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.
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
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.
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
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!
