Free fun for the school holidays: Adelaide’s top 25 playgrounds
JUST because it’s still as chilly as winter doesn’t mean you can’t search out a little wonderland. Adelaide has an abundance of great playgrounds — here’s our favourite 25.
JUST because it’s still as chilly as winter doesn’t mean you can’t search out a little wonderland. Adelaide has an abundance of great playgrounds — there’s traditional fun, themed playgrounds and nature-inspired play. Here’s our favourite 25.
THE CITY — compiled by Monique Bowley
Bonython Park, Port Road, Adelaide
If God had an eighth day he would have made this park. It’s incredible. There’s a giant hamster wheel, fountains of water that turn tricks, flying foxes, swings, slides, a sand pit where you can dig up bones and a ton of grass to kick the footy.
The seating is plentiful and has the prettiest view of the Torrens. A bike path makes it super accessible for two-wheelers, and with a tram stop out front and 4 hour free parking in the car park, there is no excuse not to go.
It has picnic spots, BBQ facilities, drinking fountains, shade, toilets. And Friday to Sunday the cafe is open. With coffee. They’ve thought of everything.
Rymill Park, Rundle Road, Adelaide
Dress the kids in sewed up curtains, because this park is like something out of The Sound of Music. It’s right on the lake, which means there’s ducks to see, and it has an island accessible only via little bridges.
During summer you can hire a rowboat and channel your inner Frauline. Deeeeelightful. There’s plenty of play equipment, picnic tables, a BBQ and public toilets.
The Kiosk is open on weekends for breakfasts and with Rundle Street a stones throw away, you’re never too far from a good coffee.
Marshmallow Park, Glen Osmond Road, Adelaide
Cute name for a great park. Fully fenced, it kinds feels like a dog park for babies; great for socialisation but occasionally some doo doo in the sandpit.
A nice mix of old and new equipment, the park centres around a magnificent Morton Bay fig (nature is so hot right now).
It has a tandem swing (so no fights over who gets the ‘big’ seat), and a mini pathway for little bikes to ride and scooters to scoot.
Bring your Thermos ‘cos there’s no latte fix on site, but there was a dad working on his Macbook, outsourcing the whole ‘play’ thing to the playground itself.
Victoria Square.
You can’t beat it for accessibility. Step off the tram and into the square with it’s squirting fountains and green grass. Once the trees grow the shade will improve, but for now, there’s a whole frisbee waiting to be thrown on that turf.
Plenty of paving for scooters and bikes to tear around and endless food and coffee options in the cafe’s and food vans that surround.
With events constantly on, and some great people watching, it’s entertaining for children and adults alike.
Helicopter Park, 61-63 Lefevre Terrace, North Adelaide
One of Adelaide’s oldest parks, circa, 1920, it’s real name is Glover North. But since they put that fibreglass helicopter in, it’s never been the same.
Caters for a wide range of ages; from toddlers through to older kids, with a great variety of equipment. It has all the amenities too; BBQ, toilets, tables.
There’s plenty of shady trees and grassland to explore but with the playground fully fenced, helicopter parents will feel right at home.
THE NORTH — Eugene Boisvert
Prospect Memorial Gardens, Menzies Crt, Prospect
Nestled among the lush, green inner-city parkland is this unexpected adventure playground. The play equipment was given a spruce up a few years back and is earmarked for more additions in years to come. The park includes a slide, monkey bars, bridge and a set of swings.
There is also a large, fenced off grass, perfect for lots of running and adventure games.
Goldenfields Reserve, The Golden Way, Golden Grove
Bring your entire extended family out to this park — there should be enough to keep the teenagers and adults happy as well as youngsters.
Run the family ragged in the playground, skate park, sporting ovals, amphitheatre and fenced basketball court. There are also plenty of swings, a climbing tree, a geometric climbing cube, a flying fox and a large undercover play area.
Why not pack a picnic or barbecue for your day out? There are barbecue areas, undercover tables with bench seats and toilets.
Lisa Hunt says her children William 10, and Sarah, 8, just love the playground. “There’s lots of space to run around and lots of variety,” Mrs Hunt says.
Stebonheath Regional Park, Davoren Rd, Andrews Farm
Set beside attractive wetlands, families can make a real day of their visit to this park. It includes a running track, barbecues, shelters, toilets, open fields and of course the playground.
