How Playground Design Transformed Birdworld into Year-Round Family Destination

Birdworld in Surrey is the UK’s largest bird park. They envisioned a year-round destination where children could experience nature through active play regardless of the weather outside, transforming Birdworld from a seasonal attraction into a place families would return to throughout the year. The plan involved two phases: outdoor play that worked with the woodland environment, followed by an indoor play area that solved weather dependency entirely.

Birdworld needed a partner who could deliver both phases as one transformation. Greenspan handled the complete scope across design, engineering, and installation for the outdoor Treetop Adventure in Phase 1 and the indoor Play Barn in Phase 2.

Inside the Play Barn

The 17,000 sq ft indoor space needed to extend the outdoor woodland experience while functioning year-round. The indoor playground design mirrored the Spriglets, woodland sprite characters who appear in both indoor and outdoor spaces, guiding children through nature-based play.

For older children:

• Bird box-inspired climbing structures
• Central net course mirroring the outdoor play area
• Rope bridges, slides, and secret hideaways
• Interactive learning stations and a large bounce net

For toddlers, four themed birdhouses teach through play:

• Peckin’ Nook (Woodpecker): Musical drums and xylophones mimicking communication
• Moon Nest (Owl): Calm sensory space with puzzles
• Paradise Perch (Flamingo): Balance activities encouraging cooperation
• Rainbow Retreat (Parrot): Color and texture matching

Tunnels wind through the space with musical elements built into the walls, creating pathways for exploration. Soft play areas provide safe spaces for the youngest visitors. Step-free access and wheelchair-friendly routes ensure everyone can navigate comfortably.

Building a Year-Round Revenue Model

Before this redevelopment, Birdworld operated seasonally with revenue concentrated in summer. The custom playground solutions in both outdoor and indoor spaces changed that model. They’re what keep families on site longer, which drives spending across the venue. Families spending hours instead of quick visits means café sales during meal times, party bookings throughout the year, and deeper engagement with conservation exhibits.

Creating Destinations Through Integrated Play

The Play Barn opened in December 2025, completing Birdworld’s transformation. As Matt Hill, Director of Birdworld, envisioned: a place where children of all ages can explore, learn, and play with nature, whatever the weather.

For wildlife parks, zoos, and leisure venues facing seasonal challenges, play areas can drive consistent attendance and support your core operation. But success requires playground companies that deliver the complete vision from design to build, theming that connects to your identity, and indoor-outdoor solutions that work across weather conditions.