Playgrounds designed as Mini cities have become the new star plan For families looking for more than just a typical ball pit. These are spaces where children play, imagine, do sports and, almost without realizing it, learn rules of coexistence, road safety or teamwork while having a great time.
In recent years, some very exciting proposals have emerged in various Spanish cities, ranging from theme parks with firefighters and police officers to mini-cities with hospitals, markets, and fully equipped cottages, not forgetting inclusive urban play areas and projects where design, materials, and psychomotor stimulation are given the utmost attention. Below, we review in detail what these spaces are like, what they offer, and why they are so popular with children and parents.
Planet 112: a children's park that looks like a miniature city
Planet 112 is one of those children's parks that surprises you as soon as you enterLocated in Seville, it is designed as a real small city, with streets, roads and even a child-sized fire truck, all meticulously crafted so that children feel like they are inside a movie set.
The parents who have visited him speak of a spectacular decorFull of detail, the streets and roads are recreated with great realism. Little ones can move around this miniature world riding mini cars, electric scooters, and other children's vehicles, traveling on roads that are almost as convincing as real ones, but adapted to their size and always in a controlled environment.
One of the park's great attractions is that it's not just about playing: it's also about learning. As they move around the mini-city, children discover basic traffic and safety rulesinternalizing them through play. Traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, turns, priorities… everything is taught in a playful way so that they understand it from a very young age.
Furthermore, Planeta 112 promotes symbolic play and dress-up. Children can dress up as firefighters, police officers, or other characters they likeThis greatly expands the role-playing possibilities. The experience of climbing into the fire truck, listening to instructions on how to act in the event of a fire, or simulating rescues allows them to become true heroes and heroines for a while.
As part of that firefighter training, the park has a zip line that runs the entire cityThe little ones slide down it, imagining they're responding to an emergency or flying to rescue someone, mixing adrenaline, motor coordination, and fantasy. It's one of the most memorable features for those who have been there.
Theatre, culture and sport in one space
Planeta 112 doesn't just focus on traffic and emergencies. As in any real city, there is also room for culture and sportThe park has its own performance space, a theater-stage equipped with a sound system, microphones and karaoke equipment so that the little ones can sing and dance to their favorite songs.
Before going on stage, the young performers can go through a makeup room designed for playwhere they prepare to perform “in their finest attire.” This part of the park fosters creativity, artistic expression, self-confidence, and the enjoyment of speaking or singing in front of an audience, something that gives them a lot of self-confidence.
Sport also plays a fundamental role in this concept of a child-friendly city. Planeta 112 has a A very special ball pit, organized on two levelsOn the lower floor there is a sports area that includes a football field and a basketball court, two of the most popular activities among boys and girls.
On the upper floor, the design focuses on the more adventurous part of the park. There you will find a super slide that connects to the ball pitThis feature is a delight for the young firefighters in training, who are constantly going up and down it. The course is completed with a trampoline that invites them to jump "to infinity," as they jokingly say at the park itself.
This approach combines free play, sport, and physical challenges with creativity and role-playing, turning Planet 112 into a A very comprehensive proposal for children's leisurewhere every child finds something that fits their tastes and their way of playing.
A perfect family plan in Seville
For those who live in Seville or visit with children, Planeta 112 presents itself as a different plan to spend the day with the familyIts managers speak of the opening of a new "city" for the children of the house, where they can enjoy themselves for hours while the adults also find their space.
The park has thought of both the youngest and the oldest. While the children run, dress up, sing, or play sports, the parents have a room reserved for conversation, snacks and relaxationFrom there they can continue watching the little ones having fun, without losing sight of them, but with a quieter environment to disconnect for a while.
In addition, there is a specific area designed for boys and girls under four years oldIt is a designated area, with age-appropriate features such as a mini slide, a small ball pit, and educational and sensory games, so that they too have their own safe space without the frenetic pace of the adults.
As for the practical details, Planet 112 is located in Thermodynamics Street, 9, in SevilleIt has its own website (www.planeta112.es), contact email ([email protected]) and phone (674 213 212) for bookings or inquiries about birthdays and events. The usual opening hours are Wednesday to Friday from 17:00 pm to 21:00 pm and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 12:00 pm to 21:00 pm, making it easy to fit into any family afternoon or weekend.
