east seaford reserve, seaford
The East Seaford Reserve playspace has recently been upgraded and now offers a great little play area - especially for the littler kids with the main play structures aimed for junior adventurers!
Mamma loves a fresh local playground, especially one that has toilets!
The East Seaford Reserve playground has recently been upgraded and now offers a great little play area - especially for the littler kids with the main play structures aimed for junior adventurers!
There’s a great mix of bright colour, blended through with natural wooden elements from the climbing logs, little wooden bench seats and balancing beams.
There’s loads here to keep little hands and legs busy with things to climb, slide, balance, swing and explore. The main structure features multiple slides, small climbing walls, musical instruments, and plenty of tunnels.
There’s also a square climbing frame, see-saw, spinning wheel and nest swing.
There are some seats under the shade of some leafy trees, but most of the equipment isn’t under shade - so slip, slop and slap!
Mamma's special mentions: Head down the road and try arguably the tastiest gelato in the south at Gelato Unou!
carrum foreshore playground, carrum
This gorgeous, seaside playground, with a marine-theme is a perfect all-year-round winner!
This gorgeous marine-themed seaside playground, is a perfect all-year-round winner!
Perfect for the summer days spent at the beach; and for those colder winter months, the vibrant decor is sure to brighten up a dreary day!
Here you'll find a lighthouse with telescope, rock-maze, rocking-boat, swings, slides and as the ground is all sand - one GIANT sand pit!
With bbq facilities available at the playground, a cafe a stones throw away and the beach right next door, what more could you ask for?
the nitty gritty
Old Post Office Lane, Carrum 3197
partially fenced - toilets - BBQ facilities - drinking fountain - picnic tables - partially shaded - paid parking
Mamma's special mention
Mamma says you have to visit The beach bar Carrum - perfect for the kids with a a kids corner!
aughtie drive adventure playground, albert park
There just seems to be no end at all to the wooden platforms, turret, bridges, and cubby holes of this intricate adventure playground.
There just seems to be no end at all to the wooden platforms, turret, bridges, and cubby holes of this intricate adventure playground.
The fun here is also endless, with slides, swings, lots of grassy picnic spots, BBQ and nice city views - it'd make a great place for a family gathering. This is a fave for Mamma and the crew on a windy or cold day as it is protected from the elements, there are also good sails to provide sun shelter too.
There is plenty for the BIG kids here and most toddlers will enjoy clambering on the lower parts of the playground - this place is a real marvel and we love it.
Mamma's special mentions: Once the kids have had enough of playing, head to Bayside Social for some food.
officer district adventure playground, officer
Words cannot describe the scale of this incredible park here. Mamma has never seen play equipment like this before!
Words cannot describe the scale of this incredible park here. Mamma has never seen play equipment like this before!
Let’s start with THOSE slides! Dozens of spongy multi-coloured steps lead you up an astounding hillside, where two HUGE 20m long, twisty slides are waiting for you to slide on down! You’ll definitely get your step count up here! (Note - you do need to be 1.2m to go down the slide).
Spread over multiple levels you will also find:
A parkour zone
A water pump area
A vehicle themed toddler playground
A zip line
Adventure zone with equipment for older kids
Multiple Swing sets
An off leash dog area
An amazing look out spot
Wetlands Area
There is 10 spectacular hectares to enjoy and Mamma says that the equipment here is unlike anything you have seen before!
There’s a giant orange climbing dome full of rope nets, rocking chairs and hidey holes to explore.
Just next to the dome is a giant log swing and adventure equipment including what Mamma can only describe as a ‘human metronome’! You stand on the the pole and grab hold of the handles, and it tips you forward on to the next climbing structure.. be warned - you will need your bravery jacket on for this one!
This is definitely a destination playground and one you will NEED to spend hours at and come back to many times to explore everything properly!
the nitty gritty
Lansell Avenue
Officer, 3809
undercover BBQ facilities - parking - toilets - picnic tables - limited playground shade - water play
Mamma’s special mention
Goody Two Shoes is a nice little spot for a tasty treat before or after a play here!
dablam street playground, clyde north
Dablam Street Playground in Clyde North, is a fresh playground with something the whole family will enjoy - even the furry ones!
Stage 32 District Park
Here’s a fresh playground with something the whole family will enjoy - even the furry ones!
This park spreads out over 2.5 hectares and features a full size basketball/sports court, pump track, grassy area for ball sports plus a playground boasting two HUGE slides, high rope net climbs, swings, rocking emu, seesaw and a teepee.
