Cool Playgrounds Around the World
These international fun zones make swingsets look like ancient relics. Take a look at some of the unusually cool designs that are popping up all over the world. And if you have a favorite that we didn’t include on the list (which could easily have been twice as long), please let us know in the comments.
Nishi-Rokugo, Japan
About 3,000 tires were used to create dinosaurs, monsters, bridges, slides, and swings at this cool sand-bottom playground in Tokyo. The best part about this rubber Utopia is that it’s not just for kids: while the little ones frolic about, parents can grab a tire and tube down a specially designed concrete slide.
Parque Gulliver, Spain
Your own little Lilliputians will love this giant sculptural jungle gym inspired by the beloved children’s book. Kids can ascend the stairs up Gulliver’s arms and legs, slide down his waistcoat and hair, explore the caves in his sleeves and climb the ropes that hold him down.
Takino Hillside, Japan
Inspired by images from nature, the children’s playground at this park is built into a hillside, offering a unique sensory experience with varied lighting, changing sounds, bouncing hills, and giant beehive playhouses. The gorgeous Rainbow Nest Dome pictured here is the playground’s most beloved attraction.
Plikta Park, Sweden
Inspired by the sea life collection at the town’s history museum, this park includes six sharks and one enormous blue whale that kids can climb on, crawl through, slide down and jump off from. The 50-foot whale has a netted mouth that your own little fish can fight his or her way through, to explore the animal’s pink and white belly.
Ghost Train, Peru
Old train ruins were given a makeover to create this colorful playground made from trashed and recycled materials. Horse-shaped tire swings, zip lines, and a number of climbing walls adorn this one-time eyesore meant for kids and adults alike.
City Museum, Missouri
Created from repurposed industrial objects that kids are encouraged to touch and climb, City Museum is essentially one massive jungle gym. Indoor features include a giant slinky, 10-story slide and secret tunnels. Outside the museum is MonstroCity, where airplane fuselages, fire trucks and wrought-iron netting create a post-apocalyptic scene that kids can scale and slide their way around.
Parc de Belleville, France
While adults enjoy a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, kids can traverse wood climbing walls, bridges and towers at this imaginative park built on a hillside. Safety is not a priority—concrete, rather than rubber breaks falls—so paranoid parents should steer clear.
Clemyjontri Park, Virginia
Equipped with wheelchair ramps, nonslip surfaces, and special safety features, Clemyjontri is one of the few playgrounds in the world where kids with disabilities can play alongside those without. The 2-acre park consists of four colorful, themed areas that surround a working carousel.
Boadilla del Monte, Spain
This chic play spot outside Madrid is also a stunning piece of architecture. In addition to typical playground equipment, dramatic shapes throughout the airy space create playful shadows that challenge children’s imaginations and enhance their understanding of spatial relationships.
Sculptural Playground, Germany
The giant spatial structure that makes up the majority of this park is artistic, bold and, most importantly, fun. Two undulating green steel pipes, connected by a tensioned climbing net, wind in and out of existing trees—making for a continuous play path that offers endless adventure.
Toa Payoh Lorong 6, Singapore
Most of the animal-shaped tile and sand playgrounds once popular in Singapore have been knocked down and replaced with safer varietals. This 1970s multicolored dragon, featuring a coiled and climbable body, is one of the few old-school parks still standing.
Yerba Buena, California
In addition to 130,000 square feet of open play space and a turn-of-the-century carousel, this rooftop recreation area hosts an ice-skating rink and bowling center. Interactive play features include a hedge maze, sand circle, giant xylophone, tube slide, stream, and fountain.
The Science Playground, N.Y.
Part of the New York Hall of Science, children learn principles of sound, energy, motion, and simple machines as they play in this 60,000-square-foot space. Features include a 3-D spider web, massive seesaw, and vertical wave machine.
Adventure Playground, California
There’s no fancy equipment at this make-your-own-adventure play space where staff members encourage children to build their own forts, boats, and towers using the tools provided. Kids who feel the need for speed can hop on the park’s zip line for some less cerebral fun.
