Playgrounds have always been at the heart of our communities. They’re places where tamariki make friends, test their limits, and explore the world around them. But just like children themselves, play spaces keep evolving. As a playground design company, we see new ideas shaping the way communities think about outdoor play every year. These are ideas that reflect the unique needs of Aotearoa’s families, schools, and councils.
At this very moment, there are some exciting play space trends NZ communities are getting behind. Fads are one thing, but these trends actually reflect a shift in committing to safe, enriching environments that truly support child development. We’re pretty excited about a few of these outdoor learning space trends, and you’ll also notice that most of these are principles we already incorporate into our design philosophy here at Playscape. So, let’s look at five of the most popular ones and what they mean for the kids in your care.
1. Natural playgrounds are back, and better than ever
One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the return to natural play. Gone are the days when playgrounds were dominated by bright plastic structures with little connection to the environment. Across Aotearoa, councils and schools are looking to design play areas that feel like an extension of the land itself.
What do these community hubs look like in practice? Think climbing over logs, balancing on boulders, building forts from foraged materials, and running down grassy mounds built into the play space. These elements give children a natural sense of discovery while strengthening their bond with the environment. Nature play also fosters a deep sense of kaitiakitanga, teaching kids early on that the land and water they enjoy are treasures to be looked after.
2. Inclusive play means accessible play
Every child deserves the chance to play, no matter their physical ability, age, or background. That’s why inclusive design in schools has become one of the most important play space trends NZ is prioritising.
Accessible equipment like wheelchair-friendly swings, low-level play panels, and wide ramps are now being woven into playground designs. Playground design trends like this are the baseline for how we grow as communities.
3. Outdoor classrooms for versatile play
When we picture a classroom, we typically picture desks and chairs arranged around four walls. When we picture a school, we picture classrooms and playgrounds arranged around each other as independent, discrete spaces. Outdoor classrooms challenge this framework by blurring the lines between the two, softening the boundaries of where play and learning begin and end.
Integrating these area’s, as our Pukekohe Hill School project illustrates, encourages versatility and cohesiveness. By turning an empty patch of grass into a thoughtfully designed play space, the school now has another learning hub that is used all year round. Outdoor classrooms encourage flexible play and allow for greater utilisation of a space. As a quiet learning space between breaks, this area has been adopted by tamariki wanting a space to read in.
4. Sensory play spaces with a nurturing touch
The best outdoor learning environments encourage play without needing an explanation or instruction. Perhaps best embodying this principle of show, not tell, are the sensory play spaces gaining popularity around New Zealand. The world as we perceive it exists through multiple senses, not just sight and sound. Smells, textures we can feel, and even taste help construct our understanding of the external world.
Sensory play spaces are achieved by incorporating different materials such as wood, grass, sand, bark, and more. Beyond touch, this approach also creates visual variety – allowing tamariki to digest and process different colours. With more materials also come more sounds – whether it’s a ball bouncing off a wooden beam or the sound of shoes stepping over sand.
5. Sustainability is non-negotiable
Finally, climate change awareness has spread into every corner of our lives, and so sustainable design of playgrounds should be no different. Playground planning is evolving to meet a world that demands more careful use of resources than ever. More and more communities are asking for play spaces that use recycled or locally sourced materials, incorporate planting for biodiversity, and capture or reuse natural resources like rainwater.
For example, rain gardens and swales are popular outdoor learning space trends. They can be integrated into playgrounds to manage stormwater while doubling as natural play features. Timber, stone, and recycled plastics are often used in place of mass-produced imports, reducing carbon impact.
Build a play space children will love forever with Playscape
These are some of the most important play space trends NZ communities need to know about, because they’re ways to create hubs that graduate beyond the neon plastic of old playgrounds and invite a warmer, more holistic sense of play and community. We stay at the forefront of these trends because we know this is important work, and our number one goal is to help communities create playgrounds that make a lasting difference for children. Ready to bring the latest play space trends NZ schools are relying on into your project? Talk to the team of dreamers at Playscape, and let’s create something that will feed little imaginations!