Best Outdoor Musical Instruments To Fuel Creativity
Updated on: March 11, 2024
Outdoor musical instruments are a popular way to add a sense of interest and fun to a playground. Any play space should offer children a unique and exciting experience.
We all know the stories of how children prefer a day at the local park to an expensive day out. It’s because playgrounds are their dedicated space for free play – there’s no forced fun, it’s their place to relax and unwind.
It’s for this reason that the inclusion of outdoor musical instruments in any playground, park or play space is ideal. Before we delve into some of the most popular instruments, let’s look at the reasons as to why they are so important.
Why Outdoor Musical Instruments Are Important For Play Spaces
Relaxation
Unlike other playground equipment, outdoor musical instruments are solely designed for relaxation.
Writing for the American Psychological Association, Amy Novotney cites several medical studies which suggest music can help to reduce stress levels and pain whilst boosting immunity.
Meanwhile, an article in The Guardian outlines research which suggests music could help to lower blood pressure whilst relieving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Whilst medical studies into the effects of music on our physical and mental health continue, it’s fair to say we’ve all personally felt the ability music has to lift our mood and help us unwind.
So, from their soothing sounds to the access musical instruments provide for all sorts of self-expression, time spent tinkering on a percussion instrument at playtime can leave children revived and ready to learn again.
Here’s why:
1. Freedom to Be Expressive
Away from prying eyes, in the busyness of an outdoor playground, children can bang, strum, and sing to their heart’s content.
Everyone needs a space for emotional release, the presence of a musical instrument on the playground leaves that option open to every child.
Whether the feelings are of happiness, sadness, anger or frustration, children can empty their feelings and thoughts in a safe space then return to the classroom calm, focused and in a better mood.
2. Universal Access
Musical instruments are one of the most inclusive pieces of playground equipment around.
Here at Fun & Active Playgrounds, we make sure all of our designs are simple and easy for anyone to play. Constructed so they fit within a play panel, our outdoor musical instruments can be used as a freestanding instrument or fixed to the wall.
The weather-resistant design fits easily into any space, ensuring music at playtime can be enjoyed by all children.
As one of the few things that unites us all, the open-ended nature of musical instruments means they hold appeal for every child because we all love the joy music brings.
3. Fun Designs
The colourful and bright designs we use add to the sense of fun whilst elevating the playground. Our custom design service means you can personalise the panel surround in any way you choose.
Whether you want a different colour or design, just let us know. See our Outdoor Instrument Collection
4. Discover Hidden Talents
The combination of fun and unique experiences means plenty of children will discover unknown talents as they play.
Whether it’s a love of percussion music, a hidden ability to play the piano by ear or a passion for the guitar, these are the types of experiences that can change the course of a child’s life.
The only question is which musical instruments should you choose for children who are just beginning to learn an instrument?
Let’s check which are the best outdoor musical instruments for children’s playgrounds and parks where children will be largely playing as beginners.
Best Outdoor Musical Instruments To Fuel Creativity
1. Guitar
Electric guitars are one of the most recognisable and exciting musical instruments around.
The simple structure of a set of a strings which beg to be played appeals to children’s innate curiosity. With only a simple strum required to make some noise, a guitar is an inviting instrument for even the most hesitant player.
Yet the rewards from a guitar are quick and lots of children can easily pick up the different sounds the strings make and the various ways they can be played.
Guitar play is something children can explore further in their own time with ease then come back and practice on the playground regularly to hone their skills.
Opening up children to the formal concepts of notes or the ability to play other string instruments in future, guitars are a brilliant starter instrument. See Outdoor Guitar Play Panel
2. Drums
Who doesn’t have an invisible desire to have a blowout session on a drum set?
A drum kit has to be one of the most thrilling instruments on the market. Placing one in the playground leaves every child free to release pent up feelings and emotions whilst engaging in exciting percussion play.
Drums are one of the most freeing instruments around. With nothing more than a good sense of rhythm, a drum kit on the playground could open the doors to endless options for a future filled with music. See the Outdoor Drum Kit
3. Piano
Pianos are a brilliant instrument for beginners because they introduce children to some of the core concepts of formal music learning in a simple way.
The visual organisation of a piano’s black and white keys makes it easy for children to see and hear things like flat and sharp notes as well as the core collection of musical notes i.e. CABGEFD.
A piano’s layout is well-suited to children who have a hidden ability to play by ear and many pupils will soon master familiar songs and tunes simply by tapping away. See the Outdoor Piano
4. Glockenspiels
For the playground or parks, glockenspiels are a brilliant entry point to music for children young and old.
Providing many of the benefits a piano offers in a more informal design, children can learn about notes and sounds through open-ended discovery.
We have a range of designs which mean children of all ages can enjoy the imaginative play a glockenspiel’s design promotes. Head to our musical collection to see all the options as well as other outdoor instruments for children.
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.
