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!
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!
rf julier reserve, port melbourne
This park has something for all ages. Even your fury kids will love it!
This park has something for all ages. Even your fury kids will love it!
There’s a full size basketball/netball court, and off-leash dog park and an awesome little fairy garden with mushroom houses for the littlest ones.
The play equipment is suitable for older kids with a huge climbing pyramid leading up to a massive slide.
There’s also a much smaller slide, swings, teepee, and some climbing stones.
There’s some tables and chairs and lots of open space with big trees, perfect for ball games and tree climbing.
Good news! There IS a toilet too! However, not much shade so be sure to slip slop slap!
Mamma's special mention:
Why not head down the road to the awesome Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre for some splashing fun!
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - free parking- toilet facilities - basketball/netball court
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
reg marlow reserve, mentone
You’ve gotta love a fully fenced in park!
How good is a fully enclosed park! There’s no way the little ones can escape from here! Which is a good thing seeing as the reserve runs off a main road.
Not only is it fully enclosed, but there’s also an outdoor gym to keep the adults busy, too!
The playground itself has some gorgeous little gumnut babies poking through the equipment. A little cubby house shopfront, swings, slides, climbing wall, open grass area for ball sports, a sandpit with a digger and more.
There’s a few tables with some shade and a BBQ. Around the corner is an off-leash dog park, so bring your fur babies along for some fun!
Mamma's special mention:
Feel like something sweet? A short drive away is a gorgeous cafe with delicious cakes, Ginger Fox.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - free parking- outdoor gym equipment
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
cheltenham park reserve and playground, cheltenham
Pack a picnic and be prepared to play the day away at this great reserve!
Pack a picnic and be prepared to play the day away at this great reserve!
Mamma has fond memories of growing up in this fab little playground. It was the perfect place for kids parties way back then, and is even more so now!
There’s multiple BBQ’s and picnic tables to enjoy some lunch, or grab your picnic rug and take advantage of the abundance of space to sprawl under the shade of the leafy trees.
Perhaps a little bush walk is more your cup of tea? Well there are multiple walking tracks on offer here, too!
Of course, the play equipment is also a winner. There’s a BIG slide and a few smaller ones, spinning cup, flying fox, climbing structures, rock walls, swings and there’s also a cricket batting cage.
Mamma's special mention:
Head up the road to the amazingly kid friendly Il Giardino Cafe for some delicious food and drinks.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - free parking- walking track - toilet facilities
halley park, bentleigh
Mamma loves a colourful park with lots of trees to picnic under. This is a great one.
Mamma loves a colourful park with lots of trees to picnic under. This is a great one.
There’s heaps of climbing equipment, stepping stones, swinging beams, slides, see-saws, multiple swings, and rocking horses. There’s a small basketball court, heaps of open space, BBQ facilities - and yes, there IS a toilet!
The park has lovely trees to sit under, plus a few tables under the rotunda.
The majority of the play equipment is also covered with shade sails.
For the adults there’s a workout station to fit in a quick workout (just in case you don’t get enough of a workout chasing your kids around!)
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some delicious food and coffee to takeaway from Good Times Milkbar
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - free parking- some sheltered areas - basketball ring - toilet facilities
highgrove outlook park, clyde north
Not only is there a giant slide, but there’s also a full-sized basketball court AND tennis court!
Mamma stumbled across this awesome park after driving down a street and spotting THAT gigantic slide.
Not only is there that great slide, but there is also a full-sized basketball court AND tennis court! This Mamma hasn’t come across a tennis court in a park before!
There’s also a zip-liner, 4 person see-saw, swings and huge open space for ball sports. With a large undercover picnic area with BBQ facilities, it really is almost the perfect way to spend a day. Only it is let down by the fact that there are no toilets.
Mamma's special mention:
Looking for some delicious food or want to grab a takeaway coffee - you must check out the scrumptious Deoro and Co cafe!
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - free parking- some sheltered areas - basketball court - tennis court - NO toilets
Highgrove Estate
Fitzwilliam Circuit, Clyde North VIC
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george pentland playground, frankston
Mamma promises this playground upgrade was worth the wait!
Hooray! The playground is finally updated! And let Mamma tell you - it was sure worth the wait!
