Looking for a playground on the North Shore near a cafe? If you want to be able to sip a decent latte whilst pushing your child on the swings, we’ve rounded up 30 North Shore parks and playgrounds near a cafe. Happy days!
Children love playgrounds… but as most mums probably agree, it’s that little bit more enjoyable when you’ve got a cappuccino in one hand as you push them on the swings. Unfortunately, the logistics of getting in and out of the car with kids in tow to buy a hot beverage verges on the impossible, so it’s handy to know what playgrounds have a cafe within a two-minute walk. We’ll start on the Lower North Shore, head north… and then across to the Northern Beaches (as there are some great options that way too!).
Take a look at the links below to check out some of our North Shore parks and playgrounds near a cafe:
- Balmoral Beach Playground
- Memory Park Playground, Mosman
- Grasmere Children’s Park, Cremorne
- St Leonards Park. North Sydney
- Gore Hill Park, St Leonards
- Wadanggari Park, St Leonards
- Merrett Park, Waverton
- Naremburn Park
- Hallstrom Park, Willoughby
- Willoughby Park
- The Canopy, Lane Cove
- Mindarie Park, Lane Cove North
- Roseville Park
- Selkirk Park, Killara
- Dukes Green, Lindfield
- Queen Elizabeth Reserve, West Lindfield
- Philip Mall Playground, Pymble
- Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
- Robert Pymble Playground, Pymble
- St Ives Village Green Playground, St Ives
- St Ives Showground Playground, St Ives
- Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
- Cameron Park, Turramurra
- Wahroonga Park
- Waitara Park
- Bobbin Head, Mount Colah
- Fagan Park, Galston
- The Tasting Deck, Terrey Hills
- Clontarf Beach Playground
- Little Manly Point Playground
- Walter Gors Park, Dee Why
- Berry Reserve Playground, Narrabeen
- Bruce Bartlett Memorial Playground, Collaroy
- Winnererremy Bay Playground, Mona Vale
Playgrounds near a cafe in the Mosman LGA
1. Balmoral Beach Playground
The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
This playground is right by the netted swimming at Balmoral, and just a few steps from take-away coffee and toilets. You can easily get free side-street parking during the week, but it’s definitely a lot busier at the weekend. It is located at the South End of the Esplanade and has lots of great features you can enjoy: there is plenty of shade, it’s fenced (so no runaways), gorgeous view and soft ground to fall on.
Kids will love climbing the giant net, the awesome swing set where kids can face each other, the cubby house with a slide and pole, the see-saw and the wooden ship with a spinning steering wheel.
- Address: The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
2. Memory Park, Mosman
Memory Park Mosman
Memory Park playground was upgraded in 2018 to include a range of modern equipment to cater for children aged up to 12 years old. The upgrade includes a seven-metre high activity centre with four slides, jungle gym ropes course, bridges, monkey bars and a multi-level fort. Youngsters are also catered for, with new swings and a crawler play area on rubber softfall which includes a small activity centre, spring rockers, tunnel and two slides. There are cafes and shops just 100m down the road.
- Address: Corner Cowles & Wogler Road, Mosman
Playgrounds near a cafe in the North Sydney LGA
3. Grasmere Children’s Park, Cremorne
Grasmere Children’s Park
This park is great for younger kids, using the surrounding trees to add to the creative play space. Kids will enjoy the separate play spaces all connected by colourful stepping stone pathways, low level bridges, quiet sitting areas dotted with giant rubber toadstools, and a whole range of activities. In the main play area there is a deck where you can sit with your coffee, and a cubby area for the kids. There are small sculptures throughout the park for little ones to explore.
You can grab your coffee a seven-minute walk away from the famous Bourke Street Bakery. Park visits don’t get much better than this!
- Address: Young Street , Cremorne
4. Wadanggari Park, St Leonards
Wadanggari Park in St Leonards is the newest addition to the city’s green spaces, and it’s already making waves. And for good reason too, it’s Australia’s first park and adventure playground to be built on a bridge over a rail line. With its big lawn, plaza, and adventure-style playground, this park is a breath of fresh air in an urban setting. Better yet, there’s coffee right next door! The park is located next to a shopping precinct where you can grab yourself a coffee and a bite to eat before heading outdoors to watch the kids play.
