Sydney has so many different places to explore and so many different playgrounds. Our mission is to explore as many playgrounds we can over the next few months.

Here are 10 of our favourite playgrounds close to our home:

Parramatta Park

Where is it? Google Maps

• Swings
• Slides
• Trampolines
• Sandpits
• Spinning equipment
• Loads of running around space
• Water pumps
• Climbing apparatus
• See saw
• BBQ facilities
• Shelters
• Not much shade besides the shade from the trees (so depends on the time of day whether or not there will be shade)
• Ducks and birdlife nearby in the pond
• Plenty of FREE parking close by
• Parramatta and Westmead stations within walking distance from the park- Parramatta station to playground approximately 24 min walk. Westmead Station to playground- approximately 7 min walk
• Cafes within walking distance in Westmead along Hawkesbury Road
• Toilets available

Doyle Ground Playground

Where is it? Google Maps

• Enclosed playground
• Swings inside the enclosed playground and outisde the gates also
• Slide
• Balance activities
• Shop stand
• Steps
• Tunnels
• Bridge
• Shade
• Fitness exercise equipment and a footpath to walk around the edge of Doyle Ground
• Cafe (Crate Pizzeria and Wine Bar) near by and a SPAR supermarket
• Plenty of FREE parking
• No Toilets at the playground

Blaxland Riverside Playground

Where is it? Google Maps

• Climbing apparatus
• Water park
• Cafe near the water park
• Swim nappies for sale at the cafe
• BBQ facilities
• Public Toilets
• Slides
• Swings
• Tunnels
• Sandpits
• Not much shade
•  Plenty of FREE parking (some is time restricted)
• Toilets near the cafe and in toilet block closer to the top car park
• Armory Wharf Cafe down by the river near bottom car park

Holroyd Gardens Park

Where is it? Google Maps

• Slides
• Swings
• Climbing apparatus
• Rock climbing wall
• Toddler playground section to the park (shaded)
• loads of running space
• Bike tracks
• Public Toilets
• Plenty of FREE parking
• BBQ facilities
• Shelters available
• 4 min drive to Stocklands Merryland shops

Merrylands Central Gardens

Where is it? Google Maps

• Animal enclosures (birds, kangaroos, emus)
• Duck ponds
• Playgrounds at either end of the park
• Shade over the playground near the animals
• Public Toilets
• Plenty of FREE parking
• Shelters
• BBQ and picnic areas
• Walking tracks around the park/ponds
• Website information

Lake Parramatta

Where is it? Google Maps

• Slides
• Swings
• Bridge for balance
• Naughts and crosses
• Lots of motor skill activities
• Swing for people with disabilities (wheelchair access)
• Monkey bars
• Shade from the trees but no actual cover over the playground
• Public Toilets
• Cafe
• Bush walks
• Designated swimming area (no lifegaurds- only on certain days/occassions)
• BBQ and picnic facilities
• Shelters
• Non-motorised boating facilities
• Plenty of FREE parking

James Ruse Reserve Water Playground

Where is it? Google Maps

• Water spouts
• Water buckets that empty when they are full
• Playground next to the water park with swings, climbing apparatus etc.
• Skate park next to the water park
• Shade over the water park
• Water is only turned on at certain times (check online)
• Limited 2 hour parking next to the playground but more parking available in the side streets surrounding the park.

Parramatta River Playground

Where is it? Google Maps

• 5 min walk from the Parramatta Ferry Wharf
• Sandpits
• Slides
• Climbing apparatus
• Rock climbing wall
• Grass area along foreshore
• Ropes
• Ducks in the river
• Walking path along the river
• Not much shade besides the shade from the surrounding trees
• Toilets available down near the wharf
• Ticket street parking in surrounding streets
• 6 min walk from Parramatta station

Putney Park Playground

Where is it? Google Maps

• Climbing apparatus
• Slides
• Swings
• Toddler equipment
• Walking paths
• Plenty of grass running space
• River foreshore
• Water pools to splash around in
• Shelter over the water area
• 2 playgrounds along the foreshore
• Smaller playground at the southern end of the park with equipment suitable for young children
• BBQ facilities
• Picnic areas
• Public Toilets
• Plenty of FREE parking
• Gets very busy on a weekend when the weather is good

Auburn Botanical Gardens

Where is it? Google Maps

Botanics Gardens

Sections within the Gardens

• An Amphitheatre
• Fauna Reserve and Aviary – Here is where you can look at different animals they have on site. There are also a number of animals that roam around the gardens so keep an eye out and you never know what you may find!
• The Japanese Garden
• The Native and Rainforest Garden
• The Scented Garden
• The Sunken Rose Garden
• An Equal Access Playground-  A playground suitable for everyone allowing wheelchair access up to the top parts of the playground. Swings, slides, stairs, tunnels, mazes, etc.
• Picnic areas
• BBQ areas outside the gates of the gardens
• FREE street parking out the front of the gardens
• Public toilet facilities located around the gardens
• Tables and shelters available around the gardens

What are your favourite playgrounds to go to in your area? 

By Clare at Relaxed Parenting