john monash reserve, skye
This great little local playground has just had a makeover!
This great little local playground has just had a makeover!
It’s fresh and fun and has just enough play equipment to keep the kids happy. Most of the playground is protected by large shade sails, which is great as the playground isn’t really offered any shade from the nearby trees.
The equipment consists of a large wooden climbing structure with a small rock climbing wall, lookout with a telescope, rope bridge, two slides and a tunnel. There’s also a set of 4 swings as well as a nest swing, stepping stones and a spinner.
There’s an undercover picnic area with tables and a BBQ, also heaps of grassy space to set up a picnic, kick a footy, or even a game of cricket!
Mamma’s special mention: Stop by The Chocolate Grove to pick up some yummy treats for your picnic snack!
the nitty gritty
street parking - no toilets - water tap - BBQ - Undercover picnic tables
fleetwood crescent reserve playground, frankston south
This cute little UPGRADED playground is set in the most STUNNING location. Looking out over the beautiful bush area of Sweetwater Reserve, you can easily forget you are actually in the middle of Frankston!
This cute - newly upgraded - little playground is set in the most STUNNING location. Looking out over the beautiful bush area of Sweetwater Reserve, you can easily forget you are actually in the middle of Frankston!
The playground equipment has recently been updated, and whilst it is quite small, there is still a heap of fun to be had!
There’s a wooden climbing frame with a rope net, slide and little treehouse lookout, an inground trampoline, swings, balancing steps, a smaller slide on a little soft-mat hill, and a small path for scooters/bikes. There’s also a grassy space behind the playground to set up a picnic or kick a footy. With all those trees around, keep your eyes peeled for beautifully coloured birds - even a kookaburra or two! You can go out on the little boat-shaped extension lookout and view the bushland below.
The playground is also located at an entrance to the Sweetwater creek trail, so the perfect beginning and ending for a family walk!
Mamma’s special mention: Head off for a walk along the stunning Sweetwater Creek Nature Trail
the nitty gritty
street parking - no toilets - water tap - bench seats - entrance to sweetwater creek nature trail
highland avenue playground, highett
How good is a FULLY fenced playground with space to picnic and kick a footy - and a basketball court!
How good is a fully fenced playground with space to picnic and kick a footy - and a basketball court, too?!
This is such a lovely and spacious playground, with lots of climbing apparatus and multiple slides to keep the little ones busy, and burn off all their energy!
In one corner of the playground you have the climbing structure - complete with rock-climbing wall, fireman pole, slides, rope ladders and monkey bars. There are also swings and rockers.
In the other corner there’s a basketball court and in between them both is a large grassy area. Perfect for picnics and ball sports.
Mamma’s special mention: Head down to Fat Bobs for some yummy burgers!
the nitty gritty
no toilets - free street parking -BBQs - Picnic tables - fully fenced (with gates)
thomas street south reserve, hampton
Be prepared to be blown away by this INCREDIBLE updated playground!
Be prepared to be blown away by this INCREDIBLE upgrade!
This fantastic new set up has kept with the theme of its predecessor - maintaining the castle and wooden elements. The original wooden turrets have been incorporated all throughout the playground.
But there is now SO much more in this all-inclusive playground. There truly is something for everyone. Let Mamma list all the goodness -
shaded waterplay/splash area area in a sandpit
all ability equipment -including a wheelchair accessible trampoline
walking path and track for bikes/scooters
a nature walkway with little nest-like huts
intricate climbing castle
DJ spinning deck - with sound!
parkour area
fake turf with cow seat and pumpkin statues
seniors exercise area - complete with fitness equipment and undercover picnic area
BBQs and multiple shaded picnic areas
Toilets - including Changing Places facility (fully accessible equipment)
There is also a zip liner, multiple slides and swings and an awesome rocking boat - something incredibly unique that this Mamma has never seen! And keep your eye out for the hidden friendly giant spider in one of the rock walls, as well as numerous Australian animal sculptures.
All of this wonderful equipment is set on a green, spacious reserve; with plenty of space to have a picnic and kick the footy.
Hours of fun to be had here!
Mamma's special mention
There’s another newly updated park around the corner too! Basterfield Park
the nitty gritty
waterplay - picnic tables - BBQ facilities - toilets -shaded areas - large open space- water tap - street parking- bike track - cafe nearby
164 Thomas Street
South Reserve
Hampton
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hodgson reserve, bentleigh
This awesome reserve has not one - but THREE different Playgrounds! So there is definitely bound to be something to keep kids of all ages entertained.
This awesome reserve has not one - but THREE different playgrounds! So there is definitely bound to be something to keep kids of all ages entertained.
The first is a brightly coloured - and well shaded - playground, best suited for the littler ones. All your usual fun equipment is here; slides, spinners, climbing apparatus, tunnels, swings and rockers. Next to that playground is a rotunda with tables, a BBQ and toilets. (You can also book to reserve this shelter - ideal for parties)
Then there is the huge oval - perfect for footy/cricket and picnics, with a path so grab your wheels!
