plumplayaus #LifeAtPlay.

Celebrating 35 Years of Healthy Active Play and Giving Parents Peace of Mind

21st February 202321st February 2023Plum Play

As we celebrate our 35^th year of bringing families together through healthy active play and creating childhoods filled with fun memories that will last a lifetime, we’re taking a look back at our beginnings and what makes Plum Play so unique…

Our Story

Becoming the active play specialists

After raising three children themselves while starting Plum^® 35 years ago, founders Jonathan and Diane Schaffer know how important it is to give your little ones the freedom to play in a stimulating outdoor space at home.

When Paul was young, he began working for his family’s business whilst attending school. He was involved in various tasks, such as customer service, organising spare parts, and packing brochures. After Studying in Sydney, Australia, he began his own career. However, Paul had ambitions to return to Plum and in 2015, he returned and since 2019, has been managing the company, heading up the helm as our top play enthusiast! Through his help, the company has grown to become a successful global brand.

What Makes Plum Play Different?

Plum Play is no average toy company. We’re a sustainable toy company who are passionate about making play as fun and safe as possible. From ensuring our products are kind to the planet, to creating imaginative toys kids will love for years to come. Read on to learn more about our values and what makes us so special…

35 Years of Family First Values

We have 35 years of experience and understand the importance of putting families first. So, we ensure that family first values are in everything we do. We’re committed to creating play opportunities for families to spend quality time together by creating play equipment that is high-quality, affordable and enjoyed by families around the globe.

Inspiring Young Minds

We have a passion for inspiring young minds by:

🌟Letting kids rediscover the magical world around them by developing play equipment, like our Forest School-inspired Plum Discovery^® collection, which combines the delights of nature, play and learning.

👏Building kids’ self-confidence and physical skills through healthy active play.

🔎Nurturing curiosity and creativity by developing toys which engage the senses, encourage messy play and appeal to children’s naturally inquisitive side, so they build their interests.

🤸Creating a world that is rich in play possibilities with a variety of outdoor toys from My First to Junior and beyond, there’s a Plum Play possibility for every child (and adult too).

🤾Giving children the freedom of play through our range of innovative outdoor toys, there’s the ultimate freedom to spark little ones’ imaginations through a variety of play.

‘Young minds work in mysterious but wonderful ways. At Plum Play, we’re all about creating the tools to let their imaginations run wild.’ – Founders Jonathan and Diane Schaffer.

Plum Play Looking After the Planet

At Plum Play we have a sustainable play vision. We are committed to being kind and friendly to the planet because we want to ensure the earth is a better place for our children to enjoy as they grow up.

Our commitment to being kind to the environment goes back to our beginnings 35 years ago. We made sure that our wood was of the highest quality and produced from sustainable forestry operations to create attainable sustainable wooden toys.

All our outdoor toys are sustainably sourced, planet friendly toys, as they are made from FSC^®-certified wood, which means that we support the responsible management of the world’s forests. We are proud to have been FSC^®-certified since FSC^® was begun in 1994.

Ensuring a Safe Playtime for All

We have a safety conscious design process, and each of our products is tested to the highest safety standards, and for that all important fun factor!

Springsafe^® Trampolines

springs and frame of the trampoline. This ensures that Plum Springsafe Trampolines are the smartest and safest choice for family fun and healthy active play.

Outdoor Wooden Toys

All our outdoor wooden play equipment is treated with a non-toxic formula to ensure these products are as strong and as safe as possible, prolonging the products’ life and ensuring a safe playtime for all.

Built to Last

We know that healthy active play is important for children as they grow. So that’s why we make premium play equipment that is built to last for years to come.

Since durable play equipment should last for years, all our products come with warranty periods, which ensures your playtime is protected for longer, and you can have peace of mind that the play equipment is safe, high-quality and built to last.

At Plum Play, we believe in fun for the whole family. The joy of play brings families together and creates memories that will last for a lifetime. Share your Plum Play memories with us @plumplayaus.

The Benefits of Random Acts of Kindness for Families

13th February 202313th February 2023Plum Play

What is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

17^th February 2023 marks Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is now a day celebrated worldwide to encourage people to be kind to one another and undertake random acts of kindness. It was a movement that originated in New Zealand through the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, which believes in the positive power of kindness.

