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?

Dorothy Drennon Park

Curious about alternative energy? Watch the way the wind turbine blows at this nature-based playground. Although the equipment is plastic, almost everything else is eco-friendly. Hungry? Eat a snack in the picnic area under a green roof with drought-resistant plants. Like music? Kids can bang on pots and pans on this Boy Scout-built wall. Ready to play green? With eco paths, interactive wetlands and porous paving in parking lot, kids take a giant step toward reducing their carbon footprints.

Nimitz & Eisenhower roads
Oakbrook Terrace
630-627-6100
Online: obtpd.org

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

— Kelly Haramis