You’ll wish you were a kid again when visiting these top 40 Queensland playgrounds
Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to Queensland’s top 40 playgrounds. SEE THE LIST
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It’s the weekend question asked by every parent, well, ever: Where should we take the kids this weekend?
Well, folks, here’s the answer. It’s play time across Queensland with this massive roundup of Queensland’s best parks, playgrounds and water play zones.
Whether your little (or not-so-little) ones love teetering along at heights, splashing around or rambling through gardens, this list has something for everyone.
We have ranked these top playgrounds from 40-1, but we want you to vote for the best one in our mega-poll below.
Have fun!
40. QUEEN’S PARK, TOOWOOMBA
Tiny tots can traverse in Toowoomba’s treetops here and will be quick to quell their fear of heights.
A drawcard is a seven-metre-high cubby house tower and giant rope spider web for kids.
The netted sky bridge will capture the imagination of older children.
The little ones can explore a train, horse carousel, and toddler swings.
39. LAUREL BANK PARK, TOOWOOMBA
If it’s nice parks you’re after then this is it.
It’s home to the Carnival Of Flowers each year which is a must-see each Spring.
Stately trees change colour in Autumn.
The park features manicured gardens, mature trees, a scented garden for the visually impaired, children’s play equipment, a barbecue plus picnic areas. Its diverse offerings makes it a playground in itself.
Croquet lovers can get into the game with two dedicated lawns. Gardeners can revel in all-season topiary features, scented gardens, spring bulb displays and the ornament garden designed for children.
38. SEAFORTH ESPLANADE RESERVE, SEAFORTH
Enter in via the Park Avenue entrance.
Expansive ocean views can be enjoyed from this 5.77ha Seaforth Esplanade Reserve.
There’s plentiful space for families to enjoy while having a picnic or take a dip with the kids in the protected swimming enclosure area.
A senior and junior dedicated play zones will keep the kids engaged for hours.
There’s water play for those balmy Summer days and shade in the playground.
A post office store and ambulance bay service the community.
Seaforth Camping Zone looks after out of towners.
37. FREW PARK, MILTON
Look through the eyes of a child when catching sight of a ginormous, space-like playground in Frew Park Milton.
The structure will launch adventurous kids into a cosmic adventure story.
It offers plenty of outdoor play for kids including tennis courts, playing fields, and a sprawling all-ages playground.
36. ROBELLE DOMAIN, SPRINGFIELD
Put the dog in the back and get ready to explore 24 sprawling hectares of expansive greenery at Springfield Central Parklands.
Children can explore five kilometres of bike paths winding their way past groves of ghost gums, tree top walks, a lake, a waterfall, a 10,000-seat amphitheatre with a stage plus the country‘s first Icon on Galaxy interactive play equipment in an all-abilities playground.
In summer, the hotspot is the free-standing mini aquativity park featuring jet sprays and a 7000-litre tipping water bucket. By night the feature lighting and 9m-high light tower installations take over with light shows between 7-9 pm.
35. QUEENS PARK, MACKAY
This one’s good for a game of cricket on the dedicated grounds.
Families can enjoy bike riding, scootering and the Orchid Park.
Manicured lawns and historic buildings can be hired for private events.
It’s located near the city centre and the Pioneer River waterfront.
It’s home to the Ken Burgess Orchid House which contains beautiful and bizarre looking exotic and Australian native orchids.
The collection includes some ground living orchids but consists mainly of tree and rock living orchids.
It’s surrounded by cool and majestic trees.
Take advantage of barbecues, sheltered seating areas and a new amenities block. Ample parking and wheelchair access complete the package.
34. GRAHAME STEWART PARK, CURRIMUNDI
This is an all-abilities playground welcoming creative play on equipment including a wheelspin, pod swing, sand digger, a variety of play panels and even a playhouse.
Take advantage of the series of flat paths connecting the different playground areas plus there’s a high-back disability-friendly swing.
The junior playground has been updated accordingly.
