Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds by council areas

Find your local park by council area

Packer Park, Carengie - Copyright Mamma Knows South (12 of 31).jpg

Find your local playgrounds in your council area

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

brickmakers park, oakleigh

Be prepared to spend a while here, folks! This great park is huge and has loads of different areas to explore.

Be prepared to spend a while here, folks! This great park is huge and has loads of different areas to explore.
In one corner you have the playground, that also has a sheltered area with two picnic tables and a BBQ. The playground has lots of cool equipment like wooden stepping stones of assorted sizes, swings, slides, sea-saw, climbing structures, speak and listen system, net climbing wall and more!

In another corner there is a bird-filled little pond, bridge, a garden of assorted plants and a little hill that is just perfect for rolling down.

On the far corner are large open fields with a basketball court.
With free parking and a public toilet, it’s the perfect place to play the day away!

Mamma's special mention:
Grab some DELICIOUS donuts from the delectable The Oakleigh Doughnut Co down the road.

Brickmakers park Oakleigh -  Mamma Knows South-37.jpg

the nitty gritty

BBQ - picnic areas - undercover shelters - large grassy areas - basketball ring -public toilets - free parking

where?

Cnr Stamford and Hilbert Ct, Oakleigh

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

allnutt park, mckinnon

This park is a beauty! It has EVERYTHING you could want.

This park is a beauty! It has EVERYTHING you could want.

There’s two undercover picnic shelters and BBQ facilities, making it perfect for parties. Yes - a toilet too!
There’s heaps of wide open grassy areas, perfect for picnicking or ball sports. It’s doggy friendly with one section an off-leash area.
The playground is in a couple of sections - making it spacious and allowing the little ones to have their own area with age appropriate play things.
You’ll find all your usual park equipment, but also bonus extras like a basketball ring, skate/bike path and even a golf cage - Mamma hasn’t come across one of those before!

Be prepared to stay here a while folks, the kids will love it!

Mamma's special mention:
Make a day out of it and head for lunch, coffee or high tea at the charming Mr Burch cafe around the corner.

Allnut Park-  Mamma Knows South-8.jpg

the nitty gritty

BBQ - picnic areas - undercover shelters - shade sails - public toilets - free parking

where?

Wheatley Rd, McKinnon

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

seawinds garden playspace, arthurs seat

Here is a stunning nature-themed playground that lies within a spectacularly beautiful location

Here is a stunning nature-themed playground that lies within a spectacularly beautiful location.
Set amongst the top of Seawinds Gardens, in the picturesque Arthurs Seat, is this beautiful nature-inspired playground. Complete with intricate detailing of wildlife - spot the wallabies, poke your head through a kangaroo and have a go at the ‘roo-olympics’; there’s soft rubber matting, wooden climbing logs, rope ladders, rock climbing walls, swings, slides and seating - it is bound to become a new favourite!

So much effort has been put into the design of this beautiful playground, and it is definitely one of the prettiest Mamma has seen! Make sure you keep your eye out for a mob on kangaroos that enjoy sunbaking near by!

The kids will absolutely love this one - add it to your list!

the nitty gritty

BBQ - picnic areas - public toilets - free parking

where?

Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat

Mamma's special mention:
Make sure you explore all around the stunning Seawinds Gardens

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

livvis place, lyndhurst

This place is playground GOLD! It’s fully fenced with all abilities accessible equipment, a public toilet with change table facilities, BBQ facilities and undercover tables, a sandpit and a basketball court!

This place is playground GOLD! It’s fully fenced with all abilities accessible equipment, has a public toilet with change table facilities, BBQ facilities and undercover picnic tables, a sandpit and a basketball court! It’s perfect for the little ones but with heaps to do for the older ones as well.

What more could you ask for in a great playground? Oh wait a minute - perhaps you would like water play? Well, this playground now has a water play area, acoustic instrument space and a chill out zone with a Teepee area.

This is one amazing destination playground!

Mamma's special mention:
Head for a play and stop by the awesome How Good Dough cookie shop!

the nitty gritty

BBQ - picnic areas - public toilets -all abilities equipment - some shade - fully fenced

where?

