Playgrounds on paper: Children’s drawings as a window into outdoor play preferences

Children’s creativity in expressing themselves through traditional media, such as drawing, remains strong and reflects their keen awareness of their surroundings. Involving children in the design process provides a valuable opportunity to understand their perspectives. This study engaged 47 five-year-old children to explore their preferences for outdoor play environments through their drawings. The methodology involved analysing these drawings to gain insights into the children’s understanding and desires related to playground experiences. Conducted in multiple stages, the study revealed significant aspects of children’s preferences. The findings highlighted the children’s interest in imaginative features that extend beyond traditional playground structures, as well as their inclination toward natural elements, often conveyed through narrative-driven expressions. In the final stage, the study underscored children’s strong preference for nature and adventurous components in outdoor play areas. These results support the need for designing diverse and stimulating play environments that blend both structured and natural elements, promoting children’s holistic development, creativity, and connection with the natural world.