rocket park (ray bastin reserve), narre warren
Subtly keeping with the OG space theme, the huge red rocket has had a facelift, and space lovers are going to be in heaven as they climb aboard, zoom down the giant twisty slide and even power the spaceship from the control station!
Mamma loves when a favourite oldie gets an upgrade, and this playground is an absolute winner! There’s truly something for everyone at Rocket Park (or Ray Bastin Reserve) in Narre Warren. Subtly keeping with the OG space theme, the huge red rocket has had a facelift, and space lovers are going to be in heaven as they climb aboard, zoom down the giant twisty slide and even power the spaceship from the control station!
There’s heaps to do here for all ages, with climbing objects, spinning wheels, rocking planets, swings, slides and more. In fact, there’s something Mamma has never seen at a playground before — a very cool circular ride-on car track, so be prepared to push the kiddos along here for a while, folks!
The ground is mainly soft-fall, making it perfect for toddlers, and there’s a large sandpit complete with a digger and metal pipes. Little ones will also love the water pump with its narrow river path for some hands-on water play.
A smooth path surrounds the playground, making it perfect for bikes, scooters and skateboards. PLUS there’s an awesome skate ramp and a dirt BMX track for the daredevils. Pack a picnic and make the most of the BBQs, shaded tables and leafy trees — you’ll want to spend a few hours here. And yes, there are toilets too!
10 Norfolk Drive, Narre Warren 3805
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities - free parking - picnic tables - BBQ facilities - some shaded tables - all ability play equipment - skate/bmx ramps - water tap - full basketball court
Mamma's special mention
Head down the road to the awesome Bunjil Place.
banjo park, clyde north
This adventure park in Clyde North is AWESOME. It has water play, swings, climbing structures and a half basketball court.
This adventure park in Clyde North is AWESOME. It has water play, swings, climbing structures and a half basketball court.
The water begins at the top of the hill, flowing down like a waterfall next to the slide and weaves around the playground, under small bridges to an area of water play with pumps and fountains. Great for a warm day but even a bit of rain won’t stop Mamma’s crew - just don’t forget to bring a change of clothes!
There’s various climbing structures and logs to balance on, tunnels to explore, and bring your basketball along if your kids enjoy shooting some hoops. There’s also undercover picnic tables to stop and fuel up on morning tea after all the running around and water play. And the best bit - there is a cafe RIGHT AT THE ENTRANCE!
the nitty gritty
undercover picnic table - half basketball court - toilets - water play - BBQ - bench seats - cafe onsite
Grazing Way, Clyde North
Mamma’s Special Mention:
Grab some coffee or lunch at the Humble Merchant Smiths Lane onsite!
clara park, clyde north
Mamma loves a brand new playground to explore - and Clyde seems to have ALL of the best ones!
The recently completed Clara Park is the perfect mix of wide-open space and clever play design — just right for kids of all ages!
Mamma loves a brand new playground to explore - and Clyde North seems to have ALL of the best ones!
The recently completed Clara Park is the perfect mix of wide-open space and clever play design — just right for kids of all ages!
Bring a ball because there’s a huge grassy area made for kicking, throwing and running around; plus a half basketball court, four square, and even a rebound wall with cricket stumps painted on for those backyard cricket vibes.
Little ones will love the musical play equipment, toddler slide, swings, and tunnels, while the bigger kids can take on the wooden climbing beams, spider nets and monkey bars. Surrounded by plenty of nature play elements, it’s the kind of playground where imaginative play takes over.
There are no toilets here, but just down the road there is another fantastic playground with toilets AND a cafe attached! Also make sure to slip, slop, slap as there’s limited shade options.
the nitty gritty
Corner of Clara Drive and Webster Street, Clyde North 3978
BBQ - undercover picnic tables - basketball court - drinking fountain - off street parking - no toilets
Mamma's special mention:
Head to Humble Merchant Smiths Lane for a coffee and lunch after your play!
keysborough community hub and playground, keysborough
Mamma loves a one stop shop and Keysborough’s refurbished community hub and playground is hitting all the right notes. With a buzzing play space filled with sensory and nature play areas as well as a number of playground classics - this will quickly become a go to for local families with smaller kids.
Mamma loves a one stop shop and Keysborough’s refurbished community hub and playground is hitting all the right notes. With a buzzing play space filled with sensory and nature play areas as well as a number of playground classics - this will quickly become a go to for local families with smaller kids.
There are swings, an in-ground trampoline, climbing nets, all abilities turnstile, rock climbing wall, balancing beams and a small slide to keep the little ones happy. There’s a basketball half court and fancy undercover bbq facilities and picnic tables for the bigger kids and grownups to enjoy as well.
With a push button activated tap, tunnel, tip over bucket, basin and excavator… there’s no guessing why the sandpit and water play zone are SO popular. The effort it took to pry Mamma’s 2 year old from this space had bystanders offering silent nods of solidarity.
