Not all play is equal. What excites a 4-year-old might bore a
10-year-old—or worse, injure them. That’s why
age-appropriate playground zoning isn’t a luxury;
it’s a necessity, especially in India’s multi-age schools, housing
societies, and public parks.
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Here’s how to design outdoor playgrounds where every child plays
safely—and happily.
Why Age Zoning Matters
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Safety: Minimises accidents by separating
toddlers from older children
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Skill Development: Tailors challenges to
developmental stages
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Engagement: Keeps children interested longer
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Crowd Management: Reduces congestion and fights
over space
Key Age Brackets for Playground Design
Toddlers (1–3 years)
Needs: Balance, texture, soft landings
Recommended Equipment:
- Low-height slides
- Crawl tunnels
- Rockers and see-saws
- Soft play mats and padded floors
Safety Tip: Install fences to keep toddlers contained
within the play zone.
Preschoolers (4–6 years)
Needs: Imagination, coordination, basic climbing
Recommended Equipment:
- Themed modular structures (e.g., houses, boats)
- Spring riders
- Swing sets with safety harness
- Sand pits and interactive walls
Design Tip: Include sensory play like textured panels or
musical elements.
Primary School Kids (7–10 years)
Needs: Group play, physical challenge
Recommended Equipment:
- Rope bridges
- Multi-slide towers
- Obstacle courses
- Net climbers and rotating panels
Usage Tip: These zones can be larger to accommodate peer
play and movement.
Tweens (11–14 years)
Needs: Risk-taking, independence, social play
Recommended Equipment:
- Climbing walls
- Zip lines
- Monkey bars
- Adventure towers
Note: Allow for open areas with less supervision but more
space to roam.
How to Physically Separate Zones
- Use colour-coded paths or painted flooring
- Natural separators: shrubs, low fencing, boulders
- Distinct signage with age recommendations
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Vary flooring types: rubber tiles for toddlers, turf or mulch
for older kids
Tips for Indian Installations
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Space-starved school? Use vertical layouts for
older children
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Housing society with one common zone? Use time
slots for different age groups
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Heat zones? Use covered or shaded areas for
toddler sections
How FunPlay Supports Zoning
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Phula: Low-height, flower-themed equipment
perfect for toddlers
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Toucan:
Bright, mid-sized modular structure ideal for ages 4–6
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Bellatrix:
Tower-based structure with rope climbs and longer slides—great
for 7–12 age group
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Custom builds: We design integrated layouts
with clear zone separations
FAQs
Can multiple age zones be installed in a small playground?
Yes. Modular equipment can be zoned side-by-side or
layered vertically to optimise space.
Do BIS norms in India mandate age segregation in
playgrounds?
BIS doesn’t mandate, but it recommends age-based safety
zones—especially for schools and public parks.
Can parents supervise children easily in zoned layouts?
Yes. Clear sightlines between zones and seating around
perimeters help with supervision
Is it costlier to build age-appropriate zones?
Not if done right. You can begin with one zone and expand
modularly over time.
