Well-designed playgrounds foster a love for outdoor play, help kids build social skills, and let them connect with nature. In our tech-saturated world, they’re also a perfect break from screens, inviting children to play freely and parents to take a breather too.
But with climate change leading to hotter and longer summers, playground designers and parents face new challenges. Outdoor play that used to be easy and carefree now needs to be planned with the heat in mind.
Meet Damian Schultz, a landscape architect, father of four, and Director of TCL Adelaide. He’s passionate about creating playgrounds that keep kids cool and happy no matter the season.
How can playgrounds stay cool in the heat?
Damian is on a mission to make sure playgrounds are as comfortable as they are fun.
“Outdoor playgrounds must be designed with the climate in mind,” he says. This means using clever heat mitigation strategies that consider the unique needs of each site, budget, and brief. His design toolkit includes shaded areas, water play features, cool-down zones, and even insulated play equipment.
Take the Glenthorne National Park Ityamaiitpinna Yarta (GNPIY) Nature Playground in O’Halloran Hill, for example. Damian’s team incorporated shaded cubby structures using native trees to provide quiet spots for children who might feel overwhelmed. It’s a simple touch that helps kids ease into play and gives parents a chance to relax knowing their children are safe and comfortable.
Playground picks for hot months
Look for shaded areas: Check for playgrounds with natural shade from trees or built-in structures to keep kids cool while they play.
Encourage water play: Seek out playgrounds with water features like fountains or splash pads to help kids cool off.
Smaller playgrounds, cooler fun: Smaller play areas may have fewer equipment and structures but can provide better shade and ventilation.
Check equipment materials: Avoid playgrounds with metal slides or structures that can get too hot in the sun. Look for alternatives like shaded play equipment.
Think about ventilation: Playgrounds that maximise natural breezes, such as those designed with cross-breezes in mind, help keep the air cool and refreshing.
Tips to keeping the kids safe on playgrounds
Inspect for hot surfaces: Before your child plays, check if slides, swings, or climbing structures have been exposed to the sun for too long.
Hydration is key: Bring a water bottle to keep your child hydrated and make use of any water play features to cool down.
Monitor playtime: On hot days, it’s best to limit outdoor play to cooler hours, like early mornings or late afternoons.
Watch for heat-related signs: Be mindful of signs of overheating, like excessive sweating, dizziness, or flushed skin, and take breaks in cooler spots when needed.
Creating microclimates
Indeed, gone are the days when playgrounds were built without a second thought to the weather. Damian explains that creating localised microclimates can help playgrounds stay cool and inviting.
“Shaded valleys are always cooler than higher ground, so, if possible, creating a depression or dip in the landscape can help,” he says. Keeping the playground’s footprint compact is another trick. A smaller play area can cut down on the need for expansive shade structures and large cooling systems.”
And don’t forget about ventilation. Damian designs play structures to maximise cross-breezes, taking full advantage of cooling natural airflow. This is not only better for comfort but also for play.
“Kids don’t just need shade; they need a space that feels alive and inviting, where they can explore and have fun without feeling stifled by the heat,” he says.
Rethinking play equipment for hot weather
Classic playground equipment, like stainless steel slides, can be a problem in hot climates. “Slides made of stainless steel provide the best play experience, but they also hold onto extreme heat,” Damian admits. To solve this, his team developed a way to chill the slides by running cool water through them, repurposing water from nearby water play features. The result? Cooler slides that kids can enjoy without burning their hands or legs.
Integrating play and education
One of the key aspects of modern playgrounds is how they incorporate educational elements without sacrificing fun.
Schultz believes that play has a fundamental role in growth and learning, echoing George Bernard Shaw’s sentiment.
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
The integration of educational elements is done in a way that feels natural and engaging.
“Interpretative and educational elements are incorporated tactically, sometimes sculpturally, and even in surprising ways to provoke responses from children and adults alike,” Schultz says.
“Playing with scale, colour, materiality, or perspective allows users to rethink the expected, see the ‘ordinary’ as extraordinary, or engage with site-specific stories through play.”
These elements can be as subtle as the unique textures and colour schemes that invite interaction or as elaborate as interactive sculptures that spark curiosity and discussion. This type of play encourages children to question, explore, and make connections with their surroundings, transforming each visit into an educational experience.
No matter the climate or the budget, Damian believes that one key principle should always guide playground design: playfulness.
“A playground must be playful,” he says. “Ultimately, that’s what makes a space great—it brings joy.” Whether it’s through shaded cubbies, cooling systems, or clever play structures, the heart of Damian’s work is creating spaces where kids can let their imaginations run wild, parents can feel at ease, and everyone can enjoy the outdoors, no matter what the weather has in store.
More information:
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter
