Activities for Kids

8 Natural Playgrounds to Run Wild At

Made from wood, stones and good old-fashioned dirt, these playgrounds are Earth's way of saying "Have a blast!"

By rtkellyharamis July 5, 2015

Bye-bye, plastic playgrounds. We’ve found a slew of natural oases to cut loose in. Made from wood, stones and good old-fashioned dirt, they’re Earth’s way of saying “Have a blast!” Click through our album to discover eight playgrounds made from natural materials. Who needs bells and whistles when you have fun like this?

Penny Park

Secret nooks and crannies make the vast wooden playground a perfect spot to play hide-and-seek. Kids can practice their balancing skills walking across a wooden beam, take a swing on a tire or cruise down the slide. A grassroots group, Preserve Penny Park, hopes to save this natural play area from turning into yet another plastic playground.

1500 Lake St.
Evanston
847-448-4311
Online: cityofevanston.org

Do you know a natural playground that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Kelly Haramis