highett reserve playground, highett
This recently upgraded playground has all the magical elements of a fairy tale AND has a toilet!
Welcome to an enchanted playground!
This recently upgraded playground has all the magical elements of a fairy tale. Nestled under the shade of a sprawling, leafy tree, is a cute little troll garden complete with large statues of frogs, snakes and toadstools.
There’s a wooden castle decked out with windows, slides, fireman poles and climbing frames. The kids’ imaginations will run wild here as they can play hide n seek and all sorts of Kings and Queens of the castle games.
There’s also some swings, a regular seesaw and a very cool giant seesaw/swing type contraption that is apparently called a ‘mobilus’! Lot’s of fun for the bigger kids. The playground is sprinkled with many beautiful large trees, and the grass is covered with awesome leaves - perfect for collecting.
Oh and Mamma is saving the best for last - this is mainly fenced AND has a toilet!
There’s also an undercover picnic table area complete with BBQs. This one’s a winner!
Mamma’s special mention: Head down the road a bit and enjoy some delicious coffee and food at Rubia Cafe.
the nitty gritty
fully fenced - castle -troll garden - street parking - open grass space - toddler friendly - toilets
the village green playground (wilson reserve), brighton
Grab your wheels and head to the village!
Grab your wheels and head to the village!
This adorably bright playground is a replica of a tiny village and will spark the best imaginative play from the little ones.
Cross over the little bridge and enter The Village Green. There’s a rubber matted ‘road’ that goes all the way around the play equipment, perfect for all wheels.
Kids will love the little colourful climbing houses, each offer either a slide, tunnel, fireman pole or rock-climbing wall. There’s also a a large climbing pyramid, nest swing, see-saw and spinner.
This playground is perfectly suited for toddlers. There’s also a large oval behind it, perfect for ball sports!
Mamma’s special mention: Want more fun? Head down the road to the awesome Deck Kids playcafe.
the nitty gritty
free parking - open grass space - toddler friendly - no toilets
park warrior course @ burden park, springvale
What was already a fantastic park, has now become an INCREDIBLE park, with something for all ages to enjoy.
Now THIS is an adventure!
What was already a fantastic park, has now become an INCREDIBLE park, with something for all ages to enjoy.
The newest addition is this awesome warrior course, complete with a downloadable app where you can time yourself and see how you compare to the leaderboard.
It’s aimed for ages 12+, something to get the teens/preteens excited about playgrounds again, but with supervision can be explored by the younger ones, too. Mamma’s 8 year old (and even the 6 year old!) had a ball climbing the balancing poles, rock-climbing wall, hanging balancing beam, monkey bars and more. They only attempted what they felt comfortable with, but thought they were pretty awesome Ninjas!
Once they have enough of the warrior course, they can move on over to the Burden Park Playground and get lost in a wooden fortress of fun!
There’s also a heap of open space to a kick ball around and have a picnic.
Mamma’s special mention: 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
park warrior course - picnic tables - free parking - BBQs - toilets- large open grass space
mt eliza regional park, mt eliza
Set right behind the Mornington Steam Railway, is this great park. This is a such a lovely space, with spectacular views!
Set right behind the Mornington Steam Railway, is this great park. This is a such a lovely space, with spectacular views! The playground is small but fun, with a train carriage, swings, slides, fireman pole and climbing equipment - nothing new and fancy here, but still enough to keep the kids happy.
With HUGE open space to kick a footy or set up a cricket match, it is a perfect place for a picnic lunch. There’s a BBQ and couple of picnic tables too.
Chuck on your hiking shoes as there are loads of walking trails around this area. It’s also an off-leash dog area, too!
Mamma’s special mention: Make a day of it and take a ride on Mornington Steam Railway.
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - free parking - BBQs - toilets- small lake- walking track - large open grass space
wattle grove reserve, mckinnon
This is such a STUNNING reserve, you will love it as much as the kids will!
Full of large shady trees, rose bushes, and the cutest little wisteria-covered arbour Mamma has ever seen; you will be happy to spend a while here.
This is such a STUNNING reserve, you will love it as much as the kids will!
Full of large shady trees, rose bushes, and the cutest little wisteria-covered arbour Mamma has ever seen; you will be happy to spend a while here.
The old-style playground has something for all ages. With equipment like a climbing cube, swings, sea-saw, slides, monkey bar and a spinning wheel; there’s nothing new or especially WOW about it, but loads of fun will still be had anyway! There’s also a large hit-up wall with targets and a wicket painted on, and large open space for ball sports for the older kids.
It’s the perfect spot to picnic at with BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, the arbour offering a little park bench as well as the rotunda offering shade. Speaking of shade, the playground also has multiple shade sails over the top - offering a lot more shade protection than most playgrounds.
It’s the perfect catch up playground.
