“Little Explorers“
Adventure Murals
January 2026
This small mural series was created for the “Little Explorers” Adventure playground, a new public play space opening in early spring.
I enjoyed working in a brighter, more whimsical direction than my usual realistic pieces; each mural was designed to match the theme of the room it decorates and to invite children into playful storytelling.
The Murals
My Town
As you enter the playzone, you’re greeted by the jovial “My Town” mural, inspired by the interactive digital game.
Smiling clouds drift above rolling hills dotted with bright, cheerful flowers. A bakery and ice cream parlor sit side by side, painted in warm, inviting tones to suggest places of comfort and fun.
The composition is meant to feel familiar and sociable, encouraging imaginative role play and welcoming families as they step into the playroom.
The Barn
The barn mural brings a friendly farm scene to life with a classic red barn, a smiling sun, and a parade of happy animals. A content cow, fluffy sheep, a curious goat, waddling ducks, and a pig splashing in a mud bath create a lively environment for little ones who love animals. The palette and simplified forms are playful and literal, designed to be instantly readable and engaging for young children.
Dinosaur Park
The largest mural decorates the wall of the dinosaur park. Different dinosaurs—gentle and smiling—stand in front of rolling green hills, a blue lake, and majestic mountains beneath a soft pink sky. Scale and placement were used to give the scene depth while keeping each creature approachable and friendly. This mural aims to spark curiosity about prehistoric life while remaining comforting rather than intimidating.
These three murals were a pleasure to paint because they allowed me to experiment with a more stylized, child-centered aesthetic. Each scene is intended to be bright, accessible, and durable for a busy public space—inviting exploration, play, and delight for the youngest visitors.
I hope you enjoyed the photos and the story.
If you have small kids, stay tuned for the opening of the Little Explorers Adventure Playground in Dublin, PA, in early March. It’s designed for ages 2–7 with accessible play features, safe surfacing, and a variety of sensory and motor-skill activities.