In Denmark and Sweden, adult interaction with playgrounds felt very different from that in the United States—and here’s why.
They Care.
In nearly every playground visited, there In nearly every playground we visited, there was seating, shade, a bathroom, and a water fountain. You felt as if the playground designers wanted you to stay. They made sure you were comfortable so you could enjoy the space too.
Creativity invites you to play.
We saw far more adults playing on the playgrounds—and I found myself playing more than usual too. Why? I think it’s because every playground was so unique. You wanted to explore and try it out. With the creativity and the absence of repetitive plastic structures, even an adult brain hadn’t “figured out” the playground yet, and that made you want to jump in and play.
Beauty
So much beauty between the art, plants, and natural elements, that you want to stay and enjoy.
Adult friendly
With thoughtful details that make adults comfortable—like places to sit, shade, and nearby amenities—alongside unique features that invite curiosity and play, natural playgrounds in Europe clearly welcome adults as much as children. The care put into design, the creativity of the structures, and the beauty of the surroundings all work together to create spaces where adults don’t just supervise; they linger, explore, and enjoy being part of the experience.