Top 5 playground trends shaping Qld and NSW schools in 2026

In 2026, the most forward-thinking schools in Queensland and New South Wales are reimagining their playgrounds — not as break-time extras, but as essential learning and wellbeing environments.

The trends we are seeing across independent, faith based and public schools reflect a clear shift: playgrounds are becoming strategic assets that support inclusion, compliance, enrolments and long-term value.

Here are the five key playground trends shaping Australian schools in 2026

1. Inclusive Playgrounds as a Core Compliance and Culture Priority

What’s changed in 2026 is how schools approach inclusion.

Rather than adding a single accessible element, leading schools are designing entire playgrounds with inclusion embedded — continuous pathways, shared play experiences, sensory variety and quiet retreat spaces that support neurodiverse students. In both Queensland and NSW, schools have a clear obligation to ensure students with disability can access and participate in all aspects of school life — including play. Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education, playgrounds are no longer peripheral spaces. They are part of a school’s duty of care, inclusion strategy and risk profile.

Leading schools understand inclusive playgrounds aren’t just about meeting standards. They visibly communicate a school’s values to families, staff and regulators.

2. Playgrounds Designed to Support Wellbeing and Learning Outcomes

Student wellbeing is now firmly embedded in both Queensland and NSW education frameworks, and playgrounds are increasingly recognised as part of that picture.

In practical terms, schools are moving away from one-dimensional play structures in 2026 and towards layered play environments that support:

Movement variety (climbing, balancing, hanging, running); Imaginative and social play; Calm spaces for regulation and reset

At Everything Outside, we see playgrounds as extensions of the learning environment — places where children practice collaboration, risk assessment and creativity in ways classrooms can’t always provide.

3. Nature-Integrated and Sustainable Play Is Now the Baseline

In 2026, Sustainability is no longer a future goal — it’s an expectation. For Queensland and NSW schools, playgrounds are becoming a visible and practical way to demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Research consistently shows that nature-based play reduces stress and anxiety, improves focus and creativity and fosters a care for the environment from a young age.

This means schools are prioritising natural materials and timber structures. They want play spaces designed around existing trees and landscapes and outdoor learning spaces that blend play and curriculum.

4. Playgrounds as Enrolment and Community Assets

For families touring a school, playgrounds are one of the most emotionally charged spaces on campus. They’re where parents imagine their child belonging.

Across Queensland and NSW, we’re seeing schools intentionally design playgrounds that appeal across multiple age groups, support before- and after-school care and act as community gathering spaces.

From a leadership perspective, a show-stopping playground strengthens the enrolment narrative and delivers a greater return on capital investment.

5. Purposeful Challenge and Risk-Managed Adventure Play

Rather than eliminating risk, schools in 2026 are embracing risk-benefit design — providing challenge within clearly defined safety frameworks and Australian Standards.

This often includes vertical play and climbing structures, upper-body strength elements and tiered play zones that engage older students. Everything Outside has noticed a year on year increase in demand for Parkour style playgrounds in leading Queensland and NSW schools.

We design bespoke school playgrounds that respond to each school’s site, community and vision — creating outdoor spaces where every child can find challenge, calm, connection and joy.

If you want to chat about what is the right playground approach for your school, call Andrew on  0466 166 054 or email Andrew@everythingoutside.com.au