Next, there’s a recreational area aimed for the bigger kids/teens. There’s a large (and difficult!) bouldering wall, basketball/netball court, table tennis table, rebound wall and rope climbing tower.
The next playground is up the hill a little. This consists of an awesomely cool snakes and ladders game complete with a spinning wheel dice, undercover picnic area, a few kids size picnic tables and a fitness station.
Be prepared to spend a few hours here! Oh, and you can also bring your furry friend, with both leashed and off-leash areas available for play.
Mamma’s special mention: Head around the corner for a meal at Good Times Milk Bar.
the nitty gritty
Three separate playgrounds - picnic tables - BBQs- street parking - toilets - shade - rotundas
packer park, carnegie
This is a such a great frog-themed playground, you’re sure to have a ribbit-ing good time!
This is a such a great frog-themed playground, you’re sure to have a ribbit-ing good time! It’s spacious, it’s bright and it is ever so green, but, unlike Kermit, it IS easy to be green and FUN!
Nestled in a tree-filled reserve, there’s a real Australian nature vibe. With great - and unique -equipment such as; little stepping stones to balance on and follow - which are in the shape of a tadpole that gradually grows legs and turns into a frog statue, a giant frog in a pond statue - perfect for climbing on, a frog see-saw (4 person), and frog rockers. There’s little colourful toad stool poles leading to a big bouncing lilly-pad style rope bouncer, a very large and intricate climbing apparatus, swings and slides galore!
With a great expanse of grassy area you can set up a picnic or kick a ball, BBQs and shaded picnic tables, an off-leash dog area, even a path you can take your wheels for a spin on - and TOILETS, there’s something for everyone.
Mamma’s special mention: Head around the corner for a treat at the delicious Lizzy’s Chocolates.
the nitty gritty
Frog themed- picnic tables - BBQs- street parking - toilets - some shade
banksia reserve, beaumaris
This bright little playground has just had an upgrade, and it is fantastic!
This bright little playground has just had an upgrade, and it is fantastic!
Welcome to Banksia Reserve Station, the coolest village in Bayside!
Bring your scooters to ride around the path surrounding the town while you pop into the post office, visit the police station or a take a trip to the hospital!
You can also board the train via a rock-climbing wall and disembark down the slide, dig in the sandpit and discover some seals and go for a spin on the spinning wheel.
This playground is GREAT to get the kids imaginations flowing.
It is also next to a football oval, so don’t forget to bring a footy!
Mamma’s special mention: Head around the corner for some delicious food at Ginger Fox.
the nitty gritty
train theme - little village - sandpit - street parking - no toilets - no shade
illaroo reserve, beaumaris
Nestled in a suburban street, this gorgeous reserve has huge leafy trees offering shade - and climbing opportunities! - a BBQ, plenty of bench seats and a fun playground.
This is such a stunning spot!
Nestled in a suburban street, this gorgeous reserve has huge leafy trees offering shade (and climbing opportunities!) a BBQ, plenty of bench seats and a fun playground. It’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours with the family.
The playground has all the usual play equipment such as, slides, fireman poles, see-saw, swings, tic tac toe and a climbing apparatus; but it also has a very cool undercover sandpit (with digger trucks and shovels, too!) and a mini in-ground trampoline.
There’s loads of open space to kick the footy, heaps of trees to climb and plenty of grassy areas to set up for a picnic.
Mamma’s special mention: Head around the corner for some delicious food and coffee AND a kids play area at Happy as Larry’s.
the nitty gritty
street parking - BBQ facilities - some shade - open grass space - no toilets
edgar ave pump track, cranbourne south
Get your wheels ready folks, you are gonna LOVE this new playground!
Get your wheels ready folks, you are gonna LOVE this new playground!
Mamma has never seen such a cool pump track before! The little wave-like bumps are just perfect for kids of all ages and experience levels. Those who are just starting out can cautiously roll over them, and those pros can get some speed and air time as they travel along the circular track. Perfect for bikes, scooters and skateboards.
Keep the adventure going with the bouldering walls! There are two blocks to test your fitness. The smaller shaped one is a bit easier for the smaller kids to manage - but both require a fair bit of co-ordination!
Speaking of fitness, there is also a little outdoor gym. Cool equipment that this Mamma hasn’t seen in a playground before, like different weighted kettle bars - connected through a pole, high monkey bars, chin lift bars, arm cycle machine and more. There’s also a brightly coloured half basketball court with both basketball and netball rings, a nest swing, small slide and spinning seat.
This is a great playground for those older kids who like a bit more of a challenge than the regular playground equipment
Mamma’s special mention: Head down the road a bit and enjoy some delicious coffee and food at Little Wolf Cafe, and a play at Encore Blvd Playground.
the nitty gritty
pump track - street parking - open grass space -bouldering block - no toilets
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