Make this your home away from home with a beautiful surf beach nearby, a calm-water lake next door, an extensive network of walking tracks, an excellent playground plus a myriad of bike tracks.
33. HILLS DISTRICT ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND, ARANA HILLS
Does your child love honey and bees? Then, Leslie Patrick Park Arana Hills is the place to be.
The park showcases educational signs depicting the insect’s life cycle, its anatomy, and why its buzz is important to the ecosystem.
Visitors can sit inside a model bee hive or attempt the honeycomb-inspired climbing wall.
The park facilitates Braille and boasts an accessible carousel, adaptive disability swings, and a ramp leading to tactile equipment.
Highlights include musical instruments, an interactive zone, a sandpit, and colourful artwork.
There’s also a sensory garden with fragrant herbs and flowers.
The playground is fully-fenced, wheelchair accessible, and the perfect environment for a barbecue and outdoor play.
32. MUDDYS, CAIRNS ESPLANADE
Make a splash in this playground themed around life in Trinity Bay.
Extensive equipment to engage your young one includes sound chimes, a rope bridge, a trick track, puzzle games, a flying fox plus a mouse wheel.
Water features and coral colours reflect the rich marine life available at nearby reefs.
The playground is conveniently located on Cairns Esplanade.
It’s also close to Cairns Lagoon which makes for a great day out in sweltering summer heat.
31. ILLUKA ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND MACKAY
Conveniently located beachside is this park designed to captivate the imagination of Mackay children.
Highlights include a fort surrounded by a maze of paths, sensory plantings, interactive panels, a sand play station, a double swing, a Gyro spinner and a water pump.
30. LIONS PARK, GLADSTONE
This playground boasts soaring shade towers reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s Gyrocopter design which is a favourite among locals.
Visitors can enjoy a multitude of sensory play options which are accessible to people with a disability.
The park‘s equipment shares interlocking zones of activity including a spin and swing area, a water-based play section plus a nature-based adventure part.
A five-way swing zone will cushion a group of thrill seekers and will nurture their sense of adventure.
Motion lights and mist factors in environmental changes like the seasons.
29. CALAMVALE DISTRICT PARK
Children can run, jump, swing, and fly at the Calamvale District Park.
The expansive skywalk is undoubtedly the biggest drawcard, but kids will also be drawn to the plentiful features of this Brisbane playground, including the flying fox, basket swings, spinning discs, a miniature skywalk for the littlies, and bike tracks for little racers.
Party-goers can also book one of the three designated sites within the park for birthday parties and special events.
28. NINJA WARRIOR COURSE, EVERTON PARK
This playground at Teralba Park in Everton Park is designed for competitive children to test new limits of agility, balance, coordination and strength.
The equipment encourages daring ninjas 12 and up to see how they perform on 11 obstacles.
There are jungle bars, the plank, the quin steps, the big fling, rock hop and a scaling wall closely mirroring the course on the well-known television show.
27. WYNNUM WHALE PARK
The family can while away the hours on the foreshore of the bayside suburb as they wade in a saltwater lagoon or play in the nearby Whale Park with a pod water sprouting area.
The nautical-themed park features a boat shop for play plus all the usual side shows like swings, slides, and climbing areas.
Take a walk along the Wynnum jetty plus place an order at two fantastic fish and chip shops which make an attractive takeaway to finish off a hot summer day.
26. NOOSA RIVER PIRATE PARK
Children can don an eye patch and mimic Captain Jack Sparrow while indulging in pirate’s play at this park located beside the Noosa Yacht Club.
It features a Liberty swing, a spinning digger, a sand conveyor belt, and several slides.
This Noosa River hotspot is a drawcard for the kids to enjoy water sports via canoe or kayak.
25. LOGAN’S ADVENTURE PLAYGORUND, AIRLIE BEACH
Children can weave their way through or climb this multi-storey playscape on the foreshore of Airlie Beach. Stroll along the Esplanade toward the sailing club and you won’t miss it!
