Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

central reserve playground, glen waverley

Watch out for the lions - they’ll get cha! Well, if you use them as a tunnel that is. Welcome to Central Reserve Playground

Watch out for the lions - they’ll get cha! Well, if you use them as a tunnel that is. Welcome to Central Reserve Playground. This is your classic part wooden, part plastic, part ropes and part platform playground that has seen a lot of love over its years. It is a great one for crawlers with plenty of ramps to navigate plus lots of interesting things like the brilliant music feature. This one even comes with music.

The playground is part of a larger recreational reserve with ovals, bowls clubs, aths track and skatepark near by. You will see many locals running and walking laps in the green spaces near by. There is a decent fence blocking the access to Springvale Road, although it isn’t a fully enclosed playspace. Mamma couldn’t spot the public toilets nearby (although the National Public Toilet Map tells me they are here) but it is a great solid playground for fun.

Mamma’s special mentions: Time for a dip? The Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre is just around the corner. This is a great option for extra physical activity and be sure to give the wave pool a whirl!

the nitty gritty

public toilets - picnic grounds - bbqs - football grounds - skate park - mostly fenced - shade over the climbing ropes -

402 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

wellesley road reserve, glen waverley

This might just be Mamma’s favourite style of playground. A SENSORY playground. This renewed playspace has been beautifully designed to engage all sorts of play, via the senses.

This might just be Mamma’s favourite style of playground. A SENSORY playground. This renewed playspace has been beautifully designed to engage all sorts of play, via sound, sight, touch and smell (once the plats grow a little more!).
To begin with, it is visually beautiful. There are all sorts of textures and pathways that help guide the play and plenty of ‘treasure’ built into the paths. We love the tea party table (complete with checker board), the spinning wheel at the end of the rainbow, the shiny bluebird and the carnival mirrors. But the real hit are the tyre bouncers. Theses noisey thingos are super fun. We can hear a rubber ducky, an accordion and a train!
There is heaps to love about this playzone, especially when the previous playground elements have also been kept. The simple play structure with a slide, fireman’s pole, monkey bars, swings and rockers, is the perfect active compliment to this space. Oh AND the playground is fenced! It’s a winner all round!

Mamma's special mention: Many playgrounds have some sensory elements but for another dedicated sensory playground, head to Box Hill South to Victoria Rose Playground.

the nitty gritty

water fountain - no toilets - fully fenced and gated - good shade - picnic table and benches

Wellesley Road, Glen Waverley

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

ellis park, mulgrave

Located within the Waverley Park estate, you will be feeling all nostalgic if you used to watch the football here, back in the day. There are plenty of nods to the past with the social club bench, signs for the gates and a reasonably priced parking fee etched into the playground design.

Footy fans - here is a playground for you. Located within the Waverley Park estate, you will be feeling all nostalgic if you used to watch the football here, back in the day. There are plenty of nods to the past with the social club bench, signs for the gates and a reasonably priced parking fee etched into the playground design. Although the colours don’t match any club in particular, Mamma enjoys the walk down memory lane after spending an entire childhood on the wooden benches at Waverley. The kids love everything about this well designed playzone too. There are things to slide, climb, swing and balance on, plus a noisy bridge to stomp over. This is a neighbourhood playground, so you wont find any toilets and parking is limited, but you will have a hard time tearing the little tikes away.

Mamma's special mention: The Hawks might not play their home games at Waverley anymore, but they do (normally - in pre covid times) train here and there is a cafe here too!

the nitty gritty

walking trails nearby - no toilets - limited shade - picnic table - some street parking

1 Brunton Cres, Mulgrave

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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

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in cardinia shire

Playgrounds in Cardinia Shire

Deep+Creek+Reserve+Pakenham+-+Mamma+Knows+East+(4+of+54).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of casey

Playgrounds in the City of Casey

Oaks+Park+-+2+-+Mamma+Knows+South-22.jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of glen eira

Playgrounds in the City of Glen Eira

McKinnon+Reserve,+Mamma+Knows+South+(8+of+23).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in mornington peninsula shire

Playgrounds in Mornington Peninsula Shire

dunn reserve - mamma knows south (10 of 30).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of greater dandenong

Playgrounds in the City of Greater Dandenong

Pencil Park 2  Mamma Knows South (8 of 37).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in frankston city

Frankston City Playgrounds

Bayport+Reserve+Mamma+Knows+South+(3+of+41).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of port phillip

City of Port Phillip Playgrounds

Plum Garland (19 of 33) (1).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of bayside

Bayside City Playgrounds

North+Rd+Foreshore+Playground-+Mamma+Knows+South+(2+of+46).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of kingston

Kingston City Playgrounds

UFO+park,+clayton+south++mamma+knows+south+(6+of+76).jpg

COVID-19 UPDATE Outdoor recreation - must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds openThis information is from the official Vic Gov website(*page updated on September 12)
Mamma says: stick to your 5km zone, adhere to social distancing regulations, take hand sanitiser, remember facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains may not be operating and please stay home if you are not feeling well.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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