Playground Trends for 2025

Playground trends for 2025 run the spectrum from nature-inspired, sensory-rich playgrounds that take advantage of the local elements to smart playgrounds with interactive digital play built in.

We also believe that playground designers will continue to focus on inclusive playgrounds that offer opportunities for children of all abilities and sustainability as eco-friendly design becomes more and more important.

The great thing about playgrounds and playground design is that each project is unique so 2025 should also see new playgrounds that feature everything from themed and customized playgrounds to active and challenging play.

Finally, when it comes to playgrounds “safety first” is always a great motto and 2025 should see new safety innovations that protect children as they play, learn, and have fun at their local playground.

Let’s examine some of these playground trends closer:

Nature-Inspired and Sensory-Rich Environments

We may live in an increasingly digital-first world, which makes the option of nature-inspired and sensory-rich environments even more important for children.

A University of Tennessee study found that children who play on playgrounds that incorporate natural elements like logs and flowers tend to be more active than those who play on traditional playgrounds with metal and brightly colored equipment

Besides increased physical activity, the other benefits of nature-inspired playgrounds include:

• Enhanced Cognitive Development: Nature-inspired playgrounds impact more than just physical health; they also improve cognitive functioning, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and attention span.
• Improved Emotional Well-Being: Interacting with nature can reduce anxiety, stress, and even depression symptoms in children.
• Promotion of Creativity and Imagination: Natural playgrounds often feature unstructured play elements that can be used in limitless ways, encouraging creativity and imaginative play.

Integrating natural elements can take a wide range of options including:

• Varied Topography: Designers are embracing natural and varied topographies, including slopes, hills, and uneven terrains. These features provide physical challenges that promote balance, coordination, and imaginative play.
• Water Features: Streams, ponds, or water play areas not only offer fun activities but also introduce children to water ecosystems and the importance of water conservation.
• Natural Materials: The use of untreated wood, stones, and native plants creates spaces that mimic the natural environment and encourage children to interact with natural textures and elements.

Sensory-rich playgrounds are designed to engage multiple senses, providing a more comprehensive play experience:

• Tactile Exploration: Sand pits, textured panels, and various surfaces like rubber, wood, grass, or stone offer diverse tactile experiences.
• Auditory Elements: Musical features such as drums, xylophones, or chimes are integrated to enhance auditory processing and encourage cooperative play.
• Visual Engagement: Bright colors, contrasts, and visual patterns are used to create captivating environments that inspire imagination and focus.
• Olfactory Stimulation: Sensory gardens with fragrant flowers or herbs provide soothing smells and a peaceful space for children needing a break from active play

By thoughtfully combining these elements, playground designers can provide children with experiences that give them a nurturing connection with the natural world.

The Smart Playground of Tomorrow

On the other hand, some playground designers are not shying away from technology but are leaning into and creating the smart playground of tomorrow which blends physical activity with digital engagement.

“Playgrounds have always been more than just fun; they’re essential spaces where children grow physically, emotionally, and socially. In the past, these areas consisted only of swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds,” writes Kelly Schoessling for a parenting website. “Today, the tech revolution is reshaping how kids interact with these spaces. Technology introduces new dimensions to playgrounds, blending traditional play with modern innovation.”

Smart playground equipment in innovative installations can react to touch, sound, and movement, creating a dynamic play environment. For example:

• Interactive climbing walls that adjust difficulty based on a child's skill level.
• Swings that count how high you've soared and slides with built-in sound effects.
• Touch-activated games that trigger sounds, lights, or movements.
• Digital counting panels that keep track of spins, jumps, or stomps, adding an element of competition.

Augmented reality is transforming ordinary playgrounds into fantastical worlds of adventure. Using AR glasses or mobile devices, children can:

• Embark on virtual treasure hunts or quests within the physical playground space.
• Interact with virtual characters or environments overlaid onto the real world.
• Play AR-based games that encourage exploration and problem-solving.

The playground of tomorrow is increasingly seen as an extension of the classroom. Interactive technology is being used to create educational experiences that are both fun and informative:

• STEM learning games integrated into play equipment.
• Interactive panels that teach subjects like geography, language, and math.
• AI-driven systems that assess a child's progress and adjust the difficulty of tasks.

Smart playgrounds are also becoming hubs for community engagement and social interaction with Wi-Fi connectivity that allows for app integration and multi-player games that require collaboration and teamwork.

The goal of the smart playground is to not replace traditional play but a fun space where technology enhances today’s playgrounds.

Inclusive Playgrounds Remain a Popular Trend

Inclusive playgrounds have become increasingly popular over the past decade and expect that trend to continue in 2025.

In fact, a poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association found that nearly 9 in 10 Americans say communities should offer all-inclusive play options at playgrounds across the country.

Inclusivity is at the forefront of playground design, ensuring that children of all abilities can play together. Key features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible ramps and structures.
• Adaptive swings and equipment.
• Sensory panels and play zones.
• Wide decks with double rails.
• Easy transitions on and off play equipment.

Miracle Recreation says that it goes beyond basic wheelchair accessibility and ensures that all kids have an inviting and enjoyable playground experience.”

Inclusive playgrounds, according to Miracle Recreation, should encourage all kids to play by providing a graduated range of challenges, grouping similar equipment together, offering equipment for multiple age groups, and providing real choices of play for each child.

It’s also about more than physical accessibility as inclusive playgrounds can have intergenerational play areas with equipment suitable for both grandparents and toddlers!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Designs

Sustainability is a major focus in playground development. This trend includes:

• Use of recycled materials like plastics and sustainable wood.
• Integration of natural elements such as rocks, plants, and water features.
• Solar-powered lighting and energy-efficient designs.
• Rainwater collection systems.

These eco-conscious playgrounds not only reduce environmental impact but also teach children about sustainability.

“Sustainable playground design aims to make fun, safe, and green spaces,” explains the Databird Business Journal. “Designing green playgrounds also helps in cutting down on carbon pollution and saving water. This means less pollution from making and moving playground materials. All these features make sure you're using resources wisely.”

Sustainable playgrounds do more than just provide fun – according to the business journal – but they help make communities better.

Other Playground Trends to Watch this Year

Here are some other playground trends to watch this year:

• Themed and Customized Playgrounds: Playgrounds are becoming more imaginative with themed designs such as immersive environments like jungle adventures or space exploration. Custom-branding for businesses and open-ended equipment for creative play are also options.
• Active and Challenging Play: Incorporating elements like climbing walls, rope courses, and obstacles courses can promote physical activity, risk-taking, and problem-solving.
• Shade and Comfort: Playground designers will continue to seek ways to provide shade structures, seating areas, and drinking fountains for playground guests. Creating a comfortable environment can extend play and shade is necessary to protect children and adults from the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Safety Innovations: Safety remains a top priority, with new developments in playground surfaces and structures including advanced shock-absorbing surfaces and antimicrobial coatings on equipment. These safety features provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers while maintaining an appealing playground aesthetic.

These playground trends are transforming spaces across America into playgrounds that spark children’s physical, social, and cognitive development.

Contact Churchich Recreation and Design today to learn more about how we can help your community create a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience.