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!
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.
booran reserve, glen huntly
Pack up the kiddos and sunscreen, because Booran Reserve in Glen Huntly is where it's at! This award-winning park, part of Glen Eira Council, is an absolute gem especially in the warmer Melbourne months.
Pack up the kiddos and sunscreen, because Booran Reserve in Glen Huntly is where it's at! This award-winning park, part of Glen Eira Council, is an absolute gem especially in the warmer Melbourne months.
The star attraction is the water play area, hugely popular for people of all ages. With a surface splash pad and playful water jets shooting up every couple of minutes, it's the perfect cool-down spot on summer days.
For those not interested in a splash, there is a separate dry playground area with flying foxes, trampolines, tunnels, a two-tiered sandpit complete with a water pump (I know, right?), and even an oversized hamster wheel! The giant bird's nest swing and a 5-way swing are just the cherries on top.
Older kiddos will be busy at the basketball and netball rings, and a jaw-dropping 10-metre-high double dome - with a slide to swoosh down.
the nitty gritty
Booran Rerserve
1051 Glen Huntly Rd,
Glen Huntly
Toilets with change tables – separate dry playground – shade sails – BBQ facilities – picnic shelters – tables and seatings – dogs on leash – street parking – pram accessible
Water play feature operates during the following times:
October to March, 9am to 7.30pm
April to September, 9am to 5pm
Mamma's special mentions:
Make a day of it and head to the gorgeous Major Mitchell cafe
allambee park, sandringham
If your children love trucks, then they are going to DIG this park!
If your children love trucks, then they are going to DIG this park!
This Mamma loves an upgraded park, especially one as quiet and cute as this one! They have recently updated the swings and play structure here and it now features multiple slides and climbing areas with roofing to help protect from the elements… but the biggest appeal of this park will always be the sand pit full of trucks and diggers left there by the local community for all visitors to enjoy!
There are picnic benches and a water bubbler plus lots of wide open space to kick a footy or enjoy a picnic.
Mamma has a feeling her children are going to be begging to come back here often!
the nitty gritty
Cnr Neptune St and Sandringham Rd, Sandringham
Picnic tables - open grass area - no toilet - shade from large trees - sandpit - water-play - free parking
Mamma's special mention
Why not make your play a little tastier and grab a takeaway milkshake and burger from Burger Bae on the way?
harleston park, elsternwick
This is the ultimate picnic park - and recently upgraded!!
This gorgeous leafy park has recently been upgraded, and is one that you are going to come back to time and time again!
With a heap of huge trees offering shade, a gigantic slide, picnic tables, colourful earthy tones with lots of wooden materials, all your usual playground equipment - this is the ultimate picnic park!
This is great for kids of all ages, as there is something for everyone. There’s an area in the sand for the little kids with a small slide, climbing structures and equipment for sand play.
The older kids have THAT great slide, a basketball court, great climbing trees, rock climbing wall and heaps more.
There’s BBQ facilities, tables and a toilet - so it’s the perfect picnic spot.
Note - The rock bed is still there, but there’s no water in it.
Mamma's special mention
After you have worked up an appetite - head down to Jerry's Milk Bar to enjoy some delicious food - and amazing milkshakes!!
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities - bbq facilities -some shaded area - picnic tables - free parking
tirhatuan park, dandenong north
This playground has a wooden boat-style shape, with a HEAP to keep the whole family happy.
This great community park was designed with input from Dandenong residents and Primary School children. This is evident with the colourful artwork and monster designs!
The playground is mainly of a wooden boat-style shape, with a HEAP to keep everyone occupied.
It has everything that you could want to keep the whole family happy.
For the littlest ones there's a sandpit, swings, small slide, tunnels to climb though and 'monsters' to climb.
For the older ones there are a heap of climbing options, diggers, monkey bars, fireman pole, double slide, chain bridge, flying fox, balance beam, pipe phones - and so much more.
For the adults, there are tables under cover, walking tracks, boardwalk, off-leash dog park (enclosed) and a flora/fauna area.
With plenty of space, heaps of shady trees and mostly enclosed - it is a perfect picnic spot.
Mamma's special mention
Keep the good times going and head to crazy climb to really use up their energy!
the nitty gritty
bbq/picnic area - toilet facilities - lake - all ability swing - disability access and facilities - free parking - shelter - bike & walking trail
wanna know more?
click here
Dandenong Creek Trail
Kriegel Way (off Outlook Drive), Dandenong North
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
basterfield park, hampton east
You've gotta love an upgraded park!
