All About Sensory Playgrounds and Why Markings Matter There Too

As schools continue to prioritise pupil well-being, behaviour and inclusive learning, outdoor spaces are playing a more important role than ever. A well-designed playground is no longer just somewhere to burn off steam; it can become an extension of the classroom, offering opportunities for multisensory learning, emotional support, and social development.

Across the UK, more schools are looking at how they can create playgrounds that meet a wider range of needs. From children with autism or sensory processing difficulties to those struggling with anxiety or emotional regulation, the right outdoor environment can make a measurable difference.

Here, we’ll explore what makes a sensory playground effective, the types of equipment and zones that can support it, and how carefully chosen playground markings can bring the whole space to life, creating a safe, engaging environment for every child.

What is a Sensory Playground?

A sensory playground is an outdoor space designed to stimulate the senses. Usually, these are the senses associated with sight, touch, sound, and movement, done through a carefully considered mix of equipment, textures, colours, and activities. It’s a space where children can explore, interact and learn in ways that support both emotional and cognitive development.

These environments are especially beneficial for pupils with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing difficulties. It provides them with safe, structured opportunities to regulate their emotions and engage with the world around them. 

But sensory play isn’t just for those with additional needs. It benefits all children by encouraging creativity, improving focus, and supporting mental well-being through active, purposeful play.

Key Features and Equipment Ideas for Your Sensory Playground

Designing a sensory playground doesn’t require a complete overhaul, just thoughtful choices that engage different senses and create a balance between stimulation and calm. Below are some key features and equipment ideas that can make a real impact:

Textured Equipment and Surfaces: Add interest underfoot with bark paths, gravel trails, sand pits or textured stepping stones. These give children important tactile feedback as they move, crawl or balance their way through an area.

Natural Elements: Planting sensory gardens with herbs and flowers, incorporating trees, or installing a small water feature can make a playground feel soothing and inviting. These natural materials support both sensory and emotional development.

Musical Instruments: Outdoor drums, xylophones or chimes offer safe, creative outlets for sound exploration and rhythm. These work particularly well in smaller breakout spaces.

Tactile Panels and Play Walls: Wall-mounted activity boards or panels with different materials (metal, rubber, or wood, for instance) invite touch and fine motor interaction.

Colour and Pattern: Bright colours, contrasting shapes and bold patterns can help guide attention, encourage movement and spark curiosity, especially when incorporated into ground-level play.

Quiet Zones: Every sensory playground should include calm, shaded spaces with seating. These zones help children step back when things feel too loud or busy.

When carefully combined, these features form the foundation of a rich sensory environment. But to truly tie the space together and encourage structured, inclusive play, playground markings can make all the difference.

How Playground Markings Support Sensory Play Too

What many schools don’t realise is how much can be achieved with well-designed playground markings, especially when they’re created with sensory needs in mind. Beyond a pretty visual aid or stimulus, these markings can provide structure, spark creativity, and support children’s learning and emotional well-being in truly meaningful ways.

Below are a few examples of how our own Playground Markings fit into this.

Phonics Markings

Phonics markings are a brilliant example of how visual and physical elements can work together to reinforce classroom learning. By encouraging children to move, jump, and follow letters and sounds on the ground, they help strengthen phonics understanding in a way that’s fun, active, and memorable. Ideal for Early Years and KS1 pupils, they also support children who respond better to kinaesthetic learning styles.

Emotional Regulation and Social Understanding

By helping children identify and talk about their feelings in a non-threatening, visual format, it encourages healthy emotional expression and self-awareness. When placed near a bench or in a quieter part of the playground, it also provides a starting point for meaningful conversations with staff or peers.

Our How Do You Feel? marking offers a simple but effective way to support emotional literacy. 

Quiet Area Markings

Markings like these help define boundaries and make calming spaces visually appealing and distinct from high-energy areas. They’re also a powerful tool in any sensory space. They signal a calm zone, perfect for pupils who may feel overwhelmed or overstimulated at break or lunch and need somewhere to sit and let everything slow down again.

The Quiet Area Frog is a cute little companion to welcome them into this space.

Sensory Circuits or Trails

Playground markings can also be used to create sensory circuits. These are paths or trails that guide children through a sequence of movements such as hopping, spinning, tiptoeing or balancing. These activities provide essential sensory input, supporting regulation and focus, and are especially valuable before transitions or lessons.

If you’d prefer, we have a whole host of ready-prepared Trail playground markings we can incorporate into your playground design. They range in difficulty from simple walking in cute animal prints, like our Farm Trail, all the way up to touching the sky and taking on groups of your friends in our In & Out Trail. 

To see more Trails, head on over to our Fitness markings.

What Makes Our Markings Ideal for Schools’ Sensory Playgrounds?

We know that no two schools (or their playgrounds) are the same. That’s why we can help you put together a completely bespoke design, ensuring your sensory space is perfectly tailored to the needs of your pupils. Our vibrant, long-lasting markings dry in around 20 minutes, meaning minimal disruption to your school day.

We pride ourselves on a hassle-free service from start to finish, responding quickly, offering on-site surveys, including drone technology for larger projects. We’ll even work during breaks or weekends to meet deadlines. Every marking also comes with a 4-year warranty, giving you complete peace of mind. And because budgets matter, we’ll match or beat any like-for-like price. 

Above all, our friendly, experienced team goes above and beyond to ensure every school is delighted with the final result.

See Some Sensory-Friendly Markings in Action

When Willoughby A Priory Academy, a specialist SEND school in Lincolnshire, asked for help creating an accessible, inclusive playground, we knew bespoke design was key. Together, we developed Widgit-based markings, visual symbols that help pupils understand activities, instructions, and emotions without relying solely on words.

We also installed a wheelchair-friendly track, ensuring every child could join in playground activities, and a large entrance marking, reading “Be Safe, Be Ready, Be Kind” – with matching symbols to reinforce the school’s values.

Staff described the transformation as “wonderful to see,” with markings that encourage teamwork, turn-taking, and sensory engagement for all learners. It’s a powerful example of how tailored playground markings can turn outdoor spaces into supportive, inclusive sensory environments.

Support Children Through Smarter Outside Spaces

When outdoor spaces are designed to engage the senses, they help children focus better in class, improve behaviour, and foster a stronger sense of inclusion. Just imagine a place where every child can join in, explore, and feel supported, whether they’re learning phonics through play, finding a quiet spot to reset, or discovering new ways to move and interact. 

That’s the power of a well-planned sensory space.

If you’re thinking about creating a sensory playground in your school, we’d love to help. Whether you have a clear vision or just need a little inspiration, we’re here to guide you. Get in touch to discuss your project with our team or to arrange a free site visit, or browse our markings to find the perfect set for everyone playing outside.