Bambalu City: a mini-city for learning through play in Torrejón de Ardoz
Another proposal that fits perfectly with the idea of children's park designed as a mini city It's Bambalu City, a newly opened space in Torrejón de Ardoz. It's a leisure park for children from 6 months to 12 years old, designed as a small city where every corner invites them to act out everyday situations.
With an area of approximately 600 square meters, Bambalu City is planned as a a safe and educational environment where learning happens through playThe facility is located at number 90 on Avenida de la Constitución, within the El Círculo Shopping Centre, and has led to the creation of several jobs in the municipality, something that the City Council has wanted to support institutionally.
Within this mini-city, the children encounter a hospital, a market, a police station, a fire station and a small house equipped with everyday appliances. Each space is decorated and prepared so that they can assume different roles: doctors, patients, cashiers, shoppers, security guards, firefighters, families shopping or cooking…
Bambalu City's approach goes beyond the classic ball pit. The idea is to encourage... role-playing and imaginationallowing children to explore different professions and real-world situations in a playful environment. This helps them better understand what they see around them every day and develop social skills, empathy, and communication abilities.
The park offers several options: hourly play, organized activities Children's birthday parties, urban camps and rentals for private eventsFor families, another interesting feature is its cafeteria with panoramic views of the entire play area, so adults can have a drink in peace while keeping an eye on their children at all times.
Regarding opening hours, Bambalu City is open Monday to Thursday from 17:00 PM to 21:00 PM, Fridays from 17:00 PM to 22:00 PM, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 21:00 PM. This extended window makes it easy to visit. fit the visit in after school or as a weekend plan, and makes it a very convenient option for families in Torrejón and the surrounding area.
Urban and inclusive play areas: the example of the Metropol Parasol in Seville
Beyond indoor playgrounds, other types of play areas are also gaining popularity. projects for play areas integrated into emblematic urban spacesA very representative case is that of the Plaza de la Encarnación in Seville, popularly known as Plaza de las Setas, with its large wooden structure that has become an icon of the city.
In this environment, the firm iPlay Urban has designed two unique play areas adapted to the distinctive architecture of Las SetasThe aim has been to create play spaces that fit with the aesthetics of the place and that also have a clearly inclusive approach, so that children with different abilities can enjoy them.
The first area is designed for children between 0 and 6 years old. It includes a rubber hill with slide and tunnelIn addition to various sensory games, these pieces allow toddlers to explore, crawl, climb, and slide in a soft and safe space, while stimulating their senses through textures, colors, and small activities.
The second area is for children aged 6 to 12. A [missing information - likely a specific area or activity] has been installed here. structure of robinia wood logs with colored ropes which form a course of balances. The children must move from one element to another maintaining their balance, holding onto the ropes and coordinating their arms and legs, which promotes the development of gross motor skills and concentration.
At the top of this structure has been placed a inclusive spin cupA rotating element that can be used by children with different abilities. The idea is that the entire set is accessible and playable by as many children as possible, which aligns with iPlay Urban's commitment to the ONCE Foundation to design play areas that promote genuine inclusion.
Continuous rubber flooring stands out for its very careful color treatmentwhich complements the color palette and geometry of the plaza, while introducing shapes and tones that add playful value. In this way, the play area is not only functional, but also visually enriches the urban landscape.
This type of project demonstrates that children's play also has a place in the iconic architecture and in large public spacesIt's not just about putting in swings and slides, but about integrating play into the city's design and making it accessible to children of all ages and abilities.
Mini city-style playgrounds: safety, materials and certifications
Behind many of these parks and playgrounds lies significant technical work in terms of design, materials and safetyModern equipment usually has international certifications that guarantee it meets the requirements for quality, durability and protection for users.
In the case of complex structures for children's playgrounds, it is common to find references to ISO9001, ISO14001 or OHSAS 18001 certified, as well as the GS safety certificate issued by entities such as TUV NORD in accordance with the EN1176 standard, which specifically regulates the safety requirements of children's play equipment.
These games are usually made up of modules with steel posts, net tubes and climbing elementsThe plastic parts are typically made of LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), a resistant material with good outdoor durability and available in a wide variety of colors. The metal structures are usually made of galvanized steel, with typical thicknesses of around 2 mm to ensure their robustness.
The securing cables and clamps, often made of SS304 stainless steel, are designed to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, minimizing maintenance. Many manufacturers also offer customization of materials and finishes according to the client's needs, especially when it comes to unique projects for municipalities or large complexes.
