Klimmen, rennen tot je buiten adem bent, stoeien met vriendjes: kinderen hebben een natuurlijke behoefte om uit te proberen hoe ver ze kunnen gaan. Dit noemen we avontuurlijk spelen – en is essentieel voor hun ontwikkeling.
What is adventurous play?
Adventurous play is play that combines excitement and fun. Children consciously test boundaries and experience what they can and cannot do. They climb until it gets exciting, cycle as fast as they dare, or build something challenging. This differs from learning through play, where children grow in language, thinking and social skills without noticing. Both are important, but adventurous play focuses on the physical challenge.
Why is it so valuable?
While playing, children discover the world and learn to work together. Free outdoor play stimulates their motor, sensory and social-emotional development as well as their spatial awareness. Children who take on challenges become stronger and more resilient. They learn to assess whether something is safe and discover their own talents. Constantly protecting your child is therefore not a good idea. It is precisely by allowing them to experiment in a safe environment that your child will grow in self-confidence and become less anxious.
How Espira encourages adventurous play
At Espira, we believe in the Scandinavian approach: spending lots of time outdoors, in naturally designed play areas that invite discovery. Our educational professionals encourage adventurous play by offering challenging sports and play equipment and age-appropriate activities. They stimulate curiosity and give children space and confidence. They observe from a distance and count to thirty before intervening – often the child has already solved the problem themselves.
The result? Your child grows in confidence and courage and enjoys all the adventures to the fullest.