pasadena avenue playground, beaumaris
Pasadena Avenue Playground, is everything you want a little residential playground to be. This quaint Beaumaris play space has the magic of a secret garden with all the classic playground amenities
Pasadena Avenue Playground is everything you want a little residential playground to be. This quaint Beaumaris play space has the magic of a secret garden with all the classic playground amenities.
The equipment is surrounded by native trees that provide a nice bit of shade, and creates a feeling of seclusion that makes you feel like you have stumbled across a secret little playground in bushland.
There are three separate play structures to keep the kids happy as well as a couple of swings and the most whimsical fairy ring of toadstools. Mamma’s 2 year old was a big fan of the suspended rubber trampoline and sandpit, complete with digger.
There’s so much packed into this beautiful little spot that the kid’s won’t want to leave in a hurry. So bring a picnic and take advantage of the reserve’s grassy knoll or picnic table and soak in the surrounds while the little ones play.
the nitty gritty
10 Pasadena Ave, Beaumaris 3193
sand pit - picnic table - drinking fountain - tree shade
Mamma's special mentions: Head to Ginger Fox, just a few minutes drive away, for some food and coffee.
elsternwick park playground north, brighton
Mamma’s got another fully fenced playground to add to the list! Elsternwick Park Playground (North) is a wonderful little oasis on the Bent Avenue end of the park.
Mamma’s got another fully fenced playground to add to the list! Elsternwick Park Playground (North) is a wonderful little oasis on the Bent Avenue end of the park.
If there are little climbing enthusiasts in the family, they will love this playground! On one end, there is the giant rope climbing frame with a nest at the top for little adventurers to take in the view of the surrounding parkland. On the other end is a play structure complete with rock climbing wall, vertical rope tunnel and chute slide.
For the younger kids, there is a small water play area with a hand wheel pump, low toddler swing, tunneled mounds to explore and musical instruments to thump.
And once the kids are done on the equipment, why not pull out the scooters or bikes and follow the paths around the park - make sure to stop at the small skate park (the perfect size for kids!) and lake where you can look out for the resident turtles.
the nitty gritty
fully fenced - BBQ facilities - limited street parking - toilets - water play - walking trail - skate park - pond - picnic tables - drinking fountain - bins
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road to Popkin’s Artisan Popcorn for a little treat!
hewison reserve playground, st kilda east
It’s easy to enjoy and appreciate the newly renovated Hewison Reserve in St Kilda East when you know those sneaky little toddler legs have no way to escape the confines of the fully fenced and gated playground.
It’s easy to enjoy the newly renovated Hewison Reserve when you know those sneaky little toddler legs have no way to escape the confines of the fully fenced and gated playground.
With several wooden structures dotted around the space, the kids can climb, slide and swing to their hearts content.
There are several ladders and rope nets to scale, a couple of modest slides to slip down, swings to swing on and an observation tower to survey the land.
Though there are some beautiful large trees across the reserve that offer a little shade around the seating areas and nature play space, most of the equipment itself is in full sun so make sure to slip slop slap before going!
With a grassy (unfenced) area to kick the ball around and bbq/picnic facilities right next to the playground, it’s easy to spend an afternoon here with the family.
the nitty gritty
11a Orange Grove, Balaclava 3183
fully fenced - BBQ facilities - limited street parking - no toilets - picnic tables - drinking fountain - bins
Mamma's special mention:
After the kids have finished playing, head to Cowderoy’s Dairy for a coffee or meal.
somerfield reserve pirate park, keysborough
Ahoy there me hearties! It’s time to set sail with those little scallywags and head to Keysborough’s hidden treasure - Somerfield Reserve Playground aka Pirate Park.
Ahoy there me hearties! It’s time to set sail with those little scallywags and head to Keysborough’s hidden treasure - Somerfield Reserve Playground aka Pirate Park.
With two pirate ships and a towering look out to plunder, Mamma’s little pirates had no trouble spending several hours sailing the seven seas and making Mister Mamma repeatedly walk the plank.
Nestled amongst the overt pirate themed equipment are playground classics like seesaws, a nest swing, carousel ring and huge metal tunnel slide.
