The Power of Active Play: How Ride-On Toys Support Children’s Growth
By Lauren Keep
See how ride-on toys support growth and development in children.
With so many toys for childcare centers on the market, how do you choose what toys are best for children? It’s essential to select toys that support emotional, physical, and social development. When it comes to outdoor toys, ride-ons are an excellent choice, promoting growth in all these key areas.
Outdoor ride-on toys don’t just provide fun but also offer a range of benefits that support both physical and cognitive growth. In this article, we’ll explore why ride-on toys are so important and how they contribute to your child’s overall well-being. So, why choose ride-on toys for kids?
Do Ride-On Toys Support Motor Skill Development?
Yes, outdoor ride-on toys help support children’s gross motor skill development. These toys require children to use large muscle groups in their legs, arms, and core.
Pedaling and pushing ride-on toys require significant effort from a child's legs, helping to build strength in both the legs and core muscles. As children engage with these toys, their back and core muscles are further strengthened, particularly as they become more stable and confident while using the ride-on. Over time, this continuous use promotes better posture and balance. Additionally, the nature of these toys challenges children to develop and refine their balance and stability skills, fostering greater coordination and body awareness as they navigate different movements and terrains.
Are There Cognitive and Sensory Benefits of Ride-On Toys?
Preschool ride-on toys offer more than just physical benefits—they also provide cognitive and sensory advantages. As children navigate obstacles and judge distances while using these toys, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The actions of steering, stopping, and maneuvering the toy require focus and decision-making, which further enhance their cognitive abilities. Additionally, the sensory experience of engaging in multiple senses, such as touch, sight, and movement, supports brain development, helping children strengthen neural connections and improve their overall cognitive function.
The Social and Emotional Benefits of Ride-On Toys
As children master new skills like steering and balancing on ride-on toys, they can foster a sense of independence and boost their self-esteem. These toys also promote cooperative play, teaching children the value of sharing toys and turn-taking as they interact with peers. Additionally, the physical activity involved in using ride-on toys helps children release excess energy, in turn improving their mood, creating a positive emotional experience while they play.
Encouraging Active Play Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle
Encouraging active play helps children develop a healthy lifestyle as they grow. While more sedentary play helps build fine motor skills, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities, balancing it with active play is key to keeping kids engaged, physically active, and well-rounded in their development.
Along with building muscle, regular physical activity helps boost cardiovascular health and stamina, promoting a strong and healthy heart. Encouraging movement from an early age also helps children associate exercise with fun, fostering positive attitudes toward physical activity that can last a lifetime. Active play can make exercise fun and engaging from a young age, encouraging children to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Why choose ride-on toys for kids? Ride-ons support motor skill development, provide cognitive and sensory benefits, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and offer valuable social and emotional growth—all while keeping kids engaged and active. With all of these benefits in mind, click to browse Foundations’ wide selection of children’s outdoor ride on toys!
Contact us or call 330-722-5033 to learn more about our full line of high-quality educational products.
Read more:
MSU Child & Family Development: What are the best toys for children?