Never ending fun – trim trails

05/06/23

School play time wouldn’t be the same without trim trails. A trim trail consists of a series of obstacles to tackle before moving onto the next. Each piece of equipment utilises a different skill to help develop and improve confidence. A popular addition to any playground, trim trails are designed in a way where a child can start at any point they wish and make their way around to complete the whole course. All the obstacles have their own challenges and will require different parts of the body to be used, offering a variety of achievable challenges.

What equipment makes up a trim trail?

Fun trail items can be installed in any sequence; the objective is for the children to progress without touching the ground. The trim trail usually consists of the following equipment, made from sustainable wood, rope and metal.

• Balance beams are a popular piece, they not only worksout the leg muscles but also improve flexibility, coordination, and balance
• Drop ropes traverse: short ropes hanging from a wooden frame with a balancing beam to walk along as you hold onto the ropes. Helps develop physical strength and improves child’s balancing and co-ordination skills
• Hanging rope crossing: children can pretend they are in the jungle as they swing across the vines at the same time as balancing on the foot rope. It features hand grips on the rope ends. This is great for abdominal stretches and arm strength exercises.
• Log ladder and climbing frame: made from wood, the log ladder makes a triangle shape, up and down. A traditional climbing item often seen in assault courses, it’s great for challenging younger children.
• Low up and over net frame, combining steel core ropes and sanded timber: this is an interactive challenge for the children as the net moves around as more join in.
• Monkey bars; this is the trim trail favourite for those capable of holding themselves up by their hands with adequate upper body strength.
• Rolling log crossing: one of the more challenging pieces, children will return again and again to this until they have mastered it.

Benefits of trim trail play

A trim trail offers a unique way to explore different heights. It helps to develop core strength as well as balance and coordination. Children can explore and take part as a team to work out the route and equipment but individually performing too. It even improves cognitive ability. Trim trails allow exercise in a safe and fun environment.

One big benefit for schools is that trim trails help children meet the Ofsted requirements for physical activity as the trails requires jumping, walking, running, climbing and balancing. Schools can install trim trials and cover a wide variety of exercises without the children realising they are exercising! Trim trails are a great way to get children outside, playing and building confidence and keeping fit at the same time.

Here at Ace Play Ltd, we are passionate about creating inspiring play areas for children all over the UK. If you would like to know more about what we can supply, please contact us here.