White paper

The More Thrilling Playground

Research Into Thrilling Play - Informed by Older Children

Older children both love and need thrilling play in their development. But what makes an exciting and engaging playground? Who better to answer that question than the children themselves. 

In this research done by KOMPAN Play Institute, we gain first-hand insight into what older children consider thrilling play. The KOMPAN Cliff Rider is a result of the children's input. A truly exhilarating play piece that came straight from the children.

White paper

The more thrilling playground

Download White Paper
7 Tips toThrill

7 Considerations for Thrilling Playgrounds

  1. Offer wildly thrilling play for all through graduated physical play (e.g. ground level activities)

  2. Responsive, physical play equipment is wildly thrilling (e.g. bouncing, swinging, spinning)

  3. Height is wildly thrilling (e.g. towers, nets, bridges, Cliff Rider)

  4. Speed is wildly thrilling (e.g. slides, Supernovas and other spinners, Track Riders).

  5. Meandering and the feeling of getting lost (hide-and-seek style) is thrilling (e.g. mazes)

  6. Water is thrilling (jumping from rock to rock in water, not falling into water)

  7. Time pressured games or competitions are thrilling

Webinars and white papers about play

Mastery Through Make-Believe Play

Play

Themed

White Paper

Unique play designs - Increase play duration

Play for all - Universal designs for inclusive playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds

Unleashing Creativity: Building Unique Playgrounds with KOMPAN Design Studio

Play value increases with sensory play

6 Tips to dramatic play outdoors

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

a children's play area with children playing on the playground.

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Equality in play – Survey on playground use in children with disabilities

Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds: 5 new science-based practice tips for playground design

8 ways to encourage nature play in playgrounds

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Play value - the influence of playground equipment

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

truly inclusive section

Truly Inclusive: The Reward of Thrill in Universal Play Designs

Innovative products - The key to more play

Nature Play and Natural Playgrounds

Sensory Play: The why, how and what of sensory stimulating playgrounds

Physical Activity Among Children in Early Years

A couple of girls climbing on KOMPAN play equipment.

Climbing activates tween girls - How to increase tween girls' physical activity

More Play and No Conflicts

Sign up to our newsletter

Get updated with news, inspiration and offers straight into your inbox.