Outdoor play is an essential component of any child’s development. Not only does playing outside help little kids to grow up healthy, but physical activity in the fresh air and sunlight will remain beneficial throughout their teenage years and the rest of their lives, too.
Of course, getting children of any age out of the house and away from screens can be difficult in the digital age, but there are plenty of outdoor toys that can tempt them off the sofa.
With such a wide range of products, from climbing frames to wheeled toys, you might wonder which outdoor play equipment would be best to invest in. If you want something that can get kids moving with portability for playing anywhere, wheeled toys beat fixed play centres.
Even then, though, there’s still a lot to choose from – but if you’re looking for an exciting alternative to basic bicycles or standard scooters, have you thought about go-karts?
As a small open vehicle with three or four wheels, a pedal go-kart is the perfect solution to get kids of all ages excited about being active outside and encourage a new hobby.
Here are some of the top advantages of learning to drive a go-kart, which make these wheeled toys a worthwhile investment in your child’s wellbeing and family bonding.
1) Developing reflexes and strength
Riding on a go-kart with pedals and handlebars might seem straightforward enough at first glance, but it’s a workout in disguise, requiring a wide range of different skills.
Manoeuvring around tracks and obstacles means learning to pay attention to surroundings, making fast risk assessments and decisions, and acting quickly to steer, accelerate, or brake – sharpening reflexes and skills such as spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
Driving go-karts can be physically demanding, too, as it engages various muscle groups throughout the body. Children must control the direction and speed of the vehicle while maintaining a balanced position in the driver’s seat, improving their motor skills and endurance.
2) Building self-confidence
The more skilful they become at controlling the go-kart, the braver children will feel, with the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment making them feel better about themselves.
Go-karting can trigger adrenaline rushes that boost energy and improve cognitive awareness, stimulating interest in their surroundings and giving them a constructive outlet for releasing energy in a safe environment. All while developing a strong sense of independence!
Taking things at their own speed on a go-kart helps kids to understand how to be self-reliant, and the more their skills improve, so will their self-esteem. Not to mention that frequent exposure to fresh air and natural light is also essential for their brain and body function.
3) Socialising and teamwork
As children get older, it’s important for them to develop their social skills, from cooperative play and turn-taking to conflict resolution and sportsmanship in competitive situations.
Whether it’s with siblings and cousins or neighbours and friends, go-karting can become a social activity, where kids interact based on their shared interest and develop their knowledge and skills together. This can serve as a great foundation for enduring relationships.
When go-karting is used as a group activity, kids can also play in teams, competing against each other to see who can navigate a course the fastest (and safest!). Teamwork and healthy competition are key in teaching children and teens how to interact in all sorts of environments.
4) Expressing style and imagination
Neutral, pastel, or bright colours; cute, sleek, or sporty designs; there are so many different types that it’s easy for a child to express their personal style through their go-kart.
For younger children especially, personalising their go-kart can help to spark their creativity. You can encourage imaginative play with attachable accessories like baskets, trailers, lift buckets, and pallet forks, or safety accessories like flagpoles and lights for increased visibility.
Older children can customise their go-karts with features like personalised number plates, and many models also allow the addition of an extra seat at the back, so a younger sibling or friend who may not have a go-kart of their own yet can join in with their racing adventures.
5) Safe and durable go-kart designs
When used properly, go-karts are generally safer than bikes or scooters, as they have bucket seats with seatbelts, a low centre of gravity, and braking systems.
This means pedal go-karts are very stable and easier to stop safely, and without a motor, they only go as fast as the driver can pedal. Some models by innovative brands like BERG also allow freewheeling and reverse pedalling, for a smoother ride and gradual braking.
Additionally, four-wheeled go-karts provide better stability on bumpy ground, such as uneven roads or paths, so adventurous kids can explore with a lower risk of accidents. Their sturdy frames and pneumatic tyres are manufactured to ensure safety and durability.
6) Fun for the whole family
Go-karting isn’t just for kids! With smaller models suitable for children as young as 2–4 years old, other children’s go-karts designed for 5–12 year olds, and larger designs that can accommodate teenagers and adults within height and weight limits, it can become a fun activity for family members of all ages to enjoy together.
While making joyful memories that little ones will remember fondly when they get older, the healthy skills and habits they learn from driving go-karts will serve them well in other areas of life, too – from school and sports to when they learn to drive a real car!
Be sure to purchase a go-kart from a reliable supplier of outdoor toys, selecting a high-quality pedal go-kart for the right age range from an industry-leading brand, and your child will be guaranteed years of exciting entertainment while developing a range of beneficial skills.