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

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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!

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the nitty gritty

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

harleston park, elsternwick

This is the ultimate picnic park - and recently upgraded!!

This gorgeous leafy park has recently been upgraded, and is one that you are going to come back to time and time again!

With a heap of huge trees offering shade, a gigantic slide, picnic tables, colourful earthy tones with lots of wooden materials, all your usual playground equipment - this is the ultimate picnic park!
This is great for kids of all ages, as there is something for everyone. There’s an area in the sand for the little kids with a small slide, climbing structures and equipment for sand play.

The older kids have THAT great slide, a basketball court, great climbing trees, rock climbing wall and heaps more.

There’s BBQ facilities, tables and a toilet - so it’s the perfect picnic spot.

Note - The rock bed is still there, but there’s no water in it.

Mamma's special mention
After you have worked up an appetite - head down to Jerry's Milk Bar to enjoy some delicious food - and amazing milkshakes!!

the nitty gritty

toilet facilities - bbq facilities -some shaded area - picnic tables - free parking

47 Allison Rd
 Elsternwick

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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

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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

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

san remo park playground, san remo

Swings, slides, rocking horses, old-style flying fox, and some cool wall mazes set around a climbing structure to resemble a pirate ship.

There’s a great little playground right at the foot of the San Remo bridge that is just perfect to have a little picnic at; with plenty of access to great take-away options (delicious pies from San Remo Bakery!) directly across the road. There are BBQ facilities and picnic tables as well.
The playground itself is of a brightly coloured seaside theme, with heaps to do to keep the kids busy. Swings, slides, rocking horses, old-style flying fox, and some cool wall mazes set around a climbing structure to resemble a pirate ship.
It is close to a main road and sea-side, so make sure you keep an eye on the little ones!

Mamma's special mention:
You simply cannot visit the playground without stopping to watch the Pelican Feeding next door!

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - BBQ facility - free parking - toilet facilities

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

trueman reserve playground, cranbourne west

This great playground has heaps to keep kids of all ages happy!

This great playground has heaps to keep kids of all ages happy!

Check out that slide! This is one for the older kids, as the climbing structure leading up to the slide is the only way you can get up there, and is quite complex for tiny feet; but awesome fun for the older monkeys.
But never fear! There is a heap for the little ones to do. Jump on in-ground trampolines, slide down multiple smaller slides, rock climb, twisty monkey bars, tunnels, nest and traditional swings and spider web climbing nets!

The reserve also has an undercover picnic area with BBQ facilities and tables, and yes - there are toilet facilities with a changing table!
Opposite the playground is an enclosed dog park complete with an obstacle obedience course.
Fun for the whole family here!

Mamma's special mention:
Do your kids love dinosaurs? Head around the corner to the roarsome Megasaurus park.

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - BBQ facility - free parking - toilet facilities with change table - fully enclosed dog park

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

hill farm park, clyde

This cute little farm-themed park is built on the site of an old 19th Century family farm.

This is a clucking - awesome playground! This cute little farm-themed park is built on the site of an original 19th Century family farm. The picnic shelter is the ACTUAL remains of a cottage which resided on this land, built in 1875.

The little playground shows in a small scale of what the farm would have looked like. There’s a collection of pig statues, giant pitch forks and roosters, some old wagon-style bench seats, as well as a slide, swings, balancing beams, see-saw and rocking horse. There’s plenty of open grass space too, so pack the soccer ball or the footy. There’s also a sheltered area with a BBQ and some picnic tables. Next to the playground there is enclosed dog park with a training course.

This is a cute little place to check out.

Mamma's special mention:
Kids want more to play on? There’s another great park nearby - Highgrove Outlook Park.
Hungry? Check out the delicious Deoro & Co Cafe.

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - BBQ facility - free parking - fully enclosed dog park

Bimberry Circuit, Clyde
(In the Pasadena Estate)

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

bruce park, frankston

This little local has just been updated and is now a perfect pit stop for the little ones.

This local has just been updated and is now a perfect pit stop for the little ones.
Set behind the Bruce Park Oval, it’s a great spot to bring the little ones when the older kids might be doing their Saturday sports.
It’s very reminiscent of the playgrounds of Mamma’s childhood. Nothing too fancy, but lots to keep the imagination flowing. There’s stepping logs slides, swings, little turning climbing pyramid and a table with holes in it to put rocks through.

Mamma's special mention:
Wanting more fun? Head around the corner for some ten pin fun at Zone Bowling.

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - free parking

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

beauty park, frankston

This is a lovely park to have a picnic or little weekend walk with your fur baby.

This is a lovely park to have a picnic or little weekend walk with your fur baby.
Lots of large leafy trees make it beautiful all year round, especially in the autumn months.
There’s a very small playground with a climbing pyramid, small slide and an undercover picnic area with a BBQ.

Watch the ducks and water birds swim around the small lake, pay your respects at the war memorial or take a walk/scoot/bike ride along the track.
With 3 fitness stations scattered around the park, it may just be the perfect place for a weekend workout!

It is also home to a gorgeous market once a month from October to April.

Mamma's special mention:
Feel like a treat? Head to the delectably sweet Twisted Sista cafe!

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - BBQ- free parking - some shade - walking track - lake - war memorial
No toilets yet, but are in the process of being built.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

bayport reserve, langwarrin

This great local reserve has recently had a face-lift, and, wow, does it look great!

This great local reserve has recently had a face-lift, and, wow, does it look great!
They’ve put a huge emphasis on nature play here, incorporating lots of wooden equipment and climbing logs that are surrounded by wide open space and lots of new trees planted. Ensuring that in years to come all the new equipment will be under the cover of trees.

For now, there are existing trees that provide some shade to parts like the see-saws and climbing blocks.
There’s equipment to suit all ages, which means some of it is a little challenging and some parent assistance may be needed for the little ones.
There’s a sandpit with a drum and a sort of cubby-house in the middle; a large structure with ropes and mats to climb up; slides and poles to dismount; little tunnels to hide in; cement paths to ride on and a couple of picnic tables.
Mamma also hasn’t yet come across a 5-way swing like they have, and Little Miss wasn’t too sure how to use it (either was Mamma!). Oh, and another first was a fun-house mirror!
Lots of fun to have here folks!

Mamma's special mention:
Need some healthy treats to bring on your picnic? Stop by the deliciously healthy Acai brothers first!

the nitty gritty

picnic tables - free parking- some shade

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

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

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