These whimsical playground designs combine modern architecture with kid-friendly activities. Playgrounds are often associated with wonderful childhood memories of hours spent on the swings, slides and monkey bars. These modern jungle gyms put a whole new spin on classic playground designs.
One of the major innovations in playground design has been the addition of high-tech features. Children are increasingly connected to mobile technology and many playgrounds feature activities that integrate these devices into playtime. Some of these high-tech playground designs include interactive game projectors, magnetic marble playgrounds and interactive jungle gyms.
Beyond high-tech features, many modern playgrounds feature unexpected and unusual architecture. For example, there are jungle gyms housed inside of old shipping containers. There are also luxurious playgrounds built on ships. There are even treehouse playgrounds that are elevated above the ground.
37 Whimsical Playground Designs
From Geometric Jungle Gyms to Sustainable Timber Playgrounds:
Katherine Pendrill — Aug 25, 2015 — Art & Design
37
Origami Playground Canopies
This Brightly Colored Thin Metal Canopy Protects a Playground in Spain
36
Massive Geometric Jungle Gyms
The Inflatable Jungle Gym Prototype is Bound to Cause Excitement
35
Shipping Container Children's Centers
This Industrial Children's Activity Center is in Australia
34
Arboreal Playground Architecture
The Mobiversum Installation Stimulates Physically and Mentally
33
Ultimate Urban Playgrounds
The City Museum was Formerly a Converted Shoe Factory
32
Luxe Playground Ships
The Avalon 'Deco Funship' Takes Fun to the High Seas
31
Indoor Playground Abodes
The Jerry House Allows People to Relax and Have Fun
30
Ultramodern Treehouse Playgrounds
The Garrison Treehouse by Sharon Davis Sits in a Grassy Meadow
29
Illuminating Sculptural Playgrounds
Forest Loops by Suppose Design is a Climbable Art Installation
28
Sustainable Timber Playgrounds
These Eco-Friendly Rocking Chair Animals are Playful & Attractive
27
Imaginatively Abstract Playgrounds
Free Play by Dan Schreibman Feeds Children's Creativity
26
Extravagant Bug-Eyed Playgrounds
This New Creative Playground Will Blow Kids Away
25
Playful Playground Interiors
This Spiral Metal Slide Design Connects Two Penthouses
24
Fitness-Encouraging Playgrounds
Attivo by John Ditchburn Helps Children Become More Active
23
Ice Cream-Mimicking Playgrounds
This Ice Cream Playground is a Pink & Blue Wonderland for Kids
22
Energy-Generating Jungle Gyms
Empower Playgrounds Harnesses the Boundless Energy of Children
21
Cheerful Contemporary Schools
The Spring Learning Center by Joey Ho Design is Minimalist & Playful
20
Futuristic Pedagogical Playgrounds
Mobiversum by J. Mayer H. Architects Encourages Movement
19
Hammock Public Seating
The Off-Ground Installation is Part Playground, Part Retreat
18
Urban Snow Playgrounds
The Second Hinterlands Project Utilizes Wasted Snow in a Fun Way
17
Geometrical Public Playgrounds
This Metal-Clad Playground Structure Boasts a Built-In Trampoline
16
Modular Interior Playgrounds
The Sjotorget Kindergarten by Rotstein Arkitekter Drives Creativity
15
Wooden Lattice Playgrounds
These Eight Pavilions Provide a Different Attraction for Curious Kids
14
Ironic Industrial Playgrounds
The Host Encourages Interaction on a Structure Made from Separators
13
Theme Park Playgrounds
This Willy Wonka-Inspired Playground is Fun for All Ages
12
Playground-Like Townhouses
Architects XTH-Berlin Designed a Townhouse Complete with Nets & Slides
11
Interactive Game Projectors
The Lumo Interactive Projector Turns Kids' Rooms Into Playgrounds
10
Straw Netting Jungle Gyms
The Gyeonggi Children’s Museum is Made from Straws
9
Sensory Playhouse Sculptures
Jana Winderen and Marc Fornes Designed the Situation NY Installation
8
Cocoon-Like Playgrounds
