Playgrounds allow children to learn and develop skills beyond the

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a classroom. Developing a well-designed playground space that meets the
necessary criteria for safety, accessibility and risk-taking can be a difficult
balancing act. When done right, these principles of playground design can

help improve learning and boost both physical and mental development.

The principles of playground design for The importance of playground spaces

improving learning

Playgrounds act as an informal learning space and provide a safe space for
children to learn and develop through play. Alongside physical skills,

playground space helps children develop social, cognitive, and emotional

skills that can benefit them for life.

Outdoor play also contributes towards developing better reflexes and

movement control, which in turn contributes to greater coordination and
balance. This carries through into later life, with increased confidence,

alongside physical and mental wellbeing.

Outdoor playground space also offers children some respite from the and allow children to get creative. Incorporating art-based and music-

indoor-focused classroom activities. Time spent away from classroom based play activities helps add variety to a playground space.

learning gives the brain time to relax and re-process information. It also
reduces mental exhaustion and increases learning enjoyment. Aesthetics
Playgrounds also provide an idyllic environment for children to use their
imagination and make-believe, allowing them to experiment with different
ideas and identities. Children can develop a stronger sense of self, including
their beliefs, morals, and principles.

Find out more about the need for play and its impact on child development.

The principles of playground design

Below are ten principles that are key to designing a successful playground
space. Incorporating these principles can help improve the effectiveness
and success of a playground space in boosting learning success. Aesthetics is another important principle when designing an effective
playground space. A playground must look visually appealing in order to
Variety encourage children to play. The better a playground looks, the more

The first principle to consider in designing a playground space for improving children will enjoy the space and make the most of the equipment on offer.

learning is variety.
Using colours, textures, shapes, and imagery can help improve the

The greater the variety in a playground space, the more opportunities aesthetics of a playground space. However, while the playground design is

children have to develop and experiment with learning through play. A important, you shouldn’t let it overshadow other aspects. Usability and

playground lacking a key feature or lacking enough variety can hold back playability should be enhanced by the aesthetics.

early-year development.
Accessibility
Branching away from the traditional swings and slides is essential for
Playability and usability tie in with another principle of designing effective
adding playground variety. Try to include elements that stimulate minds
playground spaces: accessibility. Accessibility in playground design refers
to easy access and ensuring a playground is accessible to everyone, the type of play. Encouraging different types of play beyond physical and
including those with disabilities. active play can help children better understand and develop life skills.

All playgrounds should be easy to access, with multiple entrances and exits. These are the different types of play that should be considered when
A natural flow within a playground space can also help improve designing a playground space:
accessibility by allowing for ease of movement throughout the space.
Active play – play involving running, jumping, or climbing.
Sensory play – using the different senses, including smell, hearing, and
Disabled and special needs children will need to be considered in the
sight.
accessibility of a playground. Accessibility is the biggest barrier preventing Creative play – involves creative activities, such as drawing, painting, or
disabled children from using a playground space. crafting.
Imaginative play – letting children use their imagination to create
Check out our guide on designing inclusive playgrounds for disabled and situations or characters.
Social play – communicating, cooperating, and sharing with others.
special needs children.
Reflective play – using reflection, thinking or watching in play.

Different types of play Comfort

Just as comfort is important for classrooms and indoor learning spaces, the
same goes for playground spaces. Playgrounds that are uncomfortable will
deter children from using them.

There are several ways you can incorporate ‘comfort’ to improve an outdoor
learning space. Outdoor seating should be comfortable, with sufficient
surfaces for creative play activities. There should also be shade from the
sun or shelter from the wind and rain. There should also be comfortable
seating available for parents and children who need a break from activities.

The different types of play also need to be considered when designing a

Sense of place
playground. Children can learn and develop different skills depending on
 Several factors need to be considered in terms of playground safety. These
include the playground’s location, meeting the required safety regulations,
ensuring that the playground equipment is age-appropriate, inclusion of
safety flooring, and planning for any deterioration that can cause health

risks.

Create zones
Creating zones is another important principle of playground design. Zones
can provide specially tailored areas with a focus on specific play activities
or play types. For example, a quieter zone can provide a place for children

Creating a sense of place is another important principle of playground to retreat during sensory overload.

design. A playground with a strong sense of place will feel connected to its
Different zones may also focus on different play types, splitting up
community and environment. The greater the sense of place, the more
equipment and activities based on age, skill set, or type of play involved. The
enjoyable and beneficial a playground space is.
aesthetics, including the use of colours and imagery, are great ways to

The best way to create a sense of place is to incorporate features and easily distinguish multiple zones in a playground.

design elements that connect with children’s interests and passions. A

themed design for a playground can help establish a strong identity,
Blend with nature
improve imaginative play, and boost critical thinking skills. Engaging the
community for ideas and feedback on design elements, is a great way to
develop the playground’s identity and involve the community during the
early stages of development.

Safety
Safety is an essential principle in playground design and is the biggest
potential barrier to the success of a playground space. Children want a safe
space to explore and take risks while minimising the risk of injury.
Blending a playground space with nature is another principle that can be Playgrounds should feature various activities utilising smell, sound, touch,
utilised to great effect. Playgrounds should work with nature by and sight. A sensory playground includes different equipment and areas
incorporating natural elements into the design. Many playground features that provide opportunities to stimulate each of the senses to encourage
can incorporate or benefit from the existing landscape. healthy exploration and learning.

A playground that includes natural elements can benefit children more By incorporating the different principles of playground design above,
than artificial playground equipment. This is especially the case where children can benefit from a safe environment that helps improve learning.
nature may be limited, such as in urban areas. Try incorporating as many With the benefits children can gain through play, a successful playground
natural elements into a playground as possible. For example, wood, water space is crucial for enhancing learning both inside and away from the
and sand are all accessible elements that can be easily incorporated to classroom.
enhance play.

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Our last principle of playground design for improving learning is to engage

all the senses. Modern playgrounds should offer more than just encouraging
physical activity. A successful playground will stimulate all the senses.