Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

springvale community hub playground, springvale

What a terrific space this is! At the back of Springvale Library and nestled between Springvale Town Hall is this wonderful NEW playground.

What a terrific space this is! At the back of Springvale Library and nestled between Springvale Town Hall is this wonderful NEW playground.
The first things you will notice are the landscaped gardens and awesome large trees that the playground is set around, providing both shade and such stunning scenery. But what the kids will notice first is the huge Ninja-style climbing obstacle course! They can test their strength and balance as they master the course.
And for the littler ones - perhaps it will be the sandpit they love most, especially as it is part of an awesome WATERPLAY set up! There is a water pump that leads to a wooden beam, cascading over rocks and sending the water off into the sand play area.
You’ll also find swings, slides (a super fast slide - so watch out for the little ones), an inground spinning wheel, music wheels (in the shape of 50 cent coins, where it sounds like coins are spinning inside) stepping stones, balance beams and more. There are community style picnic tables, a rotunda, BBQs, and open grassy area - perfect to set up a picnic.

Note - there are no toilets in the playground, but there are sure to be some in Springvale Library when re-opened.

Mamma's special mention: Head around the corner and grab some delicious Daniels Donuts to enjoy with your play.

the nitty gritty

BBQ - free street parking - picnic tables - some shaded cover - open field

Off Grace Park Avenue, Springvale

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

bald hill park playground, clarinda

This is the perfect picnic park with huge open spaces to set up camp for the day! It even has a toilet!

This is the perfect picnic park with huge open spaces to set up camp for the day! It even has a toilet!
There are multiple areas for picnicking on either side of the playground. Picnic tables are scattered around, and there are two undercover areas with BBQs as well.
The playground has some pretty unique equipment including little tin huts with bridges connecting them - ensuring a heap of imaginative play from the little ones. There’s a sandpit, slides, tunnels, spinning wheel and more. Mamma’s fave has to be the gorgeous wooden wombat statues and all of the large shady trees!
Opposite the playground there is a huge grassy field which is home to Disc Golf. Mamma had never heard of that before - what an awesome and unique concept! In case you are also unfamiliar with this, basically - think golf, but with frisbees. Such a fun, FREE family idea.
There is also an off-leash dog area, so this truly is the perfect park for everyone.

Mamma's special mention: Grab a picnic box, coffee and more from the delicious Dolce Fantasia just around the corner!

the nitty gritty

toilets - BBQ - free street parking - picnic tables - some shaded cover - large open field - disc golf

Inverness Street, Clarinda

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

kananook reserve playground, seaford

This cute little playground is FULLY fenced and has a toilet!

This cute little FULLY FENCED playground has just what you need to keep the kids happy for hours. There’s even toilets, a BBQ and picnic tables, as well as being opposite to a footy oval.

The playground has been updated and includes some cool equipment such as; multiple slides, an intricate climbing structure, a rock wall, monkey bars, swings and more. There’s a bit of a nature theme happening here, with the main climbing structure’s roof in the shape of leaves, wooden stumps to climb over, heaps of trees and the ground is covered in tanbark.

Mamma's special mention: After a play, treat the kids (and yourself!) to a delicious ice cream from Gelato Unou and a walk across the beach, only a short drive away.

the nitty gritty

fully fenced - toilets - BBQ - free street parking - picnic tables

33R Kirkwood Avenue, Seaford

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

southgateway reserve, langwarrin

This is such a great little playground! It’s wooden theme morphs into the nature reserve surrounding it.

This is such a great little playground! Its wooden theme morphs into the nature reserve surrounding it. Heaps of leafy trees provide shade, huge open green fields and even some tracks to walk around the bush reserve, make this a little hidden suburban oasis.

The playground has shade sails, undercover seating areas and a BBQ. There’s loads of cool equipment like slides, rock climbing wall, a bouncy seesaw (technical name!), a metal climbing maze, spider net wall, swings, climbing stumps and more.

With seats for the older folks to sit at, partially fenced in, a basketball ring near a grassy oval space, it’s great for all ages.

