Play is recognized as an essential part of a child’s learning and development process by the United Nations High Commission. Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) states that every child has the right to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.⁸

An important type of play for children is outdoor free play – time outside where they can explore and play in an unstructured setting. This type of play is critical for a child’s physical, social, cognitive and emotional development along with their long-term health and well-being. ^{1, 4, 6}

Some of the well-documented benefits of outdoor free play include:

• Increased physical and social competencies
• Promotion of fine and gross motor skills
• Facilitation of sensory experiences
• Emotional regulation
• Creativity
• Resilience

Playgrounds, whether at a school, park or community center, are excellent sites for outdoor free play. Here’s what you should know – and how you can find an accessible and disability-inclusive playground in your community.

Not all playgrounds are created equal

In 2010, the Department of Justice revised the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 to improve accessibility standards. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design set minimum scoping and technical requirements for newly designed or altered public playgrounds to be accessible and usable for people with disabilities.⁷ This was a great starting point, but not every playground allows children of all abilities to play together.

ADA-Compliant Playground: A playground constructed to ADA standards follows all specified ADA guidelines, but it may still present obstacles that hinder the full inclusion of individuals with various disabilities.

Accessible Playground:An accessible playground goes beyond meeting ADA standards. It is designed so individuals with a physical disability who use a wheelchair or other mobility device can easily reach all playground features. Barriers to the inclusion of users with various disabilities may still exist.

Inclusive Playground: An inclusive playground can be used by people of all abilities. Its design doesn’t only consider physical equipment; it also prioritizes the social, emotional and psychological well-being of all users, fostering a truly inclusive atmosphere. An inclusive playground offers diverse physical play opportunities, enriches each user’s experience with vibrant sensory activities and engaging social interactions, and provides calming spaces. An inclusive playground ensures that every user can fully enjoy it regardless of their ability.²

Resource: Discover Inclusive Playgrounds

Here’s how you can find inclusive playgrounds in your community

• Check local municipal websites: Many city and county parks and recreation departments and government websites offer information on local facilities prioritizing accessibility.
• Search online directories:
  • Let Kids Play has an extensive directory of accessible and inclusive playgrounds in the U.S. and beyond.
• Explore nonprofit resources: Searchfor nonprofit organizations that maintain directories for inclusive playgrounds.
  • The Magical Bridge Foundation: Offers a directory of current and planned playgrounds. You’ll find photos, descriptions, addresses, and maps of spaces meant for everyone.
  • Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration– Offers a worldwide inclusive playground list.
• Playground Map Apps: Playground directory apps may have filters based on accessibility features.
  • Playground Buddy: Helps people find local playgrounds worldwide. Be sure to see current reviews to ensure a playground is truly inclusive, as that information may not be available on the app. Link to Playground Buddy app.
• Search Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms like Facebook may have groups for finding and sharing experiences and recommendations for inclusive playgrounds.
• Local Advocacy Groups: Contact local advocacy groups or organizations focusing on disability rights and inclusion.

References

1. Lee, R. L. T., Lane, S., Brown, G., Leung, C., Kwok, S. W. H., & Chan, S. W. C. (2020). Systematic review of the impact of unstructured play interventions to improve young children’s physical, social, and emotional wellbeing. Nursing & Health Sciences, 22(2), 184–196. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12732
2. Let Kids Play: https://www.accessibleplayground.net/playground-directory/?cn-s&cn-cat=45&doing_wp_cron=1718380052.9538109302520751953125
3. Magic Bridge Foundation: https://www.magicalbridge.org/build
4. Milteer, R. M., & Ginsburg, K. R. (2012). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bond: focus on children in poverty. Pediatrics (Evanston), 129(1), e204–e213. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-2953
5. National Center on Health Physical Activity and Disability. (2024, May 16). Discover inclusive playgrounds. NCHPAD. https://www.nchpad.org/resources/discover-inclusive-playgrounds/
6. National Institute for Play (n.d.). Play: The Basics. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://nifplay.org/what-is-play/the-basics/
7. U.S. Department of Justice (2010, September 15). 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. ADA.gov. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/2010-stds/
8. United Nations (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child