Looking for a park on Sydney’s North Shore to host your child’s birthday party? We’ve rounded up our favourite parks that have a great playground, space for games, and all the facilities you need (like tables, benches, toilets & BBQs). Enjoy our list of playgrounds around Sydney’s North Shore to host a kid’s party.
Parks are a great place to host a kid’s birthday party. Kids just love the outdoors and it means you have free entertainment to tire them out, while you sit back and talk with the other parents. Plus, clean up is simple and you can return home to clean home – bonus!
But, finding the right party park means a long list of requirements.
These parks all offer a range of things you’ll need for the big day – from on-site toilets, fenced areas, loads of play equipment, to nearby cafes and BBQs plus benches and table for treats and for the big moment – the cake cutting!
When organising a party in a park, it’s always a good idea to have a ‘wet weather’ back up plan in case the weather isn’t ideal – either think about an alternative indoor venue, or perhaps moving it to another date.
Check out our quicklinks below to find the best playgrounds on the north shore to host a kid’s party.
- St Leonards Park, North Sydney
- Mindarie Park, Lane Cove
- Blackman Park, Lane Cove West
- Warners Park, Northbridge
- Hallstrom Park, Willoughby
- Beauchamp Playground, Chatswood
- Muston Park, Chatswood
- Queen Elizabeth Reserve, Lindfield
- Swain Gardens, Killara
- Golden Grove Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
- St Ives Showground, St Ives
- Bobbin Head Nature Playground, North Turramurra
- Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
- Wahroonga Park, Wahroonga
- Storey Park, Hornsby
- Ruddock Park, Westleigh
Best parks on the Lower North Shore to host a Kid’s Party
St Leonards Park, North Sydney
St Leonards Park is one of North Sydney’s largest and best-loved parks – and reopened after a much-needed upgrade in 2023. The pre-existing playground was renovated and a new play space created for older children aged 12 and up. New plants and picnic areas have also been added to both parts of the playground.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Address: St Leonards Park, Miller St, North Sydney
- Parking: Metered street parking on Ridge Street or Miller Street | Ridge Street Car Park (first hour is $8.40, then $6.40 per half hour after that)
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: North Sydney Council
Blackman Park, Lane Cove
Flying fox at Blackman Park, Lane Cove
There are plenty of picnic areas with BBQ facilities, making it easy to prepare and serve food. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and is adjacent to the Lane Cove River, providing a picturesque backdrop for any party. Read our review of Blackman Park.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Address: Blackman Park, Lloyd Rees Dr, Lane Cove West
- Parking: Plenty of parking right next to the park.
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Lane Cove Council
Mindarie Park, Lane Cove
Timber creations outside the fenced area
Mindarie Park at Lane Cove is designed for people of all walks of life and different abilities, so everyone can play. There’s a bushland setting, fenced playground and BBQ area plus toilets. With more than 6,300 metres of open space, it’s a great place to host a party. There is plenty of street parking, along with a few parking spots available out the front. There is also shaded seating areas available, so your party can go ahead rain, hail or shine.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- BBQ area and picnic tables
- Seating areas and undercover areas
- Fully fenced and enclosed
- Water fountains
- Unisex accessible toilets (outside fence line down a short path) with baby changing table.
Essential Details: Mindarie Park
- Address: Mindarie Park, 18A Mindarie Street Lane Cove (Corner of Kullah Parade)
- Parking: Plenty of street parking, along with a few spots outside
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Lane Cove Council
Warner’s Park, Northbridge
Fenced off play area with tables nearby
A great hidden gem, Warner’s Park in Northbridge is one of those lesser-known parks that has so much to offer. It makes the perfect location for a kid’s birthday party, with an amazing fenced playground that kids will love. There’s a huge climbing frame for the older ages to enjoy, along with a great double slide that kids can climb around and a big swing set.
The bush setting makes it a great location, with a number of benches and seats scattered around for you to use as a party base. There’s also a BBQ available onsite and plenty of parking nearby.The shady, fenced playground was constructed in 2005 and upgraded in 2019. It includes a climbing net, triple swing, wide embankment slide, trike track, teepee, sandpit, sensory elements and a flying fox. The “Village Green” is a multi purpose recreational area incorporating a picnic area and turfed “green” where casual ball games such as mini soccer can be played. It includes picnic settings, a BBQ, park benches and a bubbler.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- BBQ
- Picnic tables & benches
- Excellent play equipment
- Plenty of shade
- Public toilets nearby at Warners Park Centre
- Address: Warner’s Park, The Outpost (off Kameruka Rd), Northbridge
- Parking: Plenty of parking right next to the park.
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Willoughby City Council
Hallstrom Park, Willoughby
Hallstrom Park, Willoughby
Hallstrom Park in Willoughby is perfect for a kid’s party, no matter what age. The zoo-themed play equipment is what really sets it apart. The animal statues and zoo-themed climbing frames are irresistible for cheeky monkeys keen to burn of some energy clambering over the swings and slides.