In addition, young children are catered for here as well.
If you want something gentler, then head to then Cannonvale Beach and Logans Adventure Playground – a hop, skip and jump away offering a flying fox, jungle gyms, giant swings and more opposite the beach.
24. HERVEY BAY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
The $900,000 playground on the Esplanade in Pialba near WetSide water park is right opposite the beach.
The all abilities playground features 7.6m climbing towers, a “sky walk” giant spider‘s web and futuristic stainless steel slides.
The three massive slippery slides are draw cards for older children and are protected by netting.
23. ANZAC PARK, MARYBOROUGH
This aqua park boasts interactive water features which include a spoonful of sugar discharge bucket, crystal fountains, stream jets, cosmic cannons, Sugar Cane water poles and a waterfall.
22. KURRAWA SURF CLUB, BROADBEACH
This fully fenced playground is protected by shade sails in Broadbeach beside The Kurawa Surf Club.
The park offers three main playscapes including a submarine, the sand castle and the hill.
Soak in sea breezes at this all abilities playground catering for all needs while the kids play safely in a fully-fenced gated environment.
The Gold Coast City Council co-designed this space.
21. ADVENTURE PARK AND BMX TRACK HIGHLAND RESERVE, GOLD COAST
BMX bandits will be impressed trackside at Highland Reserve’s 4600 square metre Adventure Park off Wimmera Crescent in Upper Coomera.
The track is the brainchild of former freestyle BMX champion Tim Wood.
It offers fun jumps for bikers of all levels, while the nearby playground boasts a variety of equipment such as climbing frames and swings. Undercover seating is also available.
20. PIRATE PARK, PALM BEACH
This is nestled beside a protected swimming inlet at Currumbin Creek in Palm Beach Parklands.
The kids can pretend they’re Captain Sparrow while being in the midst of the Gold Coast action while having serious fun finding treasure.
The recent playground is a family favourite and boasting a recent upgrade it’s ready, set go.
There’s ropes to climb, a main ship hull to explore and a mega slide.
Smaller play pieces include a spinning orb, miniature boats, cannons and a rope hammock.
Parents can kick back in a cafe then when all is said and done seek refuge at a nearby beach.
19. PENINSULA PLAYGROUND, BROADWATER PARKLANDS
The kids will be all smiles as they play beside the Broadwater where they can splash, swim and soak up the Gold Coast action.
A four-level spiral tower at the Peninsula Playground is one of three which will keep the kiddies occupied for hours.
An Adventure Play Attraction caters to younger children with a pirate ship and interactive learning equipment.
Washington Waters Play Attraction showcases a giant inflatable bouncy pillow.
The Rockpool water play is an exciting aquatic playground. In the height of summer, children can seek refuge from the heat in the swimming enclosure.
18. YEPPOON LAGOON
This is considered the jewel in the crown of the foreshore.
Swim laps here in the 2500 square-metre resort style pool and take advantage of the panoramic views over the Keppel Islands thanks to the affinity-edge.
Children can swim safely here patrolled by lifeguards.
The ‘Pelicans on Patrol’ is the public art on display designed by artist Simon McLean.
The lagoon is within close proximity to the town centre in the Capricorn Coast.
17. FENG SHUI PARK, PALLARA
This park takes advantage of elements of Feng Shui on the reflexology walk designed to encourage people to walk on rounded pebbles to massage key meridian points in the feet.
Other highlights include a designated sanctuary area, picnic tables, and seating areas.
The park also has a custom bird’s nest swing, a large arc ladder, a ping pong table, and tubing which allows children to discover the principles of music and sound through play transforming the playground into interactive art.
16. ROCKHAMPTON BOTANIC GARDENS
History can be enjoyed here with a 50 year old canopy of Banyan figs and an avenue of Bunya pines.
The gardens have a newly renovated children's playground and the family can enjoy a barbecue as the parents watch-on.