- Address: 568 Pacific Highway, St Leonards
5. St Leonards Park
St Leonards Park playground
The St Leonards Park playground is one of North Sydney’s most favourite playgrounds, and it reopened in February 2023 after a big upgrade! Click here to find out about the equipment for kids of all ages (including the 12+ year olds!).
Grab a hot beverage from Venn Cafe, The Library or Soho on Miller (all on Miller Street) then head across the road to the park. There is lots of grass for the kids to run wild and a lovely playground. One of North Sydney’s largest and best-loved parks, St Leonards Park has a distinctive Victorian landscape character and is rich in history and heritage. There is plenty of seating so you relax back with your coffee, and lots of shade provided by the trees.
- Address: Miller Street, North Sydney
Merrett Park, Waverton
Merrett Playground
This playground is located at the top of Waverton Park. It is a fenced in playground and is great for young kids and old. Merrett Park is located close to the ‘old BP Site’ and has a motor theme as a result. Kids can play in the gas station playhouse or on the rocking car. There’s also a set of swings, spinning cup and slide. Older kids will have fun in the oval next to the park and can run around with a soccer ball. Waterview at Waverton is just a five-minute walk away, so you can stock up on coffee beforehand.
- Address: Woolcott Street, Waverton
Playgrounds near a cafe in the Willoughby LGA
6. Naremburn Park
Naremburn Park
This is a very popular family spot. The facilities are excellent – a sandpit, swings, slippery dips and a water play pump for young ones. And basketball/netball courts and a bocce area for the older kids. A short stroll down Herbert Street will find you coffee and treats, so you can grab your coffee and bite to eat before wandering down for a play.
- Address: Park Road, Naremburn
7. Hallstrom Park, Willoughby
Hallstrom Park, Willoughby
Hallstrom Park is just one minute’s walk from the super child-friendly Incinerator Cafe – so you can easily dine in or take away. The playground is almost 20 years old (built in 1998) and the design is based on the layout of Taronga Park Zoo. Artistic features of the playground include sandstone animals, sense activated sound elements and an interactive ‘musicosaurus’.
A stone crocodile lies in the drainage channel, camouflaged by rocks lining the channel. A continuous accessible path (flat to gently undulating) links the playground elements, including a mound slide (no steps), sandpit and water pump. Read our Hallstrom Park review.
- Address: 13 Small Street, Willoughby
8. Willoughby Park
Willoughby Park
Grab a coffee from High Street, and walk a few blocks to Willoughby Park. There’s something for children of all ages, such as swings, double slide, mound slide, tunnel, balance beam, musical type, spinners, roundabout, speaking tubes, sandpit, 6m high climbing net and loop trike track.
There’s also nearby toilets, picnic tables, bubbler, BBQ facilities and parking.
- Address: McLelland Street, Willoughby
9. Gore Hill Park, Artarmon
Gore Hill Park, Artarmon
Located on the corner of Reserve Road and Pacific Highway in St Leonards, Gore Hill Park is right next to the oval that hosts lots of sporting games. It is an inclusive playground, including water play troughs, a quad swing, plastic slides, play towers with rope bridges, climbing nets and metal slides, a spinning carousel, a basket swing, sensory stepping stones, musical instrument corner and a breaching whale log sculpture. North Shore Hospital is right next door, so you can grab a coffee from one of their onsite cafes before heading over. There are also plenty of coffee choices on Pacific Highway.
- Address: The Avenue, Artarmon
Playgrounds near a cafe in the Lane Cove LGA
10. The Canopy, Lane Cove
The big bridge with climbing ropes underneath
The Canopy in Lane Cove opened its doors in 2020 and it really does have it all. Located in the heart of Lane Cove, you’ll find fine dining, food, beverages, shops, and a fabulous playground for kids of all ages to enjoy. There is a giant bridge, with ropes to swing off underneath, big and mini slides, mini trampolines, a giant rocker in the middle, a huge sandpit with water play and plenty more.
