st vincent gardens, albert park
Mamma LOVES this gorgeous old park in the middle of Albert Park
Mamma LOVES this gorgeous old park in the middle of Albert Park - so quiet and peaceful during the week and great for a weekend gathering with friends. The gardens have been around for over 150 years and are divine. The whole park is is registered with the National Trust of Australia and is also on on the Victorian Heritage register for its "aesthetic, historical, architectural and social significance to the State of Victoria"! With plenty of open spaces to run around there is also lots of spots to sit under the dappled light of the amazing old trees. The playgrounds at the St Vincent Street end have great equipment to spend a good amount of time here and keep the kiddies interested. The park is separated by Montague Street but Mamma says this 'West side' is the ideal spot to be (the other side has the bowling club).
Mamma's special mention: Mamma says head to South Melbourne Market a few streets away to grab some dinner for later or grab some hot chips for lunch from the famous Andrews Hamburgers just around the corner.
the nitty gritty
public toilets - dog friendly park on leash only - tree shade - free park around the park - water fountains - picnic tables
caulfield park, caulfield north
This place is so big there are three different playgrounds to explore! Caulfield Park is Nanna's favourite place to take a stroll on a sunny afternoon and she is always delighted to have a little munchkin to share it with! Mamma loves both playgrounds.
This place is so big there are three different playgrounds to explore! Caulfield Park is Nanna's favourite place to take a stroll on a sunny afternoon and she is always delighted to have a little munchkin to share it with!
Mamma loves all playgrounds. The first - closest to Inkerman Road - is great for toddlers and preschoolers. A splash of colour over all the attractions and low inclines for crawling or beginning walkers. The car was a huge hit and Uncle Jack got to be bub's unwilling passenger - Mamma is thinking she could do with some lessons! The second playground - closest to Balaclava Road and the duck pond - is very cool with sensory play and big bugs everywhere! This second space would be more suited to your older adventurers with climbing towers, swings and spinners. Oh and after you have played, make sure you talk a walk around the pond to visit the ducks.
the nitty gritty
Corner Hawthorn Road & Balaclava Road, Caulfield North
public toilets - shade sail - dog friendly park - bbqs - ovals - pond area
Mamma's special mention: There are three playgrounds here! Check out the Alphabet Sensory Playground here too
plum garland memorial playground, albert park
Mamma loves a beach playground especially one that has some awesome water play!
Mamma loves a beach playground and this one can't get much closer to the bright blue water of the bay. With hidey holes and climbing ropes, swings and slides and swirly things amongst the gorgeous beachy greenery - you'll feel a bit like you're on holidays! The park is fenced so no one can make a fast escape, and just look at those lounges looking out onto the water...devine.
Mamma's special mention: The South Melbourne Life Saving Club is about 100 meters away and it's cafe Dollies serves wraps, toasties, hot dogs, drinks etc. if you feel like a spot of lunch and it also has the closest public toilets. If you want to continue playing - Play Central is only 5 minutes away!
the nitty gritty
fenced - shade - toilets nearby - food nearby
maritime cove community park, port melbourne
Mamma LOVES this fabulous marine-themed community park, with soft sand, heaps to climb slide and play on!
This fabulous marine-themed community park opened early 2017 -and you know how Mamma likes a good THEMED park....
Situated in the most picturesque place beside Port Melbourne's glistening bay and with views of the Webb Dock, the city, and plenty of boat watching - kids will adore it too.
It's well suited for all ages as there are boundless things to play with, most being old marine equipment.
For the older kids, there are rope bridges and rope climbing equipment, old bright-yellow steel buoys to rock-climb, old channel markers that make excellent climbing towers, and a wooden tower with a huge spiraling silver slide as the only way down.
For the younger ones there are see-saw boats, metal shovels and tunnels for sand play, smaller wobbly bridges, a musical area with a bell they can ring, and two water play areas - perfect for the warmer weather.
Not to mention the whole park is covered in soft sand!
On either end of the park there are replica shipping containers with bench seats, which offer a shaded area to rest.
If you don't get enough exercise chasing the kids around, there is also an exercise area complete with work-out equipment (active wear VERY optional! ha). This is one unique park that you will want to visit again!
Mamma's special mention: make sure you remember to slip, slop, slap in the summer - as there isn't much shade. Bring a change of clothes in the warmer weather, as the kids wont be able to resist the water play areas!
the nitty gritty
Located at Sandridge Beach, Perce White Reserve,
Limited free parking - not much shade
catani gardens, st kilda
This gem is a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of busy streets of St Kilda - oh and did Mamma mention - there's Pony Rides??
In the palm tree lined heart of St Kilda, lies the stunning Catani Gardens.
It's a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of busy streets.
Perched beside the iconic St Kilda beach, you will find sprawling green gardens, home to an abundance of large leafy trees, a rotunda, picnic tables - and even a sandy-bottom playground.
This Mamma has a special spot in heart for this beauty. As a kid, my Grandparents would bring us here once a month on a Sunday to go on Pony rides - so many beautiful memories made.
Unbelievably - these pony rides are STILL happening here every Sunday!
Mamma's special mention
Why not make it a Sunday Funday and have a picnic here after having a morning stroll at the fabulous St Kilda Esplanade Market?
the nitty gritty
Toilet facilities
Some shaded area
Paid parking
Wheelchair accessible
Beachside