Mamma’s special mention: Need snacks? Head up the road a bit to grab a delicious crepe, smoothie or thickshake from Carnival Crepes.
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - shade - street parking - bbqs - toilets - rotunda - hit-up wall - large open grass space
galbally reserve, hughesdale
We present to you - the rainbow playground! You really can’t go past a playspace that has pretty much EVERYTHING.
We present to you - the rainbow playground! You really can’t go past a playspace that has pretty much EVERYTHING. From the huge twin climbing and slide structure, to the expression swing (you know the ones … where you and your toddler can share the swing). Add to this an insect hotel space with beautiful flowers and nature play, a half court basketball court PLUS a ninja play course complete with bars to swing and balance on.
Oh there is ALSO a spinning pyramid structure that the kids thought it was hilarious to throw their hats off in mid flight. Then there is the trail near by, complete with traffic signs to remind the kids to slow down on their bikes.
Oh, almost forgot - there is a rocking train in the middle of the park which is perfect for spotting the REAL things whizz past on the train line next door. All of these factors help make this playground one of Mamma’s new favourites. There is a great amount of shade, plenty of grass to set up base and a BBQ shelter too.
Mamma’s special mention: Need something sweet? Head down the road to the delicious Oakleigh Doughnut Company.
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - shade - limited parking (but not impossible - walking/bike trails nearby - bbqs - no toilets, but some public ones nearby (550m walk back to Hughesdale Train Station) - expression swing - drink tap
encore blvd playground, cranbourne south
This incredible BRAND new playground has everything you are looking for.
YES, this includes the most wanted item, TOILETS!
This incredible BRAND new playground has everything you are looking for.
YES, this includes the most wanted item, TOILETS!
But there are way more interesting things about this cool playground. In fact, there are two things here that Mamma has NEVER seen at a playground before, and that is a huge deal considering how many playgrounds the crew have played at! These are - an awesome roller slide, which is basically a slide made out of rollers that spin as you slide down. Mamma’s crew couldn’t get enough of this! And an expression swing - a little swing for your toddler to sit in and a seat you can sit in as well and swing - a bit like a seesaw. Super cool.
Then there is the rocket ship slide. A huge climbing structure, in the shape of a rocketship that has a massive twisty slide to disembark on. This one may be for the older kids, or confident climbers.
The hero of the playground for Mamma’s crew was the waterplay. This is perfect for having a little splash, but not getting totally soaking wet. There are two pumps/taps that you can twist or pump to turn on. There are little gates that you can close to trap the water, or open them to make a little river leading to the generous sandpit.
Coming in second was the giant hamster wheel, lots of spinning fun; as well as the rope climbing/ninja course.
Lots of open space to kick a ball around, and picnic tables and BBQs - make this the perfect place to spend a few hours at.
Mamma's special mention:
Head across the road to Little Wolf Cafe to grab some coffee and food!
the nitty gritty
free parking - under cover picnic tables - bbqs- toilets - some shade - waterplay
fred smith reserve, hastings
There’s so much to do here at this reserve, so be prepared to spend a few hours here!
There’s so much to do here at this reserve, so be prepared to spend a few hours here!
Firstly, there is a great little nautical-themed playground nestled under the shade of giant trees. You’ll find all your usual equipment here, swings, slides, sand pit, rocking boat, spinning pole and more. The main climbing structure is in the form of a pirate ship. There are also 4 large pelican statues that the kids will love.
Just next to the playground is an awesome skate park. It has big and little ramps and bumps, and is perfect for all age and skill levels. It seems to be a big hit with the very talented local kids!
There’s also a huge grassy area for you to throw down a picnic rug. With picnic tables, undercover area and BBQs - it’s the perfect spot.
Opposite the playground is Hastings pier and boat ramp. Mamma’s crew had a great time exploring the pier, viewing little mud-crabs and pelicans, and checking to see if anyone had caught some fish!
It’s a stunning area, with great views out to Westernport bay.
Mamma’s tip - bring a change of clothes. Kids wont be able to resist the muddy/sandy foreshore!
Mamma's special mention:
You have to check out the beautiful views at Pelikan Societe - great food and coffee, too!
the nitty gritty
skate park- playground - free parking - picnic tables - toilets - heaps of shade - pier -
overport park playground, frankston south
This is such a beautiful playground. Even better than its stunning surroundings (which is pretty hard to top) is the fact that it is FULLY fenced AND has a toilet!
This is such a beautiful playground. Even better than its stunning surroundings (which is pretty hard to top) is the fact that it is FULLY fenced AND has a toilet!
The views at the park, and driving there - are just breathtaking. You can see the Dandeongs, the ocean and dozens of deliciously green trees - perfect for climbing.
The playground has a large rock climbing wall leading up to a climbing structure with wobbly bridge, a double wave slide, another large separate slide and a fireman pole. There are also swings, a dinosaur and bumblebee rocking horse, a tractor and another small climbing structure with a slide and shop front.