Older kids will love climbing the huge play spider web shaped like the Eiffel Tower and parents can rest assured there is a soft landing of woodchips below. There is also plenty of equipment for littlies.
St Kilda Adventure Playground,Cockle St, St Kilda
Adelaide’s original adventure playground was upgraded after it suffered an arson attack last year.
It includes a flying fox, a spiral slide, a giant wave slide, a monorail and a maze. The steeper of the two “tube slides” on the playground’s volcano feature is set to be replaced with another “wave” slide with a gentler incline, and the angle of the remaining tube slide will be reduced and the surrounding deck lowered by 1.5m to make it safer for children. There are also toilets, barbecues and plenty of parking.
Unity Park, South Tce, Pooraka
Tell the kids to pack their bikes for this one — Unity Park has its own BMX track, ideal for hours of ‘’wear them out’’ fun.
The playground is fully fenced and includes equipment for all ages and as well as the disabled. Get the family fit while you’re there — there are walking trails, a dog park and public fitness
THE EAST — Meagan Dillon
Wombat Waterhole, Davenport Tce, Hazelwood Park
Hazelwood Park is well-known in the eastern suburbs. It is home to large trees, koalas and a swimming pool. But it also has an award-winning playground, called Wombat Waterhole, off Davenport Tce. This is not your typical playground.
It is designed for children with a sense of adventure. Kids can fly through the air on the flying fox or climb a rope tower like a mountaineer.
Windsor Gardens mother Elena Toskas says her daughter Isabella, 4, loves running around the playground. “She loves it — she got upset when we had to leave,”
Ms Toskas says. “The flying fox is great and the big swing was amazing. It’s just a nice, clean, neat park.”
Orphanage Park, Mitchell St, Millswood
On what used to be Goodwood Orphanage is a park and playground with climbing walls, an oval, barbecues and a tennis and basketball half court. Pet owners can walk their dog on a leash along Brown Hill Creek. There is also plenty of shade, tables, benches and trees.
The playground is fenced and there is some creative play equipment, including a big tyre swing and boat which are popular with younger children.
Dunstan Adventure Playground, Windchester St, St Peters
The Dunstan Adventure Playground is known for its long slippery dip — much longer than your average slide.
It is also known for its great location in Linear Park. Children can climb the play equipment while watching O-Bahn buses zoom past or ducks on the river.
There is climbing equipment, monkey bars, various swings — including a baby swing and a swinging log — and wobble horses. There are a few shady spots to relax in as well as a lawn area, benches and a picnic area with tables and seats. The playground is good for older children, too.
Thorndon Park, Hamilton Tce, Paradise
Kids love the inventive circular swing set at this park. So a warning to parents: be prepared to get your daily exercise in here, pushing the swing around and around and around ...
There’s also a groovy climbing frame — you’ve just got to hope your child is not the one jiggling all the others around and making them scream.
If you can tear your youngsters away from the well-equipped playground, there are also ponds and streams with ducks, the odd goose and pelican. Vast expanses of open space mean you can run your family ragged, plus there is a rotunda and pavilion.
Apex Park, Watahuna Ave, Hawthorndene
Apex Park is a popular reserve which is suitable for toddlers up to teenagers. Its playground includes swings, a slide, seesaw, flying fox, an action station, a balance beam and a rubber toddler bike track which winds through the equipment.
The reserve has tennis courts, toilets, barbecue, picnic area and a large fenced area which is good for children to run around in.
It also has a BMX track for children aged over 12. The park is next to Joan’s Pantry, which has coffee and food. Sarah Vezis, of Upper Sturt, says it is great having a cafe next door to the park. She loves taking her four-year-old daughter Amelia there because of its range of play equipment. “The fenced area is great because it’s safe and the bike track is fantastic because Amelia does a lot of bike scooting around it,” Mrs Vezis says. “The park really has got a bit of everything and there’s something for everyone.”
THE SOUTH — Michael Milnes
Jubilee Park and Adventure Playground, Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga South
This playground is always near the top of the list. It is fenced, has toilets, barbecues, plenty of car parking and a toddler play area.
Plus there is plenty of seating to relax and watch the children. The wooden fortress theme is a winner along with a couple of slides and a set of large ball bearings that play music. Mum Charlotte Squires, from Hackham, says the playground is a favourite for her boys Jake, 9, and Blake, 6.
