8 Kids’ Bedrooms That Bring the Jungle Gym Home

Most of our childhood bedrooms have some level of nostalgia: the counting sheep wallpaper that helped us fall asleep, the hand-painted vintage dresser that housed all our band T-shirts, the bunk beds that hosted too many sleepovers to count. But very few of us had the luxury of a real-life jungle gym in our space.

Lately, designers are taking kid-friendly decor to the next level—literally. Ladders climb up to reading nets, slides serpent down to play areas, and swings hang from the ceiling ready to be climbed upon. In these eight playful bedrooms, childhood fantasies are a reality. They (almost) make us want to be 8 years old again. 

The Bumblebee Room

In this striking black and white (and yellow!) playroom by Chango & Co., two disc swings hang from a vaulted ceiling, emphasizing its height. For contrast, low-slung daybeds line the back wall for ultimate lounging or reading. 

The Minimalist’s Playroom

In this Spanish home designed by Isabel Lopez-Vilalta, the play area is a two-story affair to maximize space. Toys are stored underneath a netted loft complete with a ladder and wooden slide. The warm wood and clean lines give it a surprisingly restrained feel.

The Triplet’s Paradise

High ceilings allowed for not two but three bunk beds in this NYC children’s room, all connected with a bright turquoise ladder. An adjacent climbing wall and monkey bars ensure that the kids get plenty of playtime, while tucked-away bookcases and sconces create the perfect reading nooks.

The Work-Hard, Play-Hard

No, that isn’t a giant hamster wheel tucked below this lofted bed by designer Pippa Lee. It’s a tiny cushioned play space, flanked by a mini desk for homework and a climbing wall to access the second level. It’s a space that any kid would dream of having.

The Not-So-Mellow Yellow

A bright yellow slide dominates this NYC playroom designed by Studio DB. It creatively connects the bedroom to the play area, so the kids can go from one space to the other.

The Neutral Jungle Gym

This little boy’s room by Studio Lifestyle seemingly has it all: a netted loft, a wraparound platform that leads to a twisty slide, and a second full bed that doubles as a reading corner. Even so, the space doesn’t overwhelm thanks to a muted palette of gray, ochre, and black. It’s official: We need to find a time machine to relive our younger years.

The Hidden Monkey Bars

At first glance, this twin bedroom in Sarah Wittenbraker’s Austin home is colorful but classic. However, take a second peek and you’ll notice yellow monkey bars above the beds and a climbing wall around the corner.

The Double-Trouble

Another bedroom by Chango & Co. uses bold, diagonal-striped yellow wallpaper and geometric art as the backdrop for two neon swings in a similar shade, making them blend in instead of breaking the line of sight. They hover over a pink hexagonal rug that designates the play area. 

Discover more kids’ rooms we love: This Little Boy’s Bedroom Casually Has a Two-Story Slide Of a Kind Cofounder Claire Mazur’s Colorful Nursery Is Proof Design Risks Pay Off Christene Barberich’s New Baby’s Nursery Is a Technicolor Dream