When we think of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) the color palette that comes to mind is probably white as in lab coats and sterile environments, but what if STEM could be associated with green hues and the great outdoors?
It’s possible to bring STEM out of the classroom and onto the playground where children can explore these subjects through movement, curiosity, and play!
“STEM exposure in any setting is vital for critical thinking,” Environmental Recreation Specialist Christy Mory told Jefferey Spivey for PRB+ magazine.
Playgrounds – and their surrounding environments such as trails, streams, and open fields -- provide the perfect backdrop for children to engage with STEM concepts in a way that feels fun, natural, and hands-on.
By thoughtfully designing outdoor spaces, communities can transform playgrounds into living laboratories where kids develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence in STEM subjects.
In this blog, we’ll explore why STEM matters in outdoor play, how playground design can incorporate STEM principles, and the long-term benefits of making science and math part of everyday fun.
Exposure to STEM at an early age sets children up for lifelong learning. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM occupations will grow almost three times as fast as non-STEM jobs over the next decade.
Building curiosity early helps children feel comfortable exploring these fields later in school and careers.
At the same time, research shows that play-based learning improves retention and engagement. Outdoor play environments connect physical activity with cognitive growth, creating opportunities to explore STEM concepts in ways that are active, memorable, and fun.
Children are natural scientists. They ask questions, make observations, and test ideas. Playgrounds can encourage scientific thinking through:
These opportunities spark curiosity and introduce children to scientific inquiry without ever opening a textbook.
Technology doesn’t always mean screens. In playground design, it often means innovative tools, interactive equipment, and creative problem-solving experiences:
By blending technology with outdoor exploration, playgrounds can support modern learning while keeping kids active.
Engineering is about designing, building, and testing—and few environments encourage this better than playgrounds. Children become junior engineers when they:
When children collaborate to solve problems—such as how to make water flow faster through a channel or how to build a taller tower—they practice the engineering design process intuitively.
Playgrounds naturally reinforce math skills by encouraging children to measure, compare, and count:
Physical movement makes abstract math concepts tangible, helping children grasp ideas more quickly.
Integrating STEM into playgrounds doesn’t require expensive equipment. It often comes down to thoughtful design and creativity:
The best STEM play environments combine creativity, critical thinking, and physical activity in ways that feel like play—not schoolwork.
The benefits of STEM integration extend far beyond fun:
STEM is everywhere—and playgrounds are the perfect place to help children see it. By weaving science, technology, engineering, and math into outdoor spaces, we can spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation.
“At May Recreation, we believe playgrounds should be more than fun—they should be launchpads for learning,” says Randy May of May Recreation. “Our team specializes in designing outdoor spaces that blend play with STEM opportunities, creating environments where kids can explore, experiment, and grow.
Contact May Recreation today to start planning a STEM-inspired playground for your school, community, or park.