Once the kids have wrangled the octopus seesaw, rung the ships bell and followed the multiple paths dotted with rum barrels, they might just be lucky enough to see a pod of seals sunbathing by the rocks.
the nitty gritty
39 Somerfield Drive North, Keysborough 3173
undercover BBQ facilities - limited street parking - toilets - picnic tables - lots of trees - basketball court - limited playground shade - bins
Mamma’s special mention
Once the kids have had their fill of pirate play, head on over to Third Space Cafetorium for some delicious sweet treats!
north road foreshore playground, brighton
North Road Foreshore Playground has it all - the beach, water play, a beautiful city view and coffee, just a stone's throw away.
North Road Foreshore Playground has it all - the beach, water play, a beautiful city view and coffee, just a stone's throw away.
This seaside playground has a giant pirate ship at its heart, complete with slide, climbing nets and balance beams. The little ones happily sailed the seven seas while Mamma got to nurse a coffee from the nearby cafe.
Surrounding the ship are several in-ground trampolines, a spinning cup and nest swing for those who want to get the adrenaline pumping.
By the shaded sandpit, lies a small water play area, activated by the adjacent log seesaw so be sure to bring bathers or a change of clothes!
the nitty gritty
water play - toilet facilities - picnic tables - some paid parking- some sheltered areas - cafe across the road
Mamma's special mention:
Of course you can’t go past Brighton Beach for some more fun; but there’s also Dendy Park playground if you want to keep the playtime going.
hurlingham park playground, brighton east
With a main wooden climbing structure (complete with turrets!) at its heart, Brighton East's Hurlingham Park offers up all the playground classics that kids love.
Mamma loves a good residential playground and Hurlingham park is a GREAT one.
With a main wooden climbing structure (complete with turrets!) at its heart, Hurlingham offers up all the playground classics that kids love.
There are slides, swings and monkey bars for the traditionalists and a flying fox, climbing wall and 4-way seesaw for those who want to get the blood pumping a bit more.
The playground doesn’t just cater to the kids’ needs though. With a dedicated carpark, ample benches for sitting and shade sails over most of the play spaces - this mamma was one happy camper!
It is worth noting however, that the playground includes a few chain link bridges and climbing ladders more appropriate for older kids so a little bit of hovering was involved when mamma’s 2 year old was let loose.
Right next to the playground is a fully fenced oval and undercover bbq area so the bring the four legged family members along as well and make an afternoon of it.
the nitty gritty
Nepean Highway, Brighton East, 3187
BBQ facilities - shaded - off street parking - fully fenced oval - toilet facilities across the oval- picnic tables - some undercover picnic area - lots of trees - bins - drinking fountain
Mamma’s special mention
All that play will make you hungry! Head up the road to the deliciousDolce House for some sweet treats.
heatherton 'troll' park, clayton south
For years now, Clayton South’s Heatherton park playground aka “Troll Park”, has been guarded by two towering trolls who, to this Mamma’s relief, permitted an afternoon of playground fun… toll free!
For years now, Clayton South’s Heatherton park playground aka “Troll Park”, has been guarded by two towering trolls who, to this Mamma’s relief, permitted an afternoon of playground fun… toll free!
Whether the kids are sliding through the mouth of an angry looking three tongued troll, balancing on a troll foot spring or traipsing the traditional playground equipment adorned with toothy troll smiles, it’s pretty obvious how this playground got its nickname.
There are a multitude of slides for sliding, multiple swings for swinging, two equipment structures for climbing and exploring and a giant wooden hut for hiding from hungry trolls. And once the kids have vanquished those pesky beasts, why not explore the rest of the park?
Since the playground is part of the greater Heatherton Park, it’s the perfect place to bring the scooters or bikes along. Follow the footpath through the sensory wrought iron walkway (adorned with various bits and pieces to clang, clash and bash) and you will find vast open areas of grass, perfect for running off that extra kid energy.
Mamma’s hot tip - though there is some shade available from the park’s beautiful towering trees and undercover bbq/picnic area, the playground itself offers little respite from the sun so be sure to slip slop slap before getting there!
the nitty gritty
1 Ireland Rd, Clayton South 3169
undercover picnic tables and bbq facilities - walking track - toilets - limited on street parking - basketball court - open green spaces
Mamma's special mention
Once the kids have had their fill of the outdoors, why not sample some of the cutest cakes in town over at The 1985 Kafe, just a few minutes drive down the road.
warawee park playground, oakleigh
Just off the main strip of Oakleigh’s bustling dining scene, is the quaint little Warrawee Park Playground. Boasting multiple play structures, an all abilities carousel, trampoline and mini maze - there is plenty to entertain a multitude of ages and interests.