The Vail Nest by tres birds workshop is an Artistic Jungle Gym
7
Canopied Community Stadiums
Grimshaw Architects Plans a Sports Center in Qatar
6
Ballooner Jungle Gyms
A Hot-Air Balloon Swing May Grace a Riverside Park in Queens, New York
5
Impossible Small Playground Ads
The Bimbo Ana Maria Cakes Campaign Promotes More Filling
4
Magnetic Marble Playgrounds
Frigits Can Be Moved Around on a Magnetic Surface for Endless Play
3
Portable People-Connecting Playgrounds
Building the Instant Playground Instigates Interaction
2
Interactive Playground Installations
Swing it! Encourages People to Think about Playful Memories
1
Vibrant Basketball Courts
This Multicoloured Basketball Court is Hidden By Huge Buildings in Paris
Related Ideas
Abandoned Amusement Park Photos
Seph Lawless Captures the Aftermath of Closed Down Theme Parks
Portable Stair Slides
The SlideRider Converts Any Staircase into a Playground Staple
Environmentally Blending Homes
Weston Residence's Sustainable House Merged With the Environment
Secluded Treehouse Homes
This Intown Secluded Treehouse is Located in Rural Atlanta
Continuous Space Apartments
Filippo Carandini Fixes up an Abode in Florence
Eco-Friendly Portable Treehouses
This Suspension Treehouse Tent is for the Young at Heart
Public Art Structures
The Vaulted Willow is a Colorful Permanent Installation in an Edmonton Park
Vertical Forest Facades
This Urban Treehouse Protects Residents from Air and Noise Pollution
Atypical Abstract Furniture
The Neo Laminati Collection Features Unconventional Furniture Shapes
Dreaded Disaster Photography
This Disaster Photo Series Turns Our Nightmares into Reality
Whimsical Public Art Displays
This Art Installation Features Larger Than Life Spinning Tops
Off-Grid Vacation Homes
This Vacation Home in Hawaii Cost Only $23,000 to Build
Branded Festival Pop-Up Motels
Fosters and Airbnb Created a Pop-up Motel at Finland's Provinssi
Aerial Outdoor Leisure Photography
Playing by Alex S. MacLean Captures How American's Let Loose
Interactive Abstract Installations
Torqueing Spheres in New York Create Unique Spaces to Explore
Revolutionized Courtyard Abodes
NO ARCHITECTURE designed a Courtyard House
Mobile Living Installations
'Truck-a-Tecture' Examines Adaptable Forms of Living
Fur-Shaking Pet Ads
The 3M Lint Roller Campaign is Gear Towards Cat and Dog Owners
Orchid-Inspired Architecture
Vincent Callebaut's 'Wooden Orchid' Design Combats Urbanization
Twisting Sculptural Skyscrapers
SOM Has Been Commissioned to Build a Tower in Gothenburg
Ultimate Urban Playgrounds
The City Museum was Formerly a Converted Shoe Factory
Shipping Container Pop-Ups
Taco Bell Opens Up an Eco-Friendly Store at SXSW
Underwater Theme Parks
The Pearl of Dubai is Set to Be the World's Largest Undersea Park
Retro Time Capsule Photography
The Mad Men Set Photography Takes You Back in Time
Indoor Playground Abodes
The Jerry House Allows People to Relax and Have Fun
DIY Origami Cookies
The 'Fete Gazette' Blog Has Created Adorable Paper Cranes Out of Wafer Cookies
Drone-Photographed Playgrounds
This Photographer Used a Drone to Capture Aerial Park Images
Community Hub Supermarkets
This Award-Winning Whole Foods Austin Location is a Retail Playground
Modified Art Installations
Visual Puns by Toni Spyra Plays Off of the Use for Everyday Objects
Integrated Poolside Abodes
This Contemporary House is Centered Around the Pool
Luminous Fabric Installations
Wonderwall by LIKEarchitects is an Imaginative Interactive Exhibit
Precious Stone Inspired Furnishings
These Gem Tables by Debra Folz are Geometry-Infused
Illuminating Sculptural Playgrounds
Forest Loops by Suppose Design is a Climbable Art Installation
Kaleidoscopic Origami Domes
'Light Origami' by Masakazu Shirane & Saya Miyazaki is Illuminating
Communal Wooden Podiums
This Viewing Platform Also Acts as a Playground
Love-Celebrating Installations
