The Sound of Inclusion: How Music Transforms Outdoor Playgrounds for All Children

Introduction

By Petra Kern, PhD, MT-BC, MTA, DMtG

For generations, playgrounds have been joyful spaces where children run, laugh, and grow. Outdoor play is essential to young children’s development—supporting motor skills, emotional regulation, social learning, and creativity. Yet for some children—especially those with disabilities—these same spaces can feel overwhelming or even inaccessible. That’s why we must rethink what inclusive playgrounds look—and sound—like.

The Role of Music in Inclusive Outdoor Play

My research at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill focused on how music can be integrated into playgrounds to support the participation of young children with autism and visual impairments.

Across several studies (Kern & Wolery, 2001; 2002; Kern & Aldridge, 2006), we found that musical features—especially when embedded into outdoor play routines—can increase engagement, foster peer interaction, and encourage independence.

Real-World Examples of Music’s Impact

In one study, we added a sound-making pathway and outdoor musical instruments to a preschool playground. A child with visual impairments used these auditory cues to navigate the space with greater confidence and independence.

In another project, we observed that young children with autism were more likely to participate in interactive group play when musical instruments and music-mediated interventions were part of the outdoor environment.

We also discovered that adult involvement is crucial. When caregivers and early childhood educators were trained to use musical tools and mediate interventions, children with diverse needs engaged more meaningfully with both the outdoor instruments and their peers.

Music became a bridge—not only between children and their environment, but also among the children themselves. These changes did not just benefit those with disabilities—they enriched the play experience for all children.

Why Inclusive Playgrounds Matter

Inclusion is not just about physical access—it’s about participation, joy, and a sense of belonging. When we embed instruments and music-making intentionally into playgrounds, we create new opportunities for children to connect, communicate, and explore together. Music invites everyone in and sends a powerful message:

A Growing Movement Toward Musical Playgrounds

Over the years, it has been rewarding to see the ideas from my early research inspire the development of musical playgrounds around the world.

Companies like Percussion Play have embraced this vision, designing outdoor musical instruments that are accessible, durable, and inviting for children of all abilities. Their work brings inclusive environments to life—spaces where music, movement, and connection happen naturally.

About the Author

Dr. Petra Kern is a board-certified music therapist, researcher, and international consultant specializing in early childhood, inclusion, and autism.

A former researcher at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill, she has published extensively on using music to support children with disabilities in natural environments.

Dr. Kern is a former President of the World Federation of Music Therapy and currently serves as Editor of the early childhood multimedia e-journal, imagine.

Learn more at www.musictherapy.biz</a| Contact Petra

References

• Kern, P., & Wolery, M. (2002). The Sound Path: Adding music to a childcare playground. Young Exceptional Children, 5(3), 12–20.
• Kern, P., & Wolery, M. (2001). Participation of a preschooler with visual impairments on the playground: Effects of musical adaptations and staff development. Journal of Music Therapy, 38(2), 149–164.
• Kern, P., & Aldridge, D. (2006). Using embedded music therapy interventions to support outdoor play of young children with autism in an inclusive community-based childcare program. Journal of Music Therapy, 43(4), 270–294.