Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
That love for music spans generations, backgrounds and abilities. It unites people. And in the world of play, that makes it an incredibly powerful tool. Designers and communities are embracing this idea, leading to a growing number of music-based playgrounds. These thoughtfully designed spaces integrate outdoor musical instruments that are accessible, durable and welcoming to every child. They invite spontaneous, collaborative play and create new ways to connect.
The impact goes deeper than fun. For neurodiverse children and adults, music can offer a calmer, more engaging experience than traditional playground elements. As Playground Professionals notes, musical instruments act as “a leveler between different abilities” – bringing everyone together on equal ground.
Where Music and Play Intersect
While playgrounds have been around for more than 150 years, the integration of musical components is a more recent development. In the 1980s, a creative collective in the UK introduced “sonic playgrounds” – interactive installations that encouraged hands-on sound exploration in public spaces.
This innovation laid the foundation for today’s music-based playgrounds, which combine sensory engagement with inclusivity. They’re designed to reach every child, regardless of age or ability, through the universal language of sound and foster intergenerational play and engagement for all ages.
Why Music Matters in Inclusive Play
In inclusive play environments, music becomes a bridge. It welcomes children who may feel overstimulated, are nonverbal or don’t always have words to share and gives them space to express themselves, interact with others and build critical skills.
For children with autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences, musical elements can create a more comfortable and inviting play experience. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, inclusive playgrounds must offer both physical accessibility and rich, sensory-based opportunities that support cognitive, emotional and social development.
These environments also allow children to retreat when they need a break – without losing access to the joy and benefits of play. While there are many benefits of music play, these six key benefits stand out as reasons to add music to any play or outdoor space.
- Boosts cognitive development
A landmark study by USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute found that music supports language, reading and sound processing. Rhythms and melodies help children identify sounds and syllables, building a foundation for communication and literacy.
- Supports neurodiverse learners
Musical play gives children with different needs a nonverbal way to connect and create. A 2021 study in Music and Health found that regular music-making increased both social and musical engagement in children with autism.
- Encourages social interaction
As children play music together, they learn to listen, respond and collaborate. These shared experiences help build empathy and communication skills, turning playgrounds into spaces where friendships can flourish.
- Builds emotional awareness
Through music, children can process and express a wide range of emotions. A 2024 study in Psychology of Music found a strong link between musical play and emotional regulation, helping children manage stress and expand emotional understanding.
- Develops physical skills
Playing outdoor instruments builds coordination and control. Striking chimes, tapping drums and moving between instruments support both gross and fine motor skill development.
- Sparks creativity
Music-based playgrounds encourage improvisation, letting children experiment with sound, rhythm and movement. This fosters confidence, imagination and self-expression.
Because music is such an important part of play, there must be equity in music play (and, of course, all play!). These five essential elements help all of us think more equitably about designing these important outdoor spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Five Essentials of an Accessible Music-Based Playground
- Accessible pathways
Children using mobility devices should be able to reach and interact with every part of the playground.
- Flexible experiences
Children benefit when they can choose how and when to engage. Flexible design supports solo and group play equally. Adding outdoor musical instruments – PlayEnsemble® by Burke is a good example of these – to the perimeter of the playspace gives children a place to play while they transition into the space, plan their play experience or participate in onlooker or spectator play. These types of flexible play experiences will create an environment where all children feel as though the space was designed with them in mind.
- Sensory variety
A rich mix of sounds, textures and visuals appeals to different interests and needs, supporting diverse learning styles and preferences.
- Opportunities for collaboration
Interactive features invite conversation, connection and co-creation — the cornerstones of social development. Creating a musical garden with PlayEnsemble Bongo Drums, Titan Chimes, a TerraMetallophone and more is a great way to foster collaboration and cooperative play in a natural and child-directed way.
- A safe, supportive atmosphere
Every child should feel welcome, valued and empowered to play in their own way.
Inclusive music-based playgrounds are more than play spaces – they are platforms for discovery, connection and growth. When music is part of the play experience, children of all abilities can explore, express and engage in ways that feel natural and joyful.
As we celebrate National Music Month, let’s continue to support inclusive design and invest in spaces where all children can thrive.
Ready to bring music into your outdoor environment? Connect with your local Burke Representative to get started and browse our outdoor musical play offerings for inspiration.