2017 best playgrounds in Melbourne for older kids

Back in 2011 I published a guest post on the best playgrounds in Melbourne for older kids. In the five and a half years that have passed, many new playgrounds have been created. Joyce the guru of all things kids activities in Melbourne from  TOT: HOT OR NOT has kindly written an updated post for PWK, so we can find out what new and fabulous places we can visit that will keep older kids interested.

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Melbourne is blessed by many excellent playgrounds – some are more suitable for toddlers than older kids and vice versa.

If you have older kids or kids who are adventurous and happy to tackle a challenge then here’s my pick of the 10 MORE great playgrounds in Melbourne for older kids, to add to the previous list of the 10 best playgrounds in Melbourne for older kids.

1. Golden Sun Moth playground

Golden Sun Moth playground Craigieburn - 2

An amazing playground for adventurous climbers. The main structure is in the shape of a Golden Sun Moth – climb or slide down its six legs, crawl along the ropes of its underbelly and zip down the tail back to the ground! There are also two very high spider web pyramids to climb. Full review.

Golden Sun Moth playground, Grand Boulevard, Cragieburn

2. Casey Fields

Casey Fields playground Cranbourne East - 4

Casey Fields playground is part of a huge 76 hectare site for outdoor sport in Cranbourne East. The playground is magnificent and worth a special trip. Run to the top of the hill for the huge twisty slide then climb on the long rope bridge leading to a 6m high spiders web pyramid.. Little kids are also catered for with sheltered smaller structures. Full review.

Casey Fields playground, 160 Berwick – Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East

3. Woodlea Playground

Woodlea Playground Rockbank - 2

A huge adventure playground with a tall slide, trampolines, sand play, flying fox, basketball rings and a table tennis table – the kids won’t want to leave! Across the road is also the excellent Go West, a trendy child-friendly cafe with an inner city vibe. Full review.

Woodlea Playground 27 Woodlea Boulevard Rockbank

4. Valley Reserve

Valley Reserve Mt Waverley - 3

Victoria’s best new major playspace in 2016 is a beautifully constructed adventure playground that takes inspiration from its natural surroundings. It’s split up into four different areas suitable for different abilities. Older kids will enjoy the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and Owl areas best, with a large rope climbing course, a huge nest swing, two flying foxes and a high platform/tree house. Full review.

Valley Reserve, 80 Waimarie Drive, Mt Waverley

5. Saltwater Coast Crocodile Park

Crocodile Park Point Cook - 4

Extensive water play playground with a marine-themed combination of tall challenging forts and climbing ropes and ladders. Full review.

Crocodile Park, Saltwater Coast, corner of Citybay Drive and Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook

6. Coburg Lake Reserve

Coburg Lake Reserve - 2

Coburg Lake Reserve has not one, but two great playgrounds! The main playground is the Doug Hull Space Adventure Park at Lake Grove, with a huge rocket ship sporting several twisting slides. The second playground across the lake has a flying fox and Twister game. Full review.

Coburg Lake Reserve, 2A Gaffney St, Coburg North

7. Skinners Adventure playground

Skinners Adventure Playground South Melbourne - 15

A junkyard playground with multiple areas to explore – trampolines, climbing structures, various swings and slides, cubby houses and loads of nooks and crannies to hide. The playground is one of only five supervised adventure playgrounds in Melbourne and is only open during certain hours. Full review.

Skinners Adventure playground, 211 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

8. Bridge Road Regional Playspace

Atherstone Playground Bridge Road Regional Playspace Melton South - 17

A fenced playground in the new Atherton development is huge and contains lots of equipment for older kids. The flying fox is loooong, there are numerous rock-climbing walls and the monkey bars are cleverly hidden underneath the long walkway/scooterway. It also has water play and a big nest swing. Full review.

Atherstone Playground (Bridge Road Regional Playspace), Bridge Road, Melton South

9. Ron Barassi Snr Park

Ron Barassi Snr Park - 1

A hidden gem in the Docklands with a dramatically high climbing fort, two massive slides, sand play and water play. It’s surrounded by sports fields and a sports pavilion and multi-purpose courts are part of the next development. Full review.

Ron Barassi Snr Park, 509-529 Docklands Drive, Docklands

10. Royal Park playground

Royal Park Playground Parkville - 6

Run up the top of the hill, admire the view, then roll down to enjoy a fantastic nature-based play space. There’s lots to climb and explore and an extensive water play area.

When you’re done chill out at the child-friendly restaurant Smith and Singleton.

Royal Park playground, Gatehouse St (adjacent to Royal Children’s Hospital) Parkville

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Joyce Watts writes TOT: HOT OR NOT a family travel blog that helps families to explore the best of Melbourne, Regional Victoria and beyond. She lives in inner city Melbourne with her mini reviewers – 6 year old Lady AB and 4 year old Baby 2.0. You can follow their adventures and discover more places to go with kids on Facebook and Instagram.