dromana pump track, dromana
Nestled amongst huge trees and rolling cow-covered green fields, you will find this awesome little pump track!
Nestled amongst huge trees and rolling cow-covered green fields along the Mornington Peninsula, you will find this awesome little pump track!
It’s the perfect size with undulating twists and turns to keep seasoned pumpers happy - but also the littler scooters/riders will manage the bends and bumps well - Mamma’s Little Miss felt pretty proud of her efforts
It’s such a beautiful spot with a heap of bird life fluttering around, you may even spot a kangaroo, too!
There’s plenty of picnic tables including an undercover picnic shelter with BBQ, and plans are in the works to build a fantastic playground - so… watch this space!
the nitty gritty
open
Boundary Rd &, Lombardy Ave, Dromana, 3936
toilets (in the car park) - picnic shelter - BBQ - small lake - bike track
Mamma's special mention:
Worked up an appetite? Head right across the road to the delicious vegan Wombat Cafe
st kilda adventure playground, st kilda
This is not your ordinary playground. It has SO much to offer and the kids will be begging to go back.
Watch out! Here’s an absolute hidden gem for you in the heart of St Kilda.
This is not your ordinary playground. It has SO much to offer and the kids will be begging to go back. Tucked away off Neptune street - be mindful of finding a parking spot that allows you enough time to play, you will discover a place for your children to let their imaginations soar! This playground has a real sense of community, everything appears hand painted and decorated by the people who enjoy it the most.
There are multiple handmade climbing structures, cubbies to play in, slides, sandpits, a trampoline, community garden, basketball half court and even a half pipe for budding skaters! You will find toilets, drinking fountains, a kitchen and so many shaded seating options - so there’s no excuse to not make a real day of it!
The playground is gated and staffed and has specific opening days/hours. It is aimed towards older children - though this Mamma’s 1 and 3 year olds still had a blast, so please be mindful of this before you head there on your next adventure.
the nitty gritty
open
Tuesday - Sunday
12pm - 4:30pm
toilets - picnic shelters - basketball half court - staffed playground
Mamma's special mention:
Worked up an appetite? Head down the awesome beach front Beachcomber to refuel!
dragon park playground, officer
There is a dragon in the outer south east and it is MASSIVE.
Dragons are so cool, especially when they are GIANT! There is a NEW dragon in the outer east and it is MASSIVE. The entire dragon’s body, including some eggs, take up centre stage and create various zones for play. The fire breathing head is the stand out feature and up through its mouth is the only way you can access the slide. This is for the brave kids - it is pretty steep on the way out!
Beyond the ferocious head, you’ll notice the spines, which have a ropes course and elevated platforms. The dragon’s back has a frame for climbing and swinging across. Further down to rear of the beast are more platforms to bravely cross and junior slides ( which are much more toddler friendly). Then finally the tale has a triple swing set and a rope bird nest to finish it all off. The playground equipment is very open ended here - it is a brilliant starting point for plenty of imaginary games and exploring.
There are heaps of other cool places to discover too with lots of animal sculptures, plenty of balance beams and a basketball ring for the bigger kids to shoot some hoops.
the nitty gritty
no toilets - picnic shelters - bbqs - basket ball court - parking
Hansel Ave and Flanagan Ave, Officer
Mamma's special mention:
You just HAVE to get some fresh apple juice from Bellevue Farm Gate while you’re in Officer!
dendy park playground, brighton
This one’s for all the toddler mammas! A playground that is fully fenced, with huge shade sails and age appropriate equipment - what more could you ask for?
This one’s for all the toddler mammas! A playground that is fully fenced, with huge shade sails and age appropriate equipment - what more could you ask for? How about plenty of shaded seating, BBQ facilities, drinking fountain, ample parking and toilets? You got it!
This is one of two playgrounds located at Dendy Park, and is definitely aimed towards younger children. The ENTIRE playground area is a shaded sandpit, so don’t forget your diggers and beach toys. There’s swings, springers, a small slide, a multi room cubby, climbing structure with sand tunnels and scoops and even a boat for all the pirates and mermaids to explore.
the nitty gritty
BBQs- picnic areas - public toilets - water feature
where?
