Successful play spaces stimulate children's senses through music, smells, and textures, allow physical activity through open spaces and challenging structures, and encourage social development by providing opportunities for both solitary and group play. They also engage children through manipulating materials, using tools, and accessing bits and pieces, while challenging skills through climbing, sports, and testing physical limits.

1. Chapter 2: Inspiring play spaces 15
©PlayEngland
©NicolaButler
©PlayEngland
©PlayEngland
©StirlingCouncilPlayServices
Successful play spaces stimulate the
five senses maybe providing access to
music and sound, and different smells made
by plants and leaves.
Successful play spaces offer movement
and physical activity with space and
features that allow a range of energetic and
strength building play experiences.
Successful play spaces are good places
for social interactions allowing children to
choose whether and when to play alone or
with others, to negotiate, cooperate,
compete and resolve conflicts.
Successful play spaces allow children to
manipulate natural and fabricated
materials, use tools, and have access to
bits and pieces of all kinds.
Successful play spaces offer children
challenge and activities that test the limits
of their capabilities, including rough and
tumble, sports and games, and opportunities
to climb.
(Hughes, 1996)