Different playground sizes fit for your outdoor space
Playground Sizes
How to Choose the Right Playground Size
There is no set rule for how big or small a playground should be. Choosing the correct playground dimensions depends on several factors, such as the surrounding space, the users, and the age range. If you need to accommodate a large number of children across various age groups, you will be better off having having a larger playground and play area to ensure there is enough space and a variety of activities for everyone to safely enjoy. However, if you are a Primary School planning a playground for toddlers, a smaller playground may be more suitable.
The Importance of Playground Dimensions
Creating a playground fit for purpose involves careful planning nd an understanding of various dimensions to accommodate different user needs. It is vital to understand the type of playground your area requires to determine the appropriate size. If the playground is too small, there might not be enough variety in play activities for everyone, and the space can become overcrowded, posing safety hazards. The same applies to a larger site, which can appear empty even during busy periods and fail to engage children in interactive play - Simply due to excessive space.
This guide explores the different playground sizes, specific equipment choices, and considerations for various settings such as schools, public parks, and other outdoor areas. At KOMPAN we have over 50+ years of experience in planning and installing playgrounds and are happy to assist and guide you through the process to ensure you get the right playground for your community. Here in the UK, we work closely with key stakeholders on new playground projects, including customers and the local community, to ensure you get the appropriate playground solution for your community.
Designed for restricted spaces
Small Sized Playgrounds
Small sized playgrounds allow for key play features to be included in limited space where the area dimensions are restricted. For example for places such as in urban areas, on a rooftop, toddler playgrounds or in small public parks. These playgrounds are usually between 50 and 150 square meters. Despite their size, they can still offer a variety of play activities with thoughtful design and multifunctional equipment, making the most of the restricted dimensions.
Smaller playgrounds are more cost-effective, both in terms of construction and maintenance. In addition to this, a small area allows teachers at nursuries or parents and guardians at public parks to easily monitor young children. In smaller areas such as housing estates and urban areas, a small playground can be an accessible place for children in the city to have fun and with 1 in 8 children living in households without gardens in the UK, access to outdoor playgrounds is essential. A smaller playground often caters to a specific age group, so if your playground needs to accommodate a larger age group, you may need a larger playground with more play equipment.
Examples of equipment: Compact play structures, small slides, swings and climbing walls.
User capacity: Suitable for up to 20 children
If you’d like to see an example of a playground designed for limited spaces, see what we did for Hallfields Primary School. This example showcases how thoughtful design and multifunctional equipment can make the most of a small area, providing an engaging and enjoyable play space for children.
Create your small playground
Medium Sized Playgrounds
Medium sized playgrounds offer a balance between a variety of play activities without requiring too much space. They typically range from approximately 150 to 300 square metres. These playgrounds are common in suburban areas, school fields, and larger country parks.
Medium sized playgrounds can offer a mixture of play equipment, providing a variety of play experiences that cater to all ages and the differing interests of young children. These play areas can easily accommodate a moderate number of children, reducing the chance of overcrowding and ensuring that each child has sufficient space to play. The size allows for creative and flexible playground designs, accommodating a whole range of play zones, such as a thrill-evoking climbing area and a calmer area with sensory playground equipment. While costing more than small playgrounds, medium sized playgrounds offer a good balance between cost and the amount of play value they provide.
Example of Equipment to choose: Larger play structures, multiple slides, swings, merry-go-rounds, seesaws, sensory playground equipment like play panels.
User Capacity: Can accommodate 20-50 children.
If you’d like to see an example of a playground with a medium sized area, see what we did for Critchill School Playground. This example showcases how you can incorporate some of the larger structures in a medium sized space, whilst still including a variety of play equipment.
Create your medium playground
Ideal for open spaces
Large Sized Playgrounds
Large playgrounds, ranging from 300 to 900 square metres or more, provide extensive play options and cater to a larger number of users. These playgrounds are often found in country parks, large community centres, and schools with extensive grounds.
