Kidzooona Safari Boosts Children's Confidence Via Interactive Play

NILAI, July 12 (Bernama) -- Every child has a unique personality, but if given the right space, encouragement and opportunities to interact and play from an early age, they can develop their potential, especially in shaping how they think, act and communicate.

These days, children’s physical activities are not limited to open fields or outdoor spaces as indoor playgrounds can also serve as fun places to explore, particularly when designed to stimulate movement, imagination and courage.

This is the concept behind Kidzooona Safari at AEON Mall in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, which caters to the needs of active children. 

AEON Fantasy Malaysia general manager of operations Muhammad Hakmi Yahya said the indoor playground, inspired by the animated film ‘Madagascar’ and created for children aged two and above, features 16 interactive zones, including a vertical slider and a Tarzan trail.

“We specifically designed it for children who have high energy levels because we understand that Malaysian children are very active. So, our concept really fits the Malaysian market,” he said when met by Bernama during the launch of Kidzooona Safari yesterday.

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Preschool teacher Fazillah Mohd Salleh said she was thrilled to see the changes in the behaviour of her pupils, especially those who are usually passive in class, while at Kidzooona Safari.

“I noticed my less active pupils became more enthusiastic once they arrived here. Not only that, their social skills improved because they were able to interact with other children who came to play here. It indirectly helps develop their social-emotional and cognitive growth,” she said.

Fazillah added that the indoor playground helps boost children’s confidence as many of the activities are sensory-based, one of them being the chatting segment during the ‘Wau Chat’ session.

“There may be parents who rarely bring their children out, so they’re not used to socialising with others. But when such children come to a place like this (Kidzooona Safari), they feel happy and confident enough to jump and play freely because no one is scolding them,” she said, encouraging parents to expose their children to such activities.

Actress Farah Nadia Zainal Abidin, 35, better known as Nad Zainal, said interactive playgrounds like this are her top choice as they offer a safer and more comfortable environment for young children.

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The mother of three added that the cleanliness of indoor playgrounds and the presence of staff to supervise the children are also key reasons she chooses to bring her children to such recreational centres.

“I usually prefer indoor places because I don’t have to worry about the heat or rain. The kids can play freely, staff are monitoring them and as parents, we can just relax or watch from a distance,” she said.

The celebrity added that this type of environment is also an ideal space for children to socialise and build self-confidence in a healthy way, without relying on gadgets.

“I definitely limit gadget use at home. So, places like this give them the opportunity to socialise in a more fun and active way,” she said.

-- BERNAMA