Outdoor play is full of movement, noise, and stimulation. For most preschoolers, that’s part of the fun, but sometimes a child needs the opposite: less noise, less activity, and a little space to regroup. The Outlast Haven by Community Playthings is designed to provide just that, a quiet outdoor space where children can take a sensory break, calm their bodies, or have a moment to themselves while remaining connected to the outdoor environment.
CMP has been lucky enough to have this safe space on our yards for the past few months. We have used it on our toddlers, twos, and three year old playgrounds and have found it to be extremely helpful when children are feeling dysregulated.
The inside is cozy and perfect for one child at a time. The slates between each panel of wood not only helps reduce visual and auditory noise, but it allows teachers to see in for supervision and children to see out so they can still feel connected to their peers. We found the best placement for the Outlast Haven to be along the edge of an outdoor space, near trees, shrubs, or fences, anywhere away from busy play areas.
When we first introduced the haven to the playyards, children treated it like a playhouse and hiding spot during games of hide and seek. After modeling how the space could be used and talking with children about its purpose, the novelty soon wore off and the children began gravitating toward it when they needed a quiet moment.
Ultimately, the Outlast Haven is not about sending a child away when they’re having big feelings or when in trouble. It’s about giving them a safe place to recognize their feelings, taking a break, and returning to play when they’re ready. For our staff, it offers another tool for teaching self-regulation and independence. For our children, it can be as simple as having a quiet little space where they can breathe, observe their friends, and feel ready to join the play again.