What was already one of the best treasures in Frankston, has now been upgraded with an awesome new playground. It includes equipment Mamma has never seen before (which is some feat considering how many parks the crew have visited!)
For example, one of the highlights for Mr tree-climber was a set of different sized ropes which are bolted into the ground and threaded throughout the huge climbing trees. Such a simple thing, yet a great tool for hours of imaginative play!
The other faves were the 6 person rope swing, the incredible tree house complete with twisty slide dismount, the net standing see-saw and the inclusive carousel.
Of course, there are the usual - swings, slides, rocking horses (bees), sandpit and large statues of spiders and crocodiles.
The gardens themselves are a hidden oasis in the middle of Frankston - with plenty of space for kids to run around and explore - kick the footy - even a game of cricket! Read more about George Pentland Botanical Gardens here.
Pack your picnic basket and prepare to spend a few hours enjoying this beautiful spot.
Mamma's special mention:
Feel like a sweet treat? Head down the road to the decadent Twisted Sister!
For more to do at George Pentland Botanical Gardens click here.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilites - toilet facilities - picnic tables- free parking- some sheltered areas - playground - pram accessible walking track
Gate opening/closing times:
7am - 9pm November to March
7am - 6pm April to October
Corner of Williams and Foot Streets, Frankston
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
clydevale park, clyde north
This is one AWESOME spot! With lush greenery covering all areas, it is more than just your average local playground!
This is one AWESOME spot!
Spread over 1.2 hectares with lush greenery covering all areas, it is more than just your average local playground!
Separated into little sections you will find a basketball court, amphitheatre, gym area, picnic table and BBQ, and a playground.
The playground is very nature-inspired. There’s loads of rocks, shrubs, tan bark and grass which lead up to a small hill surrounded by a wooden structure - which is home to 3 slides that run down the hill.
Be a palaeontologist for a day! There’s a small sandpit which covers some dinosaur fossils if you look closely enough. There’s also a water pump tap over a stony area that trickles into the sandpit. Creating a great opportunity for splashing around in some water play!
With a BBQ, shaded tables, large grassy area and a basketball court, this is a fantastic space to have a play.
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Head around the corner to the delicious Deoro and Co Cafe
the nitty gritty
bbqs - sheltered picnic areas - free parking - gym equipment - basketball court - water play
Clydevale Avenue, Clydevale Estate, Clyde North
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dunns road reserve, mount martha
Mamma just loves this little farm themed playground!
With a large covered ‘banyard’, complete with picnic tables and a BBQ, it is the perfect place for a get together.
Mamma just loves this little farm themed playground!
With a large covered ‘banyard’, complete with picnic tables and a BBQ, it is the perfect place for a get together.
The play equipment is super cute, with a large tractor, cubby house, tunnels, horse rockers, see-saw, pyramid climbing frame, swings, monkey bars and more!
There is SO much wide-open space here, perfect for a game of cricket and a family picnic. You can even bring your canine family members and let them run loose in the fenced dog obstacle area!
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Head around the corner to the delicious Mornington Hyrdoponic Cafe.
the nitty gritty
bbqs - sheltered picnic areas - toilet facilities - free parking - dog park
berwick waters grand prix playground, clyde north
Ladies and Gents, start your engines, pop on a helmet, ding those bells. GET READY TO RACE! There is a BRAND NEW Grand Prix themed playground and it is just made for riding.
Ladies and Gents, start your engines, pop on a helmet, ding those bells. GET READY TO RACE! There is a BRAND NEW Grand Prix themed playground and it is just made for riding. Whether your crew are into scooters, bikes, trikes or heck, just running, they will love this playground at Berwick Waters in Clyde North.
The yellow racing track, complete with bending corners, wicked overpass and funky humps, is the standout feature of the play space. Mamma lost count on how many laps were completed as the kids just wanted to keep going and going. It is so simple and so effective. The course is designed well to build up speed then slowing the kids down just before they hit the corners.
Also to be explored is the finishing-line play structure. This twin tower frame is super narrow to get to the top but has hidden bells and a great tunnel slide at the end. We also love having a jump on the inbuilt trampoline, a flying fox and swing set.
Mamma’s special mentions: Need refuelling? Head to Deoro and Co.
the nitty gritty
bbqs - street parking - bike and scooter track - green space nearby - drinking fountain - pram friendly - no toilets
kingston heath reserve, moorabbin
With heaps of wide open space, super cool play equipment and a BBQ - this is the ultimate picnic park!
