What Features Make a Playground Fun and Beneficial?

First, let’s discuss playground fundamentals and how you can incorporate them in a small space.

The ideal playground puts the “fun” in fundamental movement skills (FMS). These skills form the building blocks for many of the gross motor skills and more complex cognitive skills that kids use throughout their lives. Studies show that it’s important to create playgrounds that focus on developing FMS through activities like climbing, catching and throwing.

Building a playground and incorporating theme-based play equipment — regardless of the playground’s size — is all about creating a space that encourages fundamental movement skills while being exciting. There are seven elements of play that offer a fun and rewarding experience:

• Balancing
• Sliding
• Brachiating
• Spinning
• Climbing
• Swinging
• Sensory development

For small-space playground equipment to be effective, it must meet some of these elements. Kids will be thrilled, and parents will be happy to let their kids use play areas that are both fun and healthy. Here are some common features that can be used in smaller-sized playgrounds:

• Tunnels: Tunnels encourage crawling, which promotes core strength and joint mobility. They’re also excellent for vestibular input and sensory development.
• Interactive panels: Interactive play panels stimulate the mind and encourage kids to twist, pull, push, slide and organize different components.
• Monkey bars: Monkey bars offer the brachiating element. They improve reciprocal patterns in the upper body and strengthen the arms.
• Slides: Sliding challenges the kids’ balance and improves proprioceptive sensory input. Walking up and down the slide also engages core and hamstring strength.

Exciting and Educational Playground Theme Ideas Perfect for Small Spaces

Now that you know what makes an impactful playground, it’s time to focus on the fun — choosing a theme. Themes can make playgrounds more exciting or visually stimulating. They draw kids’ attention and allow them to interact with tangible features while using their imaginations. A unique theme makes your playground stand out in your community and encourages families to create memories.

Nature themes are undoubtedly some of the best themes because they inspire kids to become curious about nature. Additionally, plant or animal elements give caregivers a teaching opportunity to share their knowledge. Some common natural themes include the following:

• Marine life
• Farm animals
• Jungles
• Forests and creeks
• Dinosaurs

Aside from nature-based themes, you can also explore the following themes:

• Space and astronauts
• Racecars
• Pirate ship
• Sports
• Castles
• Firetrucks
• Music

Assigning a theme to your playground makes it even more exciting and encourages kids to use their imaginations to have fun.

The Top 5 Pieces of Play Equipment for Small Spaces

You’ve picked a theme for your indoor playground, so now it’s time to choose the equipment.

When it comes to themed indoor playgrounds, versatility is key. At Soft Play®, we’re experts at creating playground equipment that meets the needs of various age groups and makes the most of the space you have to work with. We offer small play equipment for commercial settings that can accommodate low ceilings and limited floor space.

All our equipment comes with a transparent netting exterior so that guardians can watch over their kids. Our playground equipment also allows space for caregivers to sit down or rest while the kids have fun. It is also fully customizable to fit your budget and needs. Here is a list of our best and most popular space-efficient playground equipment.

1. Simple Can Be Fun With the P27769 Model

If you’re looking for a compact playground design, the P27769 play system is the ideal pick. It’s under 7 feet tall, perfect for low-ceilinged spaces. It fits in most corners and spaces and creates a visually enticing area for guardians and kids alike.

This system has a tornado spinner and log roll, allowing kids to have maximum fun in a smaller space. It also has an area with drum and piano walls where they can use their creative and imaginative abilities. This play system is perfect for music-themed play areas. You can play kid-friendly tunes and equip the space with musical instruments like xylophones.

2. Big Entertainment Value With the ATOM Model

We created the ATOM with limited areas in mind and can confidently say it’s one of the best pieces of playground equipment for small spaces! It may be compact, but it doesn’t compromise on user experience. If you invest in the ATOM, kids will enjoy these interactive features:

• Sit-n-spin: Kids can whirl around while improving their balance and sensory development.
• Hammock hangout: This is the perfect spot for older kids to socialize and relax.
• Scoop climber: Scoop-shaped decks with twisty bends offer core-strengthening benefits and a fun challenge.
• Musical drums: The drums are ideal for introverted kids or kids who enjoy a creative, independent activity.
• Three-in-a-row game: This game is an excellent way to promote the development of social and emotional skills.

You can adapt the ATOM model to fit your theme. For example, the neon colors lend themselves well to a space-themed playground! Encourage kids to imagine they’re on a different planet and searching for their way back to Earth.

3. Fun for All Kids With the P26898 Model

With a user capacity of 37 kids, this playground equipment offers impressive play elements ideal for small spaces. The tube slide is thrilling for young kids and has a rounded exit region for added protection. Vertical climbing panels allow kids to develop climbing skills and build arm and core strength.

This set also features puzzle games along the side panels, offering inclusive options for kids with sensory processing disorder or who may be more interested in independent, mentally stimulating play. The top level of the thrilling P26898 model has tornado spinners and a log roll with metal handles for support. Add animal statues and fake plants to take kids into the jungle with this playground equipment!

