Get teenagers out on the playground

Secondary School

Tweens playing on rotating playground equipment

Playground equipment for secondary and high schools

"We don't play anymore!" This is a typical statement coming from high school children. But we know they do, just in their way. It just takes a suitable high school playground and sports equipment to get older children to play and be active during school.

Through 50 years of creating playgrounds for secondary schools and researching children's play, we have gathered a unique understanding of how t(weens) play. Our t(weens) play and sports designs reflect this knowledge.

Our secondary school playground equipment for older students provides young adults with engaging activity spaces for girls and boys who no longer want to play on traditional playground equipment but still need places to hang out and expend energy. Our high school playground equipment supports the health, learning and social inclusion of all teenagers and abilities, including those who no longer play or are mad about sports. It also provides safe spaces for them to be on the playground without compromising the comfort and activities of younger people children.

Do you need advice to plan your secondary school playground?

What playground equipment should you choose for your secondary school?

Choosing the right playground equipment for your high school will give you more active t(weens) during recess.

These six secondary school playground equipment types are a good base for a fun and challenging schoolyard.

Teenage Play Structures: Like the GALAXY™ climbing structures or climbing walls.

Challenging Playground Structures: Go for rope playground towers or a play system.

Dedicated Sports Areas: Choose Multisport areas to encourage team play.

Dedicated Gym Areas: Go for gym structures like school fitness playgrounds.

Playground Carousels or Swings: Choose spinners and carousels or innovative swings.

Hangout Areas: Create hangouts away from the main playground with hangout spots for playgrounds.

Let's talk more options for your secondary school

tweens playing football on a multi court at their schools' playground

"If I were to give a tip to other schools looking to create an exercise-friendly environment, it would be to involve students in the process [...] As adults, we have a lot of ideas about what the area should look like, but you want to know what the kids want"

Antoin Hoovers, PE Teacher, Segbroek College

KOMPAN Play Institute gives you tips to increase t(w)eens physical activity

On a global scale, only around 23% of all 11-17-year-olds meet the minimum recommendations for physical activity. This is devastating, as tweens and teens repeatedly say they like playful physical activity. They like outdoor play and play areas, as long as the design accommodates them, not only younger children.

You can read the latest research on tweens' love playgrounds by visiting KOMPAN Play Institute.

Or check out our playground planning resources for more information on playground planning.