Toddler friendly

Davis Creek Playground, Tarneit

Located:

If you have a kid that loves to ride their scooter or bike, this is one to add to the list! The playground is found near the corner of Birregurra Drive and Hodgson Avenue, within the Habitat on Davis Creek estate, in Tarneit. I found some photos of their park launch on their website, and knew a certain little boy who would love to take his bike and have a ride here. There is a riding track that circumnavigates the playground, full of twists, turns and mini little hills. Mums and Dads can relax, as they can see the kids riding the track almost the whole way around. 

Equipment:

  • Mix of softfall, tanbark and sand surfaces.
  • Intricate wooden climbing playground, great to test all climbers.
  • Covered BBQ and seating area
  • sandpit with giant snake
  • expression swing, 1 toddler swing, 2 (no-harnessed)  kids swings
  • spring rocker
  • multiple slides

Jack liked:

being able to take his bike to the park! We met up with some friends here, and they happily raced around, and around, and around… Lexi was happy exploring the softfall areas, the expression swing and the spring rocker. 

Wyndham Park, Werribee

Located:

Wow, just wow. What an epic new park precinct! Jack has already placed dibs on coming back again real soon. 
The park precinct is best accessed from the Wedge St pedestrian bridge (opposite the Werribee library). There were cars parked at the back of the Adventure Playground, but I believe that this is a construction zone.
We crossed the pedestrian bridge and looked down at the beautiful grassed areas and could see the colourful playground structures beckoning us from a distance, Jack struggled to decide which way to go first. We ended up heading towards the’Nature Play’ area so that Lexi could also have an explore, then moved onto the ‘Adventure Playground.’ Being a long weekend, with perfect exploring weather, the place was packed! Great space to bring the kids bikes and scooters, a bat and ball, or even just to roll down the gentle sloping hills (which Jack loved doing!). 
This playground suits such a variety of ages and abilities. Lexi loved playing in the water, and I was glad to see the toddler friendly area existed in the Adventure Playground. The use of softfall also makes this mum happy, with little legs able to explore and crawl to her hearts content! 

 

Equipment:

There are 2 distinct play areas- the Nature Play and Adventure Playground areas. 

Nature Play

  • water play 
    • Pumps, wheels, rivers, blockages
    • sand play
    • wooden balance beams
  • sensory paths
  • wooden structure with ladders, ropes, sand play
  • softfall middle section with slide
  • musical xylophone
  • lots of elevated seats, plenty of shade

Adventure Playground

  • Huge structure, with rope climbing and swings, that lead to an enclosed twisting slide
  • Multi levels
    • top level has BBQ facilities, and toddler play area.
    • 2 smaller swings, small slide, spring rockers
  • large green net structure to climb over, and under
  • 2 large swings
  • 1 nest swing
  • 1 flying fox (there was meant to be 2, but it looked like one had broken when I had visited)
  • skate park
  • large metal slide
  • spinning carousel
  • A really cool spinning wheel (suitable for 120cm plus). Jack is not tall enough to have a go on this. 

Jack Liked:

He loved so much about this playground. His favourite thing, when asked, was the water play! The adventure playground slide structure looked overwhelming for me, but now that he is in prep, I think he managed to hold his own with the masses of kids climbing on top of one another! There is just so much to see and do, and there are still bits of the precinct to be completed. I will be back, and will probably bring his scooter to help us get from one end of the area to the other. 

Friar Park Place, Point Cook

Located:

Once upon a time, there was a sun-faded, sad looking playground, view-able by a lot of passing traffic along Dunnings Road. However, in some great news, and thanks to Wyndham Council upgrading some playgrounds over the next few years, there has now been a fantastic little upgrade, and it now looks a whole lot more appealing! We parked on Paola Cct, and walked along the path to have a play and see what was new. Having a 13 month old who pulls herself up, but isn’t walking, the addition of rubber soft-fall was great for her little knees and feet to investigate and crawl around. 

 

Equipment:

  • nature-based stepping stone pathway, 1 teepee
  • 1 nest swing
  • 1 swing with toddler seat and normal seat
  • 1 basketball half court
  • multiple seats
  • a couple of spring mounted animals (kangaroo and pelican)
  • target practice
  • 1 structure, with slide and flying fox
    • multiple ladders to climb to the top
    • mini house/shop play.

