Are you looking to entertain the kids these school holidays? Perhaps you're looking to take advantage of the Autumn weather with outdoor activities to run them around and wear them out. Locally we have an abundance of adventure playgrounds and parks that will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
Dragon Park Playground, Officer
Hansel Av, Officer VIC 3809
Dragon Park Playground is a spectacular children's playground in Officer where the star of the show is a massive dragon's head that forms the gateway to a steep metal slide.
The park also features a frog corner with frog sculptures, a spinning carousel, a log balance beam trail plus a BBQ shelter with tables and a water tap and a grassy area with a basketball court. There are no toilets on site.
There is something for everyone at this park though is ideally suited to primary school age children.
Image: melbourneplaygrounds.com.au
Minta Hilltop Fantasy Playground, Berwick
Soho Bvd, Berwick VIC 3806
This $3.5 million fantasy playground in Berwick brings all of your childhood fairytales to life with a huge castle featuring steps and bridges, ladders, climbing walls and plenty of slides.
There is a log climbing area, a sandpit with a digger under shade sails for the little ones, musical poles and swings, and also under shade sails.
BBQ facilities, three shelters with tables and a water tap, toilets and a grassy play area are also on offer for a family day out.
Image: melbourneplaygrounds.com.au
Deep Creek Eco Playspace, Pakenham
62 Cameron Way, Pakenham VIC 3810
This incredible Pakenham playground is an all-ability playspace featuring a giant dragonfly full of ramps to explore and sheltering a water play area.
Fully enclosed with a bird's nest swing, musical equipment, and climbing frames to complete this play space.
Endeavour Hills Playground, Endeavour Hills
10 Raymond McMahon Blvd, Endeavour Hills VIC 3802
This community precinct playground is dominated by quirky cubby houses and net bridges. Two tunnel slides, two in-ground trampolines, and monkey bars complete the play space. Parents can BBQ under cover with picnic tables and a water tap while watching the young kids play on the playground while the older ones ride around the skatepark. located beside a skatepark.
Smiths Lane Adventure Park, Clyde North
Smiths Lane, Clyde North
Smith's Lane Adventure Playground in Clyde North is brand new and squeaky clean. It features toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and rubbish bins.
This nature-based playground is designed around a flowing stream that ends in a splash play zone and is aimed at kids from primary school aged down. Timber and rope climbing frames, multiple slides, swings, basketball court and 2 shaded BBQ areas with seating so parents can relax and enjoy time with family and friends while keeping a close eye on their little ones.
Ray Perry Park, Cranbourne
2 Brunt St, Cranbourne VIC 3977
A cute little playground under shady trees and lots of grassy areas. The kids will love playing on the swings, slides, climbing fortes, tunnels, and a small skate park while Mum and Dad watch on from the undercover BBQ area.
Toilets are available!
Drouin Civic Park, Drouin
33 Young St, Drouin VIC 3818
Featuring multiplay structures, trampolines, springers, and slides for motor skill development, this themed playground will trigger the imagination of your little ones. Or they could just engage in some sand play.
Features include rubbish bins, picnic tables, a rotunda for shade, a skate park, and drinking fountains. Toilets are available.
To see more please visit:
Melbourne Playgrounds
South East Parks and Playgrounds
TAKE THE KIDS ON A SHORT WALK OR HIKE
If your kids are a little older, or more energetic, it might be a walk or hike you're after.
From the Dandenong Ranges to Gippsland, or just around the corner, there are options galore for any number of fitness levels. The only decision you need to make is how exhausted you want them to be!
Kurth Kiln Walk – Gembrook & Dandenong Ranges
Kurth Kiln, Gembrook VIC 3783
This national park is s stunning spot for a picnic, walk, or horse ride, or for the adventurous, there is even a lovely campground.
Explore the kiln which was used in the 1940s for charcoal in cars after WW2 and the old caretaker's cottages that remain on-site or just sit back and watch the bird and wild life while the kids run around.
1000 Steps Walk - Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Tree Fern Gully Track, Tremont VIC 3785
This very popular walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is busy 365 days a week and is not for the faint-hearted.
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is for those who love a challenge, so perhaps not for the little ones, and offers a steep climb up 1000 steps through rainforest before reaching the top where you can catch your breath before taking the Lyrebird Track back down to the carpark.
Once back at the carpark there is a small playground and toilets as well as picnic tables and shelters.
Image: onlymelbourne.com.au
Lysterfield Park
Horswood Rd, Lysterfield VIC 3156
This easy 5.8km loop around Lysterfield Lake is suitable for all ages whether you walk, ride, or run. If you're feeling adventurous you could challenge yourself on one of the many mountain bike trails or hiking tracks that are readily available.
Take in the bird and wildlife; you're sure to spot a kangaroo or 10, or if it's a warm day you could take a swim in the lake and enjoy a picnic or BBQ.
Image: alltrails.com
Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick
668 Princes Hwy, Berwick VIC 3806
Popular amongst locals, Wilson Botanic Park features three lakes, beautiful gardens, and walking tracks, and the kids will love the fun playground under shade sails or feeding the ducks.
Dods are permitted on a lead so take your furry friend and most of the walking paths are wheelchair and pram friendly. Toilets are available as well as a seasonal coffee van, for when Mum or Dad need a well-deserved break!
Image: casey.vic.gov.au
Hilltop Nature Reserve, Cranbourne North
1-19I Mannavue Blvd, Cranbourne North VIC 3977
Of Aboriginal significance, you can take the kids on a learning adventure around the Hilltop Reserve following the signage and reading about the history.
Look out for birds of prey, Fairy-wrens, and also snakes whilst meandering around the woodland and big old trees.
Mt Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve, Garfield North
Garfield Road North Road, Garfield North
Last on our list of school holiday walks is Mt Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve.
Located in Garfield North, turn off the Princes Highway after Gumbya World and follow Garfield Road a short distance before reaching the reserve.
The self-guided walk is a 2.3km challenging loop track that is very steep in sections, so probably best to leave small children at home for this one as it can be difficult to navigate for some.
You will be rewarded with stunning views from the top of Mt Cannibal though be aware that this track can get very busy on weekends and during school holidays.
Toilets and a picnic area are available so take the family and spend the day.
Images: visitvictoria.com.au
Visit the below resources for further information.