Just off the main strip of Oakleigh’s bustling dining scene, is the quaint little Warrawee Park Playground. Boasting multiple play structures, an all abilities carousel, trampoline and mini maze - there is plenty to entertain a multitude of ages and interests.
There is a path that winds around the playground with painted lines which can be followed to the different attractions dotted around the park such as the colourful cubby, rock climbing wall and swings.
Like a moth to a flame, mamma’s five year old was captivated by the in-ground trampoline, but the extra wide slide was also a major hit as it meant being able to go down side by side with mister mamma.
The little maze structure, complete with chimes, fun house mirror and wheel wall, kept mamma’s little boy happily occupied intermittently throughout his hunt to find the “perfect” stick.
So grab a coffee from one of the many surrounding cafes and let the kiddos run off some of that seemingly limitless steam.
the nitty gritty
undercover picnic tables and bbq facilities - walking track - toilets - on street parking
Mamma's special mention:
Head to The Oakleigh Doughnut Co after to get those blood sugar levels back up.
evelyn street playground, clayton
Mamma did not ANTicipate such a lovely little playground in the middle of residential Clayton. With an overt ant theme that runs throughout the space, Evelyn Street Playground caters to a wide range of age groups and interests.
Mamma did not ANTicipate such a lovely little playground in the middle of residential Clayton. With an overt ant theme that runs throughout the space, Evelyn Street Playground caters to a wide range of age groups and interests.
There are two defined play structures (a worker ant for the littlies and bull ant for bigger kids) as well as a ride on car, tandem swing and balance beam for those who want to get their blood pumping.
For the children that prefer to take it a bit slower, there are multiple play panels and tables dotted around the periphery of the playground which is partially fenced and bordered with simple landscaping.
While the nest swing and tunnel were firm favourites amongst the kids, it was the 5 minutes of peaceful playing by the tic tac toe play panel that mamma loved watching the most.
This thoughtfully designed play space has equipment that encourages both solo and social play as well as active and mindful play. With a bit of everything for every interest and mood, this little gem has big park energy.
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - limited shade - partially fenced - animal theme - no toilets
Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve worked up an appetite and thirst, take the short drive down the road to Two Rupees Brewing Company.
karkarook park, heatherton
Karkarook park playground has had a makeover and she is looking LOVELY! With its green and brown colour scheme, the revamped equipment beautifully blends into the natural surroundings of the parkland it sits on. The new play space has all the classics including slides, swings, climbing nets, monkey bars and bridge - there’s even a community library and book exchange box too!
Karkarook park playground has had a makeover and she is looking LOVELY! With its green and brown colour scheme, the revamped equipment beautifully blends into the natural surroundings of the parkland it sits on.
The new play space has all the classics including slides, swings, climbing nets, monkey bars and bridge - there’s even a community library and book exchange box too!
It’s easy to spend the good part of a day here, with Karkarook’s many walking trails, observation deck, bbq facilities and lake (byo fishing rod and kayak… no seriously!).
Mamma suggests heading to the Dragonfly carpark right off Fairchild st for proximity to the playground and picnic/bbq areas. Keep in mind there are no bins available on site as Karkarook has a “carry in carry out” rubbish policy, so make sure to bring a bag or two.
the nitty gritty
4 Fairchild st, Heatherton 3202
undercover bbq facilities and picnic tables - off street parking - toilets - walking trails - lake
Mamma's special mention:
Worked up an appetite? Head to Penny for Pound for some delicious pastries and coffee!
talbot park playspace, oakleigh south
Sail the seven seas aboard Talbot Park playground’s very own pirate ship or glide through the air on the reserve’s brand new flying fox. With ample ropes to climb, towers to explore, large tunnel slide and multiple swings to choose from, this mamma’s kids had to be lured back to the car with cheese sticks and sultanas.
Mamma loves a good playground transformation and Oakleigh South’s Talbot Park Playspace is no exception. After two and a half years of public consultation, planning and designing, this new playground has everything little hearts could desire.
Sail the seven seas aboard Talbot Park’s very own pirate ship or glide through the air on the reserve’s brand new flying fox. With ample ropes to climb, towers to explore, large tunnel slide and multiple swings to choose from, this mamma’s kids had to be lured back to the car with cheese sticks and sultanas.
With a strong focus on complimenting the newly established landscaping, most of the equipment is wood based with splashes of neutral grey which beautifully highlight the gorgeous native trees that surround the reserve.
