Scarborough Beach Park

Fully fenced – tick! Imaginative play – tick! Seaside location – tick! Toddler play equipment and facilities – tick! When it comes to the perfect toddler-friendly playground in Moreton Bay, there is one park that seriously ticks ALL the boxes for us. Scarborough Beach Park has it all and then some with its dual themed playgrounds and enchanting forest spaces. Imaginative and nature play opportunities abound here, with a stationary train in ‘Railway Place’ and boat play structure in ‘Pirate Place’. Along with all the usual playground equipment, the Cotton Tree Forest area contains low, gnarled tree branches that stretch out, making them ideal for climbing (or simply playing beneath for young ones). There is also a fully-fenced jumping pillow. Be sure to pack in the kids bucket and spade too, as just outside the fence line lies Scarborough foreshore and beach. 

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Fully fenced
• Pirate themed toddler playground with boat
• Sand, rubber mat and chip bark base
• Toddler swing and slides
• Train-themed toddler playground
• Stationary train and ticket office
• Climbing trees
• Beachside location
• Accessible toilets
• Sheltered picnic tables

Address: Landsborough Avenue, Scarborough

You can read our full review of Scarborough Beach Park Playground here.

Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) Playground

When choosing playgrounds that we think best suit toddlers in Moreton Bay, one thing we look for is the variety and diversity of play opportunities to be found in one spot. For us, the Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre Playground has so much to offer children who come here that far surpasses what a normal playground has to offer. Being an all-abilities, fully fenced playground means parents with young children and prams can easily move around this space stress-free. There is an abundance of toddler-friendly play equipment options, imaginative play huts and spaces, and wow features like the dual flying fox. It is the nature education aspect though that we love the most. The onsite environmental education centre here is full of interactive fun and information, and the nature education theme even carries into the playground with sculptures of native animals and plants, complete with educational labels to read to your little one.

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Two fully fenced playgrounds
• Environmental Education Centre
• Bush walking tracks
• Low to ground play equipment
• Toddler-friendly slides, nets, climbing walls
• Sensory boards
• Rubber soft fall surfaces
• Dual flying foxes (with all-abilities seat)
• All abilities play equipment
• Café
• Accessible toilets and change table

Address: 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary

You can read our full review of the CREEC Playground here.

Pine Rivers Park

Pine Rivers Park is a popular destination for most local Moreton Bay City families, but, for those with younger children, this playground and its surrounding parkland has a lot to offer. There are two main playgrounds; one which is toddler-friendly, tree-shaded and fully-fenced. Here you will find ground-level climbing forts, slides, swings, sandpit, and many toddler-sized play activities. Nearby, there is a colourful pedal-powered monorail that little ones can ride with an adult and a ever-growing hedge maze that you will want to explore with them (and hope you find your way out of!). Expansive green spaces are perfect for picnics or throwing a ball on and a brand new 950m flat path makes the ideal learn-to-ride track. The vast parkland is also home to numerous pathways that wind through the surrounding woodlands and wrap around a small lake teeming with wildlife and water birds that your toddler will delight at spotting.

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Fenced main playground
• Toddler play equipment
• Monorail pedal ride
• Hedge maze
• Rubber matting and bark base
• Large green recreational area
• Bike and walking paths
• Accessible toilets
• Wide pathways for prams

Address: Gympie Road, Strathpine

You can read our full review of Pine Rivers Park Playground here.

The Hills District All-Abilities Playground

Another one-stop-shop when it comes to toddler entertainment is The Hills District All-Abilities Playground at Arana Hills. This Moreton Bay park is ideal for toddlers, as it is fully-fenced, widely spaced (perfect for manoeuvring prams), and is overflowing with colourful, bee and garden-themed play areas. Imaginative toddlers are well catered for with a sweet little farmer’s market cubby, but