Holiday Park Playgrounds: Why Families Choose Resorts with Play
- Absolute Play
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Family Holidays Are Changing
UK families want more than just a caravan pitch or lodge when they book a holiday park. They’re looking for experiences that keep children happy, allow parents to relax, and make memories that last. Increasingly, outdoor play facilities are one of the deciding factors for parents when comparing holiday parks.
Research by VisitBritain shows that over 60% of families consider child-friendly facilities essential when choosing a domestic holiday. Playgrounds are consistently ranked in the top three most valued amenities — alongside swimming pools and family dining.
This makes investing in a well-designed playground not just a “nice to have”, but a business-critical feature for holiday parks that want to stay competitive.
Why Playgrounds Matter for Holiday Parks
1. Increased Bookings and Occupancy
Families actively seek out resorts with safe, exciting play areas. A great playground can be the tipping point when parents are comparing two otherwise similar parks.
2. Higher Guest Satisfaction
When children are entertained, parents are relaxed. That means better online reviews, stronger word-of-mouth recommendations, and more repeat bookings.
3. Longer Stays and Higher Spend
Playgrounds encourage families to spend more time on site. Instead of heading out for entertainment elsewhere, guests stay in the park, buying food, drinks and extras.
4. Repeat Business and Loyalty
A playground is not just for this season — it becomes a reason for families to return year after year. Parents remember where their children had a great time.
What Makes a Great Holiday Park Playground?
Not all playgrounds are created equal. For a holiday park, equipment needs to be:
Durable → built for heavy seasonal use and the UK climate.
Inclusive → suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Attractive → blending naturally with lodges, glamping pods and landscaped grounds.
Safe → compliant with BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards.
Popular Equipment for Resorts
Adventure Towers: multi-level timber climbing structures with slides, bridges and nets.
Trim Trails: obstacle courses that get kids moving while fitting compactly into outdoor areas.
Swings and Slides: the classics families expect.
Inclusive Play Equipment: ensuring children with disabilities can take part.
Themed Play Zones: designed to match the branding or setting of the park.
Glamping Pods and Playgrounds: A Winning Combination
The UK glamping market is booming, with families seeking outdoor experiences that combine comfort with adventure. For sites with glamping pods or lodges, adding a playground creates a complete family offering.
Parents value the ability to let children play safely just steps away from their accommodation. This not only improves satisfaction but increases the likelihood of families booking multiple nights rather than a short stay.
Funding and ROI for Holiday Park Playgrounds
While playgrounds require upfront investment, the return is significant:
Increased bookings from family groups.
Longer average stays.
Higher on-site spending.
Better reputation and online visibility.
Holiday parks can also explore funding options. In some cases, grants are available through tourism development schemes, environmental initiatives (for timber/eco play), or partnerships with local councils.
Absolute Play supports operators with the documentation needed for funding applications, including design visuals, specifications and costings.
Why Work with Absolute Play?
At Absolute Play, we specialise in wooden playground equipment designed for durability, sustainability and natural aesthetics. Our in-house team handles everything from consultation and design to installation and long-term maintenance.
We’ve worked with holiday parks, caravan sites and glamping providers across the UK to create play areas that deliver real business results.
Final Thoughts
For holiday parks, playgrounds are no longer an optional extra. They are a key driver of bookings, revenue and guest satisfaction. Families want destinations where children are safe, active and entertained — and Absolute Play helps resorts deliver exactly that.
Email : info@absoluteplay.co.uk
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