Sensory Gardens
A sensory garden is a designed outdoor space that gently stimulates sight, sound, touch, smell and movement, turning planting, texture and colour into a calming place to explore.
View sensory gardens
Musical Play
Outdoor Musical Play Equipment
Outdoor musical play equipment is robust tuned instruments for the playground, from chimes and drums to tubular bells, letting any child make music that sounds good with no skill needed.
What it is
Outdoor Musical Play Equipment
Outdoor musical play equipment is a family of weatherproof instruments made for the playground: chimes, drums, tongue drums, tubular bells and xylophones. They are typically tuned to a shared scale, so almost any combination of notes children play sounds tuneful rather than jarring.
For schools and SEN settings this is inclusion made simple. No musical ability is needed to take part, so every child can join in and succeed, building listening, turn-taking, self-expression and confidence in a way that feels like play, not a lesson.
- Chimes, drums & tubular bells
- Tuned so it always sounds good
- No musical skill needed
- Inclusive for every child
- Builds listening & turn-taking
- Weatherproof & low maintenance
Set it within a sensory garden or pair it with sand and water play, or see all sensory play.
Good to know
Building an outdoor music area
A good music zone mixes instrument types so children experience different sounds and actions: something to strike like a drum or xylophone, something resonant like chimes or tubular bells, and a tongue drum for gentler tones. Choosing instruments tuned to the same scale means group play always sounds harmonious, however many children join in at once.
Site it a little apart from quiet areas so the sound is welcome rather than intrusive, on any firm, accessible surface. Musical play works brilliantly within a wider sensory garden, adding sound to sight, touch and smell for a fuller sensory experience.
Why Commercial Play
The benefits at a glance
Instant success
Tuned instruments sound good straight away, so every child makes music and feels it work.
Expression and confidence
Making sound and rhythm gives children a voice and a real sense of achievement.
Listen and take turns
Playing together builds listening, turn-taking and simple call-and-response between children.
Built for outdoors
Weatherproof and low maintenance, the instruments stay tuneful through years of daily play.
FAQs
Musical Play: common questions
Do children need musical ability to use it?
No, and that is the point. Outdoor instruments are usually tuned so any combination of notes sounds pleasant, meaning every child can play and succeed regardless of skill. It removes the barrier of getting it wrong and makes music genuinely inclusive.
Is outdoor musical play good for SEN pupils?
Yes. Music engages children who find words or busy play difficult, offering a calming, non-verbal way to express themselves and connect with others. The instant, rewarding sound suits a wide range of sensory and communication needs.
Will the instruments annoy nearby classrooms?
They need not. We recommend siting the music area away from quiet spaces and windows, and many instruments produce mellow, resonant tones rather than harsh noise. Thoughtful placement keeps the sound a welcome part of the playground.
Do outdoor instruments stay in tune and last?
Yes. Quality outdoor instruments are built from weatherproof materials designed to hold their tuning and withstand the British climate for many years. They are low maintenance, needing only occasional checks and cleaning to keep them sounding their best.
The rest of the range
More sensory play options
Part of our full sensory play range — explore the other surfaces below.
Sand & Water Play
Outdoor sand and water play lets children pour, dam, dig and channel at height-adjustable stations, turning simple materials into hands-on early science, language and cooperative play.
View sand & water play
Planters & Growing Areas
Outdoor planters and growing areas are raised beds and growing zones where children sow, tend and harvest their own plants, turning the playground into a hands-on outdoor classroom.
View planters & growing areasThinking about musical play?
Book a free site visit and we'll measure up, recommend the right surface and send a clear, fixed quote.