7 Ways to Improve Your School Playground & Increase Fun Levels

Improving your school's playground so that it provides fresh, exciting, and engaging experiences for your students is so important.

Children thrive on stimulating environments, and a well-designed playground can provide not only a fun break from academic studies but also valuable opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, and imaginative play – all essential for their development.

School Playground Improvement Ideas from Our Playground Pros

Here at Huck Play, we've worked with many schools across the UK, closely collaborating with governors, head teachers, and students to create playgrounds that are both educational and exciting.

From our experience, we've created a list of 7 ways to improve your school playground and make it a place where students can learn, grow, and have fun.

#1 Provide a Variety of Equipment

To put it plainly, children can become easily bored. If they're only given a limited selection of play equipment, they may quickly lose interest, causing them to sit around during their break time rather than get active.

By providing a variety of equipment, you're giving them more opportunities for physical activity and keeping their playtime engaging.

Some children may prefer to run around and be active, while others may enjoy more calm and quiet activities. Having a range of equipment allows for all students to find something they enjoy and can participate in.

You'll also want to think about any inclusive pieces that can accommodate children with mobility challenges or disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible trampolines or DDA swings.

#2 Rotate Sports Equipment

Another way to make sure you're constantly engaging students during playtime is to rotate and refresh your sports equipment. This can include items like balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, bean bags, and more.

By regularly introducing new or different equipment, you're encouraging students to try new activities and keep their interest in physical play. Plus, it can be a great way to incorporate variety into PE lessons or after-school sports clubs.

You're also giving students the opportunity to figure out what it is they enjoy and excel at, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

#3 Introduce Educational Games

While break and play time should provide respite from academic work, it can also be a valuable opportunity to incorporate educational games and activities.

For younger students, you can have them practice counting or letter recognition through games like hopscotch, tag, or alphabet scavenger hunt.

Older students can benefit from strategic games like chess or word puzzles that stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Not only will these games keep students engaged and entertained, but they can also help reinforce academic concepts and improve cognitive abilities.

You could set up a designated area in the playground specifically for these educational games or open up a classroom on a certain day each week for 'Games Club' where students can come and play these games together.

#4 Refresh Your Old Playground Structures

One surefire way to improve your school grounds is by upgrading your outdated playground structures.

Old, tired equipment can not only be unappealing, but it can also pose safety hazards for students. But investing in new and modern equipment will breathe new life into your playground and provide students with a safe and exciting place to play.

Consider the elements we mentioned earlier, like climbing structures and parcour courses, when choosing new equipment.

You can also involve students in the decision-making process, allowing them to give their input on what they would like to see in their playground.

A modern playground will also add value to your school and pose an attractive feature for potential new families and students. It shows that your school values the well-being and development of its students and prioritises providing them with a safe and enjoyable environment.

The Best Playground Equipment for Schools

When choosing new equipment for your playground, you want to choose the best in all aspects: quality, safety, cost-efficiency, and fun. Here at Huck Play, we're dedicated to providing schools with top-of-the-line playground equipment that meets all these criteria.

Our range includes equipment both small and large, suited to children over the age of 2. From traditional swings and slides to more adventurous features like climbing towers and net structures, we have it all.

All of our equipment is made from the highest quality materials, ensuring its durability and safety for children to play on.

Some of our most popular pieces include:

Tarantula	“Fortuna” Mini Pirate Tower	Mini Cheops Pyramid

View Our Full Range of School Playground Equipment

#5 Create More Green Spaces

It's really important not to neglect the greenery in school playgrounds. Not only do they provide a much-needed break from asphalt and concrete, but they also have numerous benefits for children's physical and mental health.

Green spaces allow children to connect with nature and learn about the environment. They can also improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels.

You could create a small gardening area where children can help grow and tend to plants, compost bins to teach about sustainability or even a designated area for outdoor lessons.

Aside from the educational benefits, green spaces also add visual appeal to the playground and make it a more welcoming and calming space for children to spend time in.

Who knows, you might just spark a love for nature in a child who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to experience it.

#6 Offer 'Chill Out' Areas

School life can be overwhelming at times, and children need a place to relax and decompress. By creating designated 'chill out' zones in your playground, you give students a safe space to take a break and recharge.

These zones could include comfortable seating areas underneath a shelter, a quiet reading corner, or even a sensory area with calming activities like sand and water play.

Not only will this benefit students who may be feeling overwhelmed, but it teaches them the importance of self-care and finding healthy ways to cope with stress. It will also allow you to note which students are seeking more 'quiet time' and may need additional support in managing their emotions.

By providing these designated zones, you are promoting a positive and inclusive school environment where all students' needs are considered.

#7 Create Clear Zones Within Your Playground

If you and your fellow educators have noticed that your playground tends to get overcrowded and chaotic, it may be time to implement some clear zones. Having different play zones will help you to better organise and supervise your students, while also promoting different types of play.

Chill out areas like we mentioned before can be one designated zone, but you could also create a sports area for students who are more active, a creative zone for those who prefer artistic activities, and even a socialisation area for students who want to chat and relax with their friends.

You should also have playground equipment installed in its own designated area, making it easy for students to know where they can let out their energy.

Separate zones with paint markings on the ground or with boundary fencing to clearly define the different areas.

This will not only help with organisation and supervision, but it will also encourage students to explore and engage in different types of activities.

Why School Playgrounds Matter

School playgrounds are more than just a place for students to play during break time. They serve as an important space for physical activity, socialisation, and creative expression.

When designed with intention and purpose, they can have a positive impact on students' overall development and well-being.

Physical Activity

With the rise of sedentary lifestyles, childhood obesity rates, and tech-driven entertainment, schools must provide opportunities for physical activity.

School playgrounds offer a fun and accessible way for students to engage in physical exercise during the school day.

Socialisation

Playgrounds are also a space for students to interact with one another outside of the classroom setting, promoting teamwork, communication, and problem-solving among students. They learn how to take turns, share resources, and negotiate rules – all crucial skills for navigating relationships in the real world.

Creative Expression

In addition to physical activity and socialisation, playgrounds offer a platform for creative expression.

Whether it be through imaginative play or artistic activities like drawing and painting, students can express themselves freely and explore their creativity in a safe and stimulating environment.

Opportunities for Those Who May Not Have Them at Home

For many students, the school playground may be their only opportunity to engage in physical activity and play freely. This is especially true for those who may come from low-income or urban areas where access to safe outdoor spaces may be limited.

As a school, you can help bridge the gap for these students and provide them with vital opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

Read more about the benefits of outdoor play in early years

Conclusion: Improve Your School's Play Area With Huck Play

Whether it be providing more play variety or creating better zoning, taking charge of your school's playground improvement is crucial for the well-being and development of your students.

If you're interested in rejuvinating old playground structures, or you want to add new equipment to your school's play area, we're your go-to source. Our team at Huck Play specialises in creating innovative, safe and durable play solutions for schools of all sizes.

We offer end-to-end services, from the site survey and design to the installation and maintenance of your playground. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand the needs and budget of your school and create a customised play area that meets those requirements.

You can explore our full range of equipment online and see all we have to offer. If you have any questions about our products or services, our knowledgeable team is always available to assist you.

Get in touch with us today and let's create a fun and engaging playground for your students!

Playground Equipment for Schools

FAQs