Kid-approved airport lounges, floating play structures and luxe, recreational ships are just some of these playground innovations that are sure to appeal to your little one.
Designed with imagination and fun in mind, these art installations, kid-approved public spaces and family-friendly destinations are a great travel option when heading to your next trip abroad.
While a traditional playground may remind one of a swings and monkey bars set-up, these playground innovations challenge tradition and present parents with a range of fun options for their growing kids.
The artful installations and architectural wonders are not only camera-worthy but are also designed to encourage learning and development for one’s child. Whether encouraging fitness or intellectual development, one thing these examples have in common is a focus on fun.
15 Bold Playground Innovations
From Kid-Approved Airport Lounges to Floating Recreation Structures:
Jana Pijak — Jun 30, 2014 — Life-Stages
24
Massive Floating Playgrounds
The Wibit Sports Park 60 is an Inflatable Water Park Wonderland
23
Whimsical Public Art Displays
This Art Installation Features Larger Than Life Spinning Tops
22
Origami Playground Canopies
This Brightly Colored Thin Metal Canopy Protects a Playground in Spain
21
Shipping Container Children's Centers
This Industrial Children's Activity Center is in Australia
20
Ultimate Urban Playgrounds
The City Museum was Formerly a Converted Shoe Factory
19
Luxe Playground Ships
The Avalon 'Deco Funship' Takes Fun to the High Seas
18
Knitted Kid-Friendly Installations
These Interactive Crocheted Playgrounds Embrace Childhood
17
Sustainable Timber Playgrounds
These Eco-Friendly Rocking Chair Animals are Playful & Attractive
16
Imaginatively Abstract Playgrounds
Free Play by Dan Schreibman Feeds Children's Creativity
15
Extravagant Bug-Eyed Playgrounds
This New Creative Playground Will Blow Kids Away
14
Sleek Futuristic Playgrounds
The Blaxland Riverside Park by JMD Design is a Child's Haven
13
Ice Cream-Mimicking Playgrounds
This Ice Cream Playground is a Pink & Blue Wonderland for Kids
12
Blue Block-Filled Installations
Play Work Build by David Rockwell Focuses on Construction Games
11
Hello Kitty Lounges
Taiwan Airport Dedicates an Entire Gate to Create a Hello Kitty Dreamland
10
Hammock Public Seating
The Off-Ground Installation is Part Playground, Part Retreat
9
In-Airport Playgrounds
The Schiphol Departure Lounge 4 Lets Kids Play During Layover
8
Geometrical Public Playgrounds
This Metal-Clad Playground Structure Boasts a Built-In Trampoline
7
LED-Illuminated Seesaws
'A Tilt of Light' by ENESS is an Art Installation That Encourages Play
6
Recycled Machinery Playgrounds
The 'Kinderparadijs Meidoorn' Fun Zone Winds Kids Up
5
Stringy Spectral Playgrounds
The Rainbow Ropes Project Envisions Colorful and Dynamic Urban Spaces
4
Uplifting Rainbow Walkways
The London Bridge is Turned into a Bright Road by 'Spark Your City'
3
Infant Sensory Playgrounds
The MAXI-ooh! is an Innovative Learning Area for Babies
2
Cocoon-Like Playgrounds
The Vail Nest by tres birds workshop is an Artistic Jungle Gym
1
Ballooner Jungle Gyms
A Hot-Air Balloon Swing May Grace a Riverside Park in Queens, New York
Related Ideas
Excessive Luxury Submarines
The 'MIGALOO' Lets You Explore Ocean Depths in Style
Portable Stair Slides
The SlideRider Converts Any Staircase into a Playground Staple
Luxe Self-Sustaining Yachts
The UNA Autonomous Yacht Allows You to Live on the Ocean Forever
Aircraft-Resembling Sailboats
This Day Cruiser is Streamlined Like a Jet
Public Art Structures
The Vaulted Willow is a Colorful Permanent Installation in an Edmonton Park
Massive Floating Playgrounds
The Wibit Sports Park 60 is an Inflatable Water Park Wonderland
Coiled Pink Tree Installations
The 'Pink Punch' Tree Art Will Definitely Garner More Visitors
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
Branded Festival Pop-Up Motels
Fosters and Airbnb Created a Pop-up Motel at Finland's Provinssi
Crowdfunded Urban Forests
The PopUP Forest Project Wants to Transform Times Square into Greenery
Haute Playground Photoshoots
The Vogue Italia July 2012 'Collections' Editorial Is Playful
