Every school knows how important it is for children to have safe, fun spaces to play. Whether it is new climbing frames, swings, or other playground equipment, these improvements can be costly. The good news is that your PTA can raise money with simple, enjoyable events that get children and families involved. Here are five playground-inspired fundraising ideas that are easy to organise and perfect for the school community.
Sponsored Playground Circuit
Set up a playground circuit where children complete a series of fun activities such as climbing, skipping, hopping, or balancing. Ask parents and family friends to sponsor their child for a small amount, for example one pound per circuit completed. You can time each circuit or let children complete as many as they can safely. It is active, fun, and encourages children to challenge themselves while raising money for new playground equipment.
Mini Sports or Fitness Challenge for House Points
Host a simple sports or fitness challenge in the playground, like relay races, hopscotch competitions, skipping contests, or timed balance exercises. Children can pay a small entry fee to participate, for example one pound. Add an extra layer of excitement by linking it to house points or class competitions. This encourages friendly competition, keeps children engaged, and helps raise money for playground improvements.
Sponsored Play Day
Choose a day where children can participate in extra playtime activities, such as swing challenges, obstacle courses, or playground games. Parents can sponsor their child to take part for a set amount, such as one to two pounds. Offer small prizes or certificates for completing activities to make it feel like a real event. This is a low-prep, high-fun idea that brings everyone together.
“Sponsor a Bench or Piece of Equipment”
Invite parents, local businesses, and alumni to sponsor a specific playground item, such as a bench, climbing frame, or slide. Donors can have their name displayed on a plaque or mentioned in a school newsletter. This approach allows the community to feel directly involved in improving the school’s playground while raising a meaningful amount of funds.
Playground Challenge Week
Organise a week of small, pay-per-child playground challenges. Each day could feature a different activity, like longest jump, fastest swing, or most spins on the roundabout. Children can pay one pound per challenge or a small fee to participate in all activities for the week. Offer small prizes or recognition for participants to make it fun. This spreads the fundraising across several days and keeps excitement high.
Tips to Make Fundraising Easy and Successful
Keep it simple. Focus on fun, quick activities that do not need complicated planning.
Encourage small donations. Even one pound per child can add up quickly when the whole school takes part.
Celebrate participants. Certificates, stickers, or shoutouts in newsletters make children feel proud while encouraging more families to join.
Combine ideas. For example, you could run a playground circuit and a mini fitness challenge on the same day to boost fundraising.
With these simple and playful ideas, your PTA can make a big difference to the school playground. Children will have more fun, parents will get involved, and your community will feel proud to support new equipment that benefits everyone.