Among the advantages of this equipment, the following stand out: high quality of the plastic usedIt maintains its color and appearance almost like new over time, provided it is properly maintained. Furthermore, certification according to European standards offers added peace of mind to public administrations and families.
Installation times vary depending on the complexity of the project, but a standard structure of this type can be assembled in around three days with a team of five peopleThe safe free fall height is usually between 90 and 240 cm, and many sets are designed for approximate ages of use between 3 and 12 years, with simultaneous capacities of between 10 and 35 children.
These games are usually installed on town halls, campsites, housing estates, municipal swimming pools, hotels and other leisure spacesboth public and private. Typical warranties are around five years for plastic parts, steel posts, metal platforms and ladders, and about three years for the rest of the steel components.
Usage recommendations typically include the periodic inspection of clamps and joints to ensure that the The structure remains firm and secure....as well as adult supervision while children play. However robust the design, supervision remains key to preventing accidents.
Tiny Town: a fantasy city on a child's scale
Another concept closely linked to parks designed as mini-cities is that of Tiny Town, a world on a child's scale where every corner seems to have been taken from a storybookEntering a space like this is almost like traveling to a miniature fantasy universe, where streets crisscross between buildings of very varied styles.
In these fantasy mini-cities, they coexist cozy cabins, imposing castles, bustling supermarkets, and tranquil librariesEach scene is carefully decorated so that children can imagine different stories: from going shopping to defending a magical kingdom or getting lost among shelves full of books.
The key to Tiny Town and similar concepts is the free role-playing gameThe children can choose what they want to play: perhaps today they'd like to be knights, tomorrow shopkeepers, another day librarians, or families strolling through the city. This allows them to explore different facets of their personality and learn to cooperate while creating stories together.
This type of park is also closely linked to the idea of imagining the Cities of the future: friendlier and more collaborativeBy watching other children play, encourage each other, and share spaces, they learn values such as courage, generosity, patience, and respect for common rules, without anyone reciting them to them as a theoretical lesson.
In a way, each little builder or protagonist of symbolic play becomes a kind of hero who helps create a better worldExperience teaches that being part of a strong and positive community begins precisely in childhood, with exciting games and environments that give wings to the imagination.
Locomotion at X-Madrid: movement, psychomotor skills and conscious play
Within the current landscape of children's playgrounds, Locomotion, located in the X-Madrid shopping centreIt's another interesting example that combines fun with thoughtful design and an educational focus, even though it's not a typical mini-city. It's an indoor space that has won over many families with its focus on movement and psychomotor skills.
Its facilities, covering approximately 200 square meters, are notable for their predominant use of wood, LED lighting and a modern, clean designBehind the project is the architecture studio Ubelca, which carried out a detailed analysis of children's motor skills according to their age in order to create games and routes adapted to each stage of development.
Locomotion is divided into two large, distinct areas. The first focuses on babies from 6 months to about 3 years oldThis area includes elements that stimulate early motor development, with small obstacles, ramps, crawling structures, and surfaces that encourage movement throughout the body.
These circuits are designed to encourage young children to roll, crawl, stand up, take their first steps, and improve their balance. Through play, they gain confidence. strengthening coordination and discovering their own physical limitsalways in a controlled environment.
The second area is geared towards children between 4 and 8 yearsHere the challenges become more demanding: climbs, constructions, jumps, or activities that require strength and planning. The idea is that they have to coordinate body and mind to overcome the obstacles they encounter, which encourages them to improve, repeat the circuit, and gradually gain confidence in their abilities.
At any time, parents can accompany your children inside the play areaThis is something many families appreciate. From the age of four, there is also the option for children to remain under the supervision of specialized monitors, a very practical solution if adults want to take the opportunity to shop or relax in the mall.
Locomotion is also presented as a Ideal place to celebrate birthdaysThe little ones enjoy the circuit and play structures, while parents have an area to have a coffee and chat. Prices vary depending on the usage time, with options ranging from half an hour to full days of several hours.
This type of park demonstrates that not all new-generation children's spaces have to be exact replicas of a city. Even so, they share with mini-cities the idea of creating environments designed with great attention to detail, combining play, learning and well-being for children and their families.
This whole set of projects —from Planeta 112 and Bambalu City to the inclusive areas of Las Setas, the fantasy cities like Tiny Town or movement spaces like Locomotion— shows how children's leisure is evolving: Parks become small cities, urban settings, or themed worlds where children not only have fun, but also develop physical, social and emotional skills in safe, creative and increasingly inclusive environments.