There’s a few picnic tables to sit at inside the fenced playground, but there is also huge open space under the shade of glorious trees outside the playground. Such a lovely spot to spend a couple of hours at.
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the beautiful scenery around you and head for a walk at the lovely Sweetwater Creek.
the nitty gritty
fully fenced - free parking - picnic tables - toilets
livvi's place, clyde
This amazing playground has it ALL! Fully fenced - toilets - water play and more!
If Mamma had to write a dream list of all the things that the crew wished for at a playground, it would amount to this fantastic spot!
Where to start. Well, firstly, the most important - practical - things to a family with young kids - toilets! Closely followed by being FULLY fenced in. There’s a Changing Places restroom, catering for the disabled. The playground also has all-abilities equipment. There are multiple undercover BBQs with picnic tables and a water tap, making it perfect to spend a few hours.
Then there’s the fun stuff! The playground is grouped into different ‘themed’ areas. As you walk in you will see the ‘aquatic’ zone first. Mamma’s little one loved this one the most. It is set to look ‘under the sea’ with a few clear circular seats set amongst red poles - perhaps imitating anemones? That’s what Mamma told the crew, anyway! There’s also a water pump offering a bit of water play.
There’s the ‘birds in flight’ zone, which offers multiple swings, a flying fox, huge tunnel and a twirly slide. Also a large xylophone you can make pretty sounds with. There are also two ‘calm down’ areas with kids can sit and read the ways to calm down. This is very cool and unique.
The ‘lettuce zone’ and ‘amphibian zone’ offer sandpits, multiple slides under shade cloth, spinning wheels, tunnels, inground trampolines, balance beams with lizard imprints and more!
So to summarise, there are toilets - water play - cool play equipment - undercover BBQ area - plenty of bench seats - it’s fully fenced AND there’s even a wireless phone charging station! AMAZING.
*Note - at time of visiting, there was construction on the slide area and water play switched off.
Mamma's special mention:
There are a few great playgrounds in Clyde - check these out whilst there - Oaks Park Playground, Clydevale Park, Hill Farm Park, Highgrove Outlook and grab some food at Deoro and Co cafe.
the nitty gritty
BBQs - free parking - under cover picnic tables - shaded cover - toilets - calming spaces
bicentennial skate and youth park, chelsea
This place has such an awesome vibe, perfect for all ages and abilities.
This place has such an awesome vibe! If you’re lucky, there may even be some local muso’s playing bongos under the rotunda, to really add to the atmosphere.
This youth park caters for all ages and abilities. The skate park has some small bumps for the littler skaters - perfect for scooters and bikes, it also has some decent (huge!) ramps testing the skate skills of the older kids - and parents! Mamma was impressed to see lots of dads having a go with their kids!
Next to the skate park there is a basketball and netball court creating lots of fun for all ages. There’s a heap of grassy area for families to share a picnic and set up some ball sports. So great to see a community space like this catering for the teens and older kids and for the whole family to enjoy.
Mamma's special mention: The younger kids will love crossing over the path to have a play at the awesome Bicentennial Playground.
the nitty gritty
BBQ - free parking - picnic tables - some shaded cover - open field - toilets
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
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
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
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
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
playgrounds in the city of monash
Playgrounds in the City of Monash
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.
valley reserve, mount waverley
This is one for the adventurous kind! Welcome to Valley Reserve - winner of the 2016 best new major playspace in Victoria in the Parks and Leisure Australia awards. A quiet and *almost* hidden treasure in Mount Waverley.
This is one for the adventurous kind! Welcome to Valley Reserve - winner of the 2016 best new major playspace in Victoria in the Parks and Leisure Australia awards. A quiet and *almost* hidden treasure in Mount Waverley. This AMAZING space is huge and has a little bit of everything, although best suited for older kids. At 18 months it was too much, but now at nearly 4 years, Bubs is getting more and more from this playground. The timber poles dominate the main space (the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo zone for those playing along at home) and each crows nest type structure is linked by ropes - basically like the ropes course from your grade 5 camp memories. Up the top, the big kids will zoom along the flying foxes and back near the carpark, the little ones will love exploring and climbing all over the King Parrot.
Mamma's favourites have to be the two sandpit and nature play zones which is great for the toddlers. The sandpits feature massive quartz blocks with crevasses to collect the water and a noughts and crosses board! PERFECT for sand play! The nature zone to the left is difficult to see but don't miss it. The Eastern Long-necked Turtle sits here and is designed to be a quiet refuge separate from the main play space. No wonder Mamma almost walked past.
Mamma's special mention: If you need a coffee before or after your playdate with the birds, Mamma can't go past South Society along Blackburn Road.
the nitty gritty
public toilets - bbqs - shelters - shaded - walking tracks - nature reserve - carpark - nature play - sand - water play has been shut off
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
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