- Address: The Canopy, Lane Cove
11. Mindarie Park, Lane Cove
Mindarie Park
This all-inclusive playground was opened in 2019 and is well worth a visit. The playground caters to kids of all-abilities and there is plenty to see and do. Kids will enjoy the amazing selection of swings, the see-saw shaped like a boat and the great music play area. There is a big slide that looks like the trunk of a tree, along with ladders, a climbing wall and a sandpit. Even better, Pick Me Up Cafe is less than one minute away.
- Address: Mindarie Rd, Lane Cove North
Playgrounds near a cafe in the Ku-ring-gai LGA
12. Roseville Park
Roseville Park
Roseville Park features a great fenced toddler playground, and it is right next to a fabulous French cafe called Sous Le Soleil. If you’re feeling peckish, they bake their own croissants which are delicious! Plenty of free parking. Kids can enjoy the slide, see-saw, swings and wooden car.
- Address: 60 Clanville Road, Roseville
13. Dukes Green Playground, East Lindfield
Dukes Green Playground, East Lindfield
The new playground at Dukes Green was completed in early 2023, and provides equipment for all ages and abilities including a climbing frame, swing set, slide, carousel, cubby house and a rocker. The playground also includes a discovery and nature play area beneath existing trees, along with seating, additional trees for shading, landscaping, a water fountain and a new fence.
Grab your coffee from Dukes Green Cafe, and then walk 10 seconds across the grass to the fenced playground, ideal for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Otherwise, relax at one of the outdoor tables and watch your children run around on the grass nearby. This place space is perfect for long brunches, or meeting a friend for a coffee to watch on at the playground.
Address: 11 Wellington Road, East Lindfield
14. Queen Elizabeth Reserve, West Lindfield
Queen Elizabeth Reserve, West Lindfield
A fabulous playground for kids of all ages, next to a sports ground. There’s lots of shade from the trees, along with a BBQ area and toilets. Older kids can play at the tennis courts, and there is a great path for scooters, bikes and other wheels. There is plenty of climb on at the park, with a big slide in the middle. You can also get coffee just a block away at 153 Moore Avenue Coffee.
- Address: Bradfield Road, West Lindfield
Selkirk Park, Killara
So much grass to run around and trees to hide behind!
Selkirk Park in Killara is one of those sneaky, backstreet playgrounds that many people don’t know about. It’s surrounded by towering trees that provide plenty of shade and lots of grass to run around. Better yet, it’s just across the road from Marion Street Cafe where you can buy babycinos that come with the biggest marshmallows kids have seen (that they can conveniently run off at the playground afterwards).
- Address: 2A Marian St, Killara
Philip Mall Playground, Pymble
Elliot climbing
Have you visited West Pymble shops lately? Nestled right at the top you’ll discover a local treasure: the Philip Mall Playground. This playground has recently been revamped and is a great spot for little feet to let off some steam. It is conveniently located in the heart of West Pymble shops so you have plenty of options when it comes to working out where to grab a coffee – we highly recommend Brick Lane Espresso and The Coffee Pan!
- Address: Phillip Mall Playground, 20 Philip Mall, West Pymble
15. Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Little Play Area
The playground at Bicentennial Park is hidden gem, and is right next to the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre and West Pymble Bicentennial Club (read our review) where you can grab a coffee before heading over to watch the kids play. It’s a giant enclosed playground with everything kids could want to keep them entertained for hours. There’s a sandpit, water play, swings, slides, climbing frames a spin top and more.
- Address: Prince of Wales Drive (off Lofberg Rd), West Pymble
Robert Pymble Playground, Pymble
Robert Pymble Playground, Pymble
The Robert Pymble Playground has recently had an upgrade, and reopened in March 2023. The new playground design was themed around the area’s former use as a fruit farm by its namesake Robert Pymble. There’s plenty of natural shade across the playground, where you can let the kids roam! The equipment is geared towards the younger ages, with plenty for them to explore. You will find a tractor, a farm-inspired climbing frame, fruit shaped rockers and circuit track to ride scooters and bikes. You’ll find coffee in the nearby row of shops near Pymble station! Find out more.
