auburn grove playground, botanic ridge
This gorgeous little play space is just perfect for imaginations to run wild, and a haven for kids who get overstimulated at the larger playgrounds.
This gorgeous little play space is just perfect for imaginations to run wild, and a haven for kids who get overstimulated at the larger playgrounds.
Mamma’s Little Miss thinks the playground is based from the perspective of an ant, as you wander amongst giant toadstools, try to climb up mushrooms, cuddle frogs, walk along caterpillars and hide in acorn cubbies!
Whilst there aren’t any swings or slides here, kids will still enjoy trying to balance on beams, climb up rock poles and use their imaginations in some nature play.
the nitty gritty
4 Auburn Grove, Botanic Ridge 3977
nature play elements - no toilets - some street parking
Mamma's special mention:
After a play head to Vue Bar and Restaurant for a yummy meal!
sandfield reserve, carrum downs
Here’s a reserve with everything! Huge multi-court, skate park, parkour and TWO fully FENCED playgrounds!
Here’s a great reserve that has something the whole family will enjoy!
Sandfield Reserve in Carrum Downs is a brand new colourful youth space, that boasts a full size multi sports court- basketball, netball, there’s even cricket stumps painted on the rebound wall which also doubles as a rock-climbing wall, a parkour area and an updated skate park. Not to mention great wall art as well!
And for the littlies, just off from the court area, there are twoTWO separate FENCED playgrounds! Both offer plenty to keep the little ones climbing, swinging, sliding and flying! One has smaller slides and play equipment for the littler ones.
Even the fur babies are covered here, with a fenced dog park complete with obedience training equipment and a time-out area for overstimulated pups!
There’s also heaps of grass area to kick a footy or set up a picnic. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours with the family - except there are no toilets - so make sure you factor that into your play!
the nitty gritty
Sandfield Reserve, 49R Sandfield Dr, Carrum Downs, 3201
basketball court - rock climbing wall - fully fenced playgrounds - skate park - some shaded seats - free street parking
Mamma's special mention:
After all that play you will need to refuel at the nearby family friendly Dainton Brewery Taphouse
rosebud jetty foreshore playspace, rosebud
This little gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already!
This little hidden gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already! Tucked in beside the jetty and amongst the bushes, you might not even notice it as you drive past - so keep your eyes open!
Here there are three great slides - one steep and FAST, with the most amazing view, and two smaller slides. The slides might be stainless steel, but being brushed they aren’t too hot, however, still best to time a morning play for this one in summer.
There’s also a flying fox, swings, round about, plenty of nature play and a spectacular view of the water!
There are lots of ways to climb to the top of the steep hills - ropes, ant hills and stairs plus there are heaps of natural elements around the space as well- tree stump balancing trails, pebbles and spaces for a bush cubbies too.
There’s a bike path running parallel with the water, shaded picnic tables, toilets and, of course, Rosebud Pier is right there, too!
the nitty gritty
public toilets - beach nearby - BBQs- picnic shelters - water fountain - some shade - small carpark
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Just up the road you can get some spectacular bagels from NYC Bagels.
cardinia community playground, pakenham
Mamma LOVES this AMAZING community playground!
Mamma LOVES this community playground! The Cardinia Community Playground in Pakenham, (also known as PB Ronald Reserve) is based on a classic wooden framed play space with heaps of twists and turns and things to climb over.
A giant semi-trailer and wooden castle stand tall. Just not quite as tall as the MASSIVE triple slide tower! This epic slide is one of the tallest we have seen and it has been confirmed by a pint sized park-tester, one of the fastest as well!
When you think it couldn’t get any better, there’s also a junior playground shaped as a boat with shade sails, inbuilt trampolines, and possibly the coolest traffic playground around. The simple track is ideal for preschoolers learning about the left and right sides of the road. Alongside the trail is your community buildings too. Mamma can see plenty of imaginary play at the shops, the bank and at the ice-cream van!
the nitty gritty
PB Reserve,
John Street, Pakenham
shade sails - partially fenced - playing fields nearby - library near by - skate park - BBQs - sheltered picnic areas - drinking fountain - toilets - outdoor swimming pool next door
Mamma’s special mention: Keep the fun times going and head to the family friendly Drop Bear Escape Rooms
phoenix park, malvern
Surrounded by beautiful large trees and with so much to do, it’s a place you can play the day away.
Mamma LOVES this beautiful wooden playground!