Find your zen in a Japanese-style garden, explore a fernery or a rainforest there’s ample areas to explore.
The gardens are also home to the Rockhampton Zoo.
15. SHORELINE LIGHTHOUSE PARK, REDLAND BAY
If you love the Cleveland Lighthouse, then your kids should follow suit when exploring the only park with an 8.5 metre lighthouse in southeast Queensland.
This impressive structure in Shoreline features long and twisted slides from the lighthouse mirrored off the Cleveland Point Lighthouse.
14. GOOMBOORA PARK, BRINSMEAD
This is not for the faint hearted and will thrill the older kids with challenging rope climbs and an obstacle course.
There are bike tracks which meander through cane filled, freshwater creeks.
A huge off the leash dog area can be your regular go to for outings with your pooch.
Seek refuge from the heat under resplendent trees at one of many picnic settings.
You could easily lose half a day here while playing ball on one of many extensive lawns, cooling off in Freshwater Creek or tackling the adventure playground.
13. COUNTRY PARADISE PARKLANDS, NERANG
Open resplendent parklands is the perfect setting to get your pooch on leash and take to exploring.
Play spaces galore can be explored here the main one being a 11.5 metre windmill style centrepiece.
It can be accessed via a water-tank tunnel and swing bridge.
Wrapping around the entire playground space is a creek bed with water play elements.
There are toddler and primary schooler play spaces, as well as the central playground for everyone to enjoy.
The water play area features water pumps, troughs and ramps, encouraging the kids to build natural channels for the water to flow.
There is also a wide concrete path that circles the playground, with a few ramps and jumps built in for scooter riding.
The sprawling grounds feature stables and a large paddock for the Healing Hooves program, a community garden, a large main building and workshop for the Men‘s Shed.
12. KERSHAW GARDENS, ROCKHAMPTON
Walking tracks, waterfalls and play areas for kids make this a favourite haunt for Rockhampton locals.
In the northern precinct you can take a stroll through the People’s Forest, Grevillea Hill and the Wetlands.
This flat walking circuit is ideal for people scheduling in their daily exercise.
A central precinct will have the kids shrilling with excitement as they explore five levels of play at Wyatt‘s Wonder Web.
Dip your toes into the Fitzroy River water play area, the 200mm deep meandering water course even features its own barrage.
Get peddling on the famous monorail, take flight along a flying fox or scant your way over the timber play towers.
Playtime will become your middle name after experiencing this place.
11. WETSIDE WATER PARK, HERVEY BAY
Make a splash at this wondrous playground in Hervey Bay.
It comes alive in the Summer months and will arm you with kids in tow a refuge from the heat.
Waterslides, water fountains and water features will spill sheer delight onto the faces of children as they embark on their some of their first water adventures.
The park includes Totside dedicated to children under five, a Zero depth fountain arena including a tipping bucket plus water slides and two large waterslides (where fees apply).
After seven the park comes to life with a Light Show Spectacular running for 30 minutes comprising water features, coloured lights and music.
This is among the top TripAdvisor parks in Australia and SplashSide in Maryborough. It is home to an Aqua Ninja adventure course, a water play area, TotSide for under fives play plus a coffee shop, a fish and chip shop and restaurant adjacent for mum and dad. Entry into the WetSide is free however there is a cost for the Waterslides and Aqua Ninja. Soak up the fun and prepare to get wet!
10. BOKARINA BOULEVARD PARK
Are you looking for a new adventure?
Then this massive playground is your answer.
It has three entry points which include a rock climbing wall, a vertical climbing tunnel that you access underneath the playground, and a net tunnel that you climb through.
If the play equipment gets stale, then take a stroll to Bokarina Beach just 50 metres away.
9. BUDERIM VILLAGE PARK
Find solace in this park’s serene corners situated at the top end of Buderim.
A sense of community can be felt here with the park playing host to many events such as the Christmas Carols.
It is lush, features expansive vistas and landscaped garden beds.