Jack liked:

Having a go at the different ladders to climb to the top of the slide. Although not specifically aimed at Lexi’s age or development, there was plenty for her to have a go. I was thankful for the rubber soft-fall so that she could walk along and crawl through the shopfront. I did however, have to pull her away from climbing some of the ladders. They both loved having a swing on both the traditional swings and the nest swing. 

Shearwater Village Park, Werribee (Harpley Estate)

Located:

The playground is located on Treeve Parkway, within the Harpley Estate, Werribee. 
You could visit the other playgrounds within Harpley, or do as we did, and visit the Safari Park in the neighbouring estate. 

 

Equipment:

  • outdoor gym stations
  • half basketball court
  • covered bbq and seating area
  • drinking water fountain
  • 2 swings plus one with supported seat
  • 1 large play structure
    • 2 slides (metal)
    • rock climbing wall
    • ladders
    • noughts and crosses underneath the structure
    • rubber underneath the playground, suitable for younger kids
  • 1 large net climbing area
    • multiple ladders, linking to nests
  • spinning net structure 
  • nature based stepping stones 

Jack liked:

the climbing areas and the slides. He had a fall at a previous playground, and had been cautious, however, he seemed to have found his confidence and enjoyed all aspects of this playground. He went up and down the slides multiple times. 

Pencil Park, Armstrong Creek

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Located:

The Pencil Park playground is located in Armstrong Creek, which is a suburb of Geelong. It’s located on Armstrong Boulevard, near the corner of Native Avenue. We’ve driven past it a few times on the way down to the Surf Coast, but haven’t had the time to stop previously. I made a day of it, to travel to this playground and a few others in the estate, and if you are local to this playground and the others, how lucky you are! Aptly named, the playground is lined by giant pencils making this quite a colourful playground to look at. 

 

Equipment:

  • covered seating, BBQ area
  • sand play, with rocking boat
  • numerous speaking tubes
  • 2 wooden playground structures, joined by spider climbing net
    • 2 slides
    • fireman pole
    • clock
    • naughts and crosses
  • surfboard spring rocker
  • digger
  • numerous balance beams

Jack liked:

climbing into and driving the boat. He was also focused balancing on the surfboard rocker. He liked climbing along the nets, and the metal balance areas. Overall this was a cute little playground that offered imaginative play and great climbing options. 

Thornhill Park, Rockbank

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Located:

If you can get past the temptation of playing at one of the many playgrounds at Woodlea Estate in Rockbank, this playground is another great option, and located just an extra 5 minutes down the road. Thornhill Park is another new housing estate, located quite close to the freeway exit. The playground can be found on the main entrance road to the estate, and as it comes into view, you can see the top of the playground peeking at you. The anticipation builds as most of the playground is sheltered from the main thoroughfare. Once you climb to the top to check the view, you can see what the playground has to offer. The BBQ facilities and seating areas were also exceptionally clean.  

 

Equipment:

  • large enticing rope climbing structure
  • Rubber mounds underneath the play structure gives different textures to run over
  • rubber bridge like structure, links to climbing structure
  • 2 metal slides
  • nest swing
  • 2 swings
  • 1 large rotating net structure
  • see saw
  • BBQ facilities, covered seating, drinking fountain
  • gravel based play with stepping paths made of letters and numbers
  • timber blocks to walk on and navigate through the gravel area
  • 2 diggers
  • large grassed area

Jack liked:

Playing in the gravel, digging with the diggers. I call it gravel by the way, but it’s probably a mix between gravel and coarse sand. He happily climbed up the steps to repeatedly go down the slides. We didn’t play here for very long, but only because we’d caught up with friends at Woodlea earlier in the morning and it was nearing lunch and nap time. We will be back – especially when he is a courageous climber as the net structure looked great to explore! 

Loyola Road, Werribee

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Located:

We ventured into a new area to check out the neighbourhood park, located on Loyola Road in Werribee. There’s a playground, dotted amongst a large reserve with a circular track and outdoor gym equipment stations. 

 

Equipment:

  • Large reserve, with gym equipment stations dotted around the area
  • 1 helicopter shaped play area with rope climbing, rock climbing, steps, mini slide and tunnel
  • 1 large rope climbing structure
  • 1 larger structure, with larger slide, fireman pole, and flying fox
  • 2 swings and a nest swing
  • spinner, spring rocker
  • basketball court, with soccer goals
  • skating edges, mini mounds
  • BBQ with covered seating

Jack liked:

The helicopter play area as he repeatedly headed back to climb and play. He walked along the edges of the garden beds and he tried out the swings and the spring rockers. Jack was too short for the extended flying fox but I managed to lift him up so that he could have a go. 