4. Adventure Calls With the P26989A Model

The P26989A play system is jam-packed with inclusive and exciting features suitable for kids of different growth stages:

• Slide: The 360-degree slide allows kids to make a full rotation before reaching the curved exit region.
• Train: The train feature encourages imaginative play and inspires kids to play together. It’s also eye-catching and appealing and will encourage repeat visits.
• Tornado spinner: This set also includes a tornado spinner that kids of multiple age groups can enjoy.
• Vertical climbing panels: Vertical climbing panels enable kids to make their way up to the slide while engaging multiple muscle groups.

You can take inspiration from the train feature to make your playground transportation-themed. Add a firetruck, school bus or boat with a steering wheel!

5. Engage Excitement With the P27975 Model

This visually stimulating set will excite kids. It comes with handle-equipped entrances and has a shoe shelf for kids to neatly put their shoes away before having fun. There are standing and sitting spinners to engage their sensory development and a log roll with handles that kids can enjoy before going down the curved slide.

One cool and compact playground feature is the car in the corner. It sits along the side and invites kids to enjoy imaginary games. You can add more elements — like wall stickers or rugs with a road design — to make this playground racecar-themed. The P27975 play system accommodates up to 25 kids and is perfect for most spaces.

5 Factors to Consider When Creating an Indoor Playground in a Small Space

Designing small themed play structures requires you to find equipment that maximizes the space without compromising on fun. Here are some elements to consider.

1. Space Potential

Measure the space to determine the possibilities and get your ideas flowing. Remember that while a particular playset might fit, kids also need enough space to enjoy the equipment without bumping into each other. It’s also crucial to leave some empty space for kids’ imaginative games.

2. Popular Playground Equipment

When choosing playground themes for limited space, make sure to include the classic pieces of equipment in addition to unique components. Complicated equipment can be confusing for kids and may even deter them from playing. It can also cause worry for anxious parents. Many of the popular pieces of equipment you enjoyed in your younger days are still loved by kids now. Here are some of the popular pieces you can include:

• Ladders
• Slides
• Climbing panels
• Tunnels

3. Accessibility

Kids of all abilities should be able to enjoy your small indoor playground equipment. Your indoor playground should respect the needs of kids with disabilities so that kids of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of play.

The Americans With Disabilities Act provides several guidelines for ensuring that playgrounds are accessible for kids with disabilities. Ramps, inclusive slides, tunnels, interactive play panels and musical play equipment are examples of inclusive indoor play equipment that you can invest in.

Design your playground so that it includes many stimulating — not overstimulating — features. A good example of accessibility is the Soft Play P27977 playset, which has classic playground features like a slide and a unique drumming board.

4. Age Zones

Traditional playgrounds cater to multiple age groups. While this might be more complicated when you’re dealing with a small space, it’s definitely possible to create a small indoor playground that appeals to multiple age groups. For example, you can invest in equipment that includes interactive play panels for younger kids and climbing walls for older kids. As another example, a slide is a hoot for toddlers, but older kids — like preteens — may be more keen on the hammock that comes with the ATOM play area.

If you have the space, you can label different sections so that guardians can decide which space is most suitable for their kids. This is especially beneficial if you’re installing two small play areas in opposite corners of the same room. With compact playground designs, maintaining different age-appropriate spaces is easy, as caregivers can watch multiple kids at once.

Here are some general guidelines to consider when creating miniature playgrounds for multiple age groups:

• Playground equipment for kids up to 3 years old: Utilize play areas that stimulate motor development. The equipment should offer tactile details and allow the kids to explore. Aim to include equipment that offers easy visibility for caregivers and kids.
• Playground equipment for 3- to 6-year-olds: Equipment should still stimulate motor development, but it can be more responsive and suitable for independent use, such as sliding alone. Dramatic play is also enhanced at this age, so include thematic features like cars and houses.
• Playground equipment for 6- to 9-year-olds: This stage is the golden age for developing physical and empathetic skills. Kids will enjoy equipment that calls for high physical activity and social engagement. They enjoy themed equipment that involves rules, such as tic-tac-toe.
• Playground equipment for 9- to 12-year-olds: This age group places a significant focus on social interaction and vigorous physical play. To retain them, you need to create play activities that test their physical skills, like agility and balance, but also offer a competitive edge.

5. Rest Areas for Guardians

When thinking of small playground ideas, remember that playgrounds should strike a balance between play and rest, regardless of size. While kids do typically enjoy climbing and jumping around for long periods, they also need a break. An interactive wall panel or seating area can provide a place for them to rest.

Caregivers also need a comfortable place to rest and watch over their kids, so you can install benches or chairs in the area.

Small Spaces Equals Big Fun With Soft Play

In 1984, four innovators started the Soft Play brand with the goal of shaking up the playground industry and reimagining play. Today, we are still dedicated to creating themed commercial playground equipment that encourages social and physical development and attracts people to our client’s destination. Our play systems enable your business to build key memories for families through meaningful play.

We are industry leaders who keep up with modern equipment trends. Our specialty is creating innovative play solutions that grow your business and make a meaningful impact in your community. Find inspiration from the thrilling play equipment we’ve created for clients, explore our small play structures and request a quote to bring your goal play area to fruition.