By: Alex Harmon, ellaslist 

It's no secret that we love taking our toddlers to playgrounds, but not all playgrounds are loved by our toddlers. Some are downright dangerous, many are unshaded or unfenced, and some are just more suited to older, more adventurous kids. If you have a tentative tip-toeing toddler then you might want to take them to one of the many playgrounds in Sydney suited to smaller players. Here are our favourites:

 

Domain Creek Playground, Parramatta

This park actually caters to all ages, but unlike a lot of new parks, the toddlers aren't an after-thought. Here they can explore the surrounds of Domain Creek in a natural bush playground setting. Small children will love the sand diggers and various sand pits (both shaded and unshaded), water pump, wooden cubby house, animal sculptures and small trampolines built into the ground as well as the flying fox with built-in seatbelt for extra safety. See what we thought here. 

Beecroft Railway Station Gardens Playground, Beecroft

It's gated, it's shaded, it has a train theme - enough said! This is heaven for toddlers and their parents. Way over the bridge in the northern suburbs of Beecroft, make this playground a destination and arrive there by train - it's right by the station. Parents love the gorgeous train themed mosaic wall with windows, and kids will love watching the trains through these.

 

Flying Fox Playground, Mona Vale

On the Northern Beaches take the young ones to this enclosed playground with a giant bike/scooter track, BBQ’s, picnic facilities, a little sandy beach and a tasty cafe. Really daring toddlers will love the flying fox and giant rope climbing web, while the more timid ones will still enjoy the saucer swing and a bouncing see-saw. Check out our full review and more pics here.

 

Steel Park, Marrickville

Famous for its free water play park, this is a favourite amongst inner-westie toddlers because there's a little bit of everything! During the warmer months (October to March) toddlers can safely splash around in the interactive fountains, sprinklers and misty spray elements. It has been designed to represent natural water features and also demonstrates an environmental process in action, using all aspects of the water cycle. There's lots of shaded grassy areas, paths for scooters and a play area that's good for little explorers. A popular site for birthday parties with big shaded tables and BBQs too. 

 

Queens Park Playground, Centennial Park

We just LOVE a good playground-cafe combination, and the Queen’s Park playground and Queen’s Park Shed cafe do just the trick. The playground is fenced so you can enjoy a fabulous coffee in peace and watch on as toddlers have a ball with a large sandpit and diggers, swings, slides, and a baby climbing gym. Plus the cafe has lots of toddler friendly options on the menu!

 

L'estrange Park, Mascot

This fenced playground has PLENTY of room and a spongy floor for toddlers to run around on. There are 2 sides to the playground, one being age appropriate for up to 6 year olds and you’ll find a sand pit, water play items, bike track with road signs, climbing webs, slides, jungle gyms and more!

 

Bondi Beach Playground, Bondi

A popular hang-out for parents with little kids - especially after the school drop off. Because, really you can't beat the view - smack bang in the middle of Bondi Beach! It's perfect for toddlers with most of the equiptment suiting the under 4's, plus it's gated. Toddlers love the large clean shaded sandpit area with a sunken wooden boat to climb, seesaw and stepping posts. Ground is rubber, sand and woodchip with a concrete path round the edge that is good for scooters and ride-ons. 

 

Carss Bush Playground, Kogarah

We just can't get enough of this newly renovated playground that has something for everyone, including toddlers. The natural bush setting makes it a place of wonder for little ones and it's very shaded so you can spend lots of time here in the warmer months. There's a fully-fenced toddler area with a toddler swing, slide & climbing toys for younger kids to play on, as well as small picnic tables for little ones to sit & enjoy a snack break. Plus a little bay for paddling - toddlers will love splashing about here in the calm waters! Find out what we thought here. 

 

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