Mamma's special mention:
If you’ve got older children, why not head on over to the Dendy Park South playground for even more to explore. Bring the bikes and scooters and use the dirt track around the Park to get there.
tjilatjirrin reserve playground, sandringham
Mamma loves when a park is updated, but still maintains the things that make it great - but the extra additions to make it truly awesome!
Mamma loves when a park is updated and still maintains the things that make it great - but the extra additions make it truly awesome!
You can’t help but fall in love with this little playground, mainly due to the majestic lion perched proudly on his throne. He is large and beautiful, and the kids will just love him.
There’s also some really fun play equipment, too.
New additions here are some shade cloth over the lion as well as some elephant rockers to keep him company; a water feature trickling into a sand play area; inground trampolines, new swings, bright orange soft matting; a new climbing structure leading onto the existing rock cave, slides and monkey bars!
There’s a giant sandpit with two diggers, a jungle jamble and music play board, rock climbing wall, tunnels and bridges.
The reserve is quite large with a cricket oval and nets, and baseball pavilion attached. Pack a picnic, have a BBQ and enjoy the day!
the nitty gritty
BBQs - picnic areas - public toilets - water feature
where?
Between Spring Street and Tulip Street, Sandringham
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road and grab some AMAZING gelato or frozen yoghurt from the incredible Gelato Lab.
the heath common playground, heatherton
There’s a new climbing structure with slides, rock wall and rope climb as well as a carousel, springers and swings.
Mamma loves a newly refurbished playground! The playground has recently been upgraded and you should definitely add it to your list if you’re in the area.
There’s a new climbing structure with slides, rock wall and rope climb as well as a carousel, springers and swings. What really makes this playground great - is how immersed in nature you feel. It feels so tranquil with all the natural shade and none of the busy road noise.
There’s also a great picnic area with BBQs, water fountain and a wisteria covered shelter to relax under while the kids kick the soccer ball on the huge expanse of grass next to you.
the nitty gritty
2 Sunningdale Way, Heatherton, 3202
BBQ facilities - no toilets- picnic tables - free parking
Mamma's special mention:
Not in the mood for a BBQ? Soul Press Cheltenham is a great option for some takeaway to enjoy at the park.
orwil reserve playground, frankston
Mamma loves a fully fenced playground - and this cute little upgraded playground is a goodie!
Mamma loves a fully fenced playground - and this cute little newly upgraded playground is a goodie!
There’s areas for nature play, with climbing logs and stepping stones, large trees offering shade - plus multiple shade sails covering some of the play equipment.
Speaking of play equipment - here you will find lots of things to keep the little ones busy! Rock-climbing wall, spinning climbing pyramid, monkey bars, swings, slides, rockers, bridges and more!
There’s a larger climbing structure with a large twisty slide for the bigger kids, and in a separate space there’s a smaller climbing structure with a mini slide and bridge for the littler adventurers.
There’s also a BBQ with undercover picnic tables, drinking fountain and dogs are welcome - on a lead.
the nitty gritty
10 Orwil Street Frankston 3199
BBQ facilities - no toilets- picnic tables - free parking
Mamma's special mention:
Follow up a play with delicious food from Okami - just up the road!
"alphabet" sensory playground @ caulfield park, caulfield
Here’s the perfect option for kids who find the other play equipment overstimulating, and offers a more quiet - imaginative form of play.
This cute little playground is set in the most stunning location beside a duck-filled lake and under the shade of dozens of beautiful large trees.
It’s the perfect option for kids who find the other play equipment overstimulating, and offers a more quiet - imaginative form of play.
Here you will have to hunt to find all 26 letters of the alphabet. Some are printed on the ground and others are large interactive shapes that you can swing on, climb through and even make a shop front from.
There’s a QR code that you can scan that gives you ideas on imaginative ways to play and gives you clues on where to find letters if you get stuck.
There are heaps of picnic tables around and plenty of shaded grassy spots to pull up a picnic and watch the ducks go by. Mamma even spotted a little turtle in the lake!
