Intergenerational Recreation | Play Together, Grow Together

Inclusive, Intentional, Intergenerational

Intergenerational recreation is the foundation of community vitality and lifelong health and wellness. Play Together, Grow Together is our latest publication—a comprehensive guide to playground design and park planning that brings people of all ages together.

We partner with communities to design recreation spaces that address real needs, strengthen intergenerational connections, and inspire a sense of belonging for every person. Inside the book, we explore six emerging trends in intergenerational recreation design—insights drawn from conversations with parks directors, city planners, landscape architects, and educators. These trends shape how we innovate, collaborate, and create inclusive environments that promote health, happiness, and connection for everyone, everywhere.

The Need is Real

Studies show there is a growing need for intergenerational recreation. A lack of playful activity has resulted in parents not being as engaged in playful behaviors, children spending less time being active, and older adults experiencing a higher risk of serious health issues.

1 in 5 parents

have forgotten how to play with their children. Children who grow up with playful parents are more resilient and less likely to engage in risky behavior.

55% of children

want more play time with parents and grandparents. While it's important for children to be independent, they crave engagement with adult caregivers.

75% of children

ask to spend more time with parents outdoors. Screen time is a siren song among children, but they still desire to spend time outside.

80% of people in the U.S.

use public parks - most are under 12 and over 55. This makes parks the perfect place to encourage moments of intergenerational recreation.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Recreation

When people of different ages play together, something magic happens! Not only does everyone enjoy significant physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits , those benefits increase exponentially when people of different ages play together in the same space.

Get the Book, Be a Champion

Physical Benefits

Improve gross motor skills

Improve blood flow to the brain

Determine relationships of
weight, size, distance, etc.

Object control
Cognitive Benefits

Enhanced imagination

Meaningful connections

\Visual and mathematical
relationships

Problem-solving skills
Social Benefits

Express ideas with peers

Learn acceptable language and behavior

Share and compromise

Make friends
Emotional Benefits

Express feelings

Work through differences

Express sympathy and show empathy

Build self-esteem

Six Key Trends

Here are the six trends covered in Play Together, Grow Together. These are the emerging and leading topics that are driving the creation of intergenerational recreation spaces that inspire play, strengthen community vitality, and promote lifelong health, wellness, and belonging for everyone.

Inclusion and Accessibility

Celebrate diversity through inclusive play experiences.
Design playgrounds and parks where everyone—regardless of age, ability, or background—can participate fully. True inclusion removes barriers and creates shared joy, fostering empathy, understanding, and connection across all communities

Active Lifestyles for All Ages

Build community with outdoor fitness equipment.
Encourage health, connection, and vitality through outdoor fitness spaces that invite teens, adults, and older adults to move together. Active parks promote wellness, social interaction, and lifelong habits of play.

Personalized Design

Find your voice through custom outdoor solutions.
Transform ordinary parks into expressions of local identity. Through custom play and recreation spaces, communities tell their stories, celebrate heritage, and create environments that feel personal, memorable, and uniquely theirs.

Sustainability and Nature-Based Play

Design outdoor spaces for decades of discovery.
Create parks that nurture both children and the planet. Nature-based materials and sustainable design practices help communities connect with the environment while protecting resources for future generations.

Youth Mentoring

Connect generations through meaningful design.
Design spaces that encourage shared learning and leadership. When young people play alongside mentors, they gain confidence, empathy, and perspective—strengthening the bonds that shape resilient, supportive communities.

Data Driven Design

Uncover the power of intergenerational play.
Use research and data to understand how people of all ages engage, learn, and grow through play. Insights from real communities guide designs that maximize impact and long-term value.