8. HINTERLAND ADVENTURE PARK, COOROY
Kids will be left dreaming of interplanetary exploration at the Hinterland Adventure Park in Cooroy featuring a rocket ship centrepiece.
There are also inclusive swings and a flying fox.
A creek replica will encourage children to play with water and explore a sensory garden.
This park is not without swings, fallen logs to explore coordination, climbing sticks, and towers.
7. AURA DINO PARK
Children will be all smiles when they visit this themed play space dressed in a dinosaur structure for all things prehistoric.
There are ample play opportunities for children of all ages who can take advantage of swings, an archaeological dinosaur sand dig and plenty of space for the family to enjoy a day out.
6. SOUTHBANK PARKLAND, BRISBANE
Children can explore three expansive parklands in Southbank on foot and then put their floaties on to hit the lagoon.
This is the place to escape from Queensland’s stifling heat with water play at Aquativity and stay refreshed in wading pools, fountains, tipping buckets plus more.
Once they’re comfortable and cool they can explore nearby Riverside Green Playground renowned for its pirate-themed toddler zone, skywalk, and giant hamster wheel plus supernova spinning wheel.
Picnic Island Green offers plenty of green open spaces surrounded by native vegetation and tranquil wildlife, plus an adorable playground with a basket swing, a cubby house, and slides.
5. THE STRAND, TOWNSVILLE
Juniors will have a blast cooling off here year round at a 2.2km sanctuary buzzing with the sounds of enjoyment.
Tiny tots will have you playing with cannons, slides and water features alongside them in no time when you visit The Strand Waterpark.
Take a dip in adjacent The Strand Rockpool which is a stinger safe refuge.
A grass playing field, a half basketball court, plus dedicated junior and teenage playgrounds will ensure parents won’t miss a trick from the sidelines.
4. CEDRIC ARCHER PARK, ROCKHAMPTON
Visitors make sure you download the app before exploring this playground which features QR codes.
Families can explore the Smart Play Fort which compliment Han’s Christian Andersen’s famous storybooks.
Mega soakers, spray tunnels and tipping baskets will have the kids shrilling with delight.
Shade sails will ensure protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
3. KUMBARTCHO SANCTUARY AND FAIRYTALE VILLAGE, EATONS HILL
Children can experience a real-life enchanted adventure at a fairytale village within a six-hectare environment at Eatons Hill.
Toddlers will be captivated by a fairy post box, tooth fairy school, gnome hollow and Wally the Wombat asleep in his den.
Pathways wind along the banks of South Pine River where it is possible to spot abundant native bird life, koalas, possums, turtles, lizards, ducks, and even a green sedge frog within frog hollow.
The area has been revegetated with over 140,000 native trees with a nursery selling plants such as Lillipilli, Banksia, Acacia and Lemon Myrtle.
2. BRADBURY PARK, KEDRON
A stunning new playground akin to a miniature theme park has been opened in Brisbane’s north boasting spectacular towers, bridges, and obstacles, plus a magical forest at Bradbury Park.
You can escape from the hustle and bustle of life while the kids climb and explore a myriad of structures.
A $10 million upgrade to this park includes picnic facilities, a scooter track, a basketball half-court, and a dog off-leash area where pooches can play.
1. MOOLOOLABA ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND, MOOLOOLABA
The one hectare park officially opened last year.
It’s ideally positioned on the popular seaside foreshore and has a viewing platform plus boardwalk.
A multi-tiered playscape showcases multidimensional climbing net, a large swing set and Pandanus Play Towers.
The design elements cater for sensory ground-level activities.
Children can also practice sun safety under shade sails.
BONUS MENTION: SETTLEMENT COVE LAGOON, REDCLIFFE
A Sunday morning is made perfect with double dose of fun along Redcliffe’s esplanade.
First enjoy the local markets then stroll on down to the coastal suburb’s iconic lagoon where you’ll find sprawling water play facilities which cater for any age.
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