There’s also some play equipment just opposite this sensory playground as well as nearby toilets at the pavillion.
the nitty gritty
280 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North 3162
Entry to this playground is near the Bowling Club
BBQ facilities - toilets nearby - picnic tables - free parking
Mamma's special mention:
You are spoilt for choice at Caulfield Park - with THREE other playgrounds here as well!
princes park playground, caulfield south
This stunning new playground may just be one of the prettiest parks in the south!
This stunning new playground may just be one of the prettiest parks in the south! Surrounded by beautiful huge trees, rose gardens, secluded little picnic areas and pastel murals, it is easy to immediately feel relaxed amongst this setting.
It is such a quirky and unique playground, with ‘The Frog Princes’ theme. You’ll find bronze, gold and silver climbing crowns, a frog shaped climbing structure, magical mirrors and something this Mamma has never seen - a musical orb where you wind the handle and it plays songs!
There are so many features to love here, a special touch is the sensory items scattered all over; from bumpy patches on railings to little quiet garden pods.
This play area is set into two separate areas. Up the back there is your ‘action’ area, consisting of a netball/basketball court, skating ramp, parkour equipment, an accessible carousel and a giant climbing dome. Down below the play equipment has it ALL! Rock-climbing walls, swings (including a tandem), slides, tunnels, a log car with a steering wheel, four-square court, springers and more!
There’s plenty of shade, toilets and a drinking fountain - making it the ultimate playground for adventuring!
the nitty gritty
Birch St &, Jasmine St, Caulfield South 3162
BBQ facilities - toilets -
picnic tables - some under cover - free street parking - parkour
Mamma's special mention:
Treat the kids (and yourself) to a delicious ice cream or dessert from Dolce House McKinnon not far away!
carrum downs recreation reserve, carrum downs
This freshie is a beauty, folks! A wide open playground that is split into different areas creating plenty space for the kids to play!
This freshie is a beauty, folks! A wide open playground that is split into different areas, with some undercover tables in the middle, allowing for lots of space for the kids to play - and the lay out makes it easy for the parents to keep an eye on them!
There’s some awesome wooden circular climbing structures - offering a bit of a challenge to those little legs - Mamma’s talking rope ladders and tunnels, twisted fireman poles and disembarking down a huge slide! There’s also a junior climbing structure with a smaller slide and sand play equipment.
Then there is the water/nature play - with water pumps trickling down the rocky ledge and down into a sandpit - complete with two diggers!
There’s another wide slide, multiple swings - traditional and bucket - and there will be a zip liner very soon, too!
BBQ facilities, drinking taps and toilets close by (on site toilets are being built soon) - it’s a great one to spend a few hours at!
the nitty gritty
Wedge Rd, Carrum Downs 3201
BBQ facilities - toilets nearby (new facilities are being built) -
picnic tables - some under cover - free parking (in community pavillion)- nature play - sand pit - water play
Mamma's special mention:
Keep the fun going and head to Funtopia!
ballam water play park, frankston
Brand new water play at Ballam Park!
There’s a cute little water play park - set on the grounds of the leafy Ballam park.
Make sure you bring a change of clothes (or bathers!) as this is proper water play here! There are dozens of water fountains that rotate in height and strength, ensuring that kids of all ages can enjoy running through - or simply standing -underneath the streams of water.
There’s also another two areas with more water play - better suited for the little ones - with pump taps that trickle down into the sandpit.
Along with the water play, there are also swings - both basket and traditional, a carousel, sandpit and a cute little bamboo garden. Mamma’s crew loved the little ‘fairy garden’ as they called it, underneath the shade of a huge leafy tree, complete with giant toadstool and fairy house sculptures.
There are plenty of seats, some undercover, multiple BBQs, heaps of grassy space to set up a picnic, and toilets! This is one park you will want to stay at for hours!
the nitty gritty
260R Cranbourne Rd,
Frankston
BBQ facilities - toilets- mostly fenced in
picnic tables - some under cover - free parking - nature play - sand pit
Mamma's special mention:
There is also the awesome Ballam Playground opposite -complete with a basketball court and bump track.
ray perry park, cranbourne
This is a cute little playground that offers lots of shade from huge trees and loads of grassy area to run around.
