Getting Into A Spin With Playground Roundabouts


What is it about spinning on playground roundabouts that children enjoy so much?

According to Gill Connell, author of, ‘Moving To Learn,’ it is that, ‘Spinning on his own is a child’s natural way to ’test‘ his sense of balance’.  Small children instinctively roll, spin, rock and hang upside down because their brains crave vestibular stimulation in order to establish a sense of balance. Toddlers in particular like to spin around until they feel dizzy and often fall down in the process.  Most fairground rides involve spinning in different directions giving passengers a thrill.

The Thrill Of Playground Roundabouts

Playground roundabouts have always been popular with older children because they combine the thrill of spinning with the teamwork necessary to rotate the roundabout as fast as it can go. In the past playground roundabouts had an added danger factor as children risked the skin on their knees to achieve the fastest ride. These days playground roundabouts still offer the same thrill without the risk factor.

Children get a thrill from spinning as fast as they can. Apart from the buzz and speed, there are scientific reasons why playground roundabouts are so fantastic. Spinning activates vestibular stimulation which helps the body learn how to balance.

Children are natural risk takers and like to challenge themselves to overcome fearful situations. Playgrounds provide the perfect opportunity to feel fear without facing any real danger. Playground roundabouts are inclusively designed so that all children can enjoy the thrills of spinning.

Vestibular Situation

The benefits of spinning are not just restricted to the enjoyment of speed. Children also benefit from improving their balance. Vestibular stimulation is the neurological process of sending electronic messages to the nerves that maintain balance. The whole process is essential to the development of children’s physical and emotional needs.

As well as honing special awareness vestibular stimulation has a calming effect on children. This is why we rock babies to sleep and children with sensory issues are encouraged to spin or swing to settle them. Children on the autistic spectrum can sometimes be seen spinning in the playground as a self-settling measure.

So when children are squealing with delight on a playground roundabout they are not just having fun.

Inclusive Playground Equipment

All children are able to enjoy the sensation of spinning on a playground roundabout because they can be designed with easy wheelchair access and safe places to stand.  A good example of these types of playground roundabouts is the Inclusive Orbit, which consists of a ground level circular platform that incorporates space for a wheelchair, standing space and a generous sized seat.  There is no need to worry about tumbling off because your feet are on the same level as the ground throughout your spin.

Spinning In Safety

The Orbit is a playground roundabout similar to the Inclusive Orbit just without the space for a wheelchair.  The innovative design enables children to climb on without fear of hurting themselves and allows them to feel secure once on the circular platform.  Children can sit on the three multi seats and hold onto the handle bars to enjoy the spinning effect created by the unique rotating mechanism.

Learning To Take Turns

Smaller children can enjoy the sensation of spinning without feeling overcrowded with the Mini Orbit.  This miniature playground roundabout works in exactly the same way as its larger counterparts but the child sits on the central platform holding on to the handle bars.  Children will learn how to work together to get the roundabout rotating and take it in turns to spin each other around.

Our Playground Roundabouts

Playground roundabouts are designed for children of all ages to enjoy. They are designed to be flush with the ground so that they are easily accessible. Children work as a team taking it in turns to spin and be spun. A specially developed rotating mechanism allows speedy rotation without any danger of falling off.

Roundabouts look quite different today than they did in the past. They come in many different sizes and can be used by individuals or groups. Children of all ages and abilities can play together because they are much safer.

Playdale has three playground roundabouts called; The Orbit, Inclusive Orbit and Mini Orbiter.

The Orbit

It is very easy to embark The Orbit as you only have to step onto it. There is a combination of seats and bars to secure you on. Children use their own centre of balance to stop themselves from falling over. Spinning the Orbit is effortless due to the easy to reach bars. Parents of young children can sit them on the floor of the roundabout and spin them gently. There is no danger of scuffed knees because the base of the Orbit is at floor level. The unique rotating system makes sure that it is fast but not furious.

Inclusive Orbit

The Inclusive Orbit has been designed to enable wheelchair access. This means that all children can play happily together regardless of their physical limitations. There is room for four children and a wheelchair on the platform. Very young children in pushchairs can also access the roundabout so everyone can be included in the exhilarating ride.

Mini Orbiter

Small children can enjoy the thrills of the Mini Orbiter. With three handlebars to hold onto and a small rotating platform, even the youngest child can enjoy spinning. It is designed for individual children so that parents can rotate the roundabout at a speed their child feels comfortable with

If you are interested in putting the children who visit your playground in a spin please feel free to contact us regarding the best playground roundabouts for your play area.


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