Brisbane, in our humble opinion, has some of the best parks of any city. Well maintained and plentiful, they encourage imagination and activity for little people. And some of the best incorporate water, sand, sound and other fun stuff.
This park is brilliant! There’s a huge sandpit, a series of Aussie tree houses, a climbing wall and fun with sounds. On weekends and after school it is buzzing with children climbing, sliding and having lots of fun.
The large flat area beside the playground is perfect for parents to sit down and set up a picnic, plus there are leaf shaped tables and extra barbeque facilities.
Kalinga Park also has a kid-size practice bikeway, a creek complete with ducks and a dog off-leash area. If you live nearby, ride your bikes along the bike path that stretches from Toombul shopping centre to Grange and beyond.
Location: Colmslie Road, Murarrie, adjoining the river.
This is a sprawling park that should keep everyone happy. There’s a sand pit, plenty of swings, slides and other climbing equipment. It’s called the ’Octopus Garden’ and the undersea theme is used everywhere.
Kids who love planes will enjoy seeing (and hearing) the low flying aircraft taking off from the airport. The children’s winding bike path is a bumpy challenge and the riverside tables and barbeques are pleasant.
A giant frog is the centre of this park - slide down his tongue! There are lovely gardens and bumpy paths for the kids to explore. It's a good park for younger children but close to edge of the river, which can be a worry for some parents. The toilets nearby are not usually very well cleaned or maintained.
It’s fun to arrive by ferry. Just hop off at the West End stop.
There are no shops within close walking distance, so best to bring snacks for the kids or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the river's edge.
Orleigh Park is a Brisbane City Council active and healthy park.
Nicholas from Tarragindi says: "This is a terrific park for younger kids. My four-year old loves coming to Orleigh Park because there are always heaps of other kids around for him to play with."
ourbrisbane.com users have rated this park:
3.7/5
(105 votes)
New Farm Park is always a popular choice for kids and parents alike. Huge fig trees make great hide and seek spots plus there are fantastic wobbly bridges, climbing things and challenging equipment for older children. There’s a smaller playground for toddlers too. It’s hard to get the kids down once they are there!
Weekends (especially when the farmers markets are on) and holidays are always busy at New Farm Park. During the week it is more peaceful and much easier to nab a parking space close to the playground.
There is plenty of shade under the big trees. It is lovely to take a picnic and sit on the grass in the larger part of the park. You can catch the ferry to New Farm Park too.
Perhaps surprisingly for New Farm, a shop for snacks isn’t within easy walking distance (for little legs) of the park. Best to pack your own. However, there is a fancy cafe at Brisbane Powerhouse.
New Farm Park is a Brisbane City Council active and healthy park.
Location: Esplanade, Wynnum, at the end of Edith Street.
This fantastic water-based playground is THE place to play in Wynnum. There are a couple of large play areas to choose from, including a great climbing net and five rubber whales which spout water.
It gets very crowded on weekends, a sign of its popularity. The wading pool is next door, there’s the jetty to walk along plus ice creams and fish and chips available nearby. You can even chase soldier crabs at low tide. Make it a full, family day out and don’t forget your togs.
Caroline from Wynnum says: "Whenever my grandkids visit they love going to the ’whale park’. They never get bored. I’m happy that it’s safe but always fun for them."
ourbrisbane.com users have rated this park:
4.4/5
(179 votes)
Enjoy the old-fashioned but hard-to-find fun of climbing trees. This park has huge old cottontrees for kids to safely climb on and around. There’s a train playground too and it’s close to the water.
Redcliffe has a variety of other parks that make wonderful destinations, including Apex Park on the foreshore at Woody Point. It has a large playground under shade and there are plenty of take away food options plus the local pub has a large play area for the kids.
ourbrisbane.com users have rated this park:
4.4/5
(179 votes)
This is one of Brisbane’s best parks. It is amazing! If you don’t live nearby, it’s worth taking a drive.
The playgrounds are good, with enough to keep all ages happy. Older children can explore the bike paths and climbing nets and flying fox. The wet play area will be up and running soon.
There aren’t a lot of large shady trees yet but there are some covered BBQ areas away from the main playground.
There aren’t shops within walking distance so go prepared with drinks and snacks.
Location: Dean Street, Mt-Coot-tha Road, Western Freeway and Wool Street, Toowong.
This park has a homestead and Aussie outback theme. It’s also home to Brisbane’s longest flying fox. It is a popular park with fitness enthusiasts with runners and walkers, both casual and organised making use of its facilities.
Anzac Park is a Brisbane City Council active and healthy park.
Location: Hawthorn Terrace, Mossvale Street and Waterworks Road, Red Hill.
This popular, recently revamped park, is paradise for younger children. Sculptural leaves dot the grounds and you can have fun with solar-powered musical sounds, hammock swing and good slide. It can get busy but it is a shady, spacious oasis.
Woolcock Park is a Brisbane City Council active and healthy park.
Don’t forget that Brisbane City Council organises mostly free activities in over 50 parks across Brisbane. Check our active and healthy events calendar for what’s happening at a park near you.
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