“The children can either play on the equipment or kick the football of feed the ducks or go fishing,” Ms Squires says. “During school holidays we have a catch-up with other mums there or at the Cottage Lane playground (in Hackham). We take some sausages and have a barbecue or a picnic.”
Forsyth Reserve, Cottage Lane, Hackham
The playground has a gazebo, two barbecues, tennis courts, toilets, a small bike track and play equipment for children of all ages and abilities. It has a drinking fountain, a skate ramp and plenty of room to spread out a picnic rug and enjoy a sausage sizzle.
Christies Beach Lions Park, Beach Rd
This playground has a rock climbing structure and a slide with a twisty ladder to make it more interesting. There is a boat on springs, other beach-themed play equipment and swings, all sitting on a rubber surface. It is fenced, has barbecues and a large grassed area with lots of shade. Plus it is close to shops and coffee and food outlets.
Thalassa Park, Windebanks Rd, Aberfoyle Park
A well-planned playground, including monkey bars, slide, climbing poles, bridges, flying fox and climbing frames. There are swings for toddlers and babies and a four-seat seesaw. The spacious park has bike tracks and plenty of room for ball games. It also has barbecues, sheltered picnic tables, toilets and drinking fountains.
Willunga Recreation Reserve, Railway Tce
A good picnic spot for families, including tables, seating and barbecues. There is lots of space for sports and kicking the ball or throwing the frisbee. The playground is suitable for all ages. It has shady trees, a rose garden designed as a maze, off-street parking and toilets.
THE WEST — Amy Moran
Hart’s Mill, Dock 1, Port Adelaide
The playground at Hart’s Mill is not only brand-spanking new, but it looks like a futuristic, bright yellow space station.
A giant pentagonal-prism climbing frame creates a centrepiece for children of all ages, where getting to the top is just as challenging as getting to the middle.
The slide is a round, silver tube coming down from what could be a tower on the moon. There is plenty of space between play equipment for children — and their imaginations — to run wild. It is easily accessible by foot or bike and there is plenty of parking nearby. It has sheltered picnic tables, seating, barbecues and public toilets. There is also a market every Sunday at Hart’s Mill.
Semaphore Foreshore, The Esplanade
Semaphore Foreshore’s playground is a lot more than swings and a slippery dip. The playground is based around a big ship that kids can climb on.
Spring-loaded dolphins surround the ship for children to bounce on. There are also breathtaking views for relaxing parents.
The playground is next door to a kiosk, carnival rides and a mini-train. Families can make a day of it by strolling along the foreshore or talking a walk up Semaphore Rd for some shopping or a bite to eat.
Apex Park, Burbridge Rd, West Beach
Apex Park is nestled in a quiet spot beside the River Torrens. The playground had an upgrade in 2012. It provides a bright place for children and is a peaceful family picnic spot. New equipment includes a slide, flying fox, climbing frame and swings.
There is also a swing for children with wheelchairs. It has shaded seating, a barbecue area and public toilets. Families can also take a walk along the river to see the ducks, swans and bird life.
Hazelmere Reserve, corner of Oaklands and Hazelmere roads, Glengowrie
Hazelmere Reserve has all the playground staples; slides, swings, plenty to climb on and is fully-fenced. A basketball court provides another options for older children.
The reserve has a shaded picnic area, toilets and an oval. It also has a fenced dog park where dogs can run free. One online reviewer described the reserve as “the happiest place on earth”.
Wigley Reserve, corner Anzac Highway and Adelphi Tce, Glenelg
Swings? Check. Flying fox? Check. Climbing frame? Check. Wigley Reserve playground, surrounded by sprawling green grass, is a young adventurer’s delight.
The pirate ship-themed playground, complete with bouncy dolphins, is an homage to its neighbour, a replica of the HMS Buffalo.
The playground has soft-fall ground cover and a ramp travelling through the ship means children in wheelchairs do not miss out on the swashbuckling fun. There is an outdoor gym next to the playground, allowing parents to keep fit while their children play.
Free parking is limited but it is a short walk from the Jetty Rd tramline. The playground is close to other Glenelg attractions, including the Beach House, Colley Reserve, shops and eateries. Wigley Reserve is also a popular venue for community events.
TELL US: What did we miss? What’s your favourite playground? And why? Leave a comment below