Boland Dr, Lyndhurst

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

oaks park playground, clyde north

Mamma can’t recall seeing a slide this HUGE before in the South, and there’s not one, but TWO giant twirly beauties.

Mamma can’t recall seeing a slide this HUGE before in the South, and there’s not one, but TWO giant twirly beauties. Add to that is a basketball court, a bmx/skate park, a cement court with a rebound wall, a separate, shaded toddler area with lots of climbing/tunnel play equipment, sandpit with digger, rock-climbing wall, an undercover BBQ shelter, and a path going around the park - perfect for bikes! There’s also exercise equipment scattered in all corners of the park.

This is heaps of fun, don’t forget to bring their scooters!

Mamma's special mention:
Still wanting more play? Head down the road to have a play at Casey Fields Playspace

the nitty gritty

street parking - BBQ facilities -some shade

Waterman Drive, Clyde North

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

mornington park playground, mornington

Here’s a great park, in prime location!
Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Mornington Peninsula coast, and across the road from Main street - which is jam-packed with cafes, bars and shops!

Here’s a great park, in a prime location!
Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Mornington Peninsula coast, and across the road from Main street - which is jam-packed with cafes, bars and shops!

The playground is sea-themed and includes a giant Pirate ship as the foundation of the play equipment. Kids can walk the plank, steer the ship and check out the views from the top deck, and go below deck to speak and listen from the ‘phone line’ equipment. There’s also your usual; slides, swings, monkey bars and flying fox. Oh - and there are a few seriously awesome climbing trees to test out, too!

There’s a heap of open space to unload your picnic basket and kick the footy; as well as a few tables, BBQ, drinking fountains and toilets not far away.

Mamma's special mention:
You simply must stop in for a delicious gelato across the road at Okay Lucy.

the nitty gritty

street parking - public toilets - limited shade - beachside

Schnapper Drive, 
Mornington 

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

mccrae foreshore lighthouse playground, mccrae

This is a great little playground which resides next to the majestic Mcrae lighthouse and on the foreshore of McCrae beach.

This is a great little playground which resides next to the majestic Mcrae lighthouse and is on the foreshore of McCrae beach.

With smaller steps and railed play equipment, it’s perfect for those little feet. Climb up to the rock-climbing wall to reach the lighthouse, then disembark down the slide to more equipment underneath. There’s a little boat you can steer and a fun mirror to watch your warped reflection, which will keep the kids occupied for ages!
Then head down the sandy path to the foreshore to find dozens of delightfully coloured beach houses and stunning views across the Peninsula.

Mamma's special mention:
You simply must stop for a drink at Jetty Road Brewery when you’re down this way!

the nitty gritty

parking - public toilets - limited shade - beachside

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

lighthouse playground, tooradin

Overlooking Tooradin Jetty, surrounded by huge (great for climbing!) leafy trees and brightly coloured equipment - it’s a beautiful space to play in.

This is such a great little playground. Overlooking Tooradin Jetty, surrounded by huge (great for climbing!) leafy trees and brightly coloured equipment - it’s a beautiful space to play in.

Climb up to the top of the lighthouse and check out that view! Then disembark down the huge slide. Beware though - as even though adults CAN fit down the slide, they probably shouldn’t - the twists aren’t great for adult bodies as The Hubby found out the hard way!
There’s great musical equipment such as a piano type board, where kids can follow the music notes and play a song!
All of your usual play equipment are here - swings, slides, climbing frames, balancing boards, spinning wheel and more.
There’s grassy space opposite for a picnic or to kick a ball, plus picnic tables, a BBQ and some undercover picnic tables.

Mamma's special mention:
You simply must stop in at Tooradin Ice Cream shop before/after a play!

the nitty gritty

parking by honesty donation- water nearby - bbqs - sheltered picnic areas - public toilets - limited shade

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

rye foreshore playground, rye

Rye Foreshore Playground is a total classic! A wooden treasure that your kids will want to visit again and again. It is a community treasure and its design is a nod to all things nautical.

