A playspace for learning is a thoughtfully designed environment that encourages children’s exploration, independence, and development through intentional layout, lighting, and age-appropriate materials.
Key Elements of a Learning Playspace
- Lighting and layout: Use natural light and open floor plans to create safe spaces where children can move freely and explore independently.
- Movement and physical activity: Designate areas for gross motor development with climbing equipment and active play materials.
- Independent or small group learning: Set up organized stations with accessible supplies that empower children to learn through hands-on activities.
- Thoughtful design details: Focus on child-height elements (the bottom 36–48 inches of wall space) to create an environment designed from a child’s perspective.
You could spend all day gathering playspace inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram, but there is so much more to a great playspace than a really cool wall mural. It takes intentional design choices—from furniture placement to storage solutions—to create a playspace that encourages learning for young children, with consideration of both form and function.
Here at Vivvi, we know your young child’s developing brain is a sponge – seeking out information about everything in their path to make sense of the world around them. And we have designed our campuses to be experiences that encourage that exploration.
“When we’re designing a Vivvi campus, we are always looking to give children as much independence as possible – we think about this whether we’re deciding where to put crayons and scissors at an art station or how close the hand towels should be to the bathroom sink,” says Rachel Duda, Vivvi’s VP of Learning with over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. “We want children to be able to see and navigate their playspace on their own, so they’re able to make decisions without having to ask for help.”
We’ve spent years working with educators and designers to create our Vivvi campuses—spaces where every element serves a developmental purpose—and the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way will help you design a playspace of your own with just as much intention.
Set learning goals to bring your space to life.
If your goal with playspace design is to give children the opportunity to have lots of different types of experiences in one place, you’ll need to consider a range of design features. From how a space is lit to where you place the tools your children will need for learning, every decision should be intentional.
Our Vivvi campuses are designed with children’s play in mind, taking into account all of the experiences that they might have over the course of a day. Each specialized zone animates our curriculum and philosophy so children can follow their curiosity to find answers to their questions.
Four concepts we consider when designing every Vivvi playspace include: lighting and layout; movement and physical activity; independent or small group learning; and thoughtful design details just for young children.
Lighting and Layout
When possible, choose a space that lends itself well to your child’s experience or add thoughtful details that help enhance the space you have. Vivvi’s campuses are full of natural light and designed with intentionally open floor plans that allow children the freedom to explore in a safe space created for them.
- Open floor plans allow children to move freely from one activity to the next without leaving the space they are in. Open floor plans are also helpful to caregivers who need to keep an eye on more than one child. For movement activities, allow approximately 25–35 square feet per child.
- You can’t underestimate the power of natural light, especially for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years) who are still working on their circadian rhythm. If you’re able, make sure your child’s playspace is in a room with lots of good, natural light.
Movement and Physical Activity
Young children need daily physical activities for strong capable bodies – and to play!
- Create your own wiggle room at home by zoning off a specific area for physical play. In our Vivvi campus “wiggle rooms”, children get physical to work on gross motor development as they progress from simple to complex actions.
- Stock your wiggle room with age-appropriate equipment that will get your child moving.
Recommended Equipment for Movement
| Equipment | Age Range | Developmental Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Large climbing blocks (e.g., Nugget) | Toddlers 12 months–3 years | Builds core strength, balance, and spatial awareness through open-ended climbing and jumping |
| Pikler triangle | Toddlers 18 months–4 years | Encourages independent climbing, develops gross motor skills, and builds confidence |
| Rubber stepping stones | Toddlers and preschoolers 2–5 years | Improves balance, coordination, and proprioception through varied surfaces |
Independent or Small Group Learning
When children are surrounded by the right tools, they’re empowered to play and learn independently and in small groups.
- Designate specific areas of your playspace to specific activities that support your child’s learning and development. Learning centers should feature a child-sized desk or table for your child to do tablework like cutting, gluing or drawing.
- When it comes to storing your child’s learning supplies, whether you’re talking about small manipulatives or art supplies, keep supplies neatly organized in bins and stored where your child can see them—within the bottom 36–48 inches of shelving (their eye level).
- From math to imagination to art to literacy, each Vivvi classroom has dedicated areas designed specifically for learning to come alive through play.
Thoughtful Design Details
The learning and development that takes place in the first few years of a child’s life are so impactful, and their playspace should reflect that specific age range.
- Pay special attention to the bottom 36–48 inches of a room. This is where your baby or young child lives! Sit on the floor and take a look around. Are all the pretty and interesting things above your head? Consider hanging art and mirrors at your child’s eye level.
- Every experience is a learning opportunity for young children. Think about adding a mirror or ballet bar close to the floor or other details that would tempt a young child to explore. For toddlers 18 months to 3 years, low mirrors encourage self-recognition and body awareness.
- It’s not just about you! Sure, our Vivvi campuses look beautiful to adults, but they are truly designed for children, from the colors we use to way we organize our toys. We hope that all the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way can help you design a beautiful (and functional!) child centered space in your own home.
Quick Tips for Designing Your Playspace
- Use natural light whenever possible
- Store supplies at your child’s eye level (bottom 36–48 inches)
- Include soft surfaces for safe movement and falls
- Create distinct zones for different activities
- Choose open floor plans to allow free movement
- Add mirrors and art at child height
- Rotate toys regularly to maintain engagement
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good playspace for toddlers? A good playspace for toddlers (ages 1–3) includes safe climbing opportunities, soft surfaces for falls, and materials stored at their eye level. Open floor plans allow toddlers to move freely while staying visible to caregivers.
How do I set up a learning area at home? Designate a specific area with a child-sized table and organized bins of supplies within your child’s reach. Focus on the bottom 36–48 inches of the space, and include materials for activities like drawing, building, and imaginative play.
How much space do children need for active play? For movement activities, plan for approximately 25–35 square feet per child. This allows enough room for climbing, jumping, and gross motor activities without overcrowding.
What age-appropriate equipment should I include? For toddlers 12 months to 3 years, consider soft climbing blocks. For children 18 months to 4 years, a Pikler triangle supports independent climbing. Stepping stones work well for children ages 2–5 to develop balance and coordination.
Why is natural light important in a playspace? Natural light supports healthy circadian rhythm development, especially for infants and young toddlers. It also creates a warm, inviting environment that encourages exploration and reduces eye strain during activities.