Sensory Playgrounds: Designing for Touch, Sound, and Smell

The Sensory Revolution: Designing Playgrounds for All Senses

Have you ever had the pleasure of watching a child in a playground, blissfully exploring the world through touch, sound, and smell? Of course, with the tragic exception of those who have a peculiar aversion to laughter and joy. The unabashed delight in their faces as they slide down a slide, run their hands through a sandpit, or squeal at the sound of a squeaky swing is a beautiful sight to behold. I say, why should they hog all the fun, and why should they be limited to the traditional playground equipment? It's time we adults (and kids) explore the world of sensory playgrounds.

Touch: Embracing Texture and Temperature

The sense of touch is often overlooked when it comes to designing playgrounds, as the traditional focus is on structures that promote climbing, running, and jumping. However, incorporating elements that encourage tactile exploration can provide a wealth of benefits for children (and adults) of all ages and abilities. By creating a playground environment filled with various textures and materials, we can spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and promote motor skills. Some materials to consider incorporating include:

• Rough bark on climbing structures or seating
• Smooth stones and pebbles for pathways or play areas
• Soft grasses and plants for sensory gardens
• Warm wooden surfaces for balancing or resting on
• Cool metal slides and structures for a refreshing contrast

Additionally, consider including elements such as sand pits, water play areas, and mud kitchens, which provide endless opportunities for hands-on exploration.

Sound: A Symphony of Playful Noise

Sound is an integral part of any playground experience, from the laughter of children to the squeak of a swing. But why stop there? By incorporating elements that produce sounds, you're creating a fully immersive and interactive environment. Here are some ideas for adding a touch of auditory magic to your playground:

• Wind chimes suspended from trees or structures
• Large, hollow tubes that can be struck with mallets to create deep, resonant tones
• Gravel or pebble pathways that crunch underfoot
• Outdoor musical instruments, such as xylophones or drums
• Whisper dishes or tubes for long-range communication

These elements not only make the playground a more engaging space but also promote social interaction and cooperation among children as they discover and create new sounds together.

Smell: Aromatic Adventures in the Great Outdoors

The sense of smell is often an afterthought when it comes to playground design, perhaps due to the notoriously unpleasant scent of melting rubber on a hot summer's day. However, by incorporating natural, aromatic elements into your playground design, you can create a truly immersive sensory experience. Some ideas for adding olfactory awesomeness to your playground include:

• Fragrant flowers and herbs in sensory gardens or planting beds
• Aromatic trees and shrubs, such as eucalyptus or lavender
• Accessible, raised planters filled with soil and compost for digging, planting, and sniffing
• Containers filled with fragrant wood chips, pine cones, or other natural materials

By incorporating these elements into your playground, you can create a truly multi-sensory space that engages and delights all who visit.

Creating a Sensory Playground Wonderland

As you embark on your sensory playground journey, remember that variety is the spice of life (and playgrounds!). Aim to incorporate a diverse range of textures, materials, sounds, and scents to create a rich tapestry of sensory experiences. Additionally, consider designing your playground to be inclusive and accessible to all, including those with sensory processing disorders or physical disabilities. By doing so, you'll create a truly magical space where everyone can explore, learn, and grow through their senses.


So, put away that boring, traditional playground blueprint, and embrace the sensory playground revolution. It's time to create a space that truly caters to our senses - and our inner child. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some sandcastles to build, wind chimes to play, and fragrant flowers to sniff. Care to join?


Article kindly provided by designerviews.org