They are play environments that blend natural materials, features, and vegetation with creative landforms to create purposely complex play spaces with high levels of play value.  Natural Playgrounds provide children with all the same benefits as typical playgrounds: gross motor activity, risk taking, problem solving, social interaction, etc.  Natural Playgrounds also teaches children about the wonders and intricacies of the natural world.

A totally natural playground creates a beautiful, outdoor play and learning environment.  Play components could include:

• Earth shapes
• Hills to roll down
• Environmental art
• Trees to climb
• Logs to climb through
• Shrubs
• Grasses
• Flowers
• Boulders or other rock structures
• Dirt and sand
• Natural fences (stone, willow, wooden)
• Textured pathways, and
• Natural water features

Each Natural Playground is different as they are designed to fit the landscape
where they are being located.  Below are a list of websites where you can see
pictures of many varieties of Natural Playgrounds.

Natural Playgrounds do not replace commercially made equipment.  Children
need both types of playspaces.  Natural Playgrounds are perfect for schools
as they can also function as outdoor classrooms.  Natural Playgrounds often
cost much less to design and create than traditional playgrounds.