Rye Foreshore Playground is a total classic! A wooden treasure that your kids will want to visit again and again. It is a community treasure and its design is a nod to all things nautical. With the lighthouse, boats, bait shack and even hidden treasure, there are fun things to be found around each corner. Keep an eye out for some pesky pirates, a beautiful mermaid and plenty of friendly fish. The play elements are pretty accessible, suiting crawlers as well as your primary aged kiddos who are keen to climb up the walls. We can easily spend an entire hour exploring this space. The playground is fully enclosed with only one entrance at the front (which is nice being close to the main highway) and has beautiful views of the bay from up the top of the slide.

Mamma's special mention: For the local tip, head to the boat ramps at the end of the day, or whenever the fishing boats are heading back to shore and be on the look out for the local stingrays that are looking to feast on some easy dinner!

IMG_3151.jpg

the nitty gritty

fully fenced and gated - water nearby - bbqs - lots of seagulls! - sheltered picnic areas - public toilets - limited shade

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

deep creek eco play, pakenham

Hold on to your dragonflies good people - there is a BRAND NEW PARK and it is BRILLIANT - with a capital B!

Hold on to your dragonflies good people - there is a BRAND NEW PARK and it is BRILLIANT - with a capital B!

It’s been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham is simply a fantastic, all ability play space.
The biggest feature - and of course you can’t miss this one - is the giant dragon fly. It’s so beautifully crafted, you will be mesmerised by the wings alone. The kids will have a ball running up and down the ramps, hiding in the eyes and playing underneath.
But of course, that isn’t all. Under the shelter (yes - you read that right) you’ll find water play. This is the ‘pack a spare pack of clothes’ kind of water play and great for playing and exploring - not full bathers … unless you are really desperate to cool down.
More great things to discover include the wheelchair slalom which could also double as a bike track (note: scooters struggle on the fine rocks), the huge birds nest swing, plenty of noisy and musical equipment, plus climbing frames and sensory gardens.
This fully enclosed and fenced playground is going to be a total hit and we can’t wait to come back.

Mamma's special mention: If you thought it was a perfect playground … you are totally right because there is also a kiosk cafe around the corner at the golf course! All within walking distance.

the nitty gritty

fully fenced and gated - wetlands nearby - walking tracks - bbqs - sheltered picnic areas - public toilets - undercover water play - all ability play zones - liberty swing - sensory gardens

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

royal avenue park playground, sandringham

Mamma loves this little playground. It’s in the middle of a shaded reserve, lot’s of trees and open space; it’s FULLY FENCED, and yes, there are toilets too!

Are you ready for another UPGRADED playground?!

Mamma has always loved this little playground. It’s in the middle of a shaded reserve, lots of trees and open space; it’s FULLY FENCED, and yes, there are toilets! Let’s not forget picnic benches and a water bubbler too. It meets all the criteria that us Mamma’s search for in a playground, but now with all new equipment! 

There’s an upgraded climbing structure with ramps, slides and a rope net, multiple swing sets, a giant balance board type see-saw, spinner and a flying fox! 

For the older kids, directly opposite is a skate bowl for them to work on their moves, as well as a huge open field to kick a footy or set up a game of cricket, as well as an undercover BBQ area. 

This is a perfect spot for a picnic and family time. 

the nitty gritty

76 Royal Avenue, Sandringham

toilet facilities - fully fenced - free parking - picnic tables -seating -some shade from trees

Mamma's special mention:
Want to keep the fun going? Head around the corner to Sandy Mini Golf

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

darnley drive playground, skye

There’s enough equipment to keep the little ones happy and a few tables under the shade of leafy trees - perfect for a picnic.

This newly updated playground is a great little local park.
There’s enough equipment to keep the little ones happy and a few tables under the shade of leafy trees - perfect for a picnic.
Mamma loves the swings, two slides - one that is connected to a farmhouse structure with a telescope lookout, and one tall, free-standing slide. There’s also a climbing pyramid, see-saw, rocking horses, fireman pole and some little activity panels for the kids to twist and turn.
Mamma’s Little Miss couldn’t get enough of the steep silver slide; she thinks it’s a little bit scary but a lot of fun!

