Explore Nature of Early Play's durable, outdoor, natural playground equipment!

What is Nature of Early Play?

We keep both child development and environmental impact in balance in design and manufacturing.

Nature of Early Play is a full collection of commercial grade early childhood outdoor play and learning products that reconnect children (infant through age five) with the outdoor world through interactions with dirt, sand, water, animals, music, and plants. All our products are made from heavy-duty recycled materials that will withstand all weather conditions for MANY years! Our products are all designed for use in commercial settings such as Child Development Centers, commercial Day Care, university and corporate child care providers.

Play Mart Playgrounds

The Nature of Early Play line of products is brought to you by Play Mart, Inc. We also have a line of playground equipment designed for children ages 5+ under our Play Mart brand. Visit Play Mart to see products made for the older kids.

We've been creating environmentally conscious play spaces since 1980. Let us design a playground for you!

Reduced Lead Times for All Products!

We have reduced overall lead times by two weeks! Beat the summer rush and get your products sooner. Learn more.

Announcing Our New QUICK SHIP Program!

For a limited time, some of our most popular products are available to ship within 2 weeks!

Playgrounds from Recycled Milk Jugs

Recycled

Our products are made from our exclusive Recycled Structural Plastic (RSP™). We even recycle our own manufacturing scraps again to create more material!

Custom Playground Design

Custom Site Design

Each customer’s playground site is designed in-house placing each product with appropriate spacing for safety zones and age groups. We even provide full site renderings so you see the equipment as it will look in “real life”.

Age Appropriate Playgrounds

Age-Appropriate

Play equipment designed for Infants (6 months-23 months), Toddlers (18 to 36 months), and Preschoolers (2-5 years)—anthropomorphically and developmentally.

Durable Heavy Duty Playground Equipment

Safe & Durable Playground Equipment

Heavy-duty, commercial-quality, outdoor materials will withstand extreme weather for many years. Stainless Steel hardware, attachment plates, and welds. UV-resistant color additives in all plastic materials. Vandalism can be cleaned or repaired on most components easily.

Stimulating Play for Children

Stimulating Play

Physically, socially, mentally and sensorially challenging products that encourage whole-person growth, and interaction between children of varying abilities.

Playgrounds Made in USA

Made in USA

We manufacture all our products in our facility in rural USA. Each item is hand-crafted by skilled men and women. High-tech machinery assists with creating parts. We even source the majority of our materials and components in the USA.

The Latest News & Articles from Nature of Early Play

Carole Robertson Center Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Infant-Toddler Playground

June 14, 2022

Carole Robertson Center Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Infant-Toddler Playground Donated to North Lawndale Site by Play Mart June 13, 2022 – Chicago, IL – The youngest learners in North Lawndale have access to state-of-the-art playground experiences, thanks to equipment…

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Cover Nature of Early Play 2022 Catalog

New Nature of Early Play 2022 Catalog Released!

February 15, 2022

We are proud to release our “hot off the press” 2022 Nature of Early Play catalog! View the catalog online and download it as a PDF. New products include our unique Canoe, EV Charging Stations, Mud Kitchens, and a full…

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Happy National STEAM Day!

November 8, 2021

Hooray for STEM/STEAM learning! National STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) happens on November 8th and serves to help promote children’s learning in the arts and sciences. It just so happens that is right up our alley so to…

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Nature of Early Play at NAEYC

Visit Us at NAEYC!

November 2, 2021

Nature of Early Play will be participating as an exhibitor during the National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference from November 6-9, 2021. Even though the conference is virtual this year, be sure to stop by our…

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