How do foam pits benefit kids? (and why kids love them!)
Foam pits have quickly become one of our favorite, and most requested, playroom items. Why? Because foam pits are fun for kids of all ages from toddlers to teens - even parents have been known to hop in from time to time. ;-) Even better? Foam pits are actually beneficial to your kids’ fine and gross motor skill development.
Read on to learn more about foam pits and why they are so beneficial for your kids! In this post we’ll share why foam pits are great additions to your playroom, answer the most common questions about foam pits and share some of our favorite foam pit pics!
What is a foam pit?
Usually 5’ x 5’ or 6’ x 6’ in size (custom sizes are available) with 2’ high walls and a padded floor, home foam pits are smaller versions of the giant foam pits typically found at trampoline parks. While home foam pits are filled with 6” foam cubes, just like those at the trampoline parks, that’s where the similarities end.
How do foam pits benefit kids?
Foam pits offer kids multi-sensory benefits and encourage open ended, child-led play . The soft foam provides calming, tactile sensory input. Kids improve their gross motor skills by climbing through the foam, not only does it improve endurance, it’s also a great core workout! A stronger core helps kids sit up in class and even helps them grip their pencils and improve their handwriting. Grabbing, throwing and catching the foam are all amazing ways to improve fine motor skills.
How do kids use foam pits?
Home foam pits are similar to those at trampoline parks in that they offer an inviting (and safe!) landing zone for kids but other than that they’re actually pretty different. Unlike at a trampoline park where kids have to move quickly out of the foam pit so they don’t get hit by another child, at home, foam pits encourage much more imaginative play. Kids build towers and other structures with the foam cubes, they love burrowing in to bury themselves in the foam, swimming across the foam and of course tossing the soft, foam cubes.
Are foam pits safe?
Yes! They offer kids a safe landing zone for all sorts of climbing activities. At home foam pits offer all the fun with none of the germs found at trampoline parks.
What ages are foam pits good for?
From toddlers to teens, everyone loves a foam pit! Kids can enjoy a foam pit from approximately 18 months and up. Obviously, parents and caregivers should monitor little ones when they’re engaging in any gross motor play, and foam pits are no exception. As your kids grow, they will continue to play with the foam pit all through their childhood. In fact, our teens’ favorite place to hang with friends is in the pit. 🙂
Are they a pain to clean up?
Inevitably some of the foam cubes will fall out of the pit and kids will throw the cubes around. Do you blame them?! How could they resist? That said, foam cubes don’t roll away and it’s a fun game to throw them all back into the foam pit. Bottom line - yes, there is some clean up involved but it’s not at all tedious.
Do kids actually use foam pits?
Yes! They absolutely do! In fact, foam pits are often the most used toy in the playroom. They can be enjoyed year round and are pretty much irresistible to kids. The novelty never wears off, foam pits invite kids to climb and jump in whether that’s from an adjacent rock wall, from monkey bars, a climbing rope or a fort. We delight in watching kids come up with endless imaginative games with the foam.
How many foam cubes do I need for my foam pit?
For a 5' x 5' x 2' foam pit we recommend the Small Pack (278 cubes). For 5' x 8' x 2' and 6' x 6' x 2' foam pits we recommend the Medium Pack (374 cubes) and for the 8' x 8' x 2' foam pit we recommend the Large Pack (566 cubes).
The take away:
Foam pits are a unique addition to your playroom that your kids will love playing with for years to come. We love foam pits as they’re not only fun but also very functional! You’ll love how your kids’ eyes light up when they see the foam pit, like moths to a flame they simply cannot resist playing in the foam pit.
If you’re interested in learning more about foam pits or inquiring about a custom foam pit size or color shoot us an email at info@playwildchild.com. You can purchase our foam pits and cubes in our store! Enjoy!