Phoenix Park in Malvern is surrounded by stunning large trees and with so much to do, it’s a place you can play the day away.
Not only is there a mostly fenced in wooden fortress playground; complete with multiple swings of different varieties, slides, steering wheels, musical charms, and cute little paintings spread throughout - there’s also a library, community centre AND a cafe!
Oh and a HEAP of open grassy space with skate ramps, too!
This place has such a warm community feel to it, and that may be due to all the hard work the many volunteers put into making this park so great. Each fence paling has the name of families who helped in the production, which is a lovely local touch.
So pack a picnic, bring a BBQ or dine in at the cafe and settle in for a day of play!
the nitty gritty
picnic tables - BBQ facilities - free parking- toilet facilities - skate ramp - cafe on site - library onsite
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry or need a drink break? Lucky there is Phoenix Park Cafe onsite!
edithvale recreation reserve, edithvale
The colourful Edithvale Recreation Reserve Playground is a little shot of happiness in suburbia.
The colourful Edithvale Recreation Reserve Playground is a little shot of happiness in suburbia.
There’s plenty there to entertain a variety of ages. The heart of the playground is its large wooden structure with multiple slides, rock climbing wall and double story rope nets. There’s also a seesaw, swings, spinning cup and a cute sandpit complete with digger and toadstools that keeps Mamma’s two very happy the entire time.
Families can enjoy the undercover BBQ facilities just next to the playground, but it is worth noting that the bathrooms are all the way on the other side of the reserve, so mamma recommends planning toilet breaks in advance.
the nitty gritty
The nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - off street parking - toilets far away
Mamma’s special mention: Treat the family to some ice team down at Sunset Scoops afterwards!
mentone racecourse reserve, mentone
This incredible reserve has a lake, zip-liner, basketball court, maze, swings, sandpit, diggers and more!!
Get on your horse - you will want to race to this park!
Mamma ADORES this stunning reserve, nestled away amongst suburban streets - you may not even realise it exists!
It is a huge reserve with a duck/fish/eel filled lake in the middle. Two little bridges take you across it, with two separate play grounds on either side.
The reserve is set on the site of the old Mentone Racecourse, and carries a horse theme throughout.
There are ride-on rocking horses, horse-jumps, a wooden maze and horses painted on the play equipment.
The play equipment is amazing; a zip-liner, basketball court, soccer/AFL goals, merry-go-round, nest swing, maze, slides, climbing net, swings, viewing platform with binoculars, sandpit, diggers, - it goes on..
Plus there are BBQ facilities and picnic tables under shade, making it a perfect place for a picnic.
This is truly beautiful reserve, and an action-packed park, will become your new favourite!
the nitty gritty
toilet facilities - BBQ - picnic tables- bench seats - some shaded area - lake with ducks - basketball court - soccer/AFL goals- maze - zip liner -free parking - open spaces for picnics
Mamma’s special mention: After a play head to Happy as Larry down the road a bit!
braeside park playground, braeside
Attention mammas of little adventurers - it’s time to add Braeside Park Playground to your list!
Attention mammas of little adventurers - it’s time to add Braeside Park Playground to your list!
This place is old school - the main timber structure itself fits in seamlessly with the surrounding Red Gums and parklands, and offers up some beautiful views from the top. Playground staples like abacus and tic tac toe can be found dotted throughout the fort-like structure with multiple slides and ramps coming off it. There is also some smaller equipment for the littlies, spinning ring, stick hut and giant logs to climb on.
It is fair to say this playground has seen its fair share of fun over the years so a “state of the art” space it is not. But what it does offer is an environment that invites adventure and imaginative play for children who simply want to explore, touch grass and go a little “wild”.
Braeside park offers a lot beyond the playground itself, so bring the bikes and explore the many walking trails, with murals and tree stump carvings along the way.
With a diverse range of wildlife calling the park home, animal enthusiasts should be on the lookout for a wide variety of native birds, Echidna, frogs and (to Miss 4’s delight) insects. Bear in mind, snakes have been found in the area, particularly around the wetlands during the warmer months so be sure to stick to the designated paths.
Mamma suggests parking in the Magpie carpark for proximity to the playground and do note - to protect the native fauna, the parklands have a strict “no dog” policy so the pooch will have to sit this one out.
the nitty gritty
Lower Dandenong Road, Braeside 3195
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - toilets - off street parking - shade - skate - drinking fountain- walking trails - open grass - no dogs
Mamma’s special mention:
Why not head to Gardenworld just down the road for some scones and a little look at the Dinosaurs and plants.
carinya avenue reserve playground, aspendale
Carinya Avenue Reserve Playground in Aspendale has recently been upgraded and now offers a great little place for the local kids to play!
