Author: Plum Play

The Benefits of Climbing Frames for Kids

Plum Play

From learning to walk to climbing trees, kids are always looking for ways to pull themselves up and explore. Climbing frames allow little ones to use their imaginations and safely challenge themselves whilst developing important physical skills such as balance, co-ordination and agility.

Encourage Self Directed Play

Free play on a climbing frame in a well-designed outdoor play area naturally inspires children to be active. It also allows kids to entertain themselves and helps them to think independently and develop important decision making skills.

Coordinate Movements

Swinging allows children to develop and practice coordinated movements. Climbing can also help a child’s cognitive development through problem solving, memory and the feelings of fear and motivation often experienced through climbing also have great benefits to children.

Build Balance

Through sliding, children learn to keep their torsos balanced as gravity pulls them down the slide. Climbing to the top of the ladder also helps with leg strength.

@tanna__tribe enjoying their Plum Wooden Climbing Pyramid

“Pretty sure we won’t ever need to leave the house for park visits again! These girls are loving their new Plum Play Climbing Pyramid with swings, rockwall and a slide. It also offers a fun little hideout under the fort. Hours of play are sure to be had with this neat little set up!”

Plum Wooden Climbing Pyramid

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Plum Wooden Climbing Cube

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Plum Tamarin Swing Sets

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Trampoline fun with Zara’s Play Tribe

Plum Play

We just love Zaras amazing play ideas and her creative ways to use her new Plum 8ft Trampoline are no exception. Check out her latest blog post below:

Ok, so we love the trampoline but why? Encouraging Aidan and Evie to use their gorgeous energy in a positive way is HARD, especially when we are stuck at home. Have the trampoline as a crazy zone outlet is just perfect for the moments when they need to bounce off the walls…because they literally can!

Physical exercise is not only something my kids love it is a necessity! Did you know the Australian Department of Health states ‘ Preschoolers (aged 3 – 5 years) should spend at least 180 minutes a day in a variety of physical activities, of which 60 minutes is energetic play such as running, jumping and kicking and throwing, spread throughout the day.’

That is 3 HOURS! EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!

Stuck for ways to play on your trampoline?

Here are just a few that will not only inspire your active children but will make them laugh too! I use a lot of these, especially in the cooler months as it encourages the kids to move outside and keep their bodies moving!

BALLOON PARTY

You can do this with 1 balloon or 20, it really doesn’t matter! The way the balloons jump, bounce and float within the trampolines safety enclosure is just so much fun! Throw them to friends, try and jump on them, whatever you feel like!

WATER BALLOON JUMP

Although this balloon was very hard to pop, I recommend doing it on a warm day! This is a 90cm latex balloon from our local party store. I filled it with water, tied the top and let the kids at it. It ended up taking 3 hours for this one to pop, that is three hours full of jumping, crashing and giggling. This also works with standard balloons but of course you can’t fill them with quite this much water. Check it out

DRAWING

Have you ever tried drawing on your trampoline with chalk? The colours are SO vibrant! Draw some shapes, jump on the shapes until they disappear and then start again. If it is a warm day, grab the hose once you have finished and get the kids to clean the trampoline!

TRAMPOLINE BED

Too cold to go outside? Take your doona and some pillows and make a warm and cosy trampoline bed. Don’t forget some books and maybe even a nice warm cuppa! Be warned though, there is a high possibility this will turn into a game of ‘No more monkeys jumping on the bed’.

SPRINKLER TRAMPOLINE The perfect summer game, those days when it is too hot to run around but there is still lots of energy trapped inside us! Pop a sprinkler under your trampoline and GO!

For even more fun play ideas be sure to check out Zara’s Instagram @zaras_play_tribe

Mum Central: Our Real Mum’s review of the Plum Freebound Bowl Trampoline

Plum Play

We are so excited to have received another glowing product review from Belinda Jennings, Founder of Mum Central – the go to hub for Australian Mums with real stories from real women.

“The one thing I loved most about the Plum Freebound Bowl Trampoline compared to other traditional trampolines was the whole new dynamic it brought to outside play.  Not only do you have your traditional flatbed trampoline, but the curved ‘track’ transforms into bouncing heaven! It’s safe, secure and my kids were blown away.”

“My kids have had a few trampolines growing up but the Plum Freebound Bowl Trampoline has definitely exceeded all our expectations. My boys could easily do flips, perform tricks and get some crazy air with minimal effort.”