This one was one of Mamma's favourites before it got an upgrade; now it is simply spectacular!
Mamma just LOVES this awesome park, as it has not one but TWO playgrounds and is simply stunning!
At one end of the park the playground consists of an incredibly cool double zip line (hellooo races!), a sandpit with waterplay, a little cubby house and a new shaded climbing apparatus with multiple slides and tunnels.
The other end is perfect for a party - with an undercover gazebo, multiple BBQs and picnic tables, and loads of open space. The playground has an inclusive spinner, crocodile and platypus statues, swings and a cool climbing structure.. Separating the two playgrounds is a duck-filled lake and a sprawling tree-lined grass area - perfect to picnic under.
Mamma says you will love this place as much as your kids will!
Mamma's special mention
If you want more than a picnic lunch - head to the wonderful Cool Bean Kitchen
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities - bbq facilities - picnic tables - two separate playgrounds - water play - zip line - lake - free parking
dolomore reserve, parkdale
A fenced playground with a treetop adventure waiting for you!
This Mamma LOVES a little treasure of a playground! One that is off the beaten track and tucked in a beautiful side street. One that has an old school wooden treetop style; yet with many modern twists. One with a giant climbing tree for exploring. One with a sandpit and digger for excavations. One with a spinny-whizzy-careful-not-to-loose-your-lunch spinner. And one that you can close the gate behind you, safe with the knowledge that the little ones are contained.
These playgrounds are a super lifesaver for when you need somewhere different to hang out on a beautiful day in between the hustle and bustle of family life.
Mamma's special mention
Hungry after a play? Head down the road to the wonderful Oscar's Hangout to refuel!
the nitty gritty
picnic shelter - toilets - some shade - great climbing tree - fully fenced - athletics track nearby - tennis courts nearby
chelsea beach playground, chelsea
Only steps away from beautiful Chelsea beach, is this wonderful nautical themed park!
Only steps away from the beach, this wonderful nautical themed park, boasts a giant light-house complete with telescope and binoculars at the top!
There's undercover picnic tables and BBQ facilities, making it the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
With two separate areas, it is perfect for all ages. Lots of climbing apparatus for the older kids and a giant sandpit with diggers and a hidden cubby underneath a castle for the youngsters.
This park doesn't have much shade, so make sure you bring hats and sunscreen, as you will need them in Summer! It also gets very busy as it is next to one of the most beautiful beaches in Melbourne!
Mamma's Special Mention
This is in prime location to many wonderful cafes. One great one is Alice Rebels
the nitty gritty
paid parking out front - free parking in nearby streets - toilet facilities - bbq facilities - some shaded area - picnic tables - beachside - water taps
roy dore reserve, carrum
A huge wooden, shaded Pirate ship - complete with cannons, is the draw card at this fabulous playground!
Ahoy me hearties! Are you ready to walk the plank?
There is a huge, wooden, shaded Pirate ship; complete with cannons, to play on at this fabulous playground!
Mamma thinks this is fabulous for all ages. For the older kids, they can test their courage as they walk across a wobbly netted bridge; or face their fears climbing up a ladder enclosed in a dark slim tunnel!
The younger kids have a smaller ship to climb and embark on a slippery slide.
There are also plenty of climbing apparatus and spaces to hide in underneath the large ship. Not to mention all of the slides, swings, sandpit and diggers scattered across this wonderful park.
Adults - there is even outdoor gym equipment should you feel like a bit of a work out (aside from chasing kids and pushing swings!)
Mamma's special mention
After all the play here, you are sure to work up a pirate-sized hunger! Luckily the awesome Beach Bar Carrum is only minutes away!
the nitty gritty
free parking - toilet facilities - outdoor gym - large open spaces- shaded areas - picnic tables - off-leash dog area nearby
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
megasaurus park, cranbourne
Hold on to your hats boys and girls...there are DINOSAURS all over this park.
Hold on to your hats boys and girls...there are DINOSAURS all over this park. The Megasaurus Playground in Cranbourne East's Livingston Estate is one of a kind. 100 percent unique and one for the imagination. The standout feature has to be the brontosaurus with the flying fox that runs down it's belly, followed closely to the stegosaurus plates that appear to be rising from the ground. These are dotted with climbing holds and make a perfect track to race through and make a great big roar. Add to this the pterodactyl swing that doubles as a toddler hiding spot and the massive 20m long climbing frame that certainly hasn't been seen before. Great for the confident climbers to negotiate, they will quickly find things to rattle and shake, and finally slide down the astroturf covered tail at the end. The novelty factor continues with a nest complete with cracking dino eggs and signs cautioning all visitors of the prehistoric giants.
