Solutions and Inspiration for early childhood

Early Years Outdoor Play Equipment

Girl looking through binoculars on a playground

Inspiration for your Kindergarten or Preschool Playground

Children develop at an astonishing rate in preschool and kindergarten. So fast, it can be challenging to keep up! Play isn't simply a fun way to keep little ones busy, rather, it's their foundation of experiencing and growing into this world! As children’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and creative development are not only supported by play but developed through play, think of daycare playground equipment as Step One of their school learning journey.

At KOMPAN we develop playgrounds and play equipment for early childhood based on child observations, child involvement, and child input. KOMPAN Play Institute is KOMPAN's unit of play specialists, and their work is your guarantee that your daycare playground equipment is tested and safe for the children.

Why is Good Playground Equipment for Preschoolers So Important?

Play and growth are intertwined. Play is one of the seven emotional systems of the human brain and is on par with other human emotional instincts such as happiness, fear, and love. While adults may see swinging, climbing, or sliding as "just for fun," these activities on research-backed early childhood playground equipment help toddlers mold important life skills, like language development and corporation.

Jumping and running are important for building bone density. The World Health Organization recommends at least three hours of daily physical activity for kids under five, and as a minimum, one hour of vigorous physical activity for young children. A daycare or kindergarten with access to good preschool playground equipment can help facilitate these requirements, with the outcome of healthier, happier lives.

Safety is a challenge for preschool play. Toddlers can be hard on equipment, and since they are still developing their fine and gross motor skills, along with their balance, they fall down easily. Preschool playgrounds should be low and safe enough for children to play with less risk of injury. If you want to know more about playground safety, please read the playground safety guidelines.

Preschooelrs playing in car themed playground equipment

What Playground Equipment is Best for Your Nursery School?

A good preschool or kindergarten playground allows children to connect with their peers and further encourages communication and expands language and literacy skills. Therefore, playground equipment should offer a range of physical play just as much as dramatic and cognitive play.

A good way to stimulate physical development could be through climbing. KOMPAN's early climbing product line is made specifically for 3 to 6-year-old kids. That means the playground climbers are carefully made for them! The thickness of the rope is made with their tiny hands in mind, and the steps on the rope structure will accommodate their small steps.

Another great addition to your playground could be our Moments™ play systems. They offer a variety of play, with physical activities at both ground and elevated levels. With bright colors, hangout spots, and imaginative themes, a play system will stimulate toddlers cognitively and creatively.

Freestanding playground equipment is also a solid hit! Favorites typically include slides and swings. Sand and Water Play are also great play activities, and you will often see the children use the equipment for hours. Get inspired by our many options for freestanding playground equipment and discover the perfect option for your needs.

Toddlers playing on KOMPAN playground equipment

What Materials are Best for an Outdoor Preschool Playground?

When choosing daycare playground equipment, the quality and safety in your material choice should be top of mind. Children aren't exactly delicate as they figure out their motor skills during these early years, and committing to eco-friendly choices is truly designing with our future generations in mind. KOMPAN's play panels are all made from recyclable materials, and our floors on the play systems are made of High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) with a non-skid surface texture to ensure safety and a long lifetime in all climates.

If you decide to go with our wooden playground options, our Organic Robinia wood is highly durable and requires low maintenance. It tolerates extreme weather, and the natural look is favorite in both urban and green settings. Robinia wood is a great alternative if you are thinking about a more sustainable approach. Many of our play products are now available in sustainable materials, but have the same excellent quality!

The surface of your playground is also important, as many children - especially smaller children, may have a few tumbles! You can reduce the risk of injuries with safety surfacing. Playground surfaces can be mulch, grass, or our FELXOTOP™ ECO.

Investing in quality, safe playground for your preschool or kindergarten ensures that your early childhood playground equipment will last for years to come!

Children playing with a KOMPAN play panel

4 things to consider

Four Considerations for Your Early Childhood Playground Design

What's your budget? The answer may have the most influence on your project. Our playground budget breakdown will help you answer important questions, and find additional funding opportunities with our playground grants guide.
What style and material are right for you? Do you want a natural playground? Perhaps you're looking for a splash of color! We have plenty of options for both. Take a look at our natural playground equipment for preschools or our playground set and systems.
Who's using the playground, and what's their age group? Is your daycare for toddlers only? Maybe your playground needs something for the older age group. Or, perhaps an age group in-between for children at a Universal Transitional Kindergarten. It's also important to remember inclusivity on the playground to meet every child's needs.
How will the playground help toddlers support their development in these crucial early years? Make sure you're choosing daycare playground equipment with both physical and cognitive activities.

Our playground planning checklist walks you through the eight steps to a successful project.

See all playground planning tips