The park is designed to be a mini version of Taronga Zoo, although at Hallstrom Park, the animals are mainly of the play-equipment variety. Kids will love exploring the oversized turtle with cutouts in his shell (perfect for climbing!) and weaving between sandstone statues of animals like elephants, gorillas and geckos. They’re equipped with sensor-activated sound elements and an interactive “musicosaurus”. There’s even a stone crocodile hidden in the drainage channel, camouflaged by rocks.
- Address: Hallstrom Park, 13 Small St, Willoughby
- Public Transport: The Bicentennial Reserve entrance is 60m from the bus stop in Willoughby Road.
- Parking: Off street parking next to the Willoughby Leisure Centre and netball courts (entrance from Small Street).
- On street parking adjacent to the playground and outside the Leisure Centre.
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Willoughby City Council
Beauchamp Park, Chatswood
Beauchamp Park, Chatswood
Beauchamp Park is conveniently located in the heart of Chatswood, just one block from Chatswood Chase. With so many activities on offer, what we love most about Beauchamp Park is the large open space and its beautiful lush surroundings. Once you arrive, it’s easy to forget where you are! Hammond Playground is nicely segregated in several areas by walkways and the equipment caters to many different ages and interests.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Public toilets within the park
- BBQ facilities
- Benches
- Picnic tables
Essential Details: Beauchamp Park
- Address: Beauchamp Park, Beauchamp Ave, Chatswood
- Parking: Free two-hour parking. The carpark at the upper section of Beauchamp Park has room for approximately 15-18 cars and is accessed from Nicholson Street.
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Willoughby Council
Muston Park, Chatswood
The swings at Muston Park
Muston Park in Chatswood is a fantastic venue for parties, offering a blend of natural beauty and well-maintained amenities. The park is known for its beautiful gardens, and the iconic rocket in the playground offers up plenty of fun.
There are also picnic tables and BBQ facilities available, making it easy to host an outdoor feast. The park’s open spaces are perfect for games or simply for guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- BBQ
- Picnic table
- Fully fenced playground
- Park to explore
- Public toilets
Essential Details: Muston Park
- Address: Muston Park, 375-389 Penshurst Street, Chatswood
- Parking: Free parking on Douglas Avenue, Eden Street or Warrah Lane
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Willoughby Council
Best parks on the Upper North Shore to host a Kid’s Party
Queen Elizabeth Reserve, Lindfield
Great playground with plenty for kids to climb
A fabulous playground for kids of all ages, next to a sports ground. Kids will love the climbing frames, along with the great double slide that is perfect for racing and a bridge to climb over. There’s lots of shade from the trees, along with a BBQ area and toilets, with plenty of options for seating. 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
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- BBQ
- Picnic table with shade
- Playground
- Toilets
- Water fountains
Essential Details: Queen Elizabeth Reserve
- Address: Queen Elizabeth Reserve, 19-43 Bradfield Road, Lindfield
- Parking: Carpark right next to it
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Ku-ring-gai Council
Swain Gardens, Killara
Swain Gardens, Killara
This is a beautifully hidden park in Killara that makes the perfect setting for a kid’s birthday party. While there isn’t any play equipment here, it is a nice and secluded area with plenty of grass, so you can set up your own games or simply throw in a ball and let the kids run! It is such a magical spot, you will be asking everyone who attends to keep your secret. You can book the outdoor gazebo and BBQ facilities to ensure you get the spot on the day.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Where: Swain Gardens, 7 Stanhope Road, Killara
- Parking: There is off street parking available, but note it is a little bit of a trek to get down to this park. There is also disabled parking available.
- Booking: Yes, through Ku-ring-gai Council
- More Info: Ku-ring-gai Council
Golden Grove Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Golden Grove Bicentennial Park is a great park to host a kid’s birthday party, with all the facilities you need to make it run smoothly. The park itself has been through a big makeover recently, and has so many great things for kids to play on. There is a sandpit with a digger, a merry-go-round, a cubby house, musical place area, slides, climbing structures and more. And better yet, it is all fenced in.
The nearby aquatic centre has a great little cafe, so you can grab coffees for the parents and bunker down under one of the many table and chairs to set up the party. Kids will have a blast. There is even undercover seating within the fenced playground to make things even easier.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Amazing play area for kids of all ages
- BBQ area and picnic tables
- Bike/scooter track
- Seating areas and undercover areas
- Fully fenced and enclosed
- Water fountains
- Public toilets (that are wheelchair accessible)
Essential Details: Golden Grove Bicentennial Park
- Address: Prince Of Wales Dr, West Pymble NSW 2073
- Parking: Plenty of street parking in carpark
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot!
- More Info: Ku-ring-gai Council
Bobbin Head, North Turramurra
Bobbin Head Nature Playground
Bobbin Head Playground has so many great features that make it perfect for hosting your next birthday party. The playground is spacious, providing ample room for a large number of kids to run around and play. It’s nestled in the heart of the Bobbin Head National Park, offering a beautiful natural environment that adds a unique charm of this space.