Being kind is excellent for the person receiving the act of kindness, but it also can make the person giving the kindness feel positive and happy. So Random Acts of Kindness Day is a way to spread positivity and joy by doing something nice for those around you.

Children Playing on Plum Play Discovery Woodland Treehouse Cubby

Why is it Important to Teach Children About Random Acts of Kindness?

Teaching children about Random Acts of Kindness Day is a great way to open conversations around feelings and well-being. It can encourage kids to realise the power of their actions and help them develop social skills, such as empathy, tolerance, and self-awareness.

Teaching children about the positive power of kindness can empower them to be kind and shape the world in the way they want.

Teaching children some simple random acts of kindness that they can do for someone is a great way to get kids involved in the day and help them learn about kindness and compassion toward others.

What Are Some Tips for Teaching Kids About Random Acts of Kindness?

1) Show them how

When it comes to learning about life, you are a role model for your kids. So, teach them how to be kind by being kind yourself. They will see this and want to copy your positive behaviour.

2) Play and learn

Playing is a great way to teach kids about random acts of kindness. Through play, kids need to respect each other, take turns, act with integrity, and have the courage to climb and explore. All these aspects of play encourage kids to be kind. Next time they go out to play, be sure you acknowledge when they are being kind.

3) Kindness story time

Reading a children’s book about kindness is a great way to teach kids about acts of kindness. These books don’t just have to be about being kind to others. Books about self-confidence, being kind to themselves or the environment and looking after the planet also demonstrate acts of kindness. Get your kids to think broadly about caring and empathy; this will be the best way to teach them about kindness overall.

4) Don’t expect anything in return

Many aspects can make a person kind; acting honestly, being patient and considering others’ feelings are just a few. However, the most important thing to teach your kids is that you don’t act kindly to get something in return. You do it because it is the right thing to do.

5) Keep being kind everyday

Although Random Acts of Kindness Day is a special day to help promote the power of being kind, being kind isn’t a once-a-year thing! Remind your children that to really be kind, you must try to be caring everyday, as that is the best way to be kind.

Kids playing on Plum Play Lookout Tower with Swings

What Can Parents Do to Encourage Random Acts of Kindness in the Home?

As a parent, there are some easy things that you can do to encourage random acts of kindness at home.

One of the best ways to do this is by demonstrating kindness daily, as kids will notice this and wan to follow suit. So, let them see you being kind to others. For example, when you hold the door for someone in the café or help your neighbour carry out an errand.

It’s also super important to acknowledge when your kids are kind to someone and let them know why that was kind. You don’t need to reward them, but just recognise that what they did was nice and the reason behind it. This will help to encourage random acts of kindness.

Another way to promote kindness at home is to give your kids responsibilities. This will help them to learn to be reliable and do what is expected to support others. For example, if you have a family pet, giving your kids the responsibility to feed your pet in the mornings helps them to learn responsibility and compassion towards others.

A creative way to teach your children about kindness at home would be to ask them to draw a picture of your family acting kind. Then chat with your little ones about what they have drawn and identify the act of kindness in their image. This will help them identify acts of kindness and remind them how they can be kind at home.

Family and kindness go hand in hand. Teaching kids to be respectful and treating people and places in a thoughtful way will naturally encourage them to be kind at home. For example, packing their toys away when they have finished playing so that they treat their home environment with care or sharing toys with siblings and turn-taking during a family game also shows respect and can encourage kindness.

How Can You Celebrate This Day with Your Kids?

A fun way to celebrate Random Acts of kindness day with your kids would be to write and leave kindness notes for each other around the house and yard. These notes will surely bring a smile to your face as you go about your day!

You could celebrate this day by baking a cake together and sharing the washing up duties. This is sure to be a tasty way to mark the day and remind your kids that sharing tasks (and treats!) is a great way to be kind.

Do your kids have a favourite way to show kindness, or perhaps you have your own way of celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day? Be sure to let us know @PlumPlayAus #LifeAtPlay.