Western Sydney’s Best Playgrounds – 29 and counting

Altrove Park 2

Please welcome guest poster Rebecca from the terrific blog Little Munch, my very favourite blog about eating out with kids in Sydney.  Rebecca writes really detailed posts, with everything you need to know before you visit cafes with kids.

Here’s Rebecca’s list of her family’s favourite playgrounds in Western Sydney. They’re listed alphabetically by suburb.

Can you add to it?


Western Sydney’s Best Playgrounds Intro

The one thing that Western Sydney has is a fair bit space – so there are some seriously good playgrounds to be found in most suburbs out here.

From large bushland parks to suburban playgrounds there are so many to explore. And, of course, these playgrounds are founds in the best parks in Western Sydney, so if you are searching for parks as well as playgrounds, read on.

So slip slop slap everyone, and head out west to enjoy some of these awesome playgrounds!

plough harrow-1

Plough & Harrow Park – Abbotsbury

There is so much to love about this awesome playground that is part of the Western Sydney Parklands. It has equipment for all ages and it right next to a restaurant that also has kiosk where you can totally caffeinate yourself!

See lots more photos of Plough and Harrow and read more details on the post  here.

Address: Elizabeth Dr, Abbotsbury NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Not much

BBQs: Yes


Lizard Log – Abbotsbury

Flying foxes, giant swings, slides, balancing beams, water play, and a cycle way – if you haven’t been you really should!

It’s in the Western Sydney Parklands, the largest of all the parks in Western Sydney, just like Plough & Harrow playground above. And there are picnic spots galore. Read Seana’s review of Lizard Log playground here.

This is also one of the loveliest picnic spots in Western Sydney, you can really make a day of it… but beware, it does get very busy.

Address: Cnr The Horsley Drive & Cowpasture Rds, Abbotsbury NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: No

Shade: Some

BBQs: Yes


Auburn Botanic Garden Japanese Garden_
Auburn Botanic Gardens

Auburn Botanic Gardens – Auburn

So this is actually a garden and not a park (but let’s not get fussy) as it covers almost 10ha in outdoor space and includes two lakes, a waterfall, bridges over duck ponds, pretty gardens (especially in Spring), a maze, fauna reserve and it has a playground – which is a tad dated in comparison to the other super duper cool playgrounds listed in this article.

So I think we can safely call this one of the nicest Western Sydney parks.

There’s heaps to do in these Gardens, see more pictures and read the full review before you plan your trip:  Auburn Botanics Gardens

Address: Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Some

BBQs: Yes


Francis Park playground
Francis Park playground
Francis Park Playground
Francis Park playground

Francis Park – Blacktown

This is one of the best Western Sydney playgrounds. It is part of the Blacktown Showground Precinct and has everything from a community garden to train spotting available in it. There are actually 3 different playgrounds within the park.

There is a fabulous all ages water park that operates from spring to autumn; a junior playground for little kids that has swings, balance beams and so many climbing apparatuses; and the senior playground for big kids has a flying fox, slides, things to climb on and over plus loads more.

There is a ton of space to ride scooters and bikes and you can pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many shelters scattered throughout the park. Or if you can’t be bothered bringing food from home, grab a bite to eat in the café that is on site.

Address: Cnr Richmond & Balmoral Rds, Blacktown NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Yes

BBQs: Yes

Francis Park playground
Francis Park playground

Bungarribee Park
Bungarribee playground

Bungarribee Park – Bungarribee (Western Sydney Parklands)

With its huge 14m high climbing tower, this is one amazing playground.  There’s also a wonderful water play area, seesaws, long flying foces and much more. Probably the biggest playground in Western Sydney.

When you plan your trip, read more details and see more photos about this seriously awesome playground here!

Address: Intersection of Holbeche and Doonside Roads, Bungarribee NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


nurragingy Reserve playground
Nurragingy Reserve Playgrounds

Nurragingy Reserve – Doonside

This 63 ha. reserve has so many hidden delights within its parameters. There is a stunning Chinese garden, a beautiful lake where you can feed the ducks, a small waterfall, 4 different playgrounds and a kiosk that is open every day.

The playgrounds within the reserve are spaced well apart and you can easily walk between them, or drive if you have a sleepy little one in the back of the car.

Most of the playgrounds have your typical equipment, but the one that will excite kids the most will with be the water splash park.

Under the protection of sun sails, the brightly coloured splash park will keep your kids occupied for hours – but be warned it is very popular in the warmer months, so arrive early!