With heaps of wide open space, super cool play equipment and a BBQ - this is the ultimate picnic park!
Surrounded by lush green gardens and leafy trees, this park has an almost bush-like feel to it. Providing plenty of room to kick a footy or set up a cricket match to entertain the older kids. Whilst having a fantastic play area including; a fire truck, spinning wheel, slides, swings, sandpit with digger, toadstools to climb, hidey-holes, a huge intricate climbing sphere, a clock and more!
There’s also shaded areas with picnic tables, a BBQ and toilet facilities - making it the perfect place to spend the day!
Mamma's special mentions:
Hungry after all that play? Head to the delicious Cool Bean Kitchen to refuel.
the nitty gritty
toilets - shaded areas - BBQ - picnic tables - free parking
Cnr Grange Rd and Centre Dandenong Rd
Moorabbin
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
skinners adventure playground, south melbourne
This is one adventure YOU must explore!
WOW! What a playground!
When you enter the gate, you will not know which way to turn; adventure is at every angle!
This is such an amazing community playground. It was initially created for the local kids of the commission houses nearby, but has quickly turned into a very popular weekend/school holiday destination!
Whilst there is something for all ages, it is best suited for those 5 and up. Which is pretty rare for a playground!
It’s an awesome, kooky-themed junkyard of assorted creative play objects!
There’s haunted houses, cubby holes to climb through, double-storey tree houses, basketball court, multiple large slides, skateboards, bikes, in-ground trampoline, punching bag and more!
There are sandpits with diggers, shopfronts, ride-on cars, wooden ships, a stage to dance on and slides for the little ones. They can also explore the castles, cubby houses and double-storey tree houses, they will just need to be monitored a little more closely. There are also some areas that adults won’t fit in.
This is one of only a few staffed playgrounds in Melbourne, and is also a great little learning community for local residents.
It is definitely one to put on your weekend list!
Mamma's special mentions:
When in South Melbourne, it is a must to visit the awesome South Melbourne Market!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday – Friday
3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Saturday – Sunday
12pm – 4.30pm
School holidays
12pm – 4.30pm
Public Holidays
12pm– 4pm
toilets - water tap - a picnic table - paid parking - mostly fenced
wanna know more?
click here!
211A Dorcas St, South Melbourne
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casey fields playspace, cranbourne east
This GIANT BLUE slide is a must ride!
WOW is what came out of Little Miss’s mouth as soon as we saw the AMAZING slide at this awesome playspace!
Little Miss sped full-throttle up the hill as fast as those little legs could carry her!
The giant blue slide forms part of the tree-studded soft-mat hill, as you twist and turn all your way down to the bottom sand pit. Then race back up the top and do it over and over again.
There’s so much more fun to be had here, once you can tear the little ones away from the slide!
There is a two-storey high pirate ship, complete with binoculars, steering wheel, and a slide to disembark.
In a separate area there is another play structure packed full of fun. With sand scoops and shoots, slides and climbing equipment. All of the play space is covered in sand.
For the older kids there are pyramid rope climbing obstacles and large grassy areas to kick around a ball. You can then walk along the path toward the lake and watch as all the ducks and water birds come to check you out.
This park is loads of fun! Be prepared to stay for a few hours!
Mamma's special mentions:
Want to keep the outdoor activities going? Head up the road to the awesome Cranbourne Botanical Gardens.
the nitty gritty
bbqs - picnic shelter - picnic tables - toilets - free parking - all ability swing - water tap
160 Berwick – Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
dendy park south, dacey street, brighton east
This BUBBLEGUM PINK park is in a league of its own!
Mamma loves a brightly coloured playground! And you can't get much brighter than PINK!
This wonderful playground has only just been upgraded. The ground is covered in bubblegum pink soft turf that makes it very appealing to little eyes!
That is not the only unique part of this awesome place - Mamma has never seen a real life snakes and ladders game! You can spin the 'dice' and then take your turn on the circular 3D game. So cool.
There's a couple of bright red slides, one of which is super big and fast!
Lots of climbing rope and nets to keep the older kids challenged; as well as swings and spinney round-abouts.
