Sydney❜s Best Playgrounds by the Water

Being outdoors on a glorious sunny day is one thing, but being outdoors next to the water is a whole other level of bliss, especially when you’re tired, cranky and in desperate need of an activity for the kids.

Fear not, we’ve got an extensive list of the best Sydney playgrounds by the water to fill up your bliss tank and keep the kids active and out of your hair. Some of these spots even have coffee nearby – you’re welcome!

Sydney's Best Playgrounds by the Water

City

Barangaroo Reserve – Nestled between Millers Point and Barangaroo Reserve (at the end of Merriman St) you'll find the tiny but oh-so-beautiful Clyne Reserve. While the playground is a little on the small side, it's location overlooking Sydney Harbour is absolutely stunning and the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while the kids play. BBQ facilities, tables, and shade are offered, and while you're in the area you may as well go for a wander around Barangaroo Reserve.

Pirrama Park – Pirrama Park is just a stone’s throw away from harbourside waters in Pyrmont. The un-fenced playground has spectacular views, water play, swings, sand play, ropes, and a roundabout. Call Me Harris Cafe is right next to the playground for that essential coffee.

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Eastern Suburbs

Marks Park – Another idyllic spot overlooking the water just off Marks Lane in Tamarama, Marks Park recently underwent a renovation but is now open for a good play in the sun.

Bondi Beach Playground – Iconic Bondi Beach also has an iconic beachside playground with sand play, swings, slides, plenty of shade and million-dollar views.

Bronte Park Playground – Nestled right next to Bronte Beach, Bronte Playground has plenty of grass for little ones to run, play and ride, plus a super-cool wooden climbing tower. 

Maroubra Beach Playground – Another beachside gem, Maroubra Beach Playground is a great spot for toddlers with rubber soft play, climbing structures, a wobbly bridge, surf rockers and more.

Parsley Bay Playground – This idyllic park-beach-playground combo in Vaucluse has recently received an upgrade making it one of the best inclusive playgrounds in the east. The rope tunnels, merry-go-round, ladders, swings, and elevated pathways will keep the kids entertained for hours. 

Tamarama Beach Playground – It might not be the biggest playground in the Eastern Suburbs, but Tamarama Playground is a great day out with the kids, and the waterfront views don’t suck. The modern playground has swings, slides, climbing frames and plenty of grass to run wild.

Malabar Beach Playground – Also known as Cromwell Park Playground, the Malabar Beach Playground has an adorable nautical theme with monkey bars, slides, kiddie gym, swings, and boat and dolphin bouncing set.

Inner West

A brand-new waterfront playground has popped up in Sydney's Inner West! King George's Park in Rozelle was recently upgraded and includes some shiny new features such as slides, climbing structures, swings, a flying fox, climbing logs, a water play zone, and more.
 

Brays Bay Reserve – There are several playgrounds in the expansive Brays Bay Reserve in Rhodes, so there’s never a dull moment at this spot. There are toddler and sandpit playgrounds at McIlwaine Park plus another fenced playground next to the onsite Kokoda Cafe – what a lot to discover!

The Mcllwaine Park Foreshore was recently revamped and now includes an adorable beach and rock pools!

Steel Park Waterplay Park – Everyone’s favourite water play park in the warmer months, Steel Park Waterplay Park in Marrickville features water fountains, sprinklers, water jets, and a tranquil setting right by the Cook River.
 

Jubilee Park Playground – If you’re looking for a fun outdoor playground in Glebe, you can’t go past Jubilee Park Playground on the beautiful Glebe foreshore. The kids will love playing on the slippery dip ‘mountain’, sandpit, swings, and pod-like cubby house hidden in the branches of a beautiful shady tree.
 

Elkington Park Playground – Set amongst towering Fig trees, Elkington Playground in Balmain is a great spot for littlies to get outdoors. The small playground has all the usual attractions to keep the kids busy, plus there are plenty of walking tracks along the water to take the pram for a stroll or go for a ride/scoot. As an added bonus, the historic Dawn Fraser Baths are right near the park if you feel like going for a dip.
 

Mort Bay Park – Play equipment, basketball courts, picnic tables, shade, riding tracks, dog off-leash area, and the best views of the Harbour and city skyline – yup, Mort Bay Park has it all! The waterside playground hugs Sydney Harbour from its spot in Birchgrove and is a winner with active kids (and dogs!) year-round. 

Greater West

Tench Reserve recently underwent a major renovation, and what a facelift it got! The huge playground sits next to the Nepean River and offers a relaxing space for kids to play and families to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Along with the incredible new playground, updates to Tench Reserve include riverside pathways, seating areas, a Changing Places amenity, accessible picnic areas and seating, and even public art.
 