Carinya Avenue Reserve Playground in Aspendale has recently been upgraded and now offers a great little place for the local kids to play!
This partially fenced playground is perfect for the smaller kids, offering a sandpit with a sand table, swing, brightly coloured seahorse and ladybug rockers, a small climbing frame with a shop front, rock wall and slide.
There’s also monkey bars, spinning wheel, plenty of bench seating and a little path that would be great for little legs to scoot on.
There isn’t a lot of shade a part from a couple of leafy trees, so make sure to pack a hat and sunscreen!
the nitty gritty
14 Carinya Ave, Aspendale VIC 3195
Partially fenced - street parking - sandpit - drinking fountain - no toilets
Mamma's special mention: Fuel up at the cute little Aspendeli Cafe around the corner.
murrumbeena park playground, murrumbeena
With separate equipment for the big kids and littlies, as well as the added bonus of a sensory play space, Murrumbeena Park Playground gives you three for the price of one!
Mammas, when it comes to playgrounds, Murrumbeena DELIVERS. With separate equipment for the big kids and littlies, as well as the added bonus of a sensory play space, Murrumbeena Park Playground gives you three for the price of one!
This space is vast and designed for little explorers - with age appropriate equipment dotted throughout; as well as the dry creek bed, bamboo “forest” and striking pole labyrinth with giant snail and musical chime, you’ll want to dedicate a couple of hours for play.
If trips to the playground usually mean tantrums while waiting for the swings, this is the place for you. With seven - yes, SEVEN swings (including two accessible ones).
Little Miss 4 couldn’t get enough of the flying fox, while her little brother was a big fan of the ladybug bouncer. Mamma’s favourite thing? The ample seating and shade (though the play equipment lacks any significant shelter, so don’t forget to slip slop slap!).
Fenced along the busy Kangaroo rd, the rest of the playground backs onto the park’s ovals with designated off leash dog areas clearly signed. There are multiple picnic rotundas with BBQ facilities (which can be reserved through the Glen Eira council website at a cost), modern toilet block, drinking fountains and ample on-street parking - Mamma reckons this is the perfect place for the next get together with family and friends.
the nitty gritty
37 Kangaroo Rd, Murrumbeena 3163
Partially fenced - undercover BBQ and picnic facilities - toilets - limited shade - drinking fountains - oval
Mamma's special mention: Fuel up at Jack The Milkman not far away.
summerfields wetlands playground, mornington
Did you know that there is a ‘secret’ playground in Mornington? It’s hidden away at the back of an estate, surrounded by large trees, a wetland and great views! And there’s even a toilet!
Did you know that there is a ‘secret’ playground in Mornington? It’s hidden away at the back of an estate, surrounded by large trees, a wetland and great views! And there’s even a toilet!
The playground isn’t fancy or new, but there’s the perfect amount of equipment to keep the kids occupied - even if they just love to climb big trees!
However, if they don’t love to climb trees - there is a large frame with a rock climbing wall, slides, bridges and poles. There’s also a spinner, see-saw, swings, monkey bars and a flying fox. Plus an undercover BBQ, and a walking track! Can you spot the cute Australian animal images spread sporadically throughout the equipment?
If you head down the walking path, you will see some pretty views of the Mornington Peninsula!
It’s the perfect spot to come to enjoy a picnic and most likely - have the playground to yourself!
Mamma's special mention: Keep the adventure going and head down the road to Locked In Escape Rooms for some family fun!
alma park, st kilda east
Alma Park is pretty special! A newly updated unique collection of features - some you will never see anywhere else!
This park is a little kooky, but a whole lot of fun!
There is so much to see and do at Alma Park East, kids of all ages will find something to peak their interest. For the littlies there’s a two storey castle with a slide and fun characters carved into the stone, plus swings, seesaws and a NEW waterplay area. The older kids will enjoy the flying fox, swings, climbing structures and wetlands area. Mamma loves the wide open space, the abundance of natural shade and the vast array of seating options including a recently refurbished BBQ area - perfect for a picnic! Also we can’t forget… toilets and parking!