Address: Knox Rd, Doonside NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Some

BBQs: Yes

Nurragingy reserve playground
Nurragingy Reserve Playgrounds

Halvorsen Park – Ermington

This park has lovely views of the Parramatta River. The nautical themed play equipment is suitable for kids under the age of about 9 years of age. You will find your usual playground equipment such as swings and slides as well as some climbing frames, whirly gigs and loads of things for little people to safely climb up and over.

There are shade sails that offer some sun protection but you won’t find any toilets or picnic facilities here sadly.

Address: Seamist Ave, Ermington NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: No

Shade: Yes

BBQs: No

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Halvorsen Park – Ermington (Image Credit: www.syntheticgrass.com.au)

Fairfield-Adventure-Park
Fairfield Adventure Park

Fairfield Adventure Park – Fairfield

I think it’s pretty safe to say that this is one of Sydney’s coolest playground! Fairfield City Council spent a whopping $1.4 million creating this masterpiece.

With a huge climbing tower, freaky looking slides and more, this playground is an awesome way to keep your older kids happy in the holidays. For more information, amps and info on parking, plus more photos of Fairfield Adventure park, click here.

Address: Vine St, Fairfield NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Not much

BBQs: Yes


Glenmore Park Playground
Glenmore Park Playground
Glenmore Park Playground
Glenmore Park Playground

Glenmore Park Child & Family Precinct – Glenmore Park

Being located right next to a lovely cafe is a major drawcard of this playground, as is the modern playground equipment that is kept spotlessly clean because it sits alongside a childcare centre.

Swings are there of course, as is a large sand pit, slippery slides, climbing frames, mirrors that distort the body, balancing equipment and a scooter pathway.

Unfortunately the playground is rather exposed to the sun, so if you visiting in the summer months plan your visit to arrive early in order to avoid the heat.

Address: 31 Blue Hills Drive, Glenmore Park

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: No


BC
Endeavour Park – Kings Langley (Image Credit: Blacktown Council)

Endeavour Park – Kings Langley

This new park (Sept 2017) honours James Cook’s journey to Australia onboard his ship the Endeavour.

The whole design of the playground features elements that reflect the voyage, like a sandpit in the shape of Tahiti, boat sail like swings, rubber matting in a full sized outline of the 30m ship, and a kids ride that looks like a goat (as this four legged creature came on the ship with Cook to Australia)!

Address: Cnr of James Cook Drive & Shanke Crescent, Kings Langley

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


Central Gardens Merrylands
Central Gardens Merrylands

Central Gardens – Merrylands

With two playgrounds and animal enclosures, this is the ideal spot visit when you are light on cash but still want to give your kidlets a great day out – because it is absolutely free!

For more photos, information and map, check this blog post about Central Gardens playgrounds ere.

Address: Cnr Cumberland Hwy & Merrylands Rd, Merrylands NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Kiosk on weekends

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Yes

BBQs: Yes


Holroyd Gardens Playgrounds – Merrylands

There are two playgrounds here, plus a great bike track.  This area is one that is terrific for children of all ages, even very cool teenagers.

See Seana’s full post with photos about Holroyd Gardens playgrounds here.

Address:  Aka Walpole Street Playground, Walpole Street Merrylands NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Yes, some

BBQs: Yes


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Birriwa Reserve (Image Credit: Camden Council)

Birriwa Reserve Outdoor Youth Space – Mount Annan

This action packed playground in south western Sydney has specifically designed for older kids to encourage them to get outside and be active more.

There’s also some play equipment for young kids like swings and whirly gigs and of course there are scooter paths and loads of space to kick a ball and fly a kite.

Address:  Cnr Waterworth & Welling Drs, Mount Annan NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


Blaxland Riverside Park playground silverwater
Blaxland Riverside Park playground, this is just one part of it

Blaxland Riverside Park – Newington

This huge and very modern park has great equipment for all ages, plus a cafe and views over the river.

To plan your trip, check out this review  Blaxland Riverside Park which has lots of photos, map and info on parking.

Address:  Jamieson Street, Newington NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Some, but lots of the playground has no shade

BBQs: Yes


Lake Parramatta Reserve
Lake Parramatta Reserve

Lake Parramatta Reserve – North Parramatta

If you like to get your kids out and about and into nature, then you will love a visit to Lake Parramatta and its playground. Set practically in the bush, the reserve has many activities such as bush walks, duck feeding and even swimming within its 75 ha.

After you have finished exploring the lake and its surrounds, you can grab a take away from the café on site and head to the playground with the kids. The playground has a bike path, boulder climb, slippery slides, musical instruments, swings and even a mobility swing.

Dotted throughout the playground are some pretty cool rock carvings of local wildlife, which kids will love to climb over.

