dales park playground, oakleigh south
This playground screams little kid’s birthday party. It’s fully fenced with undercover BBQ facilities and picnic tables, toilets, drinking fountains and off street parking. Tick, tick, tick!
This playground screams little kid’s birthday party. It’s fully fenced with undercover BBQ facilities and picnic tables, toilets, drinking fountains and off street parking. Tick, tick, tick!
There are two main play structures (one for the littlies and one for the big kids) connected by a rope bridge. They have nets to climb, slides to slide down, planks to walk and fireman poles to whirl down.
Surrounding these two structures are swings, seesaw, ride on spinning top, sandpit complete with wooden teepee and spiders web net with two rope hammocks attached.
The space has been thoughtfully designed with paths leading to each play zone and some bench seating located in the centre (with more found around the BBQ shelter). There are some lovely trees dotted around the perimeter of the playground that may provide shade in years to come but for the moment, Mamma would suggest a liberal slip slop slap before getting there .
The playground sits behind Dales Park’s massive netball courts where you can often find families kicking the footy or getting some trike/scooter/skate practice in when games are not on - so be sure to pack it all and make a day of it!
the nitty gritty
Washington Drive, Oakleigh South 3167
off street parking - sand pit - picnic table - bbq facilities - toilet - drinking fountain - netball court - fully fenced
Mamma's special mentions: Head to Big Pig Canteen afterwards for some delicious American style BBQ.
lyle anderson reserve playground, highett
Surrounded by a beautiful rose garden and flanked by dramatic leaf adorned archways at either end, it is easy to forget that Lyle Anderson Reserve playground is nestled between the back end of new build apartments and train tracks.
Surrounded by a beautiful rose garden and flanked by dramatic leaf adorned archways at either end, it is easy to forget that Lyle Anderson Reserve playground is nestled between the back end of new build apartments and the train tracks.
This hidden gem is easy to miss, making it even more delightful when you find it. Drive down the gravel road to the off street carpark and try to keep up with the kidlets as they race through the archways to a small clearing where the train themed playground sits. There is a small locomotive complete with steering wheel and climb through tunnel that will greet you as you enter the playground.
To the left there are traditional and nest swings which sit next to the picnic table and bbq facilities. To the right you will find the main play structure which is designed for little climbers - there is an abseil/rock climbing wall, rope ladder and disc climber which all lead to the big orange spiral slide. But don’t worry grown ups - if you need to follow them up, there are stairs too!
Since starting prep, Mamma’s 5 year old has mastered and subsequently hyper-fixated on monkey bars and anything monkey bar related so we spent most of our time swinging from bar to bar and zipping across the flying fox.
For those who need a little peace and quiet, follow the disc stepping stones to the small sandpit. There, you will also find an arch bridge which leads to a hidden alcove, perfect for little ones to conspire or engage in imaginative play.
Once the kids have finished playing, why not take a quick walk around the small but nicely maintained grounds that the playground sits on - and if the little train enthusiasts are lucky, they’ll be able to see one zip past the perimeter of the reserve!
the nitty gritty
off street parking - sand pit - picnic table - bbq facilities - toilet
Mamma's special mentions: For some indoors fun, head to MoPa (Museum of Play and Art) which is just a short drive down the road.
pasadena avenue playground, beaumaris
Pasadena Avenue Playground, is everything you want a little residential playground to be. This quaint Beaumaris play space has the magic of a secret garden with all the classic playground amenities
Pasadena Avenue Playground is everything you want a little residential playground to be. This quaint Beaumaris play space has the magic of a secret garden with all the classic playground amenities.
The equipment is surrounded by native trees that provide a nice bit of shade, and creates a feeling of seclusion that makes you feel like you have stumbled across a secret little playground in bushland.
There are three separate play structures to keep the kids happy as well as a couple of swings and the most whimsical fairy ring of toadstools. Mamma’s 2 year old was a big fan of the suspended rubber trampoline and sandpit, complete with digger.
There’s so much packed into this beautiful little spot that the kid’s won’t want to leave in a hurry. So bring a picnic and take advantage of the reserve’s grassy knoll or picnic table and soak in the surrounds while the little ones play.
the nitty gritty
10 Pasadena Ave, Beaumaris 3193
sand pit - picnic table - drinking fountain - tree shade
Mamma's special mentions: Head to Ginger Fox, just a few minutes drive away, for some food and coffee.