Interactive Abstract Installations
Torqueing Spheres in New York Create Unique Spaces to Explore
Cube-Like Luxury Liners
This Luxury Yacht Concept is Unusually Geometric
Giant Inflatable Shoeboxes
This Nike Air Max Day Shanghai Installation is a Towering Shoebox
Retrospective Sneaker Installations
The Annual Nike Air Max Day Kicks Off with a Subway Exhibit
Luxe Predator-Inspired Yachts
The Sunseeker Predator 92 Sport is a $5 Million Motor-Yacht
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
Playground Punk-Infused Photography
'Toxic V' by Christian Ingrosso Has a Colorful Blue-Hued Theme
Hot Air Balloon Editorials
The Vogue India April 2014 Photoshoot Stars Model Sarah Pauley
DIY Origami Cookies
The 'Fete Gazette' Blog Has Created Adorable Paper Cranes Out of Wafer Cookies
Modified Art Installations
Visual Puns by Toni Spyra Plays Off of the Use for Everyday Objects
Health-Concious Playgrounds
Los Angeles's New Fitness Park is Sure to Motivate Healthy Lifestyles
Knitted Kid-Friendly Installations
These Interactive Crocheted Playgrounds Embrace Childhood
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
Imaginatively Abstract Playgrounds
Free Play by Dan Schreibman Feeds Children's Creativity
Extravagant Bug-Eyed Playgrounds
This New Creative Playground Will Blow Kids Away
Playful Playground Interiors
This Spiral Metal Slide Design Connects Two Penthouses
Iconic Feline Art Shows
The Hello Kitty, Hello Art Exhibition Pays Homage to the Cute Cat
Sleek Futuristic Playgrounds
The Blaxland Riverside Park by JMD Design is a Child's Haven
Ice Cream-Mimicking Playgrounds
This Ice Cream Playground is a Pink & Blue Wonderland for Kids
Social Justice Search Designs
The Olympic Google Doodle Takes Aim at Russian Anti-Gay Laws
Reappropriated Pride Posters
These LGBT Posters Rework Soviet Propoganda into Gay Pride
Gay Pride Semi-Formals
Central High School Offers Students a Gay Pride High School Dance
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
Energy-Generating Jungle Gyms
Empower Playgrounds Harnesses the Boundless Energy of Children
H2O-Fueled Vehicles
The ‘Jetovator’ Water-Powered Bike Takes You High Above the Lake
Fluorescent Yarn Playgrounds
The Nike Flyknit Collective Installation is Sturdy and Stimulating
Interim Industrial Eateries
The Softroom 'Wahaca Southbank Experiment' is Time Sensitive
Energy-Producing Playgrounds
TGO Green Energy Gym Technology Harnesses People-Power
Hammock Public Seating
The Off-Ground Installation is Part Playground, Part Retreat
Therapeutic Public Sculptures
This Public Art Installation Adds Character to a Medical Complex
Origami Light Installations
Masakazu Shirane’s 3D Kaleidoscope Sculpture is Immersive
Fierce LGBT-Celebrating Editorials
'The Streets of San Francisco' Celebrates the City's Gay Pride
Random Crimson Playground Art
The Red Swing Project Brings Back Childlike Fun and Enjoyment
Children-Interacting Art Installations
The Color Me Exhibition Targets Kids' Boundless Creativity
Urban Snow Playgrounds
The Second Hinterlands Project Utilizes Wasted Snow in a Fun Way
Natural Sciences-Inspired Sculptures
Jonathan Latiano's Installations Revolve Around Temporality
Ghostly Theme Park Portraits
The Architizer Abandoned Amusement Park Series is Sadly Nostalgic
Stabbed Pop Culture Characters
The Hello Kitty Knife Set by Raffeale Iannello is Brutally Cute
Geometrical Public Playgrounds
This Metal-Clad Playground Structure Boasts a Built-In Trampoline
Portable Jungle Gyms
The Easy Outdoor Geodescent Space Dome is Fun for Your Kids
Buoyant Watercraft BBQs
The Barbecue Dining Boat Allows You to Grill on the Water
Modular Interior Playgrounds
The Sjotorget Kindergarten by Rotstein Arkitekter Drives Creativity
LED Honeycomb Structures
Chris Knapp's Cellular Tessellation Installation is Fuelled by Geometry
Climable Outdoor Art
Playsculptures by Pieter Kortekaas Encourage Kids to Come Up and Jump On
Adorably Nerdy Cosmetics
The Hello Kitty 'Head of The Class' Palette is Geek Chic
Nordic Timber Pavilions
This Mesmerizing Rosenborg Castle Installation
Motor Skill-Teaching Shovels
This Sandbox Tool is a Digging Toy That Teaches Hand-Eye Coordination
Bank Branch Pop-Ups
Tangerine's Convenient Bank Branch Pop-Up Wins Over New Customers