The Plum Bowl Trampoline
“I really found it easy to get the hang of the angled net, and was actually really surprised at how quickly I could learn to do a front flip.” – James, 11
The Plum Bowl Trampoline

So let them bounce off the walls and discover the difference a Plum BOWL trampoline can make.

The Plum® Bowl Trampoline®

Plum Play

Introducing the Plum® Freebound Bowl Trampoline®; AKA your saviour.

The Plum Freebound Bowl Trampoline is no ordinary trampoline. For starters, it doesn’t just have a flat bed. It also has a curved mat surrounding the flat part of the trampoline which can also be jumped on. This radical curved, bowl-like shape makes it the funnest and safest trampoline on the market. Your thrill-seekers are going to love it.

The CURV shape allows you to move or ‘freebound’ in any direction. Use the markers on the mat to track your movement and refine your freebounding moves. Bounce, run, flip, spin, kick, dance – you are only limited by your imagination.

There are absolutely no springs on this trampoline. 136 bungee cords work in unison to support and bounce you. This FLX system also makes the Plum Freebound Bowl Trampoline really, really quiet. Just the ticket for the parent trying to make a few work calls while keeping an eye on the kids.

This trampoline is extremely safe. The see-through Supernet is extra thick and super soft, so your little darling can’t fall out and you can watch them at all times. Thick padding and soft cushioning can be found all over the frame. Even the ladder has anti-slip rubber grips on each step.

With a weight rating of 125kgs adults can jump in on the fun too! A ten-minute bouncy burst provides a great cardio workout and all over tone. And it’s a hell of lot more fun than running around the block.

Check it out here: The Plum® Bowl Trampoline®

Sensory Play Time with Zara’s Play Tribe

Plum Play

As the Melbourne weather warms up we are spending more and more time outdoors. Ever heard the outdoors referred to as nature’s playground? Well, that is exactly what it is. Endless opportunities for play right out your back door!

Although our backyard already offers many sensory experiences in our grass, trees, flowers, textures, smells and sounds, sometimes Aidan and Evie like me to take it a step further and offer different sensory adventures.

We recently got an outdoor sensory table, it is called a sand and water table BUT has so much more potential than just sand and water!

Although it does have a removable lid, the lid rarely goes on because the kids are too busy creating! There are two sections in the table, one that is made for wet substances and one that is made for dry. Let’s be honest, it all ends up getting mixed together which is AMAZING!

So far, we have tried a few different table combinations:

  • Sand & Water with scooping and pouring utensils
  • Beans & Coloured Water as a potion making station
  • Blue gelatin & ocean animals as an ocean theme
  • Truck washing station

When I reset the table I have left the ‘leftovers’ from previous play in there, it adds extra elements and the kids love building on their previous play experiences.

Engaging in sensory play outside not only gives the kids room to move and explore in new ways it gives me, as their mum, peace of mind knowing that the couch, the carpet, and the walls won’t get covered in sensory goodies. Plus kids and fresh air certainly have a certain magic about it!

The best part is that cleaning up is literally just hosing it all down, how good is that!

Thanks for the fantastic review. For even more amazing play ideas, check out Zara’s website playtribe.com.au

Plum Cares about The Environment

Plum Play

We are extremely proud to sustainably source and manufacture each element of our products. Our commitment to be kind to the environment goes all the way back to our beginnings; we are now celebrating over 30 years of sustainable trading.

Ethical manufacturing is non-negotiable; all of our suppliers and factories are audited to ICTI and BSCI standards. These standards support the rights of the workers who manufacture our toys.

Long before FSC® was established our founders were actively involved with the ethical sourcing of wood products and to this day are still committed to taking care of the forest environment, and the people and wildlife who live there.

About Our Wood
Ethical Manufacturing
Our Sustainable Play Vision

Colours By Plum

Plum Play

Welcome to the perfect place for picnics, parties and social playtime! The Colours by Plum® range will transform your garden and create an imaginative fun role play environment; immersing little ones in the outdoors!

Made from sturdy FSC® certified timber, and finished with a unique teal colour, our latest range of outdoor products are a must have. View the latest range and images from the campaign.

Shop the Colours By Plum® Range

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Mum Central Trampoline Review

Plum Play

Bounce into Summer Fun with a Plum® Premium Magnitude!

We are very honoured to have received a glowing product review from Belinda Jennings, Founder of Mum Central – the go to hub for Australian Mums with real stories from real women.