The playground is part of a huge open field. Perfect for kicking a ball around, or a spot of cricket.
With BBQ facilities, picnic tables (some covered) toilets, and an off-leash dog area - be prepared to stay and play the day away!
Mamma's special mentions:
Feel like a sweet treat after being surrounded by bubblegum pink? Head to Dolce House for some yummy ice cream!
the nitty gritty
bbqs - picnic shelter - picnic tables - toilets - free side street parking
Off Dacey Street, Brighton East
click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South
burden park, springvale
This wooden wonderland has everything you need for a perfect park play!
Get ready to enter a wooden wonderland.
This playground has everything needed for your little one to be a perfect princess or brave knight! A giant fortress with castles and towers and hidden areas.
Not to mention multiple slides, sandpit, springy rocker, swings, see-saw, climbing nets and so much more!
With some shaded picnic tables, and lots of open space to kick the footy or have a hit of cricket. Making this the ULTIMATE family play space.
Be warned: leaving this playground may require bribery. The Mcdonald's across the road MAY help!
Mamma's special mentions:
There’s now a NEW Park Warrior Course here as well.
Still hungry for adventure? Head down the road to the roarsome Gardenworld to check out some dinosaurs and grab a bite to eat.
the nitty gritty
bbqs - picnic shelter - picnic tables - toilets -park warrior course- free parking
pencil park, keysborough
Mamma loves a themed park, so when she heard there was a park with huge pencils randomly spread we had to visit!
Mamma loves a newly updated playground! And what a difference this playground has made to what was already a fantastic space!
With new equipment including a zip liner, in-ground mini trampoline, huge climbing structure with net tunnel and rock-climbing walls, inclusive carousel, swings, musical chimes, small obstacle course and a spinning net pyramid - there is something for everyone!
There is also a gorgeous lake with a walking path over the bridge and through wetlands where there are ducks swimming and frogs croaking. Simply beautiful and unexpected.
Mamma also loved watching the locals do their tai chi in the morning sun!
There’s plenty of open fields, perfect for a picnic and kicking a footy!
Definitely worth adding this one to your list for a sunny day stroll. The only downside is that there are no toilets.
Mamma's special mentions:
Still hungry for adventure? Head down the road to the roarsome Gardenworld to check out some dinosaurs and grab a bite to eat.
the nitty gritty
bbqs - picnic shelter - picnic tables - limited shade - lake - no toilets
dandenong park, dandenong
A completely fenced park with one of the largest sand pit we have ever seen. Not only is it a maze of logs and stepping stones and has everyone's favourite digger - but there is water.
The best thing about a fenced playground is the reaction your shoulders have when you walk inside and close the gate. Your shoulders go down. You let a big breath out. It is that feeling of relaxed. Knowing that little one or two of yours is contained and that road over there is one thing less for you to worry about. Mamma had that reaction here at Dandenong Park. A completely fenced park with one of the largest sand pit we have ever seen. Not only is it a maze of logs and stepping stones and has everyone's favourite digger - but there is water. A 'castle' style wall with a tap with an automatic stop, lets water trail into the sand leaving the castle making opportunities endless. You'll find other things here too - spinners, rocking horses, a big climbing structure with a spiral slide and a look-out tower in the opposite corner.
Mamma's special mention: Dandenong has plenty of great family friendly spots including the library, the market and in the suburb JUST next door Myuna Farm.
the nitty gritty
fully fenced - sand - water - no shade in playground - public toilets - bbqs nearby - picnic shelters nearly - walking trails - sporting fields nearby- car parking
grattan gardens, prahran
There's two separate areas to have a play with facilities like slides, swings, rock-climbing wall, shop and more!
This great little reserve is perfect for the little ones to run around, chase birds and burn some energy. Perfect position, being smack in the middle of one of the most fashionable areas of Melbourne, providing a great break from some serious shopping!
There's two separate areas to have a play; with facilities like slides, swings, rock-climbing wall, shop and more! Lots of grass, some windy paths and soft mat turf, make it awesome for bikes of all sorts.
There are plenty of cafes nearby to grab a coffee and snack to enjoy a picnic, too.
Mamma's special mention
Right next door to the delectable Pierrick Boyer Cafe Patisserie, and down the road from Prahran Market
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities nearby - some shaded area - grass area - small bike path