Playing outdoors is a regular part of the day for many people, but which places are really worth visiting? Whether you are looking for a fun spot for your children, a challenging environment for yourself, or a place where the whole family can be active together, there are fortunately more options than you might think. In this article, we list the most popular outdoor play areas and explain why some places simply work better than others.
What are the most popular places to play outside?
The most popular places to play outdoors are playgrounds, parks, skateparks, sports fields, forests, and pumptracks. These locations attract many visitors daily because they are accessible, cost nothing, and offer space for exercise and relaxation. Each place has its own character and attracts its own audience.
Playgrounds are a classic and remain popular with young children and their parents. Parks offer space for walking, playing, and picnicking. Sports fields invite you to play football, basketball, or simply cycle around. And then there are newer facilities, such as pumptracks and multi-purpose sports fields, which are increasingly popping up in cities and towns. Playing outside doesn't have to be complicated., but the right place makes it a lot more fun.
Which outdoor play areas are suitable for all ages?
Outdoor play areas suitable for all ages are places where young children, teenagers, and adults alike have something to do. Think of parks with various play equipment, multi-purpose sports fields, and pump tracks. These locations offer challenges on multiple levels and are therefore attractive to a wide audience.
A standard playground primarily appeals to children up to about ten years old. After that, they seek more challenge and adventure. That is exactly where multifunctional spaces make the difference. They combine elements for beginners and advanced users, so that everyone can play and exercise at their own level.
What makes a place suitable for both young and old?
A good outdoor play area for all ages shares a few characteristics. They offer variety in difficulty, are wheelchair-friendly and safely designed, and invite spontaneous use without the need to make a reservation or pay. Inclusivity plays a major role in this. A place only truly works when everyone is welcome, regardless of age or skill level.
De Bibian Mentel Playgrounds They are a good example of how to design a playground that is truly accessible to everyone. From a toddler on a balance bike to a teenager on a BMX: everyone finds their place there. This way, outdoor play becomes a social activity instead of something you do separately.
What is a pumptrack and where can you find one?
A pumptrack is an enclosed track with hills and curves that you ride using your body, without pedaling. You pump with your arms and legs to generate and maintain speed. Pumptracks are suitable for bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and sometimes even roller skates. You can find them increasingly often in parks, neighborhoods, and sports complexes throughout the Netherlands.
The great thing about a pumptrack is that you can start riding it right away, even if you've never ridden one before. The track is designed so that you learn at your own pace. Beginners ride slowly over the hills, while advanced riders use the same track to practice speed and technique. That makes it one of the most versatile forms of playing outside that exist.
Do you want to know where pumptracks have already been built in the Netherlands? View our completed projects and discover which jobs are already available in your area.
Why are multifunctional sports facilities so popular?
Multifunctional sports facilities are popular because they combine multiple activities in one location, thereby attracting a broad audience. They offer greater use value than a single facility and are therefore more attractive to municipalities, neighborhoods, and schools. Moreover, they encourage spontaneous encounters between people of different ages and backgrounds.
Whereas a traditional football pitch only attracts footballers, a multifunctional sports venue brings cyclists, skaters, children, and adults together on the same site. This fosters greater social interaction and a more vibrant use of public space. Municipalities are increasingly opting for these types of facilities because they offer a higher return on the same investment.
Added to this playing outside and exercising outdoors is demonstrably good for people's health and well-being. A place that invites people to go outside, even if you haven't specifically planned to, has a positive effect on the entire neighborhood. Multifunctional sports facilities do exactly that.
How Velosolutions helps with outdoor play areas for everyone
At Velosolutions, we design and build permanent asphalt pumptracks and multi-purpose sports facilities that truly work for everyone. Whether for a small neighborhood or a large municipality, we handle the entire process: from design to delivery and annual maintenance. Our tracks comply with the Dutch Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and are supplied with a certificate according to NEN-EN 14974.
This is specifically what we do for you:
- Custom design of a pumptrack that fits the available space and the desired use
- Professional aptitude of durable asphalt pumptracks that can withstand heavy use
- Wheelchair-friendly and inclusive designs so that everyone can participate
- Annual maintenance to keep the track in top condition
- Guidance from A to Z, including certification and inspection
Read more about us and discover how we have already realized more than 500 pumptracks worldwide. Ready to build a pumptrack in your municipality or neighborhood? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
