5 Reasons Why Maze Playground Markings Are So Popular
Updated on: February 22, 2024
If you want to add variety and interest to a playground, maze playground markings are a brilliant choice. Maze games for children are both fun and educational so maze playground markings make it easy to install one in your play space.
Drawing on children’s natural curiosity, fun maze games provide excellent physical and mental stimulation that has benefits for the entire body, from brain to feet.
A history that stretches far back into ancient times shows humans have long been drawn to puzzles. They provide us with an exciting mental challenge that keeps our minds fresh and active.
For children, maze games are a brilliant way to build a wide range of cognitive skills. James Olds, a neuroscientist at George Mason University in Virginia, has carried out extensive studies into the effects of mazes on the mind which suggest maze games can help us develop important real-life skills, such as navigation and visualisation.
The methodical nature of puzzle play means maze playground markings create a calming outdoor activity that can help children return to the classroom refreshed, soothed and ready for learning.
It’s one of the reasons why we always have a collection of maze playground markings. As one of the best playground marking suppliers for schools, designs that are innovative, fun and educational are always our priority so maze games are an activity you can always find in stock. See playground mazes
Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits maze games offer.
5 Reasons Why Maze Playground Markings Are So Popular
1. Cognitive Development
The unique design of a maze game awakens the brain because it presents the mind with a problem it hasn’t seen before.
The challenge to solve an unforeseen problem requires the brain to undertake fresh learning. When the mind learns something new, it develops fresh connections to understand how to do this new task.
The creation of the new network of connections is called neuroplasticity. According to Carolyn Parsey, a neuropsychologist at the Memory and Brain Wellness Center in Seattle, neuroplasticity is the strongest evidence of the cognitive benefits maze games have for the brain.
Parsey says, it’s the capacity of maze activities to spark rewiring in the brain that makes them helpful in the prevention of brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The sheer range of cognitive skills involved in solving this new challenge makes mazes for children a fantastic way to keep the mind active.
From concentration to problem-solving, memory and analysis, the variety of brain development children engage in when playing mazes is impressive.
2. STEM
The majority of these cognitive skills also support children with learning in science, maths and technology.
To solve mazes, children need to think systematically and work methodically to get to the end of the maze. They’ll need to use analysis, predictions, trial and error and evaluation to navigate the maze in the most efficient way.
All these cognitive skills and more will help children in their wider maths, science, and technology learning as well as everyday life.
We’ve taken this one step further and created a dedicated maths maze which includes maths problems for children to solve as they navigate the puzzle. View maths maze
We also have mazes in different mathematical shapes and others which use scientific themes. You can also choose to order a custom maze in the shape of your choice.
See bespoke maze we created for WWT London Wetland Centre
3. Motor Skills
Maths mazes also support children to build important visual motor skills. Mazes require good visualisation and spatial awareness to see the best routes clearly.
Not only do both visualisation and spatial awareness aid mathematical learning, but they also help to build visual motor skills.
Children need to use both eyes to scan all the possible routes then use hand-eye co-ordination, brain and body co-ordination and balance to navigate the maze successfully.
As children twist, turn and travel around the maze, they’ll be building lots of balance, co-ordination, and motor skills in other parts of the body, such as the ankles.
4. Personal Development
This unique type of problem-solving activity is wonderful for children’s personal development.
Maze games have universal appeal so maze playground markings can be installed in play spaces for children of any age.
They build on children’s natural interest in puzzles which remains extremely current and familiar thanks to the computer games modern children play.
As children persevere to complete the puzzle, they’ll build a diverse range of personal development skills, such as resilience, self motivation and tenacity which are all important for real-life.
Our Jurassic, Space and Pirate mazes add extra motivation by giving children visual stimulation, which look like computer game reward points or dangers to avoid, to ensure everyone has an added reason to keep moving through the maze. See themed mazes
Children will also be developing social skills as they communicate, negotiate, and collaborate with others. Meanwhile, their organisational skills will be growing as they work systematically to locate the best route.
5. Relaxation
Whilst mazes for children are challenging, they’re also relaxing and fun. The methodical nature of logical problem-solving makes maze games a popular way for both adults and children to relax.
Whilst children focus on the maze, other parts of the brain can take a breather whilst everyday worries can be put to one side. The opportunity to do this at playtime means children will return to the classroom calm, focused and in the right mood for learning with an improved mental well-being!
Ask our friendly team for a free quote or browse our full range of maze playground markings.
Jess Sparks
Jess is deeply committed to supporting our mission of positively impacting UK outdoor play environments to promote healthy lifestyles in children.
With a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Sustainable Marketing, Jess channels her passion for sustainability into her marketing role, using her skills to promote eco-conscious practices and raise awareness for our initiatives.
Jess’ experience within the industry is instrumental in driving engagement and supporting connections with those who require ultra-durable, high-grade playground markings both locally and internationally.