The most unique part of this park has to be the mosaic “slug” that creates a cave and climbing area to explore - it’s very eye-catching and everyone will love to experience its magic!
the nitty gritty
partly shaded - toilets - BBQs - drink taps - pram accessible - picnic seating - street parking -
Mamma's special mention: Worked up an appetite? Head down the quirky medical-themed St Kilda Dispensary Cafe
flaxlilly park playground, officer
Come down to Flaxlilly park in Officer for a BIG slide and other favourites.
Come down to Flaxlilly park in Officer for a BIG slide and other favourites, such as swings and a seesaw. For those who like to climb, there’s a climbing structure and even a small rock climbing wall, the perfect size for Mamma’s 3 year old.
Sit down at the park benches along the path or take a break to refuel at the undercover picnic tables with BBQs.
A path surrounds the park, great for scooters and smaller bikes, while there are adjoining paths from the playground for extended walks and rides. There’s a large grassed area, which is perfect for a run around or to bring along a ball for a kick.
the nitty gritty
Flaxlily Cr, Officer
(Off Stroud Road - behind the Masala Bar and Grill)
bike paths - undercover picnic tables - benches - BBQ - street parking - large grassed area - no toilets
Mamma's special mentions:
If you’re after a bite to eat the Aladdin cafe is just around the corner
elwood playspace, elwood
A beautiful natural playground in the heart of the Elwood foreshore with ON-SITE COFFEE.
A beautiful natural playground in the heart of the Elwood foreshore with ON-SITE COFFEE.
This play space uses its natural surroundings to create a wonderful environment to let your children’s imaginations soar. The wooden multi-climbing structure has many different avenues to get you up to the slide - though be warned, this is really aimed at older children with longer legs for sections such as the rope bridge. Parents of toddlers fear not, there is a separate slide, sand pit and two swings for your kids to enjoy too, plus plenty of logs and rocks to climb and jump from.
There is lots of open space to picnic or kick a ball as well as a sheltered table and benches with a water fountain. OH! Mamma can’t forget to mention the on-site cafe just steps away from the playground. They have a takeaway window and seating options that give you a great view of the playground while you enjoy your coffee and maybe a raw treat or croissant even!
the nitty gritty
63 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, 3184
Mamma's special mentions:
Keen to stay a bit longer and fill those tummies after a great play? You can also head inside the cafe at Wild Gypsea Wellness for a toastie, acai bowl or burger, yum!
central park playground, malvern east
There is a new playground at Central Park in Malvern East and it is FULLY FENCED!
There is a new playground at Central Park in Malvern East! It’s not just about play; it's an invitation to engage with the wonders of nature around us. As you wander around the park, you’ll find signs encouraging you and the kiddos to touch, smell, look, and really connect with nature.
The new, FULLY FENCED play area is ideal for younger kids and toddlers, offering a safe space to explore and play. Mamma's 4-year-old loves keeping an eye out for magical creatures hiding in the discovery nodes, in the trees and along the new paths. Play equipments include a sandpit and cubbies, a trampoline, three swings, a slide, and a spinner… there's plenty here to keep the little ones engaged and happy.
For older children, the partly-fenced playground nearby provides more adventurous options like rope climbing and swings, perfect for those seeking a bit of excitement.
The park itself is a charming spot for a family walk, with beautiful flowers and a water fountain.
the nitty gritty
148 Burke Rd, Malvern East, 3145
Grassed areas for picnic – no table or BBQ facilities – dogs off leash area
Public toilet near the corner of Wattletree and Burke roads (another new toilet is being built, expected Feb 2024)
Mamma's special mentions:
Stop at Blitz Bar and get some snacks to enjoy while you play!
booran reserve, glen huntly
Pack up the kiddos and sunscreen, because Booran Reserve in Glen Huntly is where it's at! This award-winning park, part of Glen Eira Council, is an absolute gem especially in the warmer Melbourne months.
Pack up the kiddos and sunscreen, because Booran Reserve in Glen Huntly is where it's at! This award-winning park, part of Glen Eira Council, is an absolute gem especially in the warmer Melbourne months.
The star attraction is the water play area, hugely popular for people of all ages. With a surface splash pad and playful water jets shooting up every couple of minutes, it's the perfect cool-down spot on summer days.
For those not interested in a splash, there is a separate dry playground area with flying foxes, trampolines, tunnels, a two-tiered sandpit complete with a water pump (I know, right?), and even an oversized hamster wheel! The giant bird's nest swing and a 5-way swing are just the cherries on top.