18th century ball game lovers should follow the path past the nest swing, beyond the flying fox and across the old toilet block, to find two bocce courts (aka stretches of compressed sand for the kids to roll around in) which are due to be upgraded in the coming months.
There is some shade cover over the pirate ship and newly renovated picnic table/bbq area but other than that the playspace is very much open to the elements, as is the rest of the reserve.
Though fully fenced (and gated) from the main road, mamma’s need to be mindful that little legs are still able to gain easy access to the reserve’s carpark which sits conveniently next to the playground.
the nitty gritty
2 Coonil St, Oakleigh South 3167
bbbq- undercover picnic tables - bocce courts - toilets - limited shade - drinking fountain - botanic gardens - fully fenced
Mamma's special mention:
If you’re ready for a sit down but the kids still have some energy to run off, head to the neighbouring suburb of Oakleigh and visit Honeyccino Kids Cafe!
sir william fry reserve playground, highett
Set amongst the rolling hills, lake (with swans and ducks!) and walking trails of picturesque Sir William Fry Reserve, it’s hard to believe that this gem of a playground is situated off a major highway.
Set amongst the rolling hills, lake (with swans and ducks!) and walking trails of picturesque Sir William Fry Reserve, it’s hard to believe that this gem of a playground is situated off a major highway.
There is plenty to keep the little ones busy, with two seperate play structures with toddler friendly equipment at both, a large dual metal slide, swings and a sandpit (equipped with digger).
Though there is some shade around the perimeters of the playground thanks to the many trees and undercover bbq facilities, the equipment itself is very much exposed to the elements so don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and hats!
With large expanses of open grass as well as a number of walking trails, this is the perfect place to bring the scooter or a ball to kick about once the kids are done at the playground.
the nitty gritty
bbq facilities - picnic tables - toilets - off street parking - partial shade - skate park - rebound wall - lake - drinking fountain- walking trails - open grass
Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, head across the road to Southland and catch a movie at Vjunior cinema!
roth hetherington gardens playground, keysborough
Nestled in the middle of the tranquil Roth Hetherington Reserve, this playground feels like a child’s oasis amongst the native botanical gardens.
Nestled in the middle of the tranquil Roth Hetherington Reserve, this playground feels like a child’s oasis amongst the native botanical gardens.
Though not fenced, this little gem is far away from any roads and feels completely safe - even better? The undercover bbq and modern toilet block (including change table) are all but a few steps away!
Decked out with a number of playground classics, a massive highlight was the musical instrument equipment that got a walloping from both sets of little hands.
Mamma’s kidlets also loved exploring the reserve itself, with huge garden beds featuring local flora from each state and territory, a bridge “to fight trolls on” and hidden trails to discover and get lost in. If you’ve got some keen little bird watchers in the family, look out for the Tawny Frogmouths that frequent the area.
the nitty gritty
6 Woollahra Ave, Keysborough 3173
Undercover bbq - picnic tables - toilets with change table - limited shade - drinking fountain - botanic gardens
Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve finished exploring, why not head to Dandenong Market for some fresh produce and hot jam donuts!
cameron avenue & progress park reserve playground, oakleigh south
Mamma can’t go past a good deal and two playgrounds for the price of one is as good as it gets.
Mamma can’t go past a good deal and two playgrounds for the price of one is as good as it gets.
Cameron Avenue and Progress Park Reserve playgrounds are a feast for the eyes, with brilliant pops of pink and yellow that carry across both spaces for the dopamine hit this mamma needed after a *very* early morning. If Pinterest designed a playground - this would be it.
On one side of of the street you have the “big kids” Cameron Avenue playground which includes a tunnel slide, monkey bar frame, rock climbing wall, nest swing, multiple rope structures and it’s very own scooter/bike loop for the little adrenaline junky in the family.
On the other side you have the Progress Park playground which is a more traditional but equally beautiful play space with equipment that is more accessible to the smaller kiddies with swings, a couple of slides and a “merry-go-roundesque” inclusive carousel.
There are undercover picnic tables at both playgrounds but if you are looking to fry up a couple of snags for the fam, the Cameron Avenue Reserve is where it’s at.
the nitty gritty
1-7 Cameron Avenue, Oakleigh South
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - street parking - limited shade - scooter loop - drinking fountain
Mamma's special mention:
Kaiju Cantina is a stones throw away on the other side of the golf course and make a mean pizza!