There’s a path criss-crossing around the playground, so if the little ones aren’t too keen on the pump track, they can scoot around the path instead.
There are multiple undercover picnic tables, BBQs and toilets - so it is the perfect spot to bring a picnic and enjoy the day.
There is also an adjoining fenced off-leash dog park so the doggos don’t miss out on the fun either!
the nitty gritty
Cnr Portobello Bvd and Dablam Street, Clyde North 3978
undercover BBQ facilities - limited street parking - toilets - picnic tables - pump track - full basketball court - limited playground shade - fenced off leash dog park
Mamma’s special mention
There are SO many playgrounds in Clyde - Check out all of the CLYDE PLAYGROUNDS here
ballam park, frankston
What could be better than one adventure packed park? Two of them, of course!
What could be better than one adventure packed park? How about a huge park that is home to three different playgrounds?!
If you haven't been to Ballam Park before, you are seriously missing out! Especially now, as it has recently undergone an upgrade!
The park consists of three separate play areas at opposite ends of the park.
On the Western side you will find the adventure park - perfect for the older kids.
There's a skate park- packed with small hills and bumps, climbing wall, parkour area, basketball court, in-ground mini trampolines, zip-line - and all the usual suspects like swings, tunnels and the widest slide you have ever seen!
On the Eastern side is the new nature reserve play space. With a separate undercover shelter and BBQ, offering climbing ropes and nets, sculptures and balancing poles, it is a great space for kids who may be a bit overstimulated at the other area.
And then there’s the Water Play Park! There are dozens of water fountains that rotate in height and strength, ensuring that kids of all ages can enjoy running through - or simply standing -underneath the streams of water.
This is one park you will want to stay at for hours!
the nitty gritty
260R Cranbourne Rd,
Frankston
BBQ facilities
toilets - mostly fenced in
picnic tables - some under cover
- free parking
- basketball court
- climbing wall
mamma’s special mention: While you’re here - check out the WATER PLAY PARK too!
whistlestop reserve playground, frankston
Choo-choo! That’s the sound of a new upgraded playground coming through! Mamma LOVES an upgraded playground- especially when it is as cute as the new Whistlestop Reserve Playground in Frankston!
Choo-choo! That’s the sound of a new upgraded playground coming through! Mamma LOVES an upgraded playground - especially when it is as cute as the new Whistlestop Reserve Playground in Frankston!
Back in the 60s, this reserve used to be the home to an amusement park! Yep, right here in Frankston you could have a ride on a train, go karts, merry go round, chairlift, there was even pedal boats on a large lake with an island!
So here they have given a nod the reserve’s history, with the main attraction being the wobbly Whistlestop replica train carriage! Jump on board - quite literally as you will rock side to side in the carriage or walk along the suspension bridge to sit in the back. Mamma’s little one couldn’t get enough of the wobbly fun!
There’s also a great play structure showcasing multiple slides, a play shop, stepping beams, monkey bar and multiple swings.
With smooth paths weaving around the play equipment, it’s perfect for little bikes and scooters. Bring your basketball and enjoy the half court or a soccer ball to make use of the huge grassy space and, of course, bring a picnic to eat under the shade of one of those beautiful trees - or cook a snag on the BBQ!
There are still plans to upgrade this reserve even further over the next few months; including historical artwork, more concrete paths and landscaping.
It’s a great little playground - especially for the train lovers!
the nitty gritty
16 Dalpura Circuit, Frankston 3199
BBQ - basketball court - shaded play - undercover picnic table - no toilets
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the fun times rolling and head down the road to McClelland Sculpture Park
monterey community playground, frankston north
Monterey Community playground in Frankston North has a basketball court, a BBQ and shaded picnic tables, some quirky animal statues AND a toilet - the perfect recipe for a fun day of play!
Playgrounds don’t have to be all shiny and new in order for some good old fashioned play time! You just need some fun equipment including climbing structures, slides, swings - some large open grassy space, and some shaded picnic tables to have a good time!
Monterey Community playground in Frankston North has all of this - PLUS throw in a basketball court, a BBQ, some quirky animal statues AND a toilet - and you have the perfect recipe for a fun day of play!
The colourful equipment might not be the newest on the block, but the little ones will still love climbing through tunnels, playing shops, sliding down multiple slides and begging to be pushed some more on the swingset!
