Playground Centre: Play as Brain Food!

November 1, 2025

Play as Brain Food: Boosting Children’s Cognitive and Socio-Emotional Development
Educators know play is powerful. What’s now emerging in the latest studies is just how vital it is as “brain food”.

Just as a balanced diet fuels healthy bodies, a balanced “diet” of play nourishes developing minds. For schools, that means designing playgrounds and outdoor spaces that serve up a variety of play opportunities – imaginative, physical, social and sensory – to support children’s cognitive development and socio-emotional growth.

The evidence is clear

Recent research is reinforcing that play is not simply a break from learning, it is learning. The University of Auckland’s landmark report, Ahead of the Game: Why play is the key to children’s future success(2023) highlighted play’s role in building executive function and linked the benefits of outdoor play with the development of critical thinking and social skills that children carry into school, work, and life.

Australian evidence echoes these findings. In her study on the Influence of Outdoor Play on Social and Cognitive Development (2024), Dr Shirley Wyver of Macquarie University found play not only boosted executive functioning but also enhanced prosocial behaviour, particularly in natural environments where richer social interactions can unfold.

Turning evidence into action

So how can schools translate these insights into playgrounds that nurture children’s development? The key is balance. Different types of play feed different areas of growth:

Imaginative play fuels creativity and flexible thinking – supported through role-play zones, themed structures, and open-ended equipment.
Nature play improves attention and emotional regulation. Timber logs, organic forms, and natural textures create connection with the environment.
Sensory play strengthens focus and self-regulation. Interactive panels, sand and water play, and musical elements engage multiple senses.
Active/fitness play builds resilience and executive function. Obstacle courses, climbing nets, and balancing beams encourage persistence and problem-solving.
Social/interactive play develops communication and teamwork. Shared activity stations, group swings, and modular equipment invite collaboration.

These play types can be tailored to different stages. Younger children benefit most from sensory and imaginative play, while older students thrive on challenge, teamwork, and fitness-based activities.

Practical insights for schools

Think balance. Create a “menu” of play types to support diverse developmental needs.
Upgrade as well as build. Even small changes can refresh existing spaces and expand development benefits.
Plan for progression. Ensure playspaces grow with your students – from early learners through to seniors.
Co-design with students. Particularly for older year levels, involving students ensures spaces are relevant, engaging, and well used.

Helping schools create impact

Playground Centre specialises in school playground design and equipment that creates engaging, future-focused play experiences that actively support children’s learning, wellbeing, and success.