This is a cute little playground that offers lots of shade from huge trees and loads of grassy area to run around.
The play equipment may be a bit old, but it has all the basics that kids will enjoy - swings, slide, climbing structures, see-saw and tunnels.
Plus there is an undercover BBQ area, park benches and a small little skate park. And YES! There are toilets! Making this a great little spot for a picnic lunch and play!
the nitty gritty
small skate park- toilets - undercover BBQ area - old play equipment
Mamma’s Special Mention:
Head down the road to The Amazing Grace for a family friendly meal.
friendship square reserve, cheltenham
This fully fenced reserve runs through Friendship Square itself and although it is small, it has plenty to offer. Especially the fact that it is FULLY FENCED!
This fully fenced reserve runs through Friendship Square itself and although it is small, it has plenty to offer. Especially the fact that it is FULLY FENCED!
It features a covered wooden play structure with a slide and rope climb as well as multiple swing options and even a spinning wheel for the kids (and parents) who love to get dizzy! There are plenty of picnic benches to choose from as well as a vast amount of natural shade and grass area for picnics.
This Mamma knows you’ll all have a lovely time spent at this simple little park, especially if you have little escape artists!
the nitty gritty
fully fenced, no toilets
Friendship Square, Cheltenham, 3192
Mamma’s Special Mention:
Make a day of it and head for a meal at the awesome Naked Racer Cafe!
r.f miles reserve playground, seaford
Do you love big slides? Then check out this great little spot!
Do you love big slides? Then check out this great little spot!
Tucked away between an oval and railway overpass you will find this cute little playground. A bike path runs right along it, so it is the perfect place to take a breather and have a play! Perfect for train spotting, too!
Along with the huge slide there is also a climbing pyramid, multiple slides, seesaw, balancing beams, carousel and some shaded tables.
If you head under the bridge you will also find some colourful wall art and more wooden climbing beams.
the nitty gritty
some shade, bike path, picnic tables, drink tap, street parking, no toilets
Mamma’s Special Mention:
Head down the road for some delicious Mexican at Tres Mexican or the BEST gelato at Gelato Unou
lady emily reserve playground, skye
Brand new equipment, shade sails, a shaded little picnic area and loads of open grass and nature play, make this a WINNER!
This new little playground is local gem!
Brand new equipment, shade sails and mostly fenced (there are a few gaps between the fencing) a shaded little picnic area and loads of open grass and nature play, make this a WINNER!
Mamma’s little ones were very impressed with the little pump track (and disappointed they forgot their scooters!).
The nature theme runs throughout the playground, with wooden climbing beams, seats and little rockets! LOADS of things to climb - rock walls, rope nets and ladders, bridges to cross, slides and swings and an inground trampoline.
There’s also a half court basketball area and lots of grassy space for ball sports.
the nitty gritty
Mainly fenced (with some gaps) basketball court, picnic area, free street parking
Mamma’s Special Mention:
Make a day of it and head down to Settlers Run Golf Course for lunch or dinner!
happy camp playground @ karingal hub, frankston
There’s a fabulous new playground that has just popped up in the middle of Karingal Hub!
There’s a fabulous new playground that has just popped up in the middle of Karingal Hub!
In a playground based off some local kids fantasy playground designs, you will find giant climbing cubes with huge twirly slides, rock climbing walls, tunnels, bridges and little window lookouts!
Next to the playground there’s an undercover seating area where parents can keep a close eye on their little ones, AND there are toilets right next to the playground as well. Not to mention loads of delicious cafes and Village cinemas surrounding you.
the nitty gritty
Playground near cinemas - toilet nearby - high climbing walls suited for older kids
Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, Frankston
Mamma’s Special Mention:
Follow up a play with a treat at Sugar Buns - located above playground
westerfield drive reserve, notting hill
Have you ever been to a sensory playground? There is a NEW one that Mamma LOVES in Notting Hill.
Little kids (and their Mamma’s) are going to LOVE this new play space!
The Westerfield Drive Reserve in Notting Hill has undergone a remarkable transformation. The design of this new play area is intended to stimulate the senses (just like the other Monash sensory play space - Wellesley Road Reserve Playground in Glen Waverley).