What Mamma loves about this playground is the way the equipment has been expertly weaved into the existing naturescape. The layout of the entire play space pays respect to the natural surrounds which is highlighted by local artist, Alexander Knox’s “Twiggy Wiggy” play sculpture of a fallen Red Gum branch.
The area is partially fenced with barriers and gates along the street facing sides but the walkway to the community hub and carpark is not.
You will find bathrooms, a water refill station and “tea point” (perfect for prepping baby bottles on the go) inside the community hub itself. The hub also includes a small library with a great little kids section, community activity rooms, makers space and meeting room. The library also offers family friendly mid week sessions like baby bounce and school holiday activities.
the nitty gritty
Corner of Villiers Rd & Chapel Rd, Keysborough 3173
BBQ - undercover picnic tables - water play - basketball court - toilets - drinking fountain - off street parking - partially fenced - library
Mamma's special mention:
Head to La Bella Pasticceria Cafe for a feed after the kids have had their fill.
eco park playground, mount martha
The newly upgraded Mount Martha Eco Park - with a skate bowl and pump track, is set to be a local favourite!
The newly upgraded Mount Martha Eco Park is set to be a local favourite!
The park now features a large skate bowl and pump track that’s perfect for all ages – bring the scooters, bikes or boards and get rolling. The playground itself is packed with fun, showcasing a flying fox, wooden climbing structure with hidey holes, slides and climbing walls; plus swings, inground trampolines, a spinner and some cute frog rockers for the littlest kids.
Scattered through the space you’ll also find musical instruments – from spinning metal maracas to pipes that chime with ascending notes – so kids can create their own masterpiece as they play.
There’s also a picnic table and a few bench seats spread around the park, so you can sit back and enjoy the relaxed space while the kids play.
the nitty gritty
Mamma's special mention:
Make the day an adventure - and head to The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary after!
mulgrave reserve playground, wheelers hill
Mamma loves a glow-up and after redevelopment, Mulgrave Reserve Playground is positively radiant! Designed for all ages, this playspace has equipment and installations for both little and big kids.
Mamma loves a glow-up and after redevelopment, Mulgrave Reserve Playground is positively radiant! Designed for all ages, this playspace has equipment and installations for both little and big kids.
There is a separate play structure for toddlers which includes a slide, ride on rocker, interactive panels and ball bearing labyrinth. With multiple swings, an in-ground trampoline and interactive musical bridge to boot, smaller kids have plenty to keep them entertained.
The big kids are looked after with a structure that includes both a tunnel and regular slide, climbing net, fireman pole and multilevel platforms. There is also a separate structure completely dedicated to rope nets and is the perfect spot for enthusiastic climbers.
The space has been thoughtfully designed and landscaped, drawing inspiration from the local flora and fauna. Mamma and the 6 year old made a game of spotting all the hidden Easter eggs dotted around the playground. From metal animal emblems to bird foot prints embossed in the pavement - the squeals of delight as Mamma’s little one uncovered new secret treasures was pure magic.
The reserve also boasts a large oval, basketball quarter court and fitness hub to be enjoyed once the playgrounds offerings have been exhausted.
The grownups will also be pleased with the onsite amenities which just make life that little bit easier - think off street parking, shade sales, BBQ facilities, undercover picnic tables and a modern toilet block… Mamma even spotted a sandwich board at the playground offering barista made coffee at the sporting pavilion that also sits on the reserve. Coffee and a playground? WIN!
the nitty gritty
136 Garnett Rd, Wheelers Hill 3150
BBQ - undercover picnic tables - oval - basketball ring - toilets - off street parking
Mamma's special mention:
Creative Sparx is just a short drive down the road for those who want to get their creative juices flowing..
harbour town park, patterson lakes
Ship ahoy! Mamma’s found a cute little themed playground that is sure to shiver the kids’ timbers.
Ship ahoy! Mamma’s found a cute little themed playground that is sure to shiver the kids’ timbers. Located in Patterson Lake’s aptly named Harbour Town, this park is perfect for little shipmates to burn off some of that extra energy on the high seas.
There’s something for all ages at this playground, with equipment perfect for both big and littlies. Whether the kids want to sail the seven seas or dig for treasure in the sandpit, Harbour Town Park has got the goods.
Climb aboard the sinking ship that doubles as a cubby/shop and includes a ladder, rope netting and dual slides. Or row to safety in the brightly coloured spring dingy which Mamma’s kids loved gripping on to during “rough seas”.
