Article by 

Carter Clark

Smiling young girl peeking through a blue rope net on a colorful trampoline, wearing a pink Minnie Mouse shirt

Children who explore natural playgrounds are more active and play longer than those enjoying conventional swings and slides, studies suggest. When purchasing commercial playground equipment, it's crucial to integrate nature by making the surroundings as natural as possible for the kids. The goal is to increase interest among all kids and aid play and development. Here are six unique ways you’ll benefit from choosing natural playground equipment.

Child climbing a rope-net under a wooden playground platform, with another child blurred in the background

1. More Playing Time 

Natural playground equipment and settings are more accessible and welcoming to children of all abilities and backgrounds. Natural equipment doesn't discriminate because they are open to personal interpretation, and children can explore them in their unique creative ways. Plastic/artificial playgrounds are more structured and not as inclusive and accessible for children unless specifically designed as such. Having natural playground equipment can result in prolonged play sessions where children can train their creativity.

Two children balancing on a wooden playground structure with evergreen trees and a snowy mountain behind

2. Better Creative Play

Natural playgrounds eliminate expectations and rules, replacing them with stimulating experiences and textures. The equipment is designed for open-ended play and presents children with the chance to figure out what they enjoy most. Children can also create new challenges and use the playground in unique ways. Playground designers can leverage nature-inspired equipment to enhance creative play while benefiting from splinter-free material.

Three children in winter coats and hats balancing on connected wooden log posts at an outdoor playground

3. Promote Active Play

Children at a natural playground spend more time on the games than those using standard swings, slides, and plastic equipment. Natural playground material allows children to create new challenges and explore the experience in unique ways. More time on the playground translates to better fitness levels and more active life. Kids who use nature-inspired equipment will become more active and fit because they enjoy the experience more for longer durations.

Child balancing on a wooden log beam, holding two horizontal ropes at an outdoor playground beside a climbing wall with orange holds

4. Create a Social Environment

Fostering a social environment where kids can develop their social and collaborative skills is one of the playground designer’s goals. Natural playground equipment can encourage children from all backgrounds to explore outdoor free play. The equipment is more accessible, welcoming, and open-ended, making it easier for children to develop crucial skills. Kids can learn the skills of cooperation, conflict resolution, communication, and interaction with peers.

Child in a pink dress climbing a wooden ramp on a natural log playground with wood chips and trees in the background

5. Increase Learning about Nature

Kids can discover more about the natural world by exploring nature-inspired playground equipment. Some of the most effective natural playground equipment include tree climbers, log slice climbers, tree roofs, stump climbers, stacked timber walls, and lumberjack climbers. Interacting with such equipment can help children achieve greater focus, relieve stress/anxiety, and forge interest/curiosity in the natural world. The kids will also learn more about nature.

Girl in pink shirt and denim shorts draped over a large wooden log, smiling beneath a blue sky with white clouds

6. More Users & Interactions

Most parents want their kids to have the best playground experiences to aid their development. Since all experts recommend nature-inspired equipment and playgrounds, that’s what parents seek when taking their kids out to play. Playgrounds with natural equipment are more likely to attract more engagement, participation, and business.

Wooden nature-themed playground with spring-mounted round platforms, a slatted play tower, benches, woodchip ground and surrounding trees

Reliable Commercial Playground Equipment

Landscape architects, schools, churches, and municipalities can benefit from using natural playground equipment. They need a reputable commercial playground equipment supplier to ensure quality, durable and functional components. At Park N Play Design, we pride ourselves on offering all-inclusive and accessible playground designs. Our team can help you find the best natural replacement playground equipment or build the park/playground from scratch.

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Article by 

Carter Clark

Partner
 at 
Park N Play Design

Carter Clark is the Marketing Director and Co-Owner of Park N Play Design, one of Canada’s leading firms specializing in the design and construction of inclusive and accessible playgrounds and parks. With more than two decades of company experience behind the organization, Carter works closely with designers, manufacturers, and community partners to help municipalities, schools, and organizations plan play spaces that serve entire communities.

Through his work with Park N Play Design, Carter has contributed to the planning and development of thousands of play environments across Canada, ranging from traditional playgrounds and natural play spaces to splash parks, skateparks, pump tracks, and outdoor fitness areas. His focus is on helping communities create spaces that are safe, inclusive, developmentally meaningful, and built to perform for decades.

Carter regularly writes about playground planning, inclusive design, community engagement, and best practices for developing successful park and recreation projects. His work helps community leaders better understand the planning, funding, and design decisions that lead to successful play environments.