Playgrounds aren’t what they used to be, and that’s a good thing!
In 2025, communities across the country are going beyond the basics to create smarter, more inclusive, and more imaginative spaces. As playgrounds are increasingly recognized as important spaces for physical, cognitive, emotional, social development and intergenerational play, schools and communities are willing to invest in them.
At Cunningham Recreation, we work with cities, HOAs, schools, and parks departments to design playgrounds that spark joy, foster connection, and support lifelong wellness. Here are the top five playground trends for 2025 that are shaping the future of play.
1. Inclusive Play That Goes Beyond ADA Minimums
Today’s public playgrounds aren’t just checking the boxes when it comes to ADA requirements. Instead, they’re evolving into forward-thinking play spaces that embrace people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Many modern playgrounds feature ground-level and ramped access to a variety of play components, sensory-rich experiences like tactile panels and quiet zones, and adaptive swings and spinners. More parks and playgrounds are also incorporating social spaces (e.g., tunnels, sensory paths, learning gardens) where all kids and even adults can play together, not separately.
2. Nature-Inspired Play Spaces
As screen time rises and outdoor play declines, communities are responding with nature-themed playgrounds that reconnect kids with the world around them. These spaces are designed to feel less like plastic and more like possibility.
Think: treehouse-style towers, log steppers and climbing boulders, creek beds and sand zones, and earth-tone color palettes that blend with the landscape. One of the things we love best about these playgrounds is that they effortlessly promote open-ended play and reduce overstimulation. It’s like getting back to the old days, but with better materials, higher safety standards, and natural inclusion.
3. Sky-High Towers and Vertical Play
One of the boldest trends for 2025? Towers. Big ones. From skywalks and bridges to spiral slides that wind down multiple stories, vertical play is on the rise.
Towers are a big hit, especially with older kids who may feel like they’ve outgrown traditional playgrounds. They add a sense of adventure and accomplishment that keeps tweens and preteens engaged, all within a safe and supervised environment.
For parents or caregivers juggling kids of different ages, towers are a great solution. A single playground can appeal to both toddlers and older siblings, making outings easier and more fun for the whole family. Towers also work well in urban spaces where land is limited. Instead of spreading out, they go up, using vertical space to pack in tons of play value.
4. Playgrounds that Promote Physical Activity
On average, kids in the U.S. spend 7.5 hours a day in front of screens. While technology has its benefits, too much screen time can lead to a lack of physical activity, weight concerns, and low self-esteem.
But when there’s a fun, engaging playground just around the corner, it’s a lot easier for families to swap screen time for fresh air. Whether it’s a ninja-style obstacle course, freestanding climbing walls, rope nets, or outdoor fitness stations for teens and adults, today’s parks offer exciting ways for everyone to get moving.
And the best part? It’s active, healthy fun for free.
5. Intergenerational Play and Social Spaces
Today’s communities are multigenerational. Here in the U.S., roughly 66.7 million adults 18 and over live in multigenerational households, representing more than 1 in 4 Americans.
The newest playgrounds embrace this style of living, bringing welcoming destinations for every age, including walking paths, shaded pavilions, fitness trails, sensory gardens, and interactive equipment such as the line from Lappset. This equipment is not just about entertaining kids; it’s about bringing people together across ages, cultures, and abilities.
The Future of Play Is Here
Playgrounds in 2025 are more than places to climb and slide. They’re community anchors, wellness hubs, and expressions of inclusion and creativity. At Cunningham Recreation, we’re proud to lead the way, designing spaces that reflect the heart of every community we serve. Whether you’re planning a new playground or looking to upgrade an existing one, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today at 800-438-2780 or fill out our online form to get started.
