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
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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
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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
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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
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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
spacerocket park (ray bastin reserve), narre warren
Space lovers are going to be in heaven when they blast off into this giant space-themed playground which includes a BMX track AND a skate park!
**This park is scheduled for redevelopment June 2025
This park is out of this world!
Space lovers are going to be in heaven when they blast off into the giant space-themed playground, disembark down the huge twisty slide and even power the spaceship through the control station!
There's heaps to do here, something for all ages. Climbing objects, spinning wheels, rocking planes, swings, sandpit, slides and more. The ground is also mainly soft surface - perfect for the toddlers - and the park is fully fenced-in.
There is also a path surrounding the playground, making it perfect for all types of bikes, scooters and skateboards. PLUS there is an awesome skate ramp and BMX track for the daredevils.
Bring a picnic and make use of the BBQ facilities and shaded tables; you will want to spend a few hours here!
Mamma's special mention
Head down the road to the awesome Paint a Pot OR Bunjil Place.
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities - free parking - picnic tables - bbq facilities - some shaded area - all ability play equipment - skate/bmx ramps
ufo park (grange reserve), clayton south
The hero of the park is the giant UFO. Complete will bouncy springs, jet engines, and two slides to disembark on. You can even pretend you are the pilot!
Do you believe the truth is out there?
This awesome space-themed park has an even more awesome back story.
On the 6th April in 1966, students and teachers from Westall school's, reportedly saw an 'unidentified flying object' hovering above the trees. It is said to have landed in the tall pine trees of what is now grange reserve, for 20 minutes before taking off at speed.
If you read the quotes that are spread around the park, allegedly army trucks appeared not long after and investigated the scene. Yet curiously, the event was barely covered in the next day's media. Intriguing, right?
Well - so is this reserve! There is SO much to do and see here, you will literally spend hours investigating.
Of course, the hero of the park is the giant UFO. Complete will bouncy springs, jet engines, and two slides to disembark on. You can even pretend you are the pilot!
There are also all your usual play equipment; swings, flying fox, sandpit, digger, climbing wall, dizzy spinning wheel, wooden tree house - and lots more!
There's also picnic tables and free BBQ facilities making it the perfect picnic outing. With huge pine trees (hello pine cone hunting!) and bush surroundings, there is so much to explore. Don't forget to keep your eyes out for UFO's!
Mamma's special mention
Feel like a sweet treat to bring on your picnic? Pop past Daniel's Donuts on the way!
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities- free parking - picnic tables & bbq facilities
wanna know more?
click here
136-176 Osborne Ave, Clayton South
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frankston foreshore playground, frankston
Who can resist an awesome beach-side playground? Especially one that has been newly updated!
Who can resist an awesome beach-side playground? Especially one that has been newly updated!
Located on the Frankston Waterfront Reserve, the views are just stunning. You have the beautiful Frankston Pier and beach that you can stroll along in all seasons.
Then there’s this huge playground with so much space for kids to run and burn off energy.
The park is spread out into sections, which is great when it is busy, ensuring things don't get too overcrowded.
There’s all NEW equipment offering lots of fun for all ages.
For the bigger kids, there’s a high climbing structure in which you can only get up via two lots of rope ladders (or with mum or dad lending a hand!) Dismount is courtesy of two large slides!
For the little ones there’s a smaller structure complete with a rock climbing wall, small double slide, steps and an enclosed path. However, this does lead on to a rope-bridge that has some gaps, so as with any play ground - be sure to keep a close eye on the brave little adventurers.
There are loads of swings, most of these are under shade sails.
There’s also all ability play areas including a liberty swing.
In keeping with the wooden theme, there are awesome little log rockers - Mamma hasn’t come across these before! There are climbing logs, spinning circle, sandpit, giant shell and giant nutshell boats!
You can easily spend the whole day here. Pack a picnic, have a BBQ or visit one of the many nearby cafes, walk along the beach, the boardwalk and PLAY the whole day away!
Mamma's special mention
Feel like a sweet treat? Pop past Twisted Sista!
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities- paid parking - picnic tables & bbq facilities - all abilities equipment -
wanna know more?
click here
Frankston Waterfront, Pier Promenade, Frankston
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albany crescent reserve, aspendale
Mamma just loves a themed park! And what can be better than a train theme?
Mamma just loves a themed park! And what can be better than a train theme?
This gorgeous park consists of an old train that you can hop on board and pretend to drive. It also has a train station that you can sit and wait at whilst controlling the signals from stop to go.
There's also 2 sets of see-saws, one of which you can lay down on; double racing slides, merry-go-rounds, a small rock-climbing wall and a few picnic tables.
This park is the perfect place for imaginative play. This mamma will back many times in the future!
Mamma's special mention
Hungry after all that play? The kids can continue enjoying themselves at the wonderful Oscar's Hangout not far away.
the nitty gritty
mostly fenced in- free parking - shaded picnic tables