Local Parks + Playgrounds Where Kids Can Climb On, Swing Off + Race Around.
Ahhh playgrounds… parents have a love/hate relationship with them!
And kids just love them!
So WE love that in the Southern Highlands there is no shortage of playgrounds and sprawling open spaces where little ones can swing, climb, slide and squeal.
And as each playground is unique, there really is something for everyone.
Here’s some of our faves so all you need to do is pack the snacks [and the kids] and explore our Highlands playground travel guide.
And if the kids still have energy after visiting all of these, well… we give up!
1 :: SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS BOTANIC GARDENS, BOWRAL
A playground with a view! Set amongst the beautiful botanic gardens, this new, fenced and shaded playground is a must-visit.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 8
Parking :: Just outside the gates, the playground is a short (and flat) walk from the entrance.
Amenities :: Toilets (next to the nursery); water refill station; plenty of seating.
Good to know :: Open every day from 9am-5pm with gates locking at 5. Leave bikes and scooters in the car as they’re not permitted within the grounds.
Why we love it :: You’ll take home both exhausted kids and gardening inspo! We love supporting these local gardens that are tended to by a team of hardworking volunteers.
2 :: BERRIMA MARKET PLACE
Affectionately referred to as ‘the pirate park’ by many, this ever-popular playground caters to all ages and abilities.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 12
Parking :: Plenty available on both sides of the park area.
Amenities :: A parents’ room at the toilet block; water refill station; lovely sandstone seating.
Good to know :: Not a huge amount of shade so be sure to pack your hats and sun cream in the warmer months.
Why we love it :: The giant and enchanting tree that is perfect for exploring and encouraging imaginations to run wild.
3 :: BERRIMA RESERVE
Perhaps the lesser known of the Berrima playgrounds, this peaceful and hidden gem [located nearby the stunning River Walk] is a highlight in its own right.
Will suit ages :: 2 – 12
Parking :: The car park is located at the entrance to the river walk.
Amenities :: Toilets.
Good to know :: The carpark and toilets are a short walk along the road from the playground. There isn’t a huge amount of seating so throw in a picnic rug.
Why we love it :: Overlooking the river, stick and rock throwing enthusiasts will be in their absolute element.
4 :: SEYMOUR PARK, MOSS VALE
The newest addition to the Highlands playground smorgasbord even has a perfect and purposely shaped tree for climbing.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 8
Parking :: Plenty and directly out the front.
Amenities :: Toilets conveniently close; seating; a small number of tables and seating.
Good to know :: Pack frisbees and balls and make the most of the beautiful grounds.
Why we love it :: With the dog park right next door our furry friends can come along for the outing!
5 :: HAMPDEN PARK, ROBERTSON
We love Robbo and this hub of play activity gives us another reason to do so. Grab your Moonacres takeaway coffee and take the three-minute stroll to Hampden Park for some fun.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 12
Parking :: Plentiful and a stone’s throw from the playground.
Amenities :: Toilets; tables and seating.
Good to know :: Be mindful that the playground is alongside the road leading to the carpark.
Why we love it :: With a skate park, cricket nets and ovals next door, your kids will be entertained for hours. Second coffee anyone?
6 :: BURRADOO PARK, BURRADOO
If you go down in the woods today…
Will suit ages :: 2 – 8
Parking :: Just park along the driveway as you drive in.
Amenities :: Toilets a short walk from the playground; a few picnic tables and seats.
Good to know :: Only a small playground. Bring an old bucket for pine cone collecting.
Why we love it :: As ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ fans, we love the exploratory vibe of this quaint park.
7 :: MIRREN NUNGUNA GULLA PARK, RENWICK
We love that this fenced playground boasts new equipment and gorgeous little bridges and streams to cross.
Will suit ages :: 1 – 12
Parking :: There is a small car park at the entrance to the park.
Amenities :: Toilets; plenty of seating placed around; one shaded table and chairs.
Good to know :: There is a track throughout the playground suitable for toddler aged riders and scooters. Just over the fence is some outdoor gym equipment if you fancy a quick workout whilst the kids play!
Why we love it :: The double flying fox. Say no more.
8 :: BUNDANOON OVAL PLAYGROUND
Nestled next to the Swimming Centre and overlooking the picturesque Bundanoon Oval, this sweet playground has been a local fave for years.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 7
Parking :: Carpark next to the playground.
Amenities :: Toilets just down the hill; seating.
Good to know :: The Bundanoon Club (right behind the playground) does a great takeaway coffee.
Why we love it :: Parents can relax on the grassy knoll and enjoy the view of the oval. And if you have older kids, they can hang out at the skate park just a couple of minutes away.
9 :: GLEBE PARK, BOWRAL
Positioned next to Bradman Oval, it’s no wonder there is a theme tied to this much-loved Bowral spot. But don’t worry, non-cricket fans can thoroughly enjoy it too.
Will suit ages :: 2 – 7
Parking :: Parking can be tight on the surrounding streets so allow for a walk.
Amenities :: Toilets next to the oval (a short walk away); seats around the fence.
Good to know :: The Runout Café is now open on the Bradman Museum precinct for your caffeine fix.
Why we love it :: Budding farmers can ‘drive’ the tractor out the front and don’t forget to visit the Mary Poppins statue too!
10 :: LAKE ALEXANDRA RESERVE, MITTAGONG
If you haven’t visited Lake Alexandra, have you even beeeeen to the Southern Highlands? This reserve really does have it all.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 10
Parking :: There is a carpark near the playground.
Amenities :: Toilets; shade over the playground; tables and seats.
Good to know :: Make sure you pack prams, scooters and bikes and take a lap around the lovely lake.
Why we love it :: Nature and wildlife lovers…  There is so much to observe.
11 :: ERIDGE PARK VEOLODROME, BURRADOO
We know we know, not technically a playground but we simply HAD to include this ripper. How lucky are we to have a velodrome on our very own doorstep!
Will suit ages :: 1 – 12
Parking :: Park alongside the fencing and it’s a short walk to the velodrome entrance.
Amenities :: Toilets (next to the netball courts).
Good to know :: Minimal seating available but bring a rug and sit on the track.
Why we love it :: When you want somewhere more contained than a bike track, this place is perfect for toddlers learning to ride a bike all the way through to older kids who want to hoon around.
12 :: FITZROY FALS RESERVOIR WATER ACTIVITY AREA
Just when you thought Fitzroy Falls was all about waterfalls, think again. Overlooking the reservoir, this tucked away playground area is the ultimate picnic spot.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 7
Parking :: Large car park.
Amenities :: Toilets; tables and seats; large grass area.
Good to know :: Picnic tables and BBQs galore!
Why we love it :: It’s the ideal spot for lunch and a play after visiting the fabulous falls.
13 ::Â Hill Top Railway Park
A newbie on the Highlands park scene. The playground was designed with input from the Hill Top community. It is fully fenced and includes shading, a ninja course, a nest swing, and fitness equipment.
Will suit ages :: 0 – 12
Parking ::Â Next to the Hill Top Rural Fire Station
Amenities ::Â Tables and seats as well as BBQs.
Good to know :: There’s a large picnic area as well
Why we love it :: The park was actually co-funded by the Council and the Hill Top Community Association, which secured funding through the Federal Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant. So good!
IMAGE ::Â Wingecarribee Shire Council
Oh, and RIP Mittagong Rocket Ship – who remembers that??! We LOVED playing on that when we were kids!
