Designing School Playgrounds for Different Types of Play

By designing your playground around the needs of your students, you can create a school environment that encourages participation, supports child development and ensures every child has opportunities to play, learn and connect.

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Understanding How Children Use School Playgrounds

Research conducted by the World playground Research Institute (WPRI) identified five distinct ways children interact with schoolyard environments. Understanding these play behaviours helps schools create playgrounds that cater to a wider range of interests, abilities and developmental needs.

When playground design incorporates features that support all five play types, schools can create more inclusive and engaging outdoor learning environments.

Rule-Bound Game Players

Research conducted by the World playground Research Institute (WPRI) identified five distinct ways children interact with schoolyard environments. Understanding these play behaviours helps schools create playgrounds that cater to a wider range of interests, abilities and developmental needs.

When playground design incorporates features that support all five play types, schools can create more inclusive and engaging outdoor learning environments.

Rule-Bound Game Players

Rule-Bound Game Players enjoy organised, energetic games that involve running, throwing, kicking, chasing and teamwork.

These children are often motivated by competition, scoring systems, tagging games and structured activities. They typically prefer large groups and require open spaces where movement is unrestricted.

Playground Design Considerations:

• Open grassed areas
• Multi-use sports courts
• Ball game facilities
• Running tracks
• Fitness and agility equipment

Providing dedicated spaces for active group play encourages participation and helps children develop teamwork, coordination and confidence.

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Imaginative Play Creators

Imaginative Play Creators thrive when playground provide opportunities for creativity, storytelling and roleplay.

These children often play in smaller groups and use playground features, loose parts and natural elements to create their own worlds and scenarios. Variety and flexibility within the environment are key to supporting imaginative play.

Playground Design Considerations:

• Cubby houses and forts
• Nature play elements
• Open-ended play structures
• Loose parts play
• Sensory play opportunities

Creating spaces that encourage imagination helps develop problem-solving skills, communication and creativity.

Physical Skill Masters

Physical Skill Masters are driven by movement, challenge and skill development.

According to the WPRI, these children gravitate towards activities involving climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping and other gross motor skills. They enjoy testing their abilities and building confidence through physical challenges.

Playground Design Considerations:

• Climbing structures
• Rope play equipment
• Balance trails
• Monkey bars
• Obstacle courses
• Swinging elements

Dialogue Dazzlers

Not all children visit the playground primarily to play. Dialogue Dazzlers value social connection and often use the playground as a place to meet, chat and build friendships.

These children typically gather in small groups and may participate in secondary activities such as swinging, walking or casual games while socialising.

Playground Design Considerations:

• Quite seating areas
• Outdoor classrooms
• Shaded gathering spaces
• Social pods and meeting points
• Comfortable landscaping features

Providing spaces for conversation and connections helps support social development and student wellbeing.

Nature Explorers

Nature Explorers are naturally curious about the outdoor environment and enjoy discovering plants, insects, textures and natural materials.

These children often engage in exploratory play, imaginative roleplay and environmental learning experiences. Their play is inspired by interaction with the natural world.

Playground Design Considerations:

• Nature play areas
• Logs and stepping stones
• Sand and water play
• Gardens and planting zones
• Wildlife-friendly spaces

Nature-based play environments encourage curiosity, environmental awareness and sensory development.

How to Design an Inclusive School Playground

Every child interacts with their school playground differently. While some seek physical challenges, others prefer imaginative play, social interaction or nature-based exploration

The most successful school playground designs include a diverse mix of play opportunities that cater to all play styles and abilities.

Key features recommended by the World Playground Research Institute include:

• Open spaces for active play
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Nature play zones
• Loose parts and open-ended play opportunities
• Challenging climbing equipment
• Quiet retreat spaces
• Social gathering areas
• Inclusive play equipment

 By incorporating a variety of play experiences, schools can create playgrounds that support participation, encourage development and ensure every child feels welcome.

Build an Inclusive School Playground with CRS

At CRS Playspaces, we believe that every child deserves access to meaningful play opportunities. Designing playgrounds that support multiple play styles help create inclusive school environments where student can learn, grow and connect.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing playground or planning a new school playspace, understanding how children play is the first step towards creating a successful design.

Contact CRS Playspaces today to discuss creating a welcoming, creative and inclusive playground for you school community.

Click here to view the World Playground Institute’s original research page.