Address: Enter from Lackey St (via Bourke St) North Parramatta NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


Thornton
Thornton Playground – the “smaller” one! (Image Credit: www.landcom.com.au)

Thornton Playground – North Penrith

There are actually two playgrounds here, with the bigger one being best for young kids who are developing all of their “outdoor” skills. Kids will love the splash pad and all the equipment they can climb up and over.

The smaller playground is actually completely inter-generational. In other words, it is for both older and younger people, especially those with mobility and coordination issues. There’s fitness equipment and other special apparatuses that target motor skills, coordination and balance.

Address: Lord Sheffield Circuit (accessed from Sydney Smith Drive, off Coreen Avenue), North Penrith NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


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Davison Reserve (Image Credit: Blacktown Council)

Davison Reserve – Parklea

A newly upgraded playground, this nature style play space has a flying fox, a fortress, loads of things to climb up and over as well as a basket swing and play hut.

Address: Satinash Street, Parklea NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: No

Shade: No

BBQs: No


Domain Creek Playground_4_1
Domain Creek Playground
Domain Creek Playground
Domain Creek Playground

Parramatta Park – Parramatta

This park is home to the very grand Old Government House as well as a couple of delightful cafes and playgrounds.

The brand new Domain Creek playground has also just opened inside the park, and it is home to some very snazzy playground equipment that kids of all ages will love. Read Seana’s original review of Parramatta Park here.

Address: Cnr Pitt & Macquarie Sts, Parramatta NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Some

BBQs: Yes

Domain Creek Playground_2_1
Domain Creek Playground

James Ruse Reserve Splash Park
James Ruse Reserve Splash Park
James Ruse Reserve Splash Park
James Ruse Reserve Splash Park

James Ruse Reserve Splash Park – Parramatta

One thing about Western Sydney is that it does get darn hot in summer! And instead of heading to the beach, locals can just cool down at the local splash park just like this awesome one in Parramatta.

James Ruse Splash Park is relatively new and is a favourite of kids of all ages. There are water buckets, squirters and sprays that will keep kidlets cool and it’s all under cover which is a bonus.

What isn’t under cover is the fab country style playground that is right next to it. This play area has spring loaded roosters, slippery slides (which may burn little bottomss in summer), climbing frames, swings and more.

There is even a skate park right next to it, so throw the skateboards and scooters in the back of the car.

The big negative of this Reserve is that there aren’t any toilets – so think carefully before you throw down a picnic rug next to any trees (if you know what I mean!)

Address: Cnr Hassall & Parkes St, Parramatta NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No – pick one up at Lil Miss Collins at 13 Wentworth Street, Parramatta before you go.

Toilets: No

Shade: Yes

BBQs: Yes

James Ruse Reserve Splash Park
James Ruse Reserve Splash Park

CBD Foreshore Park Parramatta
CBD Foreshore Park Parramatta

Parramatta River Foreshore Playground – Parramatta

If you have any little chimpanzees amongst your brood then this park is for them. Located on the northern bank of the Parramatta River, this park is a little climber’s paradise.

With super long slides that you have to climb up to get to, as well as commando nets and a rope bridge, kids will have loads of fun swinging from one to another.

And don’t worry if you have any little safety Sams in the clan, they will have fun back down on Earth, pumping water into the sand pit.

See more photos, a little video and find a map on the Hello Sydney Kids review here.

Address: Elizabeth St Footbridge, Parramatta NSW

Parking: Yes (Phillip St on south side of river or Elizabeth St on north side)

Café: No – grab one at the brand new River Cafe on the way

Toilets: No

Shade: No

BBQs: No

CBD Foreshore Park Parramatta
CBD Foreshore Park Parramatta

best playgounrs parks western sydney
The humungous slide at Alltrove Hilltop Park

Altrove Hilltop Park Playground – Schofields

This playground was completed in early 2018 and has some pretty groovy equipment, the highlight being the massive, massive slide.

There’s a fenced toddlers play area, plus flying foxes, swings and more in the open area.  The park here has a scooter track and space to run and play, plus BBQs and shelters.

This is not an all abilities playground, unfortunately.

Address: Corner ofOverly Crescent and Calder Street, Schofields

Parking: On street

Café: No  – BYO

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Some

BBQs: Yes


JamisonPk 1
Jamison Park Playground

Jamison Park – South Penrith

This brightly coloured playground will keep kids under the age of about 10 years entertained for a fair while. It’s only about 12 months old and it has a nice spongy ground, slides, swings, twirly gigs, climbing frame, scooter path and a crocodile, lizard and spider are lurking on the ground!

