Want to take your kids to the best adventure playgrounds in Sydney? If your kids love to be challenged and love new adventures, you might need something a bit more exciting than the local playground to keep them entertained. For something a little more out of the ordinary, try one of these incredible playgrounds across Sydney with equipment that will keep them busy for hours. With some near the North Shore and others a little further afield, they’re definitely worth the drive for a fun day out.
Best Sydney Adventure Playgrounds
- St Ives Showground Playground
- Fagan Park, Hornsby
- Wulaba Park, Waterloo
- Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
- West Epping Park
- Charles Heath Reserve Community and Play Space, Five Dock
- Sydney Park, St Peters
- Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
- The Children’s Playground, Darling Quarter
- Fairfield Adventure Park
1. St Ives Showground Playground
St Ives Showground Playground
The St Ives Showground Playground is the best adventure playground on Sydney’s North Shore. And the best thing? It’s a playground that is 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.
This adventure playground has distinct areas for very young children through to those aged 11-12 years. Challenge them with rope climbing, high slides, elevated rope walkways, double flying fox, nest swing and more.
Plus, there’s now a cafe at St Ives Showground, so you can grab a cappuccino or some snacks while you’re there!
- Best features: Rope walkways, high slides, nature play
- Address: St Ives Showground, 450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
- More details: St Ives Showground Playground
2. Fagan Park, Hornsby
Couldn’t resist climbing…
If you’re looking to get outdoors and run off some energy with the kids, then set your sights on Fagan Park. Part of the Hornsby Shire Council, this beautiful park has 55 acres of land just waiting to be explored. You’ll find two fabulous playgrounds, bike paths, a museum and plenty of gardens for kids of all ages to explore. Read our review of Fagan Park.
Plus, they have recently opened a brand new Children’s Forest that is set up for all kinds of explorations. Kids can balance, climb, paddle, discover, learn and so much more in this fenced space that encourages plenty of open-ended play. Read our review of the Children’s Forest.
- Best features: Flying fox, slides, Children’s Forest
- Location: Fagan Park, 38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston
- More information: Hornsby Shire Council website
3. West Epping Park
Elliot taking on the climbing frame and huge slide
Sitting right next to the Epping YMCA (where you can grab a coffee), West Epping Park is a child’s wonderland with plenty of fun no matter what direction you look. Kids can climb their way to the table and race down the giant tunnel slide, or tackle any of the other three slides around. The amazing playground isn’t all that’s on offer at West Epping Park. You will also find a basketball court, skate park. tennis courts and table tennis tables.
- Best features: Climbing, tunnel slide, skate park
- Address: West Epping Park, Dent Street, Epping
- More information: West Epping Park
4. Charles Heath Reserve Community and Play Space, Five Dock
This brand-new adventure playground featuring two soaring play towers, nature play and more, complete with a brand-new amenity building, picnic shelters and barbecues. Other features of the playground include outdoor musical instruments, a ‘fish trap’ climbing structure, and cozy cocoon for timeout. Three quarters of the play equipment is accessible, including a trampoline and carousel designed especially for wheelchair users.
- Best features: Play towers, musical instruments
- Address: Queens Rd, Five Dock NSW
- More information: Charles Heath Reserve
5. Wulaba Park, Waterloo
This colourful adventure park is a must-visit! The attractions include a giant slide, climbing tower, tunnels, nets and swings, all supported by soft-surface floors. There’s also a landscaped picnic and barbecue area, bike racks, and handball and table tennis courts. Wulaba is an Aboriginal word of the Gadigal people, meaning ‘rock wallaby’.
- Best features: Giant slide, climbing tower, tunnels, nets and swings
- Address: Wulaba Park, O’Dea Ave & Amelia Street, Waterloo
- More details: Wulaba Park
6. Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
Blaxland Riverside Park is Sydney’s largest adventure playground, and offers an amazing space for kids to play. Spread over three hectares, there’s water features, moving play elements, high and steep landforms and hidden and confined spaces to play in.
Enjoy the double flying fox, mega-swing, tunnel slides, scramble wall, spinning play disk, Viking swing, multi-level tree house, and the largest outdoor water play facility in the State. Grownups can enjoy a sausage sizzle on the free BBQs or enjoy a picnic, plus walk, cycle or run along the riverside walking trail.
- Best features: Scramble wall, spinning play disk, multi-level tree house, and the largest outdoor water play facility in NSW
- Address: Blaxland Riverside Park, Jamieson Street, Sydney Olympic Park
- More details: Blaxland Riverside Park
7. Sydney Park, St Peters
The children’s adventure playground at Sydney Park features a triple metal slide, swinging bridge and swings, but nearby in the same park is the Sydney Cycle Centre with a kid’s track that has working traffic lights and road markings. There’s an on-site cafe and the setting is gorgeous green, rolling hills and lakes.
- Best features: Swinging bridge, giant metal slide, cycling track with working stoplights
- Address: Sydney Park, Sydney Park Rd, St Peters
- More details: Sydney Park St Peters
8. Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Pirrama Park is a perfect hot-weather destination, with huge fountains and water features that kids can enjoy splashing through in the summer months. Set right on Sydney Harbour, there’s plenty of walks around the area, where you can settle down for a picnic and enjoy the views. There’s shaded areas for hot days, a rope climbing frame, swings, slides, an accessible spinner and a big sandpit. There’s also a cafe right next to the play area- bliss!
- Best features: Water features, accessible spinner
- Address: Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
- More details: Pirrama Park
9. The Children’s Playground, Darling Quarter
See Darling Harbour from new heights!
Darling Harbour has taken a giant leap forward with its latest addition—a playground designed specifically for the adventurous at heart. This new playground is not just a space for play but a challenging area for children and teens eager to test their limits, featuring advanced climbing frames and challenge-fuelled fun.
The playground is divided into distinct zones, each designed to offer unique challenges:
- The Bay Zone: This area features decks, ramps and bridges, encouraging kids to navigate through complex paths, enhancing their motor skills and strategic thinking.
- The Wave Area: Home to the playground’s tallest climbing tower and an exhilarating slide, the Wave Area is perfect for those seeking a heart-racing experience.
The highlight of the Darling Harbour playground is its focus on higher, more challenging play structures. The towering climbing frames invite kids to climb, conquer, and view the world from new heights. The 21-metre flying fox offers a dash of thrill, letting kids soar through the air with a sense of freedom and excitement.
- Best features: Balance ropes, flying fox, big slide
- Address: Darling Quarter, 1-25 Harbour Street
- More details: The Children’s Playground
10. Fairfield Adventure Playground
Fairfield Adventure Playground
Fairfield Adventure Park is one of those incredible playgrounds that is worth the extra effort to get to, simply because it is absolutely awesome! With huge slides, a flying fox, obstacle courses and a fabulous toddler playground, plus all the facilities you need, you’ll be planning a return trip as soon as you leave! You can check out our review here.
- Best features: Obstacle course, flying fox, climbing frames
- Address: Fairfield Adventure Playground, Vine Street, 14-20 Lawson St, Fairfield
- Website: Fairfield City Council