It’s also next to a walking track, so bring your comfy shoes and explore!

Mamma's special mention:
Want to keep exploring? Head down the road to the beautiful McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery.

the nitty gritty

free parking - picnic tables -seating -some shade from trees

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

keast park playground, seaford

How good is a beach side park!

Mamma loves a beach side park!
Whilst this playground doesn’t have a heap of equipment, it does have a lot of space. It’s perfect for a picnic - with a BBQ, picnic tables and toilets (which are part of the bowls club).
There is a huge sandpit with stepping stones and a tap that sprinkles water down the steps and into the sand - perfect waterplay for making muddy puddles! Mamma’s hot tip - bring spare clothes, as the kids are gonna get dirty…
Shade sails have recently been added to provide cover for the majority of the sandpit.
There’s also three swings, a rope climbing bridge, and a wooden ramp. Lots of space and ways for the kids to enjoy imaginative play. And, of course, the beach is also just a ramp away.

Mamma's special mention:
Feel like a treat? Head down the Nepean Highway until you reach the scrumptious Gelato Unou.

the nitty gritty

paid parking - toilets - bbq - picnic tables -seating -some shade

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

yamala park playground, frankston south

Mamma loves a park upgrade - especially a themed park!

Mamma loves a park upgrade - especially a themed park!
This one is all about tennis. Located beside a tennis court, the playground makes you feel like you are playing on your own private court. It’s built entirely on a bright blue soft-fall mat with white lines and green equipment.
It is quite small, consisting of two in-ground trampolines, one large twisty slide and one smaller slide, swings, rock climbing wall, cubed climbing net, two giant tennis ball statues, rocks to climb and a green snake path.
There’s no shade cloth, but lots of trees that do provide some shaded areas.
Mamma must note that the climbing cube - the only way to access the big slide - is quite tricky and not suitable for under 5s.

Mamma's special mention:
Feel like a treat? Follow Nepean Highway until you reach the delicious Rebel Donuts!

the nitty gritty

- free parking - no toilets

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

wisewould avenue reserve, seaford

Mamma just loves a fully fenced in playground! It’s small but fun and under the sea themed.

Mamma just loves a fully fenced in playground!

This one is fresh and new, it is small but has a cute under the sea theme which is fun!

There’s a great pirate ship to climb aboard. Complete with two slides, a fireman pole and a little table and bench seat to enjoy a ‘pirates picnic’, as Mamma’s Little Miss likes to call it.

There’s also an in-ground trampoline, a nest and two regular swings, rocking ‘fish’ and a round-a-bout. Outside of the fenced in area is a large green grassy spot - perfect for kicking the footy or a round of cricket.

A very cool little local playground - fun for everyone!

Mamma's special mention:
Feel like a treat? Head down the road to Gelato Unou

the nitty gritty

fully fenced - free parking - no toilets

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

berwick springs wetland reserve playground, narre warren south

Calling all wannabe ninja warriors. Mamma and the crew have an outdoor junior AND senior course for YOU! Tucked in to the Berwick Springs wetlands you will find a recreation reserve with all the necessary training equipment to inspire your little daredevils.

Calling all wannabe ninja warriors. Mamma and the crew have an outdoor junior AND senior course for YOU! Tucked in to the Berwick Springs wetlands you will find a recreation reserve with all the necessary training equipment to inspire your little daredevils.

The obstacle zone is for your more adventurous little ones with balancing beams, climbing tunnels, monkey bars and stepping stones. There is always a lot of concentration happening in this half of the playspace and huge smiles when the challenges are overcome. The classic playground here has retained its original toddler structures, complete with bridges, slides, spinning games and climbing ladders. It is under the cover of shade cloths and great for little ones. Added bonus, this play zone is fully fenced.

