Guide to creating a Playscape
Discover how to design an engaging playscape—a natural play environment that differs from traditional playgrounds in its approach to creativity and exploration.
What is a Playscape?
While playgrounds are typically defined spaces, such as an area with swings and climbing frames near schools or apartment complexes, playscapes go beyond. A playscape seamlessly blends play equipment into the natural surroundings, encouraging free and imaginative play. These areas integrate plants, landforms, and unique structures to stimulate both individual and group play. Playscapes foster physical activity, social connections, risk-taking, and discovery while helping children connect with and care for the environment. Unlike traditional playgrounds, playscapes create space for unstructured play without adult-imposed boundaries.
Research highlights numerous benefits of outdoor play: enhanced focus, reduced symptoms of ADHD, improved mood, and a general sense of wellbeing. Playscapes, rooted in natural settings, offer children these valuable experiences, reminiscent of playing in parks, woods, or the countryside.
Steps to creating an inspiring Playscape
![Colorful yellow surfacing on a playground with a large multi play unit for children in the centre. This is part of a larger inclusive playscape.](/Files/Images/hags-2024/4. Inspiration/Guides/Create Playscape/Choose-right-location.jpg)
1. Choose the right location
Consider access points, boundaries, and nearby features. Is there a busy road nearby? Would the playscape enhance the landscape of a new development? Careful site selection will ensure the space is safe, accessible, and inviting.
![Arial view of a large multi play unit playground integrated within trees and plants.](/Files/Images/hags-2024/4. Inspiration/Guides/Create Playscape/Integrate-plants-trees.jpg)
2. Integrate plants and trees
Plants soften the traditional look of playgrounds, creating sensory experiences and habitats for animals that enrich children’s learning. Trees add color, scents, and shade in summer, and wildlife like birds add interest year round. Adding natural elements also invites imaginative play and makes the space inviting for families to enjoy picnics and downtime.
![Young child rocks on a springer shaped like a dinosaur, in the background there is a custom large playground unit themed like a monkey.](/Files/Images/hags-2024/4. Inspiration/Guides/Create Playscape/Customize-your-playground.jpg)
3. Customize play equipment
Integrate play equipment into the natural landscape. Select pieces that encourage climbing, sliding, and role play to spark creativity. Playscape elements should blend with the environment rather than dominate it, fostering exploration and imaginative games.
![Arial pohľad na farebné ihrisko, rôzne farebné povrchy predstavujú inú hraciu plochu ihriska.](/Files/Images/hags-2024/4. Inspiration/Guides/Create Playscape/create-play-zones.jpg)
4. Divide the space into zones
Instead of a large open area, create smaller play zones that captivate children’s imagination and encourage varied play experiences. Dividing the area allows children to engage with different activities and supports inclusivity. For example, children with autism often prefer quieter, separate play spaces, which can be achieved through thoughtful compartmentalization.
![Rubble being scooped up at a playground with small child hands visible.](/Files/Images/hags-2024/4. Inspiration/Guides/Create Playscape/add-texture.jpg)
5. Vary textures
Use a mix of textures—both synthetic and natural materials. The contrast and balance between these textures create an appealing, diverse play environment that enhances sensory play.
![A young boy is crawling through a playground tunnel, looking up at the camera and smiling.](/Files/Images/hags-2024/4. Inspiration/Guides/Create Playscape/consider-play-values.jpg)
6. Consider play value
Choose equipment that offers diverse play options and appeals to a range of age groups and abilities. High play value equipment encourages children to explore and interact with their surroundings, creating a more enriching experience.
Want to learn more?
Interested in creating a memorable playscape? Connect with one of our representatives by filling out our contact form to explore how we can transform your space into a vibrant play destination.