Mamma’s crew particularly love the wide open space to kick the footy and roll down hills and the basketball court too! Don’t forget your scooter or skateboard to do some tricks on the skate ramps! Bring a picnic lunch, a ball or two and you have the fun times sorted!
the nitty gritty
14N Monterey Blvd, Frankston North, 3200
BBQ- picnic tables - basketball court - toilets - drinking fountain - skate park
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a meal down the road at Dainton Brewery Taphouse
auburn grove playground, botanic ridge
This gorgeous little play space is just perfect for imaginations to run wild, and a haven for kids who get overstimulated at the larger playgrounds.
This gorgeous little play space is just perfect for imaginations to run wild, and a haven for kids who get overstimulated at the larger playgrounds.
Mamma’s Little Miss thinks the playground is based from the perspective of an ant, as you wander amongst giant toadstools, try to climb up mushrooms, cuddle frogs, walk along caterpillars and hide in acorn cubbies!
Whilst there aren’t any swings or slides here, kids will still enjoy trying to balance on beams, climb up rock poles and use their imaginations in some nature play.
the nitty gritty
4 Auburn Grove, Botanic Ridge 3977
nature play elements - no toilets - some street parking
Mamma's special mention:
After a play head to Vue Bar and Restaurant for a yummy meal!
sandfield reserve, carrum downs
Here’s a reserve with everything! Huge multi-court, skate park, parkour and TWO fully FENCED playgrounds!
Here’s a great reserve that has something the whole family will enjoy!
Sandfield Reserve in Carrum Downs is a brand new colourful youth space, that boasts a full size multi sports court- basketball, netball, there’s even cricket stumps painted on the rebound wall which also doubles as a rock-climbing wall, a parkour area and an updated skate park. Not to mention great wall art as well!
And for the littlies, just off from the court area, there are twoTWO separate FENCED playgrounds! Both offer plenty to keep the little ones climbing, swinging, sliding and flying! One has smaller slides and play equipment for the littler ones.
Even the fur babies are covered here, with a fenced dog park complete with obedience training equipment and a time-out area for overstimulated pups!
There’s also heaps of grass area to kick a footy or set up a picnic. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours with the family - except there are no toilets - so make sure you factor that into your play!
the nitty gritty
Sandfield Reserve, 49R Sandfield Dr, Carrum Downs, 3201
basketball court - rock climbing wall - fully fenced playgrounds - skate park - some shaded seats - free street parking
Mamma's special mention:
After all that play you will need to refuel at the nearby family friendly Dainton Brewery Taphouse
rosebud jetty foreshore playspace, rosebud
This little gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already!
This little hidden gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already! Tucked in beside the jetty and amongst the bushes, you might not even notice it as you drive past - so keep your eyes open!
Here there are three great slides - one steep and FAST, with the most amazing view, and two smaller slides. The slides might be stainless steel, but being brushed they aren’t too hot, however, still best to time a morning play for this one in summer.
There’s also a flying fox, swings, round about, plenty of nature play and a spectacular view of the water!
There are lots of ways to climb to the top of the steep hills - ropes, ant hills and stairs plus there are heaps of natural elements around the space as well- tree stump balancing trails, pebbles and spaces for a bush cubbies too.
There’s a bike path running parallel with the water, shaded picnic tables, toilets and, of course, Rosebud Pier is right there, too!
the nitty gritty
public toilets - beach nearby - BBQs- picnic shelters - water fountain - some shade - small carpark
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Just up the road you can get some spectacular bagels from NYC Bagels.
cardinia community playground, pakenham
Mamma LOVES this AMAZING community playground!
Mamma LOVES this community playground! The Cardinia Community Playground in Pakenham, (also known as PB Ronald Reserve) is based on a classic wooden framed play space with heaps of twists and turns and things to climb over.
A giant semi-trailer and wooden castle stand tall. Just not quite as tall as the MASSIVE triple slide tower! This epic slide is one of the tallest we have seen and it has been confirmed by a pint sized park-tester, one of the fastest as well!
When you think it couldn’t get any better, there’s also a junior playground shaped as a boat with shade sails, inbuilt trampolines, and possibly the coolest traffic playground around. The simple track is ideal for preschoolers learning about the left and right sides of the road. Alongside the trail is your community buildings too. Mamma can see plenty of imaginary play at the shops, the bank and at the ice-cream van!
the nitty gritty
PB Reserve,
John Street, Pakenham
shade sails - partially fenced - playing fields nearby - library near by - skate park - BBQs - sheltered picnic areas - drinking fountain - toilets - outdoor swimming pool next door
Mamma’s special mention: Keep the fun times going and head to the family friendly Drop Bear Escape Rooms
phoenix park, malvern
Surrounded by beautiful large trees and with so much to do, it’s a place you can play the day away.
Mamma LOVES this beautiful wooden playground!