- Address: Pymble Park, Alma Street & Park Crescent, Pymble
16. St Ives Village Green Playground
One of the slides at St Ives Village Green
The new playground at St Ives Village Green opened in October 2022, and it’s definitely one of the best locations if you want lots of nearby coffee options (inside St Ives Shopping Village) or to do a spot of shopping. There’s plenty of free parking nearby, although it does get busy at different times, especially when there’s sport on the greens. There’s lots of outdoor spots, but when they fill up, you can head to the underground parking which is free for the first three hours (plenty of time for the kids to play!).
The incredible adventure playground is suited to kids of all ages – from toddler through to teens! The new Skate Park is right next door too, so kids on wheels will have lots of fun too.
- Address: St Ives Village Green, Village Green Parade, St Ives
17. St Ives Showground Playground
St Ives Showground Playground
The St Ives Showground Playground is the largest ever built in the Ku-ring-gai area, and it’s great for kids of all ages! The playground has distinct areas for very young children through to those aged 11-12 years. Some of the equipment features windmills and timber animal sculptures to reflect the showground’s agricultural history. The nature play areas have timber, rocks and other natural materials intermingled with plants. The idea behind these spaces is that children can explore beyond play equipment and use their imaginations in play with other children.
A new cafe opened in October 2022, which is a great spot for a coffee and snacks!
- Address: St Ives Village Green, Village Green Parade, St Ives
18. Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
This fabulous playground is just behind the South Turramurra shops, so you can head to the bakery to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. There’s a great hill of sandstone steps for the kids to climb and explore.
There’s a double slide so they can have races with their sibling or friend (or parent!). There is lots of natural shade, and a bike path around the perimeter for children to practice on their bikes, scooters and trikes! Read our playground review here.
- Address: Corner Balmaringa Avenue and Aulubla Road, South Turramurra
19. Cameron Park, Turramurra
Cameron Park, Turramurra
This great, fenced in playground is the perfect place to pack up a picnic and head for a play. It’s one of our favourite North Shore parks and playgrounds near a cafe. There is a bike track that runs around it that is perfect for kids learning to ride. Kids can enjoy the slide, climbing frames, swings and more. Even better, Kiplings Garage Bar is right across the road and you can grab a coffee there, or there are several cafes near the station.
- Address: Eastern Rd, Turramurra
20. Wahroonga Park
Wahroonga Park
Cafe Patina is right across the road from the playground at Wahroonga Park, which was redone in 2015 and is quite possibly one of the best playgrounds on the Upper North Shore. There’s lots for toddlers (swings, train, experiential musical games, tiny slide) and some more exciting equipment for older children, like a round-a-bout and flying fox. Wahroonga Park is right next to the train station, and has three free hours parking around the perimeter too. Read our playground review.
- Address: Coonanbarra Road, Wahroonga
Playgrounds near a cafe in the Hornsby Shire LGA
21. Waitara Park
Waitara Park
This fenced playground at Waitara Park has a range of play equipment for toddlers through to primary school kids, and for kids of different abilities. There are shade sails over parts of the playground, along with picnic tables, toilets and tennis courts nearby.
Kids will love the giant, enclosed metal slide, with plenty of climbing equipment surrounding it. There is a great toddler play area, built-in trampolines and so much more. Plus, the PCYC is a two-minute walk and you can grab your coffee.
- Address: Off Edgeworth David in Waitara
22. Bobbin Head
Bobbin Head playground
The playground at Bobbin Head is huge, and was recently upgraded in 2021. There are so many things for the kids to play with. Bring the buckets and spades too, as it is all within a fenced area with sand on the ground. Grab a coffee from Waterside Bistro (on the other side of the bridge, at the marina) or The Bobbin Inn Cafe. Access is via Bobbin Head Road through North Turramurra, or Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah.