Mum to two cheeky boys, and wife to her superstar husband, Belinda’s family live a busy but crazy lifestyle in Adelaide. Belinda is committed to celebrating the journey that is Australian parenthood and we LOVE that Mum Central provides a “no plastic fantastic and gossip” zone, a place for safe and authentic conversations with Mums of all walks of life!

When asked to provide one of our Plum Springsafe® trampoline models for Belinda to trial, we jumped at the chance!

Mum Central Video Review: Plum® Springsafe® Premium Magnitude Trampoline

Product Assembly: Watch the full build in under 4 minutes!

Read the full product review here and enter into our competition for the chance to WIN one: https://mumcentral.com.au/plum-springsafe-trampoline-review/

Explore the range: https://www.plumplay.com.au/trampolines/by-model/premium-magnitude-trampolines

Discover Nature Play

Plum Play

Inspire a love of nature, engage children in STEM education and discover the advantages of early play!

Discovery

The research is quite clear that the best practice in early childhood education is to break away from structured activities and allow for more play and investigation. This kind of learning early in life builds skills and interests that serve children throughout their school years and into adulthood.

In 2017, Plum® introduced the award winning nature play collection designed to get kids out into the garden, experimenting with STEM activities. The Plum Discovery® collection combines learning and play all year round whilst inspiring natures little ambassadors to get messy in the garden with outdoor role play. Children can interact with nature as they discover wildlife and engage in sensory and active play as the seasons change. Little green fingers can cut and trim the buds and shrubs to create their very own mini eco centre. All Discovery® toys have been made from FSC® sustainably sourced wood, include a bamboo wind chime, easy clean painting screen and mini growing station for beginner gardeners.

“The collection brings families, friends and communities together.
The idea is to use non-linear unstructured play features to stimulate
imaginative engagement. Our new design is feature rich and gives 360°
play. We have continued the rustic, earthy look & feel, discovery products
feel like a part of the garden, like they are were grown in the woodland.”

Product Developer, Francis Wright

Discovery® Nature Play Hideaway!

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Discovery® Woodland Treehouse!

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Woodland Treehouse Product Shot 1

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Discovery® Mud Pie Kitchen!

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Mud Kitchen Product Shot 1

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Discovery® Create and Paint Easel!

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Create and Paint Easel Product Shot 1

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Shop the Discovery® range now!

Explore Adventure Play

Plum Play

Adventure play to spark creative minds!

Adventure

Children have a natural desire to explore their surroundings, create their own world and set out on new adventures. Adventure play will build your child’s confidence as they push their boundaries, developing new skills.

Up, up and away!

The Plum Swing Set range includes sustainably sourced round poles made from whole tree trunks which are stripped of their bark, trimmed to size and left to retain their natural charm and strength. Built for a healthy playtime and packed full of fun features, each frame will encourage year round physical and imaginative play.

The Plum Create Your Own Swing Set range is designed for the way you want to play. Simply choose your frame, decide on your colour and pick your interchangeable play accessories.

“When I first showed the kids a sneak peak of the Create a Swing package that was available through Plum Play, I was so happy to see the excited expressions on their little faces. We were long over due for an upgrade and for years Rylee had been asking for a basket swing like the “cool ones” they have at the public playgrounds. We sat down as a family and talked about what features they wanted most of all in their set. Although this part was quite difficult we finally agreed that a slide and basket swing were our top picks! Installation was a success and the kids have barely been inside ever since LOL. The slide and basket swing are both very generous in size and are definitely made to stand the test of time. I love how sturdy the frame is and very pleased with the overall quality. We now are the talk of the neighbourhood and the kids friends have so much fun here that they never want to leave. Thank you Plum Play they will still be swinging in years to come!”

Sam Walker, Mummy Blogger

Love to climb!

Free play helps children develop confidence and express themselves through problem solving whilst overcoming fears. A climbing frame can be whatever a child wants it to be… a place to let off steam and create stories. Climbing will increase hand, feet and eye coordination and stimulate the mind.

Let’s tell stories, explore and make believe with friends!

With a wooden playhouse at the bottom of the garden, children have an outdoor hideaway that they can call their very own. Choose the Wooden Cubby House in teal for something classic and colourful, or the Wooden Teepee Hideaway or Nature Play Hideaway for hours of fun outdoor play.

Shop the Adventure Play range now!