Large playgrounds can support a wide variety of equipment and play activities, offering extensive play experiences that cater to all age groups and interests. With large playgrounds, there is enough available space to include a multisport area or outdoor gym equipment for older children and parents. Playgrounds of this size serve as significant community hubs, encouraging social interaction among children and their families, often becoming central gathering places for the local community.
Example of Equipment to choose: Comprehensive play structures, multiple swing sets, large slides, climbing towers, and sports courts. Include calm play areas for sensory play.
User Capacity: Suitable for 50+ children.
If you’d like to see an example of a playground with a large sized area, take a look at Buccaneer Bay playground. This play area showcases a wide range of unique Robinia playground equipment, including rope play, sensory features, tall play structures, inclusive play equipment, and a resistance fitness area. .
Create your large playground
How to plan your playground to fit the dimensions of the available space.
Designing your playground to fit the size of your area
Understanding the dimensions of specific playground equipment is crucial for designing a functional and safe play area. On our website when you add products to your favourites, you can see the required area for each selected item. As you add or remove play and fitness products from your favourites, the total space required will automatically update accordingly. This allows you to adjust your plans and product selections based on the space available.
Additionally, you will find helpful drawings and DWG files for all our products, providing you with the specifications you need to design the ideal playground for your space requirements.
Why Playground Size Matters
Cost/Budget Allocation
The size of the playground directly impacts the overall cost of the project. Larger playgrounds usually require more surfacing, equipment and features, which naturally leads to a higher budget. It’s essential to balance the available funds with the desired playground size and features. You can learn more about how to allocate the budget for your playground budget here. Often, playground grants are available for projects like these. Contact your local playground consultant if you need help with your budgeting and grant application process.
Design Considerations
The size of the playground significantly influences the design and layout. Smaller spaces necessitate the use of compact, multi-functional equipment to maximise the practical use of the available area. In contrast, larger areas offer the opportunity for a more expansive layout, incorporating diverse play zones across a larger surface area. Playground design must account for safety zones around each piece of equipment. Regardless of the playground size, it is crucial to consider not only the needs of the children but also those of the adults. This includes providing rest areas with park benches and tables where adults can relax, eat, and socialise while the children play. Incorporating shading into the playground and play area whether through playground structures, trees, or standalone shading devices can extend the usability of the area throughout the year.
Play Value/Play Capacity
The play value refers to the variety and quality of play experiences offered. A well sized playground can provide different types of play, from physical challenges to imaginative play. Ensuring enough space per child (typically it requires 4-7 square meters per child) helps prevent overcrowding and enhances the play experience. Play capacity depends on the size of your playground, but smaller playgrounds can be packed with play value, depending on the compact equipment you choose.
Community Satisfaction
A playground that meets the requirements of the local community will enjoy greater benefits, seeing an increase in usage and positive feedback. Engaging with the community and other stakeholders during the planning stages can help distinguish the appropriate playground size and features. Make sure you know which age groups your playground should accommodate, as this will guide you in selecting the right equipment. If you have a large space with no nearby playgrounds, a larger playground should be considered, as it is likely to attract more of the local community. Conversely, if you plan to build a playground in an area with many other playgrounds nearby, a small or medium-sized playground may be sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average size of a playground?
The average size of a playground varies based on the setting. Small playgrounds range from 50 to 150 square metres, medium playgrounds from 150 to 300 square metres and large playgrounds can be 300 to 900 square metres or more.
How big should a playground be per user/child?
A good rule of thumb is to allocate 4-7 square meters per child. This ensures enough space for safe play and helps prevent overcrowding.
How big should a public/community/school playground be?
School Playgrounds: Typically 250 to 500 square meters.
Community Playgrounds: Usually 400 to 900 square meters or more.
Public/Country Parks: These can vary widely, but large parks may have playgrounds of 900 square meters or more to serve a wider community.
Why is the size of a playground important?
The size of a playground is crucial for several reasons:
Cost/Budget Allocation: Larger playgrounds require a higher budget.
Design Considerations: Space influences equipment selection and layout.
Play Value/Play Capacity: Adequate space enhances the play experience.
Community Satisfaction: Meeting community needs ensures higher usage and satisfaction.