Let’s play: outdoor play areas at holiday parks

By Naomii Seah

Having fun is one of the most important aspects of any holiday. For families, this means an excellent suite of outdoor play options for all ages can be a decisive factor when booking a holiday.

Holiday parks afford lots of space for children to run around and socialise. They’re a low-cost option for large groups, and families often spend time onsite for the social experience. Visitors who go to holiday parks as children often reminisce about their memories of playing outdoors with new friends.

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Outdoor play areas can give parents a break when they need one, as well as the opportunity to bond with children during downtime.

Not having to leave their holiday spot and drive to activities to entertain the children is also appealing to many parents looking to rest and unwind.

For children, the opportunity to run around, explore new areas, try new play equipment and make new friends is one of the great joys of a caravaning or camping holiday.

Outdoor play trends and ideas

Playgrounds and play equipment can be designed for a fun experience at all ages. 

With people often holidaying in large groups with a spectrum of ages and interests, intergenerational playgrounds are especially great for holiday parks. These incorporate elements which cater to all ages, including young children, teens and adults.

Intergenerational play spaces could include gym and exercise equipment, giant chess boards and noughts and crosses, and games incorporated into cement areas and pathways, like hopscotch or snakes and ladders.

Walking-paths and climbing surfaces which draw adults and children into the joy of play are also excellent inclusions.

Recent years have seen a trend toward nature play and loose parts play. Nature play, as the name suggests, involves incorporating natural elements into play. Consider areas in your park that might be suitable to add swings and ropes into trees, rock gardens with pump tracks, sandpits, mud kitchens, and other features which take advantage of the natural landscape.

Loose parts play means providing loose items for children to play with however they choose. Old tyres, logs and rocks may be incorporated into nature play areas. Foam blocks, giant jigsaw pieces, hoops and recycled items can also be used.

Check with local businesses to see if they have any items suitable for use. This type of play encourages children to use their imagination and engage in unstructured play.

For park operators, both nature play and loose parts play can usually be added to your park’s recreational offerings at minimal cost.

Water play and splash zones

Particularly in summer and in warmer climates, water play is a much sought after recreational activity. Pools continue to be a great drawcard, with guests relishing the opportunity to cool off.

Many options for both above and inground pools are available. For the ultimate adventure experience, you could consider installing some water slides with your pool. Heating your pool may be a valuable investment to extend its usage period throughout the year.

For the less advanced swimmers, zero depth splash zones provide a safe place for children of all ages to get wet.

Including everyone

Building a reputation for accessibility and inclusivity is another way that an outdoor play area can cater to visitors. A considered approach to access builds a stronger reputation for your facilities, as families see that everyone can participate, attracting diverse visitors and underserved markets.

For optimal inclusivity, ensure areas around play spaces are also accessible for people with mobility considerations, young children and the elderly. Wide, even paths, accessible toilets and seating, ample shade and water stations should be located nearby.

From an industry insider

Nathan Lee from Willplay said timber-look aluminium and recycled composites are a great choice for holiday park play equipment. “These give the look and feel of timber without the expensive maintenance.

“Reputable manufacturers will be able to design a project to suit all age groups and abilities. While some elements are considered ‘all ages’, many are age or ability specific and the inclusion of these needs to suit the demographic and expected users of the park,” Mr Lee said.

“The manufacturer will be able to recommend equipment to suit the expected user range, and depending on budgets, may be able to custom design something specific to the project. Choose equipment that has a lower environmental footprint and or is recyclable at end of life.”

Mr Lee stressed that park operators need to ensure designs are compliant with the current Australian standards and that the installation is certified and as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

“Third-party inspections will ensure that all aspects of the project are compliant. Designs need to incorporate safety elements such as age-appropriate equipment, fencing, user flow, seating, shade, and line of sight.”

To ensure the longevity of play equipment, Mr Lee recommends engaging an Australian manufacturer. “They understand the local environment and usually design equipment to withstand the harsh Australian conditions. Australian manufacturers also understand the local market and can recommend equipment and designs that suit Australian users, not equipment designed for European conditions.”

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