Older kiddos will be busy at the basketball and netball rings, and a jaw-dropping 10-metre-high double dome - with a slide to swoosh down.
the nitty gritty
Booran Rerserve
1051 Glen Huntly Rd,
Glen Huntly
Toilets with change tables – separate dry playground – shade sails – BBQ facilities – picnic shelters – tables and seatings – dogs on leash – street parking – pram accessible
Water play feature operates during the following times:
October to March, 9am to 7.30pm
April to September, 9am to 5pm
Mamma's special mentions:
Make a day of it and head to the gorgeous Major Mitchell cafe
silo park (livvi's place), clyde north
You are going to love this fully fenced all abilities playground! From the massive Silo Tower with giant slides, to the basketball court and open grassy spaces (perfect for mini hill rolling)! AND it has a toilet - with a change table!
Silo Park is the newest Livvi's Place playground in Clyde North. You are going to love this fully fenced all abilities playground! From the massive replica Silo Tower with giant slides, to the basketball court and open grassy spaces (perfect for mini hill rolling)! AND it has a toilet - with a change table!
Mamma’s crew couldn’t wait to climb up the giant tower! There are two ways to do this - up the middle through a rope net/tower - or up the spiralling stair case (Mamma chose the latter!) Listen out for the musical buttons and swing across balancing beams as you make your way to the slides, and then choose from the huge twisty slide or the even bigger twisty slide to disembark!
There are also inground trampolines, a round-a-bout spinner, a giant sandpit, multiple swing set, mini slide, stepping stones, under cover picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a little path that runs throughout the playground to scoot on!
It’s the perfect location to spend the day!
the nitty gritty
Cavern Boulevard, Clyde North, 3978
BBQ facilities - some street parking - large grassy space - some shade - undercover picnic tables - toilets - fully fenced
Mamma’s special mention: Keep the adventure going and check out all of Clyde Playgrounds here!
erehwon point playground, cowes
Erehwon Point playground in Cowes is the most picturesque picnic spot you could ask for!
Erehwon Point playground in Cowes is the most picturesque picnic spot you could ask for!
Set under the shade of giant pine trees you will find picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a cute little playground overlooking the stunning Chicken beach.
The play equipment includes swings, slides, an echidna see-saw, round-about, rock-climbing wall and wooden climbing structures.
It is the perfect location to set up a picnic, surrounded by sweeping sea views and large grassy area to sit on.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - street parking - grassy space - some shade - picnic tables - toilets nearby
Mamma’s special mention: Keep the adventure going and head for a swim at Chicken Beach or catch the Westernport Ferry to Stony Point or French Island.
landcox park, brighton east
Sprawling grass, leafy trees, walking paths and DUCKS - your kids will be in nature heaven.
Duck, Duck… GO!
This Mamma has fallen in love with this gorgeous park in Brighton East! Sprawling grass, leafy trees, walking paths and DUCKS - your kids will be in nature heaven. We even spotted a curious turtle in the lake while watching the ducks. But wait, I haven’t even mentioned the newly upgraded playground! Nestled among the trees, with huge shade sails over parts, is a fantastic new playground to explore.
There is a giant sandpit - with resident diggers and dump trucks to utilise, a climbing spinner, 4-way seesaw, wooden climbing structure with multiple slides, plus an array of swings for all ages. You will find plenty of seating options, from benches, to picnic tables, to a covered BBQ area - the choice is yours! If you walk around the lake, there is a public toilet not too far away too.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - street parking - grassy space - some shade sail - picnic tables - sandpit - lake
Mamma’s special mention: Keep the adventure going and head to The Deck Kids for lunch and more play!
wishart reserve playground, hampton east
This hidden delight of a playground offers kids the chance to play in their own barnyard at Wishart Farm!
Who knew that there was a farm in Hampton!? This hidden delight of a playground offers kids the chance to play in their own barnyard at Wishart Farm!
Slide down the gigantic cow, perch on an over-grown tomato or climb onboard the barnyard play structure offering towers to explore and spider web rope nets to climb.
There are also multiple swings, little tractor rockers, wooden stepping stones, balancing logs and slides.
Across from the playground there’s also a fully fenced off-leash dog park so that whole family can enjoy a play!
the nitty gritty
5 Wishart Street, Hampton East, 3188
basketball court - street parking - grassy space - some shade sail - water tap - fully-fenced off leash dog park
Mamma’s special mention: Head around the corner for the family - and doggo - friendly - Lennox 3188 Cafe
