Physics isn't just something you learn about in a classroom: It's something that happens all around you, especially on the playground! Every time you swing, jump, slide, or spin, you're actually experiencing important science concepts in action. When you push off on a swing, you're using force to move, and gravity brings you back down. When you race down a slide, friction between you and the surface determines how fast you go. Even something as simple as tossing a ball involves energy, motion, and the pull of gravity. By paying attention to these everyday physics moments, you're not just having fun; you're training your brain to think like a scientist, solve problems, design better games, and even invent cool new ways to play.
Play is a key part of growing up. Whether you're running around with friends, making up stories, or solving puzzles, play helps kids develop essential life skills while boosting emotional well-being. Early childhood is the perfect time to learn through play, and here's why:
From the playground to the classroom, play is one of the best ways for kids to learn, grow, and prepare for the future.
When science is mixed with play, it can become an exciting adventure. Fun, hands-on activities can help kids learn about scientific ideas in a way that sticks, building a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There are lots of reasons why adding science to play is so powerful:
By making science part of playtime, you can have fun and also build the skills and confidence to become curious, lifelong learners.
Turning a playground into a science lab is easier than you think. With a little creativity, everyday play structures and outdoor spaces can become exciting places for kids to explore science while having fun.
Little kids can mix water, soil, and leaves to make mud pies, learning about textures and states of matter. Kids of any age can start a garden or compost bin to observe plant life cycles and decomposition. A nature scavenger hunt is another fun way to boost observation skills while learning more about the world.
The playground is the perfect place to learn about wildlife. Build an "insect hotel" made from wood, bamboo, or bricks to provide a close-up look at how bugs live. Hang a bird feeder to invite feathered visitors to identify and observe. You can also plant seeds in different playground areas and compare how they grow based on the sunlight, soil, or water conditions, turning the playground into a living science experiment.
The playground is a perfect place to experience physics in action. Every swing, slide, and seesaw demonstrates important scientific principles in a hands-on way.
With a little creativity, the playground can become a giant math lab where you can explore numbers, patterns, and problem-solving through movement and games. One of the easiest ways to bring math to playtime is with sidewalk chalk. A simple hopscotch grid can help you practice counting, skip counting, addition and subtraction, or more advanced skills, depending on what you write in the boxes. Number sequences and shape games can also turn an ordinary sidewalk into a hands-on learning space. For a fun way to explore time, kids can build their own sundials and track how shadows move throughout the day. Even everyday playground activities like measuring jumping distances, racing against a timer, or counting swings can make math feel like a game.
The founder and CEO of https://www.aaastateofplay.com/, Nic Breedlove has made waves in the commercial playground equipment industry. Nic’s passion for playgrounds and commitment to excellence has helped to make AAA what it is today. He enjoys sharing his keen insights into the playground world in an effort to make play easier and more accessible to all kids.