The Temple of Agape was Completed for the Festival of Love
Playful Playground Interiors
This Spiral Metal Slide Design Connects Two Penthouses
Interactive Art Museums
Manila’s Art in Island Gallery Immerses Art Lovers into Paintings
Elevated Dwelling Architecture
Blue Forest Creates a Fantasy House for a Family
LED Basketball Courts
NIKE and ALQA Build the House of Mamba Court
Lawn Bowling Bars
Toronto's Track & Field Venue Fuses Lawn Sports and Liquor
Ice Cream-Mimicking Playgrounds
This Ice Cream Playground is a Pink & Blue Wonderland for Kids
Pop-Up Seaside Dealerships
Tesla's Temporary Car Store Travels to Luxurious Summer Resorts
Revitalizing Urban Park Projects
Miami's Metrorail Could Include a Park and Urban Trail
Sinuous Sculptural Abodes
This Spectacular Home Features an Organic Design Principle
Colorfully Geometric Accommodations
The In the Painting Hotel Room by Brani & Desi is Sculptural
Cartoon Sheep Statues
The Shaun the Sheep Statues Give the Iconic Cartoon Character a Makeover
Mountainous Treehouse Hotels
This Hotel is Located in the Blue Mountains of Australia
Therapeutic Public Sculptures
This Public Art Installation Adds Character to a Medical Complex
Ice Cream Wrapper Ads
The Wall's Goodbye Serious Campaign Combats Real-World Problems with Dessert
Panoramic Seaside Abodes
Every Room has the Best View in This Seafront Residence
Interactive Stadium Facades
This New Football Stadium Will Have an Outdoor Kinetic Screen
Origami Light Installations
Masakazu Shirane’s 3D Kaleidoscope Sculpture is Immersive
Geologically Sustained Abodes
The Desert Courtyard House Preserves a Piece of Time
Multipurpose Parking Garages
The Park 'N' Play Project Features Greenery and a Rooftop Playground
Geometrical Public Playgrounds
This Metal-Clad Playground Structure Boasts a Built-In Trampoline
Upside Down Cyclist Ads
The Bjarner Laboratories Panalgesic Forte Campaign is About Determination
Elevated Urban Parks
11th Street Bridge Park Will Be the First Elevated Park in Washington DC
Beachy Boardwalk Abodes
This Boardwalk Home Creates a Harmonious Environment
LED Honeycomb Structures
Chris Knapp's Cellular Tessellation Installation is Fuelled by Geometry
Organic Orb Playhouses
This Intricately Woven Natural Tree House is Spherical in its Shape
Bank Branch Pop-Ups
Tangerine's Convenient Bank Branch Pop-Up Wins Over New Customers
Spider Superhero Kicks
Marvel and Adidas Teamed Up to Make Spider-Man Shoes
Recycled Hotel Lobbies
This Unique Hotel Lobby is Made from Slabs of Timber Planks
Harmonious Southern Abodes
This Southern-Style Home Features Traditional Elements
Minimalist Black Box Abodes
The Klm House by Project Dwg is a True Definition of Minimalism
Playful Art Exhibits
Carsten Holler Turns Hayward Gallery into a Sophisticated Playground
Immersive Audio-Visual Installations
Playground Offers a Transcendental Musical Experience
Road Pest Ads
The Balta Insurance Campaign Promotes Protection Against Many Auto Accidents
Play-Powered Pumps
Seesaw Water Filtration System Collects and Cleans H2O Through Fun Activities
Sling Back Rocking Chairs
The First Rocking Chair by Muller Van Severen is Colorful and Minimalist
Geometric Meerkat Sculptures
These Paper Animal Art is Inspired by Traditional Origami
Exhausted Plushies Ads
The Huggies Overnight Diaper Campaign is Adorably Surreal
Alternate Reality Games
Schuh's Shops Are Portals for Google's Ingress Location-Based Game
Sensory Stimulating Sculptures
The Light Cave Treats Entrants to a Rich Sensory Experience
Revived Community Buildings
The Kodomo Art Maison Center Was Destroyed by Japan's 2011 Earthquake
Angular Joint Furnishings
The Woodkid Chair by Andreason and Leibel is a Fresh Take on Tradition
Luxuriously Renovated Hotels
The Donovan House Hotel Underwent a Multi-Million Dollar Redesign
Geometric Seascape Interiors
This Whimsical Interior Design Embodies a Mexican Casa Style
Minimalist Decor Sketches
