Guide to play and leisure areas for holiday parks and campsites
Holiday parks and campsites have become more popular than ever over the past few years and visitors are looking for something special when choosing their destinations.
Investing in a bespoke, memorable play or fitness space for your venue could make you the first choice for families when booking this year.
Your holiday park with exciting recreation
Picture a family's laughter echoing through the air, children racing across lush lawns, and friends engaging in friendly competition under the sun. This is the essence of outdoor activities that holidaymakers cherish. As a holiday park owner, you have the unique opportunity to provide guests with more than just accommodation – you can offer memorable experiences.
When it comes to planning the perfect holiday escape, families and individuals seek more than just a change of scenery. They yearn for engaging experiences that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. This is where the magic of holiday parks and campsites truly shines.
Importance of outdoor activities at leisure sites
Having outdoor recreational spaces, including playground equipment and outdoor fitness areas, within campsites and holiday parks offers a multitude of benefits that enhance the overall experience for visitors. These spaces create an environment that promotes physical activity, social interaction, relaxation, and connection with nature.
Benefits of outdoor activities
1 Promotes physical health and wellbeing
Outdoor recreational spaces promote physical activity, enhancing cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall fitness. Playgrounds help children develop motor skills, coordination, and balance, while outdoor fitness areas offer adults convenient exercise options for healthier lifestyles.
2 Enhances mental wellbeing
Spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves mental wellbeing. Outdoor recreational spaces offer a serene environment for relaxation and enjoyment of natural surroundings, with fresh air and pleasant scenery promoting a positive mindset.
3 Fosters social interaction
Playgrounds and recreational spaces foster social interaction and community engagement. They bring together families, friends, and individuals to bond through games, physical activities, or quality time, promoting a sense of belonging and camaraderie among visitors.
4 Encourages outdoor exploration
Outdoor recreational spaces inspire curiosity and exploration, encouraging imaginative play and connection with nature. These experiences are vital for children's cognitive development and environmental awareness.
5 Adds value to the experience
Campsites and holiday parks that offer well-designed outdoor recreational spaces differentiate themselves from competitors. These spaces become a significant factor in attracting and retaining visitors, as they contribute to a more memorable and enjoyable stay.
6 Creates a family friendly atmosphere
Families often choose campsites and holiday parks for vacations, where outdoor recreational spaces enhance the family-friendly atmosphere. Playgrounds and family-oriented activities make these destinations appealing to parents seeking enriching experiences for their children.
7 Amplifies the natural connection
Camping enthusiasts are attracted to nature's allure, including rustling leaves, starlit skies, and soothing wilderness sounds. Outdoor recreational spaces in campsites and holiday parks enhance this connection, offering curated environments for engaging with nature and enjoying recreational activities.
8 An extension of the camping lifestyle
Outdoor recreational spaces become an extension of the camping lifestyle, where the appreciation for nature and outdoor adventure is woven into every aspect of the journey. Visitors can seamlessly transition from hiking trails to playgrounds or from nature walks to outdoor fitness stations, enjoying the best of both worlds.
9 Enhances guest satisfaction and loyalty
When visitors have access to enjoyable outdoor recreational spaces, their overall satisfaction increases. Positive experiences lead to repeat visits and recommendations to friends and family, fostering loyalty and a positive reputation for the destination.
10 Intimate encounters with wildlife
Outdoor recreational spaces allow campers to encounter local wildlife intimately. Families can watch birds while children play, and individuals can enjoy nature during fitness routines. These experiences foster a deep connection and respect for the environment.
Five considerations to make your space stand out
Playground design for holiday parks or campsites can be different to municipal parks and other public destinations. Playgrounds on campsites are designed to keep children busy and entertained for typically much longer periods as these are often destinations where visitors are resident for multiple days at a time.
Many holiday and campsite operators turn to HAGS for products that serve adult campers, too. Outdoor gym equipment, benches, shade structures, waste bins and other site furniture all make your recreational areas appealing to more campers.
Creating exceptional outdoor recreational spaces involves a thoughtful blend of aesthetics, inclusivity, safety, play value, and amenities for various age groups. This approach transforms campsites and holiday parks into vibrant hubs of play, relaxation, and connection with nature, enriching the experience for all visitors.
1. Aesthetic Appeal
The visual harmony between playground equipment and the surrounding environment is crucial for an inviting experience. Selecting designs, colors, and materials that complement the natural landscape or design scheme of your campsite or holiday park enhances the overall ambiance. An aesthetically pleasing playground encourages visitors to spend quality time outdoors and feel more connected to their surroundings.
2. Inclusivity
A diverse and inclusive play environment is essential for accommodating different age groups and abilities. An inclusive playground, with features like accessible ramps, sensory play elements, and varied seating options, ensures everyone can enjoy the space comfortably, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.
3. Safety
Safety is of paramount importance in any recreational space, especially where children are involved. Parents and guardians need assurance that the play areas are designed and built to the highest safety standards. Independent testing and adherence to safety standards, as exemplified by HAGS products' partnership with TUV in accordance with the European Safety Standards (EN 1176), instill confidence among visitors. Transparent safety measures build trust and encourage families to engage in play without worrying about potential hazards.
4. Play Value
Play facilitates holistic development by incorporating physical, creative, cognitive, and social elements. Playgrounds should offer physical activities like climbing and swinging, nurture creativity through interactive elements, and foster cognitive and social skills with collaborative games and problem solving activities. This mix ensures diverse and enriching experiences for visitors.
5. Products for older children and adults
Campsites and holiday parks cater to all ages, including older children, teenagers, and adults, by providing outdoor fitness equipment, sports arenas, and picnic areas. Site furniture like picnic tables, shade structures and litter bins enhance comfort and functionality, promoting multi-generational interaction and engagement.
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Playgrounds with themes to impress your visitors!
Consider adding spaces for sporting activities
Adding areas for sporting recreation to campsites and holiday destinations enhances the overall guest experience by providing diverse activities for all ages. Sports arenas, obstacle courses, and outdoor fitness gym areas not only encourage physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles but also foster social interaction and family bonding. These amenities transform your site into a vibrant, multi-functional hub, attracting a wider range of visitors and ensuring memorable, enjoyable stays.