Lastly, beyond this playground you will find the BIG KID ninja zone. This fitness zone is brilliant with adult sized monkey bars, climbing walls, battle ropes as well as outdoor fitness equipment, basketball and tennis zones. If you are wanting to workout without forking out for a gym membership - check this one out!

Mamma's special mention: Need food to refuel or a frozen yoghurt treat? Check out Nice Buns up on Clyde Road.

the nitty gritty

fully fenced - bbq (currently under works) - added shade - obstacle course - walking trails nearby - fitness equipment nearby - basketball court

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

healthland circuit children's park, cranbourne east

This is such a cute little park with a heap of imaginative play, natural elements and bike tracks.

This is such a cute little park. It offers a heap of imaginative play options, where kids can create their own story as to why there are giant eggs scattered throughout!

It’s a very ‘in touch with nature’ park, with lots of little tree stumps and wooden beams to balance on, logs to sit on, huge leafy trees and little wooden Australian animal statues.
There’s a giant wooden nest (hence the eggs) that you climb up to, with speakers and binoculars and two slides to dismount; a sandpit, swings and a musical pipe instrument that makes really beautiful sounds.
Pack your bike/scooter/skateboard as there are bike paths and little jumps as well.
A hidden treasure!

Mamma's special mention
Want to explore outdoors some more? Head over to the awesome Cranbourne Botanic Gardens.

the nitty gritty

bbq facilities - shaded area - picnic tables - free parking - no toilets

for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South, click here

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

mckinnon reserve playground, mckinnon

Keeping very much in touch with nature, you will find heaps of trees, plants and wooden equipment. Such as a cubbyhouse/shopfront, a giant tree-house leading up to the huge slide, a mini-petrol station, see-saw, 5 poster swing set and wooden beams spread throughout the playground to sit on.

Mamma loves a good playground upgrade! And WOW - this one is quite incredible!

Keeping very much in touch with nature, you will find heaps of trees, plants and wooden equipment. Such as a cubbyhouse/shopfront, a giant tree-house leading up to the huge slide, a mini-petrol station, see-saw, 5 poster swing set and wooden beams spread throughout the playground to sit on.
Mamma’s crew have never come across a petrol pump at a playground before, so this was a big hit!
Also proving popular were both of the tree-houses. One is the climbing tower leading up to two giant slides, and the other is built around the ultimate large climbing tree. This has a double smaller slide attached.

There is also a seriously cool obstacle/warrior-type climbing frame, rock-climbing walls, two zip-liners - one seated with a strap for the littler ones, spinning climbing nets, and lots of climbing rocks and space for imaginative play.

With BBQ facilities, tables and lots of grass - this is the perfect place for a family picnic! Oh - and YES! There are toilets!

  • note - the slide is better suited for older children, it is quite large for little bodies.

Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road for some delicious tucker at Good Times Milk Bar - or head in the other direction for some decadent sweet treats at Dolce House Gelato.

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - BBQ facility - free street parking - toilet facilities

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More
Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

buchanan park, berwick

What a great improvement! The fences have been removed at Buchanan Park in Berwick and we raced down to test it out.

What a great improvement! The fences have been removed at Buchanan Park in Berwick and we raced down to test it out.

The design is a nice and fresh one for Mamma. A main structure with a tunnel sure looks cool, as well as the climbing net with wobbly balance thingos underneath. The climbing hand holds are cactus shaped and there is plenty of little things for the little ones at ground level. There’s a swinging sea-saw, a spinning round-about and a swing frame with two - yes TWO - toddler swings!

Our little guy couldn’t get up the main structure, no matter how much he tried on the ladders, but it is a little narrow up there, so keeping his little legs on solid ground is fine by this Mamma. The original playground is still here on the other side of the skate park so there is still fun to be had for the toddlers AND the big kids.

Mamma's special mention: Coffee I hear you ask? Head to Little By Little just on the other side of the railway line.

the nitty gritty

off street parking - picnic shelters and seating - walking trails nearby - skate park - water hazard - bbqs - close to train station - heaps of green space for ball games

click here for more great parks and playgrounds in Melbourne's South

Read More