These Interior Design Evolution Illustrations are Informative
Pre-Sunset Travel Apps
The Touristy Paris App Nods to the Magically Photogenic Hours Before Sunset
Interactive Game Projectors
The Lumo Interactive Projector Turns Kids' Rooms Into Playgrounds
Playground-Connecting Fitness Systems
The HYBRIDPLAY Fitness Gaming Device Makes Kids More Active
Community-Centered Condos
This High-Rise Housing Development Encourages Tenants to Make Friends
Interactive Abstract Lamps
MOW Light Gives Every Type of Illumination, Controlled by Its Position
Cyclist-Catering Accommodations
Japan's Hotel Cycle is Designed with Bicycle Riders in Mind
Skate Bowl Treehouses
The Cinder Cone Treehouse Has Its Very Own Skating Bowl
Community-Creating Workspaces
This Futuristic Office Design Lets Strangers Work Side by Side
Abandoned Basketball Court Photography
Chris Tubbs Captures Outdoor Arenas Across the Globe
Life-Saving Social Campaigns
The Red Cross' Like for Life Uses Instagram to Demonstrate CPR
Trashy Art Installations
Don't Trust the Media Provides a Poignant Message Using Garbage Bins
Rocking High Chairs
The 3-in-1 Chair is a High Chair, Rocking Chair and a Writing Desk
Interactive Hammock Installations
Mi Casa, Your Casa by Hector Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena
African Safari Mobile Games
Kate and Harry in Africa Lets Kids Explore An African Safari
Jovially Drunk Ads
The Artisan Beer Campaign Promotes 'Locally Brewed, Locally Tested' Drinks
Modernist Rocking Horse Designs
Vondom's Rosinante Concept is a Fresh Take on a Childhood Classic
Outdoor Tetris Furniture
These Playground-Oriented Furniture Pieces are Fun for Kids and Adults
Bittersweet Survivor Photography
This Playful Family Photo Series is Moving and Poignant
Roaming Refugee Restaurants
Mazí Mas Creates Employment for Migrant Women in London
Slatted Facade Abodes
Apollo Architects Builds the Foo House in Japan
Ballooner Jungle Gyms
A Hot-Air Balloon Swing May Grace a Riverside Park in Queens, New York
Seamless Green Skyscrapers
SCDA Architecture Creates the 'Skyterrace@Dawson'
Digitally Enhanced Boardgames
Golem Arcana Embeds Traditional Rule Book into an App
Feline-Oriented Home Makeovers
This Home by Peter Cohen is the Ultimate Playground for Cats
Composed Courtyard Villas
The Center Court Villa Features a Series of Courtyards
Board Game-Extending Apps
MONOPOLY zAPPed Introduces Mini Games to Enhance the Playing Experience
Architectural Sunglasses Ads
The Linda Farrow SS14 Men's Campaign is Quirkily Luxurious
Flooded Art Exhibits
The Latest Douglas Gordon Installation Involves 150,000 Gallons of Water
Sci-Fi Battlement Games
XCOM: the Board Game is Played Alongside an App
Spewing Poppies Installations
Paul Cummins' Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red is Breathtaking
Aging Icon Installations
Ordinary Architecture Puts Together 'Fallen Icon' in Hollywood
Automotive Experiment Videos
Mercedes-Benz' Sound Experiment Video Highlights Its Sound System
Tech-Inspired Sculptures
Miguel Chevalier Presents 'Origin of the Curve'
Rapid Growth Skyscrapers
The 'Ping an International Finance Center' Rises with Haste
Spontaneous Makeshift Swings
This Portable Swing Allows You to Set Up and Have Fun Anywhere
Extra Arm Ads
The Suva Accident Insurance Campaign Lends a Helping Hand
Overturned Ship Sculptures
The SuralArk by Austin + Mergold Takes Inspiration from Noah's Arc
Step-Like Cultural Centers
NL Architects Wins the Competition to Design the ArtA Arnhem Building
Interactive Playground Installations
Swing it! Encourages People to Think about Playful Memories
Multi-Sensory Child Gardens
Alton Towers' Something Special Sensory Garden is Educational and Fun
Tension-Exploring Installations
Elasticity by Fabrice le Nezet Explores Tautness
Creative Kids Summer Camps
Shelby Walsh Discusses the Most Adventurous Kids Summer Camp Picks