With a flying fox, monkey bars, swings and spinning chair rounding out Harbour Town Park’s playground, there is also ample green space to kick the ball around and a paved walking trail for scoots and bikes. Make sure to bring a picninc rug and some snacks because the kids will happily play here until its time to come ashore.
the nitty gritty
24 The Parkway, Patterson Lakes 3197
drinking fountain - picnic tables - sandpit - street parking - nautical theme - green space
Mamma's special mentions: When the kids are all played out, peruse the stalls of Market 3196 just a couple minutes down the road.
royal mile avenue playground, berwick
As the final playground to be built on the Minta Estate in Berwick, the best has certainly been saved for last. So round up the kids, bikes and scooters because Royal Mile Avenue Playground is a must visit.
As the final playground to be built on the Minta Estate in Berwick, the best has certainly been saved for last. So round up the kids, bikes and scooters because Royal Mile Avenue Playground is a must visit.
This is a playground of two halves. First is a fairly traditional play equipment setup with all the classics - think swings, dual slides, monkey bars, rock climbing wall and spring rocker. There’s also a couple of undercover picnic tables and the fanciest bin Mamma has ever seen at a playground (but alas, no BBQ).
The absolute draw card though? The epic bike track with traffic school vibes - it’s set up with stop signs, zebra crossings, a ramp and massive roundabout. There’s even parking spots so the little ones can duck into the “shops” for some groceries, book in to the “garage” for a tune up or recharge at the “charging station”.
This is also a wonderful place to get some practice in if the little ones are a bit nervous to ride. Mamma absolutely loved watching Miss 5 thrive and grow in confidence pedalling around the circuit over and over (and over) again.
Something to consider before visiting though - there are no toilet facilities on site so Mamma suggests a tactical wee before dropping by.
the nitty gritty
19 Royal Mile Ave, Berwick 3806
drinking fountain - undercover picnic tables - bike track - street parking
Mamma's special mentions: The kids will have worked up an appetite after playing here, so head to Nice Buns for some burgers and frozen yoghurt.
hillview reserve playground, dromana
If you’re anywhere near the Mornington Peninsula - or feel like making an a day trip, you have to check out the brand new Hillview Reserve Playground in Dromana. It’s one of the best nature-themed playgrounds we’ve seen in a while - and wait for it … it is FULLY FENCED!
If you’re anywhere near the Mornington Peninsula - or feel like making a day trip, you have to check out the brand new Hillview Reserve Playground in Dromana. It’s one of the best nature-themed playgrounds we’ve seen in a while - and wait for it … it is FULLY FENCED!
Most equipment is made from natural materials, lots of wood, ropes, rocks, and it’s packed with fun features that add a bit of creative play.
There’s a big wooden log swing that’s perfect for multiple kids to swing on, and climbing stumps scattered throughout the play space for balancing, hopping, and imaginative games. Mamma’s crew love the climbing walls too. There’s both a bouldering block and a little rock climbing wall, which keeps the older kids busy while the younger ones play on the rope nets and intricate mazes of the main climbing structure.
The whole playground has a great mix of challenge and creativity suited to all ages. There’s a small flying fox that’s just the right amount of thrill for the littlies, classic monkey bars, and a little merry-go-round and slide for the kids who love spinning and zooming.
AND the whole playground is fully fenced, a huge win for the parents of little runners! And yes, there are toilets nearby (in the car park), there’s undercover picnic tables and water tap too - so it is the perfect playground to stay and play all day!
the nitty gritty
drinking fountain - fully fenced - picnic tables - toilets nearby
Mamma's special mentions: Just up to your right in the same reserve is the Dromana Pump Track - so pack your bikes or scooters too!
damper creek conservation reserve, mount waverley
Mamma just LOVES a good playground/trail combo and Damper Creek Conservation Reserve has just that. A really fun playground, in an 11 hectare bushland reserve with walking tracks.
Mamma just LOVES a good playground/trail combo and Damper Creek Conservation Reserve has just that. A really fun playground, in an 11 hectare bushland reserve with walking tracks.
Mamma and her boys like to go for a little bike ride/wander along the walking track. We never get far as there is too much to explore including a sneaky water crossing that leads you over the creek and through to the playground.
There is some good sized hills for toddlers on bikes and scooters to head and up down without too much fear from Mamma. If you’re wandering through the reserve keep an eye out for some exciting wildlife including frogs, flying foxes, peregrine falcons, gang-gang cockatoos and sugar gliders.
The playground has 2 levels, to reach the top you can climb the stairs or go up the rope pull before heading back down the slide.
Up the top is a single structure with monkey bars, rope climbs, and a slide. Down below has a gorgeous blue tongue lizard (yes their tongue is blue) to climb along, swings, balance beams, and sea saws.
The playground is spread out amongst gorgeous bushland so there’s lots of other things for your little ones to explore and play with, including cute little table and chairs cut from trees just perfect for a picnic.
the nitty gritty
shaded by trees - picnic tables - walking track - pram accessible - no toilets
Mamma's special mentions: Once you’ve worked up an appetite head to Kaiju Cantina for some epic pizzas!
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.
