The Computer Playground in Helsinki is a free, open-to-all space designed to introduce children to coding through play and physical activity. The playground features interactive wooden structures and signs that guide children in understanding basic programming concepts like sequencing—for example, performing specific actions in order while jumping on a trampoline.
Children learn coding principles in an intuitive and playful way, often without realizing it. Activities like double jumps with tricks mirror the logic of algorithms, making concepts like sequencing and problem-solving feel natural. The playground encourages experiential learning, allowing kids to “crawl inside a computer” by engaging in movement-based play.
Teachers can also use the playground to support their curriculum goals, integrating digital literacy concepts such as recognizing fact from fiction, understanding how data is collected, and discussing algorithm-driven recommendations (e.g., how Youtube suggests videos).
Helsinki has the benefit of a playground learning officer, who will help teachers to understand the discussions to have with children and there is a fine range of cards to share. However where that person isn’t available, it is good to have lots of child-friendly designed permanent displays. I love exposing children to binary early and sharing how computers count too.
One thing, that I can’t see here but is a real opportunity for school playgrounds is to have more puzzles and ideas that students can play with. Towers of Hanoi, mazes and large versions of draughts and chess are all popular and can come in larger editions. I’d also love to see the idea of the net and communication taken further with routers and servers on more of a display. Perhaps in a school playground children could pretend to be packets in small cars and navigate around the web.
There is an excellent range of activities for children to engage with a learn fundamentals. Here is a table, maybe some of these activities could be included in a playground near you?
| Play Equipment | Description | Educational Purpose |
| Processor Play Tower | A two-part play tower representing a computer processor, equipped with climbing and sliding features. | Helps children understand the central role of a processor in a computer, fostering curiosity about internal computer components. |
| Keyboard Auditorium | An area designed like a giant keyboard where children can sit and play. | Familiarizes children with keyboard layouts, enhancing their typing skills and understanding of input devices. |
| Phone Screen Platform | A platform shaped like a phone screen. | Introduces children to mobile device interfaces, promoting awareness of different technological tools. |
| Game Controller Sandbox | A sandbox designed in the shape of a game controller. | Encourages tactile interaction, allowing children to associate gaming devices with creative play. |
| Spring Rockers | Computer-themed spring rockers suitable for infants and toddlers. | Develops motor skills while introducing young children to computer-related shapes and themes. |
| Balancing Boards | Boards designed for balancing activities. | Enhances physical coordination and balance, drawing parallels to maintaining stability in systems. |
| In-ground Trampolines | Trampolines installed at ground level. | Promotes physical activity and can be used to teach sequencing by encouraging specific jump patterns. |
| Climbing Apparatus | Structures designed for climbing activities. | Builds physical strength and problem-solving skills, akin to navigating complex algorithms. |
| Playhouse | A small house structure for imaginative play. | Stimulates creativity and role-playing, allowing children to simulate real-world scenarios, similar to running programs in a controlled environment. |
| Carousel and Swings | Traditional playground equipment located near the main play tower. | Provides fun and relaxation, supporting social interaction and understanding of cyclical motions, which can be related to loops in programming. |
| Educational Planting Area | A garden area with diverse plant species and information boards focused on biodiversity and pollinators. | Educates children about ecology and the importance of biodiversity, drawing analogies to diverse data inputs and outputs in computing systems. |
Images from The Playground
With thanks to Monstrum for their images and imagination in making this playground! You can read more information at the Helsinki council site.