British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions (BALPPA) is to highlight what it calls the ‘hidden benefits’ of Indoor Play Centres and Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) at London’s Elevate 2018.
Elevate 2018 is the UK’s largest physical activity trade exhibition.
BALPPA’s Family Entertainment Centres Sub Group (FECA) will be explaining how FECs could be used to help combat the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Speaking about ‘Exercise in disguise – it’s just playing’ will be Janice Dunphy (FECA Chair & MD of Web Adventure Park) and Gordon Forester (FECA vice chair & MD of Safari MK).
Representing the interests of over 300 leisure attractions and indoor play centre operators, BALPPA says that visits to an indoor play centre/FEC are an excellent way to give children ‘exercise in disguise’. The facilities, says BALPPA, should be viewed as offering a healthy way to regularly spend a couple of hours, rather than an occasional treat.
The association is already targeting health ministers, health professionals, schools, parents and other professionals with the aim of raising awareness around these often underused resources.
FECs challenge youngsters physically and mentally
“Indoor Play is an excellent activity alternative for children and parents,” explains Dunphy. “Children literally don’t stop when they enter an indoor play centre and spend most of their time climbing, jumping, running, swinging and sliding. We also have research data that notes for children with specific needs how these play spaces can be used for a therapeutic benefit and much more.
“As this industry continues to grow, the quality and extensive range of play equipment that FEC’s offer challenges young minds as well as developing movement skills and providing more than the government’s recommended active minutes per day.
“The beauty of play in play centres, compared with more structured activities, is that the health benefits of indoor play are hidden. Kids are doing what comes naturally ‘just playing’ and all they know is that it’s great to have fun and meet friends.”
Elevate 2018 runs from 9th-10th May 2018 at ExCel, London.
Images courtesy Lappset Creative