There are also plenty of picnic areas with BBQ facilities just outside the gates of the playground, so you can set up close by and keep and keep an eye on the kids. There’s also plenty of grassed area for games, including stuck in the mud, or a more traditional pinata.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Plenty of grass to set up on
- Fenced-off park
- Plenty of parking (although you do have to pay to enter the National Park)
- Toilets
- Water fountains
- Cafes
Essential Details: Bobbin Head
- Where: 1002 Bobbin Head Rd, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Entry via North Turramurra (Bobbin Head Road) or Mount Colah (from Ku-ring-gai Chase Road)
- Parking: $12 entry per car into the National Park
- Booking: Free
- More info: NSW National Parks
Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
Balmaringa Reserve is a small fenced park is located just behind South Turramurra shops and is a great place to host a kid’s party. It has plenty going for it! There is great coffee nearby, plenty of open space for the kids to run around, and even a scooter/bike track.
The play equipment is also pretty awesome. The main drawcard is the twisty slide, but they can also drive a car, sail a ship, play shops and so much more. There is a great hill in the middle for kids to climb up and explore, and they can even race down on the double slide.
There is a big grass area off to the side, or a couple of stools scattered throughout for your to set up for the party
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Plenty of grass to set up on
- Fenced-off park
- Plenty of parking
- Toilets
- Cafe across the road
Essential Details: Balmaringa Reserve
- Address: 1a Balmaringa Ave, South Turramurra (behind the strip of shops)
- Parking: Plenty of street parking, plus parking at the shops. Busy roads on Saturday mornings when sport is on!
- Booking: No, just turn up and grab a spot
- More Info: Ku-ring-gai Council
St Ives Showground
Party area at St Ives Showground Playground
The St Ives Showground Playground truly is for everyone – of all ages, and of all abilities. The playground was specifically designed to be inclusive, and has a range of play equipment and nature play experiences.
The playground has distinct areas for very young children through to those aged 11-12 years. There’s plenty of equipment for kids to climb, explore, jump, run and more. This is a popular spot, so you want to show up nice and early to set up for the party, but you will have everything you need.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Fenced-off park
- Plenty of parking
- Toilets
- Water fountains
- Cafe
Essential Details: St Ives Showground
- Address: St Ives Showground, 450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
- Parking: Free parking
- Booking: Free, unless you choose to book out the rotunda
- More Info: Ku-ring-gai Council
Wahroonga Park
Wahroonga Park
The playground at Wahroonga Park is fantastic for kids of all ages – toddler to tweens, making it one of the best spots on the upper north shore if you’re keen for a kids birthday party. There’s a large area of grass for picnics, beautifully manicured gardens, nearby toilets and a café across the road. It’s easy to grab a spot, even on a busy day, with plenty of grassed area in the park for you to set up. There is plenty of parking right around the park, and kids can enjoy the fenced off play area as well.
There is even a rotunda at the end of the park that is under cover and can be booked out for a fee. This is great as a wet weather option, however it is located at the opposite end to the fenced in playground.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Plenty of grass to set up on
- Fenced-off park
- Plenty of parking
- Toilets
- Water fountains
- Cafe across the road
Essential Details: Wahroonga Park
- Address: Corner Coonanbarra Road & Stuart Street, Wahroonga
- Parking: Free 2-3 hour street parks on the roads around the park
- Public Transport: Next to Wahroonga Rail Station
- Booking: Free, unless you choose to book out the rotunda
- More Info: Ku-ring-gai Council
Storey Park, Asquith
Swings at Storey Park
If you want a playground that has it all and then some, Storey Park in Asquith is an excellent option for your next child’s birthday party. Storey Park opened in 2020 and features a fabulous playground. There’s an area for babies and toddlers with a mini slide, swings and more, and a bigger slide for the older kids, with plenty of climbing equipment. At the other end there is a giant slide for the biggest kids, with a huge climbing net and frame for hours of fun.
There’s an undercover BBQ area right in the middle of it all, making it a great spot to bunker down and watch the kids.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Fenced-off park
- Plenty of parking
- Toilets
- Water fountains
- BBQ and picnic area
- Amazing play equipment for all ages
- Bike and scooter path
Essential Details: Storey Park
- Address: 10 Old Berowra Road, Asquith
- Parking: Onsite parking and street parking
- Booking: Free, but it’s a popular park so get there early to secure a table
- More info: Hornsby Shire Council
Ruddock Park, Westleigh
Ruddock Park is tucked away in the quiet leafy suburb of Westleigh, and is the perfect park for a birthday party. It features a fantastic pirate-themed playground, extensive bike and scooter paths, picnic tables, BBQs, mini basketball halfcourt, tennis courts, oval, toilets and nearby shops & cafes. There is something to do for everyone and plenty of space to spread out.
The park is located in the quiet neighbourhood suburb of Westleigh, about a 5-minute drive from Pennant Hills Road. Although it’s a big park, there is plenty of free street parking outside which makes it super easy to get there by car.
Why it’s perfect for parties:
- Pirate-themed playground
- Lots of grass
- Shaded picnic tables and benches
- BBQs
- Toilets
- Plenty of parking
- Bike and scooter path
Essential Details: Ruddock Park
- Address: Ruddock Park, Quarter Sessions Road, Westleigh NSW
- Parking: Plenty of free untimed street parking and a small carpark behind the tennis courts
- Website: Hornsby Shire Council