Mamma's special mention: Grab an acai bowl or smoothie to enjoy on your way to the park from Acai Brothers.

the nitty gritty

no toilets - bbqs - shelter - free street parking - Basketball court - seats

Southgateway Reserve, 48R Southgateway, Langwarrin

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

red hill recreation reserve playground, red hill

This is the perfect playground to stop at after spending a day absorbing all the beauty that Red Hill has to offer.

This is the perfect playground to stop at after spending a day absorbing all the beauty that Red Hill has to offer. Nestled amongst leafy trees (with colours that are just stunning in Autumn) you will find most of the standard playground equipment. Such as; swings, slides, rocking horse, tunnels, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, spider net, lookout castles and more. There is also a basketball court, too.

The playground is opposite a huge oval and an off-leash dog park. Undercover BBQs and sheltered seating makes it the perfect spot for lunch. Public toilets are over near the tennis courts and the parking is free!

Oh and in the warmer months, you will also find the wonderful Red Hill Craft market here!

Mamma's special mention: There is SO much to see and do up here. Hungry? Check out Red Gum BBQ. Wanna pick fruit? Check out Ripe and Ready cherry Farm or Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. Bushwalk? Endeavour Fern Gully rainforest walk.

the nitty gritty

public toilets - bbqs - shelter - free parking - Basketball court - seats

Cnr Arthurs Seat Rd and Arkwells Lane,  Red Hill 

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

playgrounds in the city of monash

Playgrounds in the City of Monash

Brickmakers+park+Oakleigh+-++Mamma+Knows+South-15.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

napier park, glen waverley

Go visit the giant gecko at Napier Park with your little ones today!

It is so refreshing when a playground gets an upgrade and Napier Park has certainly got a great one! This is a perfect mix for the little ones with the additional inclusion of fitness equipment for the bigger ones. The castle structure is an easy to climb, there is plenty of equipment explore as well as a brilliant mix of natural elements. Mamma spots long logs to balance along, a dry river bed, stepping tree stumps and even a set of table and chairs, perfect for a tea party. The park is home to a giant gecko and he will carefully watch over the kiddos as they jump from element to element. You can pack the bikes too with trails nearby and some nicely paved tracks around the playground itself. In the wetter months the spinning sea-saw can get a little boggy but you must give it a go. Lots of fun!

Mamma's special mention: The park is part of the baseball complex off High Street Road, but the park is more accessible from Torwood Avenue.  

the nitty gritty

bench seating - fitness equipment - birds nest swing - walking trails nearby - baseball fields next door - drinking fountian - limited shade - no public toilets 

Torwood Avenue
Glen Waverley

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

samada street reserve, notting hill

It is almost like Mamma is starting to sniff out all of these brilliant little and HIDDEN playspaces, packed with such great goodies. Samada Street Reserve in Notting Hill has a fantastic little playground with ALL of Mamma's favourites.

It is almost like Mamma is starting to sniff out all of these brilliant little and HIDDEN playspaces, packed with such great goodies. Samada Street Reserve in Notting Hill has a fantastic little playground with ALL of Mamma's favourites. 

The main structure is a solid wooden fort, with plenty of options for climbing, sliding and traversing around and complete with its own cafe. There is soft-spongy-slash-mesh flooring, making it great for crawlers and less tanbark to consume. The spinning sea-saw rocker is a hit and a bit of a surprise the first time you give it a go. There's the birds nest swing and a stack of fitness equipment making the space great for the entire family. 

But at the end of the day, Mamma's favourite feature - undeniably too -  is the expression swing. When you have little ones under the age of one, who are not moving a whole heap or teetering around on their toes just yet, getting them up into a swing is the BEST, especially when you can join in too. Their faces are irresistible and the joy is infectious. Plus it stops them eating tan bark for at least 5 minutes! 

Mamma’s special mentions: Mamma's go-to cafe and gift shop combo when in Notting Hill is Inchmeal Cafe. Another hidden treasure in the neighbourhood is just at the end of the road! 

the nitty gritty

expression swing - drink fountain - picnic benches - some shade - street parking - fitness equipment - grass nearby  - no toilets

24 Samada Street, Notting Hill

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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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More