Phoenix Park in Malvern is surrounded by stunning large trees and with so much to do, it’s a place you can play the day away.
Not only is there a mostly fenced in wooden fortress playground; complete with multiple swings of different varieties, slides, steering wheels, musical charms, and cute little paintings spread throughout - there’s also a library, community centre AND a cafe!
Oh and a HEAP of open grassy space with skate ramps, too!
This place has such a warm community feel to it, and that may be due to all the hard work the many volunteers put into making this park so great. Each fence paling has the name of families who helped in the production, which is a lovely local touch.
So pack a picnic, bring a BBQ or dine in at the cafe and settle in for a day of play!
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - BBQ facilities - free parking- toilet facilities - skate ramp - cafe on site - library onsite
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry or need a drink break? Lucky there is Phoenix Park Cafe onsite!
edithvale recreation reserve, edithvale
The colourful Edithvale Recreation Reserve Playground is a little shot of happiness in suburbia.
The colourful Edithvale Recreation Reserve Playground is a little shot of happiness in suburbia.
There’s plenty there to entertain a variety of ages. The heart of the playground is its large wooden structure with multiple slides, rock climbing wall and double story rope nets. There’s also a seesaw, swings, spinning cup and a cute sandpit complete with digger and toadstools that keeps Mamma’s two very happy the entire time.
Families can enjoy the undercover BBQ facilities just next to the playground, but it is worth noting that the bathrooms are all the way on the other side of the reserve, so mamma recommends planning toilet breaks in advance.
the nitty gritty
The nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - off street parking - toilets far away
Mamma’s special mention: Treat the family to some ice team down at Sunset Scoops afterwards!
mentone racecourse reserve, mentone
This incredible reserve has a lake, zip-liner, basketball court, maze, swings, sandpit, diggers and more!!
Get on your horse - you will want to race to this park!
Mamma ADORES this stunning reserve, nestled away amongst suburban streets - you may not even realise it exists!
It is a huge reserve with a duck/fish/eel filled lake in the middle. Two little bridges take you across it, with two separate play grounds on either side.
The reserve is set on the site of the old Mentone Racecourse, and carries a horse theme throughout.
There are ride-on rocking horses, horse-jumps, a wooden maze and horses painted on the play equipment.
The play equipment is amazing; a zip-liner, basketball court, soccer/AFL goals, merry-go-round, nest swing, maze, slides, climbing net, swings, viewing platform with binoculars, sandpit, diggers, - it goes on..
Plus there are BBQ facilities and picnic tables under shade, making it a perfect place for a picnic.
This is truly beautiful reserve, and an action-packed park, will become your new favourite!
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities - BBQ - picnic tables- bench seats - some shaded area - lake with ducks - basketball court - soccer/AFL goals- maze - zip liner -free parking - open spaces for picnics
Mamma’s special mention: After a play head to Happy as Larry down the road a bit!
braeside park playground, braeside
Attention mammas of little adventurers - it’s time to add Braeside Park Playground to your list!
Attention mammas of little adventurers - it’s time to add Braeside Park Playground to your list!
This place is old school - the main timber structure itself fits in seamlessly with the surrounding Red Gums and parklands, and offers up some beautiful views from the top. Playground staples like abacus and tic tac toe can be found dotted throughout the fort-like structure with multiple slides and ramps coming off it. There is also some smaller equipment for the littlies, spinning ring, stick hut and giant logs to climb on.
It is fair to say this playground has seen its fair share of fun over the years so a “state of the art” space it is not. But what it does offer is an environment that invites adventure and imaginative play for children who simply want to explore, touch grass and go a little “wild”.
Braeside park offers a lot beyond the playground itself, so bring the bikes and explore the many walking trails, with murals and tree stump carvings along the way.
With a diverse range of wildlife calling the park home, animal enthusiasts should be on the lookout for a wide variety of native birds, Echidna, frogs and (to Miss 4’s delight) insects. Bear in mind, snakes have been found in the area, particularly around the wetlands during the warmer months so be sure to stick to the designated paths.
Mamma suggests parking in the Magpie carpark for proximity to the playground and do note - to protect the native fauna, the parklands have a strict “no dog” policy so the pooch will have to sit this one out.
the nitty gritty
Lower Dandenong Road, Braeside 3195
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - toilets - off street parking - shade - skate - drinking fountain- walking trails - open grass - no dogs
Mamma’s special mention:
Why not head to Gardenworld just down the road for some scones and a little look at the Dinosaurs and plants.
carinya avenue reserve playground, aspendale
Carinya Avenue Reserve Playground in Aspendale has recently been upgraded and now offers a great little place for the local kids to play!