Blaxland Riverside Park – Meandering for over three hectares along the Parramatta River, Blaxland Riverside Park is a must-see playground in Sydney. Kids can enjoy the mega-swing, tunnel slides, spinning play disk, Viking swing, the stunning multi-level tree house, huge double flying fox & more! 

Parramatta River Foreshore Reserve – If the stunning location along the Parramatta River doesn’t entice you to visit, the ginormous adventure slide certainly will! A great playground for climbers, the kids will love the climbing wall, venturing down the winding slide, digging in the sandpit, playing with the pulleys and more!

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North Shore & Northern Beaches

Clifton Gardens Playground – Modern seesaws, swings, climbing structures, a dedicated toddler area, plenty of shade, and coffee nearby – it’s easy to see why Mosman’s Clifton Gardens is such a popular spot for families.
 

Flying Fox Park – Rated as one of the best playgrounds on the Northern Beaches, Mona Vale’s Flying Fox Park and neighbouring Winnerremy Bay offer the best of both worlds with a fantastic fenced playground, expansive park and waterfront location. There’s also an onsite café.
 

North Harbour Reserve – Another harbour water gem, North Harbour Reserve in Balgowlah overlooks North Harbour and offers a great playground, bike/scooter tracks, picnic area and coffee nearby.
 

Manly Lagoon Playground – Located a stone’s throw from Queenscliff Beach and opposite Manly Lagoon, this playground is a great summer outing for the whole family and has plenty of swings, slides, and jungle gyms to keep the kids happy.
 

Dee Why Beach Playground – It may be small but Dee Why Beach Playground’s prime location makes for a great play date or picnic out with family and friends.

Berry Reserve – Narrabeen’s most popular playground, Berry Reserve’s train-themed facilities continue to draw kids in the thousands every day who certainly enjoy a toot-tooting good time, and the views of Narrabeen Lake don't suck!

Clontarf Reserve – A day of playing and swimming is on the cards at Clontarf Reserve. Nestled on the waters at Middle Harbour, the stunning surrounds, excellent coffee and super fun playground equipment make for the perfect day out.
 

Collaroy Beach Playground – Another beachfront playground, Collaroy Beach Playground right next to Collaroy Beach offers a giant climbing net, swings, a merry-go-round, a seesaw, slides, and toddler-friendly equipment to keep all kids energetically entertained.

Balmoral Beach Playground – One of the busiest playgrounds on the Northern Beaches come the weekend, Balmoral Beach Playground is a great spot if you’re planning on enjoying a family breakfast at one of the nearby restaurants before a play.

Bobbin Head Playground - Bobbin Head is another waterside spot that just received a new-look playground. Bobbin Head Playground has plenty of cool new features that all tie in with the theme of nature and natural materials. 

South Sydney & St George

Cahill Park Playground – Overlooking the Cooks River in Wolli Creek, Cahill Park Playground is a delightful oasis for all ages. Toddlers will particularly love the dedicated sandy area with rocket ship slide and tipping buckets for scooping sand. 

Kyeemagh Beach Playground – Located in Brighton Le Sands, this playground is right near the beach so you can pair your day at the playground with a day in the surf.

Carss Bush Park – Set on the foreshore of Kogarah Bay, Carss Bush Park has everything you could need for a family day out, including an expansive playground, bbq facilities, a cafe, a waterfront location, and plenty of open space to relish the great outdoors.

Sutherland Shire

It's out with the old and in with the shiny and new at the revitalised Dunningham Park Playground. One of Sydney's favourite waterfront playgrounds nestled between North Cronulla and South Cronulla beaches reopened in spring 2024 after a complete makeover. There's a cool new "lifeguard tower" play structure, slides, swings, new seating and picnic tables, new landscaping, and more.
 

Shelly Beach Playground – In a prime position opposite Shelly Beach in Cronulla, Shelly Beach playground is a firm favourite in the Shire. The playground itself is lovely with shade, sand, artworks, stone sculptures, swings, climbing frames and more, while nearby you’ve got bbq facilities, picnic tables, coffee, and those amazing sea views.

Como Pleasure Grounds – Como Pleasure Grounds is one of those beautiful outdoor locations you could spend the whole day at, just relishing the sunshine, nature, and the stunning waterfront location. The pirate-themed playground is a riot for adventurous kids who'll love pretending to 'walk the plank' in the pirate ship, or burning lots of energy on the giant climbing net. Make a day of it by going for a stroll along the pedestrian bridge that runs over the water and looks down at the Marina and the boats. There's also great coffee nearby.

Other Sydney Parks & Playgrounds

The Best Trampoline Parks
21 FREE Water Parks in Sydney
The Ultimate List of the Best Playgrounds in Sydney

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