Eateries turn child-friendly with play areas to keep kids active

At a time when children are increasingly glued to screens, some restaurants and hotels or even roadside ‘dhabas’ are attempting a change, installing swings and small play equipment within their premises to encourage physical activity among young visitors. According to restaurant and hotel owners, while families come out to dine, children often become restless or end up spending time on mobile phones. To change this pattern, eateries have begun creating small play corners equipped with swings, slides and other child-friendly installations free of cost so that kids can stay active and engaged.

Restaurants introduce play areas to reduce children’s screen time

Restaurant owners say the initiative is driven by concern for children’s declining exposure to outdoor activities. Kumar Arpan, owner of a restaurant at Argora Road, said, “We realised that whenever families visit restaurants, children usually sit quietly with a mobile phone or tablet while waiting for food. That is not a healthy habit. So, we decided to introduce a small play area where kids can move around, play and enjoy themselves.”

The concept was also inspired by memories of a more active childhood. An employee of an eatery said, “About a decade ago, children spent much more time outdoors playing in fields, parks and streets with friends. Today their lifestyle has changed a lot, and opportunities for outdoor play have reduced. Through this initiative, we want to encourage children to be physically active, even if it is for a short time while families are dining.”

Parents visiting such restaurants also appreciate the move, saying it helps create a relaxed environment for both adults and children. Satish Tiwari, a resident, said, “It is a wonderful idea. Kids get bored sitting at a table for long and they end up asking for phones. Here they can run around, swing and enjoy themselves while we wait for our food.”

Health experts emphasise that physical activity during childhood is essential for healthy growth, improving coordination, strengthening muscles and supporting mental well-being. Dr Anitabh Kumar, a pediatrician at a hospital, said, “Physical activity plays an important role in promoting an active lifestyle. Even small opportunities for play can help counter sedentary habits that have become common among children today.”

Parks and open gyms offer free spaces for exercise and recreation

Moreover, many parks across the city feature basic exercise equipment that allows visitors to stretch, cycle or perform simple workouts in the open air. Popular spots such as Oxygen Park in the Morabadi area, Sardar Patel Park in Harmu, Krishna Singh Park in Doranda, Children’s Park in Morabadi and parks near Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium are seeing a growing number of residents using these facilities. Morning walkers say the open gyms have made their daily routine more active.

Abhishek Kumar, another resident, said, “I couldn’t join a gym due to lack of time. Since the park is close to my home, I do simple exercises there which help keep me active and healthy.” Kajal Agarwal, a resident of Morabadi, said, “My doctor advised me to do simple exercises during pregnancy. I come here because there is plenty of space and the equipment also helps.”

Many parents also bring their children along to spend time together. Shubham Sinha, a resident of Doranda, said, “The best part is that these facilities are free and open for everyone. It encourages people who may not go to expensive gyms to stay physically active.”

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