Carinya Avenue Reserve Playground in Aspendale has recently been upgraded and now offers a great little place for the local kids to play!
This partially fenced playground is perfect for the smaller kids, offering a sandpit with a sand table, swing, brightly coloured seahorse and ladybug rockers, a small climbing frame with a shop front, rock wall and slide.
There’s also monkey bars, spinning wheel, plenty of bench seating and a little path that would be great for little legs to scoot on.
There isn’t a lot of shade a part from a couple of leafy trees, so make sure to pack a hat and sunscreen!
the nitty gritty
14 Carinya Ave, Aspendale VIC 3195
Partially fenced - street parking - sandpit - drinking fountain - no toilets
Mamma's special mention: Fuel up at the cute little Aspendeli Cafe around the corner.
murrumbeena park playground, murrumbeena
With separate equipment for the big kids and littlies, as well as the added bonus of a sensory play space, Murrumbeena Park Playground gives you three for the price of one!
Mammas, when it comes to playgrounds, Murrumbeena DELIVERS. With separate equipment for the big kids and littlies, as well as the added bonus of a sensory play space, Murrumbeena Park Playground gives you three for the price of one!
This space is vast and designed for little explorers - with age appropriate equipment dotted throughout; as well as the dry creek bed, bamboo “forest” and striking pole labyrinth with giant snail and musical chime, you’ll want to dedicate a couple of hours for play.
If trips to the playground usually mean tantrums while waiting for the swings, this is the place for you. With seven - yes, SEVEN swings (including two accessible ones).
Little Miss 4 couldn’t get enough of the flying fox, while her little brother was a big fan of the ladybug bouncer. Mamma’s favourite thing? The ample seating and shade (though the play equipment lacks any significant shelter, so don’t forget to slip slop slap!).
Fenced along the busy Kangaroo rd, the rest of the playground backs onto the park’s ovals with designated off leash dog areas clearly signed. There are multiple picnic rotundas with BBQ facilities (which can be reserved through the Glen Eira council website at a cost), modern toilet block, drinking fountains and ample on-street parking - Mamma reckons this is the perfect place for the next get together with family and friends.
the nitty gritty
37 Kangaroo Rd, Murrumbeena 3163
Partially fenced - undercover BBQ and picnic facilities - toilets - limited shade - drinking fountains - oval
Mamma's special mention: Fuel up at Jack The Milkman not far away.
summerfields wetlands playground, mornington
Did you know that there is a ‘secret’ playground in Mornington? It’s hidden away at the back of an estate, surrounded by large trees, a wetland and great views! And there’s even a toilet!
Did you know that there is a ‘secret’ playground in Mornington? It’s hidden away at the back of an estate, surrounded by large trees, a wetland and great views! And there’s even a toilet!
The playground isn’t fancy or new, but there’s the perfect amount of equipment to keep the kids occupied - even if they just love to climb big trees!
However, if they don’t love to climb trees - there is a large frame with a rock climbing wall, slides, bridges and poles. There’s also a spinner, see-saw, swings, monkey bars and a flying fox. Plus an undercover BBQ, and a walking track! Can you spot the cute Australian animal images spread sporadically throughout the equipment?
If you head down the walking path, you will see some pretty views of the Mornington Peninsula!
It’s the perfect spot to come to enjoy a picnic and most likely - have the playground to yourself!
Mamma's special mention: Keep the adventure going and head down the road to Locked In Escape Rooms for some family fun!
alma park, st kilda east
Alma Park is pretty special! A newly updated unique collection of features - some you will never see anywhere else!
This park is a little kooky, but a whole lot of fun!
There is so much to see and do at Alma Park East, kids of all ages will find something to peak their interest. For the littlies there’s a two storey castle with a slide and fun characters carved into the stone, plus swings, seesaws and a NEW waterplay area. The older kids will enjoy the flying fox, swings, climbing structures and wetlands area. Mamma loves the wide open space, the abundance of natural shade and the vast array of seating options including a recently refurbished BBQ area - perfect for a picnic! Also we can’t forget… toilets and parking!
The most unique part of this park has to be the mosaic “slug” that creates a cave and climbing area to explore - it’s very eye-catching and everyone will love to experience its magic!
the nitty gritty
partly shaded - toilets - BBQs - drink taps - pram accessible - picnic seating - street parking -
Mamma's special mention: Worked up an appetite? Head down the quirky medical-themed St Kilda Dispensary Cafe
