21 Amazing Playgrounds Every Sydney Family Should Visit

Swings for kids and coffee for parents.

1. Livvi's Place at Yamble Reserve, Ryde

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Childhood experts will love the shaded sandpit and sensory art trail but, damn, let's be honest: it's all about the SEATED FLYING FOX!

2. Darling Quarter Playground, Darling Harbour

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Ordinary slippery dip? Meh. But the three metre Big Slide at Darling Quarter Playground? Well, that's a slide worth getting excited about.

3. Clontarf Beach Playground, Seaforth

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There's something about the sunny and still natural beauty of this harbour beach that's instantly relaxing, and there's lots more to love too. Toddlers have small play equipment, big kids have slides and swings, the roped beach has a perfect little jump for tweens while Clonny's Kiosk does great coffee and ice cream.

4. Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park

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This park boasts a spectacular wooden climbing cubby, vegan cafe and so much squishy green rubber your kid will literally bounce off the floor.

5. Pirrama Park Playground, Pyrmont

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Forget Tough Mudder - true roughnuts can prove how tough they really are on the climbing frames at Pirrama Park, then cool off with a splash in the water spouts nearby. Note: lack of fences mean this harbour hotspot suits big kids best.

6. Putney Water Park, Ryde

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Featuring a paddle pool and giant tube slide, this is the perfect spot for any kid who loves getting their kit off all year round. (Yep, that's pretty much all of 'em.)

7. Clifton Gardens Reserve Playground, Mosman

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So. Much. Space. From the giant shaded play area, to the super-sized netted pool on the beach, everything at Clifton Gardens feels super-sized... except for the adorably teensy cafe at the north end of the beach which is the kind of hole-in-the-wall joint that makes everyone feel like a local.

8. Collaroy Beach Playground, Collaroy

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Recently refurbished to feature a massive rope climbing frame, a bounty of different sized swings and some seriously cool wooden and stone sculptures, this playground is a skip away from the calm waves - and cute kiddie's pool - at Collaroy Beach.

9. Central Gardens, Merrylands

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Central Gardens is a large parkland with two play areas, BBQs, and a park with ducks, a waterfall and emus.

10. Sydney Park Playground, St Peters

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Highlights include the awesome bike track (thanks to the Sydney Park Cycling Centre) and spacious cafe. Parking can be a bit tricky so look out for the signed entrances to nab a spot.

11. Berry Island Reserve, Wollstonecraft

Via northsydney.nsw.gov.au

One great thing about Sydney is how accessible the bush is from the CBD. With spectacular water views and epic wooden play equipment, Berry Island is one of those spots that reminds you just how rad this city is for families.

12. The Lizard Log Park, Horsley Park

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Monkey bars are so noughties. Every kid knows rock walls are where it's at these days - and Lizard Log has some crackers. Just be sure to pick your hours as shade can be scarce around midday.

13. Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands

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Got a climber? The adventure playground here is your jam. We're talking big forts, long slides, suspension bridges, tyre walks and more. For smaller kids, there's also an under-fives area and a detailed Road Safety Bike Track complete with roundabouts, roadsigns and more.

14. Livvi's Place Playground Timbrell Park, Five Dock

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You know those spinny things that used to make you so dizzy you'd almost vomit as a kid? Well, this park has a new-fangled version that's about ten times as big. Sick.

15. Balmoral Beach Playground, Balmoral

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The play gear here is pretty standard, but the extras make it a stand out: easy-peasy parking (though paid), gargantuan fig trees and the ridiculously gorgeous fruit, flowers and fresh juices at The Boathouse right next door.

16. King George Constellation Playground, Rozelle

playrope.com.au / Via playrope.com.au

As play parks go, this one is a newie - and who doesn't love clambering, sliding and staking their claim over fresh territory? Fences and squishy ground mean it gets the thumbs up from bubs to tweens.

17. Flying Fox Park at Winnererremy Bay Reserve, Mona Vale

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Located amongst the lush greenery and calm blue waters of Winnererremy Bay, this massive - and completely fenced - park is made even more awesome by the tasty chow and yum coffee at Flying Fox cafe which comfortably seats 80. Call the crew!

18. Prince Alfred Park, Central

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Prince Alfred Playground boasts see-saws, swings - and a heated pool next door - so get out and get active.

19. Plough and Harrow Park, Western Sydney

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Oversized kid's play equipment means anyone can jump on and have a go, so you can have just as much fun as your kids.

20. Blackman Park Playground, Lane Cove

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Where some playgrounds can seem rubberised into predictability, Blackman Playground maintains a hint of mystery and ~danger~, thanks to its concealed location tucked into the woods of Lane Cove. Featuring a bike track for the smaller kids, a big old flying fox for the bigger ones, and a bunch of walking trails for grown-ups, this park is perfect for all.

21. Coogee Beach Playground, Coogee

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With a nautical theme that will have you talking like a pirate all day, this playground's boats and vast climbing webs will keep your little sailor occupied all afternoon.