Pirate Sailboat Toy Houses
The Red Beards Revenge Pirate Ship Playhouse by PoshTots is Life-Size
Acorn-Shaped Jungle Gyms
The National Arboretum Playground Fosters Love and Appreciation of Trees
Dance-Inspired Sculptures
The Soundwave by Penda is a Vibrant Steel Installation in China
Playful Art Exhibits
Carsten Holler Turns Hayward Gallery into a Sophisticated Playground
Interactive Light Installations
The Voice Tunnel Transforms a Busy NYC Underpass
Ironic Industrial Playgrounds
The Host Encourages Interaction on a Structure Made from Separators
Rainbow-Refurbished Charitable ATMs
These New ATMs Called 'GAYTMs' Promote LGBTQ Support
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
Sublime Streamer Sculptures
The Choi Jeong Hwa 'Cosmos' Installation is Breathtaking
Colorful Kinder Schools
Palatre & Leclere Make a Coloring Book Come to Life
Character-Filled Balloon Festivals
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta Saw 150 Hot Air Balloons Hit the Sky
Geometric Meerkat Sculptures
These Paper Animal Art is Inspired by Traditional Origami
Neoclassical Stone Swing Sets
This Caesarstone Swing Set is a Playful Juxtaposition in Milan
Iconic Feline Furniture
The Hello Kitty Sofa Makes for Some Comfortable Cat Loungers
Outdoor Workout-Encouraging Playgrounds
Flexible by Darren Goins Promotes Art and Activity
Angular Joint Furnishings
The Woodkid Chair by Andreason and Leibel is a Fresh Take on Tradition
Web-Inspired Reading Surfaces
The Reading Net by Playoffice is Fun and Entertaining for Kids
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
Vibrantly Painted Soil
Artist Katharina Grosse Creates a Colorfully Engrossing Experience
Temporary Mirrored Courtyards
This Year's Mindcraft Exhibition Features an Epic Courtyard Floor
Convenience Store Chapels
During Pride Week in Sweden, 7-Eleven Turned into a Unique Wedding Venue
Stacked Jungle Gym Schools
The Columbia University Medical Centre is a Complex Glass Labyrinth
Rocking High Chairs
The 3-in-1 Chair is a High Chair, Rocking Chair and a Writing Desk
Kinetic Multicolor Truck Sculptures
The 'Revolver' Project Radically Transforms a Cement Mixer
Gnarly Netted Alligators
The Olek Crocheted Jacare Alligator is a Soft, but Scary Playground
Linear Courtyard Sculptures
The Daniel Libeskind Installation 'Future Flowers' Was Made for Oikos
Upcycled Dome Installations
The 'Harvest Dome 2.0' Floats Elegantly Over the Harlem River
Youthful Swaying Seating
Children Chairs Become Invigorating with the Hiya Rocker Series
Modernist Rocking Horse Designs
Vondom's Rosinante Concept is a Fresh Take on a Childhood Classic
Seafaring Backpacker Abodes
The Yasutaka Yoshimura Architects Hostel is Inspired by Life at Sea
Guerilla Playground Games
The Sidewalk Tetherball Stopped Surprisingly Few Playful Pedestrians
Ballooner Jungle Gyms
A Hot-Air Balloon Swing May Grace a Riverside Park in Queens, New York
Feline-Oriented Home Makeovers
This Home by Peter Cohen is the Ultimate Playground for Cats
Cartoon Cat Timekeepers
The Nooka Zub Zirc 20 Hello Kitty Watch is Adorable
Magnetic Marble Playgrounds
Frigits Can Be Moved Around on a Magnetic Surface for Endless Play
Political Brother Gaming Parodies
The Ford Brothers Star in This Super Mario-Like Video Game
Movie Replica Flying Houses
This Awesome Replica of the Suspended-by-Balloon House from 'Up' Soars
Floating Parade Cars
Fiat's Car Advertising Stunt Made a Splash at the Gay Pride Canal Parade
Spontaneous Makeshift Swings
This Portable Swing Allows You to Set Up and Have Fun Anywhere
Prideful Burger Wrappers
The Proud Whopper by Burger King Celebrates Gay Pride
Animalistic Hot Air Balloons
The Skywhale by Patricia Piccinini Looks Like a Mythical Creature
Amusing Musical Swing Sets
The Baloica Sound Exhibit Adds Some Swinging Musical Notes to Your Day
Indoor Seesaw Seating
This Playground Furniture Piece Encourages Teamwork in Adults
Interactive Playground Installations
Swing it! Encourages People to Think about Playful Memories
Musical Potted Plants
Rocking the Daisies by Native Plays Music in an Interactive Way
Organic Column Installations
The Baitogogo by Henrique Oliveira is Like a Bursting Forest