Bigger kids might have fun kicking a footy at the oval next door or going for a hoon in the skate park that is also on site. And if you are desperate for a caffeine fix head diagonally across the road from the playground to the nearest café.

We think it’s the best of all the playgrounds in Penrith!

Address: Batt St, South Penrith NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Across the road

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Yes

BBQs: No


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Riverside Park – Spring Farm (Image Credit: The Cornish Group)

Riverside Playground – Spring Farm (Camden)

Another brand spanking new playground for Western Sydney, this huge playspace is located in the Camden area.

You will find equipment for toddlers as well as loads of fun things for older kids to play on like flying foxes, awesome slides, climbing equipment and see-saws.

The playground is wheelchair accessible too which is a bonus. There are BBQ and picnic areas but unfortunately no loos!

Address: 1 Burrell Rd, Spring Farm NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Not yet

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


strathfield park playground
Strathfield Park playgound’s amazing slides

Strathfield Park – Strathfield

With magnificent slides and climbing fortresses, bike paths and so many different apparatuses to climb on and jump on and play on, this all abilities playground is a big hit with locals and is well worth travelling too.

See the full Hello Sydney Kids review of Strathfield Park playground with photo, maps and parking info here.

Address: Cnr of Chalmers & Homebush Rd, Strathfield NSW

Parking: Yes

Cafe: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQS: Yes


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Cathy Freeman Park (Image Credit: Sydney Olympic Park)

Cathy Freeman Park – Sydney Olympic Park

The iconic Olympic Cauldron is the centre piece of this fab space. When the water is turned on kids will love getting soaked (so pack a towel), and they will also love having fun in the play areas.

You will find two playgrounds here, one for your little ones and one for your bigger kdlets. There’s heaps of beautiful green space to enjoy a picnic or just grab something from one of the nearby eateries.

Address: Sydney Olympic Park, NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Yes

BBQs: Yes


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Piddington Street Playground (Image Credit: www.realestate.com.au)

Piddington Street Playground – The Ponds

With a giant treehouse, in-ground trampolines, super slide, flying fox, climbing webs, wheelchair accessible equipment and toddler play equipment, this brand new playground has fabulous equipment for all members of the family. It has picnic facilities but sadly there is no sun protection as yet or loos!

Address: Piddington St, The Ponds NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: No

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


best playgrounds western sydney the ponds
As well as fantastic playground apparatus, this playground has great views and artworks.

The Ponds Playground – The Ponds

This playground is full of brightly coloured play equipment and is right alongside a lake, the water is fenced but not the entire playground.  There’s equipment for the little people and for bigger kids too.

To plan a trip read our full review, with lots more photos plus map: The Ponds Playground

Address:  Lakes Edge Park, Camomile St, The Ponds NSW 2769

Parking: Street parking

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Some

BBQs: Yes


Werrington Lakes playground splash water
Splash Pad at Werrington Lakes Playground

Werrington Lakes Reserve – Werrington

Werrington Lakes is a sprawling reserve that is home to a lake (obviously), cycle tracks, walking paths picnic facilities and outdoor gym equipment.

There is also a pretty good playground with a water splash pad where kids will love to cool off after running amok in the park. The splash pad is only small, but kids will still have loads of fun getting themselves wet.

The playground is covered and has a fort, swings, things to climb up on, a fireman’s pole and other apparatuses to test out your kids balance and coordination.

Address: Burton St, Werrington NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: Yes

BBQs: Yes


Macquarie park Windsor
Macquarie Park Windsor

Macquarie Park – Windsor

This park is located on the banks of the mighty Hawkesbury River – just across the Macquarie Bridge from Windsor. There is ample parking, excellent toilet facilities and if the weather is nice you can even go for a dip in the river like all of the locals do.

The playground facilities are perfect for kids of all ages with climbing frames, slippery slides, swings, bike paths and quite a few picnic shelters. You just need to keep an eye on wandering kids as the car park and playground are right next to each and there isn’t a fence between them.

Also as the river is very easily accessible, you do need to keep your offspring in view at all times.

The café on site is currently closed so make sure you drop into Café Red in Windsor to pick up a takeaway before you head across the bridge to the park!

If you are looking for the best Windsor playground, stop by here.

Read more about enjoying a full day of family fun in and around Windsor on this post.

Address: Bridge St, Windsor NSW

Parking: Yes

Café: No

Toilets: Yes

Shade: No

BBQs: Yes


To find fantastic playgrounds in other areas of Sydney read this post:

The 50 Best Playgrounds in Sydney

Are there any other fabulous playgrounds in Western Sydney that we have missed?

I’m sure there are many more!

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