How to Design a Playground Kids Will Actually Use

We’ve all seen them — brand new playgrounds that kids ignore. Shiny, colourful, expensive… and strangely unpopular.

Why? Because a good playground is about more than equipment. It’s about the experience it creates.

Whether you’re a school business manager or a council officer, here’s how to design a play space that gets used every day — and makes your investment count.

1. Start With the Children, Not the Catalogue

Before you browse equipment brochures, ask yourself:

• What ages will use this space?

• Do they prefer active, social or imaginative play?

• How do they move, rest and play together?

Observation and engagement are key. Watch how children use the current space (or other nearby ones). If possible, involve them — ask what they love, what’s boring, and what’s missing.

2. Balance Challenge, Creativity and Comfort

A great playground offers layers of play. That means:

• Challenge: climbing, balancing, jumping

• Imagination: role-play, storytelling, loose parts

• Calm zones: places to rest, observe, or reset

Mixing physical, cognitive, and social play creates a richer experience — especially for neurodiverse children or those with lower confidence.

3. Design the Flow, Not Just the Features

Think like a landscape architect:

• What’s the entrance experience like?

• Is there a clear layout — or does it feel cluttered?

• Are there natural movement routes, sightlines, or shelter?

Designing a playground that flows keeps children moving safely and helps staff supervise easily. It's not just about what you put in — it's how it all connects.

4. Think Beyond the “Big Ticket” Items

That giant climbing frame? Impressive. But don’t forget the impact of:

• Ground markings

• Loose parts or den-building materials

• Music panels or play walls

• Seating, shade and storage

Small, flexible features often get used more than the expensive centrepiece — and offer better long-term value.

5. Make It Inclusive by Default

Inclusion isn’t just about wheelchair access. It's about:

• Multiple ways to play the same piece of equipment

• Options for children who don’t like heights, noise or crowds

• Accessible surfacing throughout

• Seating and quiet spaces for carers and staff

Designing inclusively benefits everyone — and protects you from future complaints or retrofitting costs.

Final Thought

A well-designed playground isn’t just busy — it’s loved. It supports development, builds confidence, encourages friendships, and makes breaktimes better.

Whether you're starting a brand new project or refreshing what you’ve got, the best outcomes come from expert planning and child-first thinking.

📣 Ready to bring your vision to life?

Talk to Playworks about designing a play space that works for your site, your budget — and the children who’ll use it every day.