- Address: Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (enter from North Turramurra or Mount Colah)
23. Fagan Park
The pop up cafe by the top playground
Take a drive through the stunning countryside around Galston, and explore the beautiful Fagan Park. There’s a huge playground and a large bike track around the perimeter, and lots of beautiful gardens to explore. Next to the kids’ playground is a coffee cart, which is open on weekends and every day over the school holidays. It sells coffee, soft drinks, light snacks and ice-creams. Pack a picnic, it’s a lovely spot to spend a few hours! Read our Fagan Park review.
- Address: Arcadia Road, Galston
Playgrounds near a cafe on the Northern Beaches
24. The Tasting Deck
The Tasting Deck
This is a haven for any foodies. The Tasting Deck is a premium fresh food store attached to a cafe with a playground! You can sit on their outdoor deck and watch the kids playing while enjoying a bite to eat and a coffee. Kids will love the climbing frame, swings and slide, and you will love sitting back and relaxing.
- Address: 2 Myoora Rd, Terrey Hills
25. Clontarf Beach Playground
The playground at Clontarf Reserve has undergone a huge upgrade, and reopened in December 2021! There’s so much for kids of all ages to explore, and there’s plenty of shade to keep cool in the warmer months. It’s just a stone’s throw from the beach, with a great netted swimming area that is perfect for kids.
Bosk Kiosk is right next to the playground. It offers takeaway meals, drinks and snacks that can be enjoyed in the park. Their menu is updated seasonally and nearly all of it is homemade. They work with boutique and local suppliers to make sure they’re offering you more than your average fish and chippy.
- Address: Clontarf Reserve, Sandy Bay Road
26. Little Manly Point Playground
Little Manly Point
This is a lovely shaded playground perfect for summer play dates. It’s close to Little Manly Beach, which has a netted swimming area and a cafe that serves good coffee, ice-creams and sandwiches. There’s plenty for kids to play on with the slide, flying fox. swings, bridges and more. There is also plenty of shade to escape the sun on those hot days by the beach as well.
- Address: Stuart Street, Manly
27. Walter Gors Park
Walter Gors Park
This park was revamped in 2017 and includes a fabulous playground with plenty to climb and a big, long enclosed slide for kids to enjoy. There are smaller cubbies on the side for the younger kids to enjoy. There are some water gardens nearby, so you can bring the swimmers on a hot day and cool off. This area is completely shaded. Twist Espresso & Wine is nearby to grab a coffee (or wine depending on the time of day!).
- Address: Dee Why Parade, Dee Why
28. Berry Reserve Playground
Berry Reserve Playground
This playground is the an amazing play space for preschoolers and toddlers, with plenty of equipment to keep them busy. The playground is right next to the amazing Tramshed Cafe for that all-important coffee, and Narrabeen Lake offers walking and cycling tracks the whole family can enjoy. It’s one of our favourite North Shore parks and playgrounds near a cafe.
The playground is the perfect space for creative play, and you literally cross a drawbridge to enter. Inside there is a great climbing fort (adding on to the imaginary play) with plenty of natural materials used to add to the play space.
- Address: 1054 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen
29. Bruce Bartlett Memorial Playground (Collaroy Beach Playground)
Collaroy Playground
This gorgeous playground has just undergone a fabulous revamp and there is lots of fort fun to be had for younger kids. It’s just a quick walk along the beach to the cafes on Pittwater Road. With gorgeous views, plenty of cafes in walking distance and so much for the kids to do, this makes for a great outing.
- Address: Birdwood Avenue, Collaroy Beach
30. Winnererremy Bay Playground, Mona Vale
Winnererremy Bay Playground, Mona Vale
This is a great playground for kids of all ages. There is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy a picnic and lots of shaded area as well. Inside the park there’s a huge climbing frame, a flying fox, swings and slides for kids to enjoy. There are a few barbecues, a bike track outside and inside play area. The Flying Fox Cafe is just next door, and is the perfect place to pick up a coffee.
- Address: 2-4 Mona St, Mona Vale
