Playground Centre: The three playground trends schools should jump on in 2026
The way kids play, move and connect is changing – and smart playground design is helping schools adapt and realise the full potential of their outdoor spaces.
As a new school year begins, there’s value in stepping back and watching how your students are using your outdoor spaces. Who gravitates to active play? Who prefers to sit, talk or observe? Which areas are popular – and which don’t make the grade?
These everyday patterns provide powerful insights into how your outdoor environments could work better for students.
And it’s not all about play! In 2026, the leading playground design trends recognise school playspaces must function as multi-purpose spaces, provide active and passive play opportunities, and support children of different ages, development stages and needs.
These are the three playground design trends to follow whether you are planning a new playspace or re-thinking your existing playground’s layout and equipment mix.
2. Smarter, multi-purpose play and learning spaces
The major school playground design trend is the shift from stand-alone play areas to spaces that are integrated into a campus’ outdoor spaces and serve multiple functions – from structured and unstructured play and fitness to social connection and outdoor learning.
Alongside this shift, the trend toward more natural play environments opens the door to improved play-based learning outcomes. Proven to foster creativity, problem solving and wellbeing, nature play is also linked to higher levels of inclusion for children with different development needs.
Think layouts and equipment that:
- Enhance supervision and accessibility.
- Combine natural elements with more traditional play equipment.
- Provide a wider range of movement choices and challenges.
- Incorporate seating, platforms for socialising and learning.
- Improve flow during peak periods.
2. Active and passive play zones
The latest playground designs also consider that not every student wants high-energy play all the time. In fact, research from Play Australia and international education bodies shows a balanced mix of active and passive play supports both physical health and emotional regulation and positively impacts behaviour inside and outside the classroom.
Think:
- Active zones: climbing nets, obstacle courses, fitness stations.
- Passive zones: basket swings, hammocks, play huts and structures that provide quiet shaded nooks, play-adjacent seating and table settings.
- Layouts that allow students to move comfortably between the two.
A bonus for schools is that adding passive play opportunities requires only a thoughtful upgrade rather than a full rebuild.
3. Playgrounds designed for different development stages
Students’ physical, social and emotional needs change significantly as they grow, and age-appropriate challenges are critical for development.
Think:
- Lower primary: imaginative play, low-level climbing, sensory elements.
- Upper primary: height, strength, and cooperative play.
- Secondary students: advanced movement and complexity, fitness-based equipment.
Playground layouts with clear (but connected) zones increase participation, and ensure every student feels the space is “for them”.
Playground Centre combines over 30 years’ experience with the latest research into childhood development to design and deliver playground solutions for K-12 schools nationwide.
Discover more
Download the Schools Playground Planning Guide for a step-by-step guide to planning a playground that supports contemporary education goals.
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