Play Everywhere Project, Sensory Garden

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Ronald McDonald House Charities

Music-Inspired Play Space Provides Restorative Environment

Play Everywhere Project, Sensory Garden

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Ronald McDonald House Charities

Philadelphia, PA

Approximately 3,500 SF

The Opportunity

KSS transformed an underutilized lawn at Ronald McDonald House Charities at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children into an inclusive playful learning environment where children, caregivers, and staff can pause, explore, and connect. Designed as part of the Play Everywhere Philly initiative, the garden blends accessible design, music, nature, and interactive play to create an environment that supports sensory engagement, discovery, and well-being for children and families of all abilities.

Our Approach

The design was informed through focus groups with families, many of whom were caring for children receiving orthopedic or neurological treatment and navigating the campus using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. These conversations reinforced the importance of sensory design as a foundation for inclusion—creating an environment where auditory, tactile, visual, and movement-based experiences empower every child to participate, build confidence and independence, and connect with others in ways that reflect their unique abilities and needs.

Rooted in the idea that learning can happen anywhere, the design integrates musical instruments, tactile play elements, bilingual prompts, nature-inspired pathways, interactive seating, and playful graphics into a cohesive landscape that encourages curiosity, communication, and caregiver-child interaction. Every element is designed to engage multiple senses while promoting creativity, movement, problem-solving, social connection, and joyful discovery in a safe, universally accessible setting. More than an outdoor play environment, the Sensory Garden creates a restorative destination where play, learning, and healing come together, providing moments of comfort, exploration, and independence throughout each family's healthcare journey.