Mamma's special mention: If it is Dinosaurs that your kids are into check our Dinosaur World in Somerville and at Garden World, Braeside.
the nitty gritty
bbqs - street parking - drinking fountain - no shade - picnic tables and shelter - flying fox
Newington Drive,
Cranbourne East
Enter the Estate from Berwick-Cranbourne Road at Eliburn Drive
sorrento park, sorrento
Of course the people of Sorrento would build something so lovely, complete with breathtaking views.
Of course the people of Sorrento would build something so lovely, complete with breathtaking views. This community funded playground is perched on top of the hill with views over the bay and the ferry terminal. It is a large wooden timber playground - the kind mamma LOVES - full of nooks and crannies, turrets, slides, ramps, sandpit, swings, firemans pole and more. Mamma tries to dress the kids in hi vis so that they are easily spotted through the timber panels - although it is enclosed except for a couple of entry/exit points and surrounded by plenty of grassy spots to picnic - plus picnic tables, a rotunda and bbq's.
Mamma's special mention: In summer, the Sorrento back beach is great at low tide for some rock pool water play and adventure.
the nitty gritty
free parking (limited spaces) - toilets - tree shade in parts - bbqs - picnic tables - mostly enclosed - water taps
tatterson 'big bug' park, keysborough
Talk about magic. As soon as you step through the magnifying glass you shrink and the bugs become GIANT.
Talk about magic. As soon as you step through the magnifying glass you and the family will shrink and the bugs become GIANT. Be sure to be on the lookout for spiders, ants, a beehive and a lady bird or two!
The Tatterson Park Playspace is great for the imagination and it is huge. Completely covered in shade sails it is great all year round, though can get a little boggy in the wetter months. Apart from bugs there are multiple play structures, a range of slides, plenty of things to climb and crawl through and a flying fox too! Add six swings, a great big sand and water play area, sheltered seating and public toilets with plenty of playing fields and a basketball court alongside, it makes this playground a Mamma's big hit!
Mamma's special mentions: If you need to refuel somewhere nearby, head over to Garden World and check out the dinosaurs while you are at it!
the nitty gritty
shade sails - public toilets - BBQs - picnic seating - football fields nearby - walking tracks - sand
bicentennial park, chelsea
Gigantic slides, smurf village, musical huts, skate park - could this be the BEST park in the South?
Gigantic slides, smurf village, skate park - what more can you want?
Oh, ok then, throw in a musical hut, sand pit, train, swings of all shapes and sizes, exercise equipment, monkey bars, BBQ facilities, dog park and a huge oval - and you have arguably the BEST park in the South!
If you haven't been before, it is truly worth the visit, your kids will be little balls of energy and bounce around all of the fabulous equipment.
There are shaded picnic areas making it the perfect party/picnic park. And if you are lucky, frequent visitor - Mr Whippy will be on hand to offer some refreshments!
Mamma's special mention: if you find that the kids still want to play, head over to the Skate Park or if the weather takes a turn, why not head to The Silly Seahorse playcentre, just around the corner?
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities -
shaded picnic tables - public toilets/change room -
*fenced (but hugely spread out) -
- all abilities equipment
black rock foreshore playground
What could be more perfect than a pirate-themed park overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in Victoria? Not much!
What could be more perfect than a pirate-themed park overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in Victoria? Not much!
This playground has all the ingredients necessary to ensure your child has a perfect play. There are your usuals; swings, slides, see-saws - plus an amazingly high (terrifyingly for this mamma) climbing pyramid.
The other climbing structure is a pirate fun ship. With slides as the descent and nets to climb up, a wooden steering wheel, and plenty of exploring space underneath for the toddlers.
Right in the heart of the beautiful black rock village, this park is definitely one to see!
Mamma's special mentions
Why not enjoy all that Black Rock has to offer and check out Hahndorf's Fine Chocolate Shop as well?
the nitty gritty
FACILITIES
Toilets
BBQ & Picnic Tables
Some shaded area
Car park (metered)
Mostly fenced in
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
