Open-ended play is incredibly important to a child's development! It allows them to explore, create, and learn freely without any direction, rules, or boundaries. The Kinderfeets Pikler Gym system is designed to support this type of play fully and authentically through climbing, grabbing, hanging, and exploring. It is innovative, versatile, sustainably made, and so much more. Let's explore the world of Pikler Gym play together and all the benefits that it brings to the table!

First thing's first...what is 'open-ended play'?

Open-ended play refers to play that has no predetermined outcome or rules. It allows children to use their imagination and creativity to explore and interact with their environment. This type of play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

The Benefits of Open-Ended Play

• Creativity and Imagination: Open-ended play encourages children to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions and scenarios.
• Problem-Solving Skills: By exploring different ways to play with the Pikler Gym units, children learn to think critically and solve problems independently.
• Emotional Development: Open-ended play helps children express their emotions and develop empathy as they engage in imaginative play scenarios.
• Physical Development: The Pikler Gym system promotes gross motor skills, balance, and coordination as children climb, crawl, and explore the different elements of the gym.

The Kinderfeets Pikler Gym: A Versatile Play System

The Kinderfeets Pikler Gym system is a collection of beautifully designed play pieces that start with a sturdy wooden frame and include a variety of climbing and crawling elements. It is inspired by the Pikler Triangle, a climbing structure developed by Dr. Emmi Pikler, and is known for its ability to promote natural movement and physical development in children.

1. Choose your Triangle: with 3 options to choose from, Small, Medium, and Large, the Triangles feature different sizing options and active components.
2. The Rocking & Climbing Arch has a different base than the Triangle and can be used as a teeter toter as well as a climbing device!
3. The Ramp & Slide has a smooth side to slide down, or children can flip it over and practice climbing! Will the unit become a water slide at the world's largest water park, or will your little one connect it with other Pikler units to build their very own playground in the pretend jungle? The Ramp & Slide can be incorporated into any form of active, imaginative play.
4. Explore the Dome, Balance Beam, and Kinderboard, too! New versions of play await little adventurers with these fun unit additions that can be enjoyed in partnership with others or on their own.

Promoting Physical Development

• Climbing: The Pikler Gym encourages children to climb, helping them develop strength, balance, and coordination.
• Crawling: The low height of the gym makes it perfect for young ones to crawl under, through, and over – enhancing motor skills and spatial awareness.
• Balance: The gym's wooden bars and steps provide opportunities for children to practice distributing their weight and strength strategically – resulting in stronger balance and coordination.

Encouraging Imaginative Play

• Fort Building: Is anything better than the magic of a homemade fort as a child? The sturdy wooden frame and climbing elements of the Pikler units make it the perfect foundation for building forts and caves! Drape blankets over the top and edges to create a cozy hideaway where your child can read, play, or take a break from the world. Add pillows and stuffed animals to make the fort extra comfy and magical. Little ones can let their imagination run wild as they create their own secret hideout or imaginary world!
• Role Playing: The Pikler Gym also serves as a stage for endless role-play adventures. Dare to be a brave knight or pretend-play as a homemaker! Escape to your castle, hideaway in the jungle, fight off intruders from your spaceship, and so much more. Use props, costumes, invite friends and siblings! Role-playing not only stimulates creativity but also helps children develop social skills and empathy as they explore different perspectives, emotions and personalities through play.

The Kinderfeets Pikler Gym is more than just a play system; it is a gateway to a world of open-ended play and endless possibilities. By encouraging children to explore, create, and imagine, the Pikler Gym supports their physical, cognitive, and emotional development in an incredibly unique and active way. So, let your child's imagination run wild! See where play takes them today!

Shop the Pikler Gym Collection