There are things to make sounds - the xylophone, a welcome bell at the gate and the musical jumping tyres. Things to touch - a water pump and a mirrored birdie. Things to see - the optical illusions flowers and an insect hotel to observe. Things to smell - at the community garden. Plus plenty of things to help the kids move - a slide, trampoline, swings and fireman’s pole.
The equipment here is ideal for your younger kids as there are no huge slides or climbing frames. The space is fully fenced (Mamma counted five gates in various spots!) and there are so many treasures to uncover, including a cute seating area and chess board under the trees. We easily spent an hour here in the sunshine.
Mamma’s Special Mention: The neighbourhood house is located right next door, and if they are open at the time (don’t bank on this on weekends), you can use the toilets here if needed. The house is great as well - they even have a playgroup style room that they can open up if the weather is not ideal for playground play. You’ll notice on Mamma’s visit there are some extra toys in the play space and you are more than welcome to play with these at the park as well.
the nitty gritty
fully fenced playground - water pump play - community garden - neighbourhood house next door (with some access to toilets during opening times - nice shady trees - picnic seats
beaumaris reserve playground, beaumaris
Surrounded by giant trees and bush land, cute little local park is a cute find!
Surrounded by giant trees and bush land, cute little local park is a cute find!
It has recently had a facelift and is looking nice and fresh, with some really cool elements like a giant mostly undercover sandpit with sand tables, rocking boat, a lookout with binoculars and of course - multiple slides and swings.
Mamma’s crews favourite was the ‘enchanted forest’ where there are cute princess chairs underneath a beautiful giant tree.
There’s also some great little artwork built into the walls - keep a look out for them!
the nitty gritty
free parking - bench seating - no toilet
Cnr Cloris Avenue and Reserve Road, Beaumaris 3193
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry after all that fun? Head on over to Saska Cafe
point ormond reserve playground, elwood
You really can’t beat the location of Point Ormond Reserve, it’s right next to the beach, Beacon Hill and the bay trail - but you’ll be hard pressed to get your children past the new playground!
Hands up if you love a newly refurbished playground in a stellar location?!
You really can’t beat the location of Point Ormond Reserve, it’s right next to the beach, Beacon Hill and the bay trail - but you’ll be hard pressed to get your children past the new playground! It has all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect of any modern playground - think trampolines, flying foxes, musical instruments and water play as well as an accessible carousel and “Beacon-style” play structures.
There is also a BBQ area with a picnic shelter as well as ample seating options around the playground itself. Ticketed parking is available right at the entrance to the playground and the toilet block is about 300m away along the bay trail.
the nitty gritty
Ticketed street parking - BBQs - picnic tables - toilet nearby - water play
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry after all that fun? Head on over to Jerry’s Milkbar for a delicious lunch!
fresco place playground, clyde north
This is BRAND NEW playground is one for the brave! Check out that skywalk!
This BRAND NEW playground is one for the brave! Check out that skywalk!
Mamma is convinced that the shape of the incredibly tall structure is meant to be a cat - but Mamma’s crew couldn’t see it.. can you?
There is a huge triangle rope climbing ladder, leading up to a little lookout -with windows (the cat’s eyes) and a long skywalk (the cat’s body), with a giant twisty slide (the cat’s tail) to disembark on! (Note that the rope climb is the only way up to the slide, so the little ones may be a tad disappointed). However, there is still plenty for them to do here!
There’s a huge, mostly undercover sandpit with water pumps to play in, swings, rocking ‘ants’, spinning wheel, Australian animal statues like wombats - owls and more to spot, little climbing structures with lookouts and a slide, in-built trampolines AND a little pump track - perfect for scooters. There’s also a path all through the playground to scoot along as well.
There are multiple undercover picnic tables, BBQs, a water fountain and toilets opening late April! There’s also a fitness station, too!
It’s definitely one you can spend a few hours at!
Mamma's special mention:
Wanna park-hop? Check out Livvi’s Place Cylde or Oaks Park Playground
the nitty gritty
free street parking - toilet facilities (opening late April) - BBQs - undercover picnic tables - water play - pump track