Playworld’s Designing for Movement: The Science and Value of Spinning – November 12th @1PM ET

Spinning is one of the most sought-after playground experiences, yet it is often misunderstood or underrepresented in play environments. This course explores why children instinctively seek rotational movement and how spinning supports healthy development across the lifespan. Participants will examine the science behind vestibular stimulation and discover how rotational play contributes to physical development. The session will also explore the social and emotional benefits of spinning. Through examples of a wide variety of playground spinners, attendees will learn how different designs create distinct play experiences, levels of challenge, and opportunities for inclusion. By understanding the developmental value of rotational movement designers and playground professionals will be better equipped to create balanced play environments that support children with diverse abilities, preferences, and sensory needs while maximizing play value for the entire community.

At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain why children naturally seek rotational movement and the role of the vestibular system in child development.
• Identify the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits associated with spinning and rotational play.
• Apply best practices for incorporating a variety of spinning experiences into playground designs to support inclusion, balanced play, and diverse developmental needs.

Little Tikes Commercial’s Designing for Inclusive Play: Creating Playgrounds that Welcome Everyone – November 19th @1PM ET

This course explores how to create playgrounds that go beyond accessibility to provide meaningful, inclusive play experiences for children of all abilities. Participants will learn practical strategies for incorporating accessible routes, surfacing, sensory experiences, social play, independence, and developmentally appropriate challenges. Through real-world examples, the course will demonstrate how thoughtful design can create welcoming play environments that encourage connection, participation, and belonging for children, caregivers, and communities.

At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain the difference between an accessible playground and a truly inclusive play environment.
• Identify design strategies that support physical, sensory, social, and developmental needs for children of varying abilities.
• Apply inclusive design principles to create playgrounds that promote independence, social connection, and meaningful play experiences.

Miracle Recreation’s Playground as Laboratory: Designing for Experimentation and Discovery – December 3rd @1PM ET

Playgrounds can be places where children test ideas as well as their bodies. Through manipulating objects, exploring cause and effect, solving problems, and experimenting with sound, motion, and sensory experiences, children learn by doing. This course examines how playgrounds can become outdoor laboratories that encourage curiosity, investigation, and discovery. Participants will explore design strategies that incorporate interactive experiences, STEAM concepts, sensory exploration, collaboration, and open-ended problem-solving while allowing children to direct their own learning through play.

At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain how experimentation, cause-and-effect experiences, and open-ended exploration support cognitive development, problem-solving, and STEAM learning.
• Identify playground features and design approaches that encourage children to manipulate, investigate, collaborate, test ideas, and discover outcomes.
• Apply discovery-based design strategies to create play environments that encourage curiosity, experimentation, sensory exploration, and child-directed learning.