The first public playground was constructed in 1859 in Manchester, England and snce then, playgrounds have evolved and even become architectural masterpieces. Get acquainted with this impressive selection of jaw dropping playgrounds that will make you want to stop what you’re doing and just play.
1. CLEMYJONTRI PARK - MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
WOW FACTOR: This huge park is handicap accessible and fitted with wheelchair ramps, nonslip surfaces, and the Liberty swing which allows wheelchair users the opportunity to swing without leaving their wheelchair. The joyful playground allows all kids, no matter what their abilities, to play side by side.
2. RUS LIMA PLAYGROUND - LIMA, PERU
WOW FACTOR: Formerly a site for an abandoned electric train project, the Spanish group Basurama transformed the desolate space into a green amusement park. The brightly colored park houses fun horse shaped car tire swings, canopy lines and climbing structures from repurposed materials.
3. WATER PLAYGROUND - TYCHY, POLAND
WOW FACTOR: Created by architects RS+, the colorful park was designed in the shape of a peanut to work with the natural landscape, and also to avoid removing the trees in the area. This aquatic wonderland is a refreshing way to cool down and the color-changing LEDS transform fountains into nighttime water shows.
4. PARQUE GULLIVER - VALENCIA, SPAIN
WOW FACTOR: In the classic tale Gulliver’s Travels, the main character Gulliver arrives to the land of the tiny people, the Lilliputians. He’s a giant in their midst and frightened by his size, they tie him down so that he cannot escape. The literary allusion is brought to life as Gulliver’s massive body is comprised of slides, ramps, scales and caves – making visitors feel like Lilliputians.
5. NISHI- ROKUGO PLAYGROUND - TOKYO, JAPAN
WOW FACTOR: Tires, 3000 to be exact, are the building materials in this impressive playground forming bridges, playful sculptures, slides and swings. Nishi-Rokugo also serves as a refuge for adults with shaded areas and beautiful flower beds.
6. SCIENCE PLAYGROUND - QUEENS, NEW YORK
WOW FACTOR: Kids get to have fun and also learn with the 60,000-square-foot space that resembles a colorful Rube Goldberg contraption. Applying the laws of physics, kids can ride the giant seesaw or climb through spider web like structures that show the relationship between tension and compression.
7. ST. KILDA ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND - SALISBURY, AUSTRALIA
WOW FACTOR: Situated in the southern Australian seafront, the fantastic playground includes a wooden castle, awesome slides, a small maze and a life-sized beached ship that anyone can board to catch a glimpse of the dolphins frolicking in the sea.
8. KILBURN GRANGE ADVENTURE PLAY PARK - LONDON, ENGLAND
WOW FACTOR: Using trees as an integral part of its design, this joyful playground features towers, climbing structures, recycled doors and naturally placed boulders. The playground boasts hidden nooks and corners allowing for kids to let their imagination go wild.
9. BRUMLEBY PLAYGROUND - COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
WOW FACTOR: In an ode to the past, this topsy turvy playground is fashioned after an enclave of terraced houses in the Brumleby neighborhood that were constructed in the mid-1800s. Kids can now explore a piece of history by climbing through the off-kilter houses and enjoying the slides and swings.
10. THE FRUIT AND SCENT PLAYGROUND -LILJEHOLMEN, SWEDEN
WOW FACTOR: Fruit comes to life in gigantic proprotions in this adorable park south of Stockholm. Kids can slide down a banana, swing in cherries, and get lost in the watermelon jungle gym.