Offline Adventures: Reducing Screen Time through Active Fun

Finding the balance between using technology for good, and still having offline experiences, is a modern day challenge we’re all aware of.

In this blog, we delve into how screen time can take away from meaningful, active play for children, and how soft play and trampoline parks can promote interactive, engaging adventures for little ones, phone-free!

The Screen Time Struggle

Over the past decade, children’s (and adults) screen time has seen a significant increase, and smartphones have become a standard belonging for children across the globe.

A 2024 report by Ofcom revealed that 25% of 3-4 year-olds in the UK owned a smartphone, and 50% of children under 13 were active on social media platforms.

With smartphones, tablet and TVs being everyday household items, it gets increasingly harder for parents to avoid leaning on technology to keep their children distracted or ‘out of the way’.

The Negative Effects of Excessive Screen Time

Too much screen time is often seen as ‘bad’ for us, but what impact does it actually have on us physiologically and psychologically?

Infographic about language development and cognition

The Power of Active Play

Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that shapes a child’s personality and ability to interact with the world. Encouraging various forms of play, such as independent, free play, structured games, outdoor activities, and imaginative play, can significantly enhance children’s development.

Although play can take place on screen through phone and tablet apps, offline play uses all five senses, with children benefiting from the sensory experience of how objects and people interact through touch, sound, even scent.

For instance, a child gains far more from stacking soft play blocks or engaging in outdoor play than from completing a puzzle or playing with dolls indoors. This is where soft play, indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks can contribute to this goal of less screen time, more active play!

Interactive Tech Meets Active Fun

While limiting children’s screen time is important, we can’t ignore our digital world. Kids are naturally drawn to lights, sounds, and interactive experiences, making technology exciting for them.

Interactive gaming solutions incorporated into FECs, soft play and trampoline park design can blend technology with physical activity, offering digital thrills without excessive screen time. Instead of passive gaming, children move, think strategically, and engage socially.

These indoor attractions transform play spaces into immersive environments where kids jump, compete, and interact physically, staying active while enjoying the excitement of digital play. Whether leaping to hit a lightpod or tackling an interactive obstacle course, they experience the best of both worlds: movement and digital engagement.

Physical, Cognitive and Social Benefits

Teamwork and Resilience

Kids learn cooperation, problem-solving, and perseverance

Cognitive Stimulation

Reaction-based games improve memory and quick thinking

Improved Fitness

Encouraging movement leads to better overall health

Emotional Regulation

Physical activity reduces stress and enhances mood

Improved Proprioception

Ability to understand the body in space – linked to coordination and balance.

Promotes Interaction

Opportunity for children to engage, communicate and share

Suggested Products for Development through Play

SkyPods

An easy soft play retro-fit solution, this 5-9 lightpod game tests speed, coordination and reaction. With flexible lightpod positioning and height, this is the perfect product for a range of age groups. The lights, sounds, and touch engage kids whilst the interactive gamification keeps them moving.

TrailBlazer

A rope-free interactive climbing wall for all ages. TrailBlazer tests a child’s hand-eye coordination, with interactive buttons spread out across the hand grips. Other benefits include the development of upper body strength and core balance.

AeroStrike

Our interactive ball-shooting game, with lights, sound and scoreboards that give kids that tech fix! Interactive targets challenge a player’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

The Future of Fun: How Trampoline Parks and Soft Plays Stay Relevant

With children increasingly drawn to digital experiences, soft play and trampoline park businesses must evolve to remain appealing. Traditional playgrounds are being reimagined with interactive tag challenge systems, gamified targets, and competitive elements, to keep kids engaged.

As an interactive soft play and trampoline park supplier, we are passionate about creating experiences that captivate children while keeping them physically engaged. By blending the best aspects of technology with offline physical activity, we can create a future where kids embrace movement, social play, and the joy of active fun.