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, Castlemaine

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Located:

I’ve been told by many people that if you are ever in the area, it is worth swinging past the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens for a play at the playground. It’s a great little precinct and definitely worth dropping by.  There’s a huge covered seating area, toilets, and multiple play areas spread over a large area with gorgeous paths throughout the beautiful gardens. We brought along Jack’s scooter and rode down to the lake to have a look at the ducks. After a play at the playground we headed around to The Mill Castlemaine where hubby was impressed with The Taproom, while Jack and I loved an icecream from Icecream Social – the chocolate was delicious!  

 

Equipment:

  • play hut
  • train and carriages
  • see saw
  • bridge
  • 2 wooden structures, one with smaller slide.
    • speaking pipes
    • wobbly bridge
    • stairs
    • fireman pole
    • climbing nets
  • 2 sets of swings
  • nature inspired spring rockers
  • sand play
  • nature inspired branch play
  • balance walk
  • monkey bars, flying fox 

Jack liked:

Playing on the train! He ordered both of us to sit in the carriages. Another great part to this playground (for those that are train lovers) is that the vline trains run past quite regularly. Jack loved waving at the trains. The ducks were extremely friendly, and even though the path to the lake was gravel, Jack had minimal trouble scooting along the path. There was plenty to do for kids of all ages at the playground. Plenty of space to kick a football, or in our case, play a quick game of cricket too! And a quick drive up the road to The Mill, made Mum and Dad very happy! It’s a great area! 

Hopwood Park, Echuca

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Location:

We were lucky enough to have a spare weekend and headed up to Echuca for a mini break. Jack loved going for a ride on the Paddlesteamers along the Murray River. This playground is opposite the car park and loading ramps for most of the Paddlesteamers, so you can hear the Paddlesteamers departing and arriving back to dock. It is close to the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, which means that toilets are close by too. The playground is fenced along the closest points to the major roads. It features a replica paddlesteamer steering wheel so that the kids can imagine that they too, are driving the big paddlesteamers. 

 

Equipment:

  • large boat shaped structure, with numerous climbing features including netting  and balance items
    • climb up the chimney to the top level with the replica paddlesteamer steering wheel
    • large enclosed slide
  • small house shaped structure with small slide
  • 3 swings, including high back special needs swing set
  • 2 spinning elements
  • spring rocker
  • giant turtle
  • seating, drinking water fountain

Jack Liked:

Jack loved steering the paddlesteamer! We had just finished our ride on the Canberra Paddlesteamer and had decided to check out the playground as the weather was starting to clear. He loved climbing up both the chimney and the netting at the front, to steer the wheel. He attempted the multiple climbing and balance elements and is always happy to have a swing as well. 

Aeroplane Park, Tarneit (The Grove)

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Located:

The Aeroplane playground, located on Stanhope Road, within The Grove Estate, Tarneit opened in March 2018. Since taking Jack here, it’s all he talks about and constantly asks to come back with friends so that he can fly the plane with them. The houses are slowly being built in the surrounding vicinity of the playground, so if you have a little one that likes watching the construction and the trucks coming and going, it is worth a visit. There are no toilets at this playground, or BBQ’s, however there is seating, some of which is undercover. 

 

Equipment:

  • one large playground structure shaped as a cargo plane
    • easy access ramp at the rear of the plane
    • multiple stations inside the plane with different educational games
    • Pilot and co-pilot seats and steering
    • smaller slide
    • standing spinning feature at the back of the plane
  • 2 swings, one with structured toddler seat
  • 1 large slide, with extremely large initial step that my 3 year old could only just reach by himself. This would limit youngsters climbing up the larger slide
  • 1 double spring perch 
  • 1 nest swing
  • spring rocker x 2
  • Seated areas, some undercover. Drinking tap is close to the playground as well.
  • Large grassed area

Jack liked:

Jack loved being a pilot and flying the plane. He constantly ran up the ramp to go back to having a go at steering and, as I mentioned earlier, is still waiting to return with his friends for a play. He also loved watching the trucks and the ongoing housing construction while we were here. He was happy investigating the games inside the plane as well.