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World Playground Research Institute

The World Playground Research Institute is dedicated to promoting children’s health, well-being, physical activity, and positive development globally by conducting research and leading advocacy for evidence-informed playground planning and design.

Articles

Briefs

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Discover our resources created to support our global mission of caring children’s overall development through scientifically designed playgrounds that promote growth.

Projects

Explore our institute’s active engagement in developing playgrounds’ future through innovative research and current projects.

Briefs

We are dedicated to sharing valuable insights from research studies and reviews through concise and accessible publications.

Articles

Explore our article database for a comprehensive array of global research and insights, offering diverse perspectives and knowledge.

News

Stay up-to-date and engaged through the latest news, project updates, events, and activities specific to playground research.

Latest News

Evidence, General, News

September, 2026

Designing active schoolyards for all children: A new design guide from the Institute

The World Playground Research Institute has launched a new visual design guide that translates years of playground and schoolyard research into practical inspiration for designing schoolyards that support the needs of all children while promoting well-being, physical activity, and social interaction. The guide is aimed at landscape architects, school leaders, planners, designers, and others involved in developing or renovating school outdoor spaces.

Published by
Sasha Dilling

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Evidence, Features, News

August, 2026

New report reveals the state of children’s play and physical activity in Denmark

Moving Denmark is the largest study of physical activity ever conducted in Denmark. In 2025, nearly 198,000 Danes aged 3 years and older participated, including approximately 55,000 children aged 3–14 years. This makes it the largest and most detailed study of children’s movement behaviors, play,…

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Events, General, News

June, 2026

New TEDx video: Why Don’t Children Play Outside Anymore?

Today, June 11, marks the International Day of Play – the United Nations’ global day dedicated to play. On the same day, TED releases the official video of head of Centre, Jasper Schipperijn’s talk at TEDxOdense: “Why Don’t Children Play Outside Anymore?”

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General, Opinion

January, 2026

Master minds: Children as co-designers to shape future outdoor play

Active outdoor play is crucial for children’s physical health, well-being, and social development. Yet, many children growing up in underserved communities have limited access to safe and engaging outdoor play due to socioeconomic barriers.

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Latest Briefs

Physical Activity & Motor Skills, Public Open Space

April, 2026

Disparities in playground access: Insights and solutions

Playgrounds are essential for children’s social, emotional, and physical development, yet children with disabilities continue to face barriers to accessing inclusive play spaces.

Added by
Sasha Dilling

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Physical Activity & Motor Skills, Public Open Space

March, 2026

How playground design decisions are made

Research has shown that the design and layout of a playground impact children’s physical activity and play. Decisions about layout, features, and equipment are often made by professionals such as landscape architects, playground designers, local authorities, and housing developers. However, these choices can have a significant impact on how children play and how active they are.

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Physical Activity & Motor Skills, Schools, Social & Mental Health

February, 2026

Designing inclusive playgrounds that support neurodivergent children’s needs

Many school playgrounds do not always reflect the needs of the children who play there – especially neurodivergent children. Overwhelming noise, poor spatial design, and a lack of sensory-friendly areas can lead to some children feeling left out. Because of this, they might miss out on opportunities to learn new skills and make friends.

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Public Open Space

January, 2026

Designing cities for play: The POpTED approach

Children – and anyone who enjoys play – will find ways to play wherever they have time, space, and room to explore. But traditionally, city councils have only focused on play in formal spaces such as sport and recreation facilities, parks, and playgrounds.

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Playscapes

NEW FEATURE

A Global View of Neighbourhood Playability

Playscapes brings together data from cities worldwide to help researchers, planners, and communities make informed decisions about childhood play environments.

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Research Topics

Physical Activity & Motor Skills –

379

Schools –

248

Public Open Space –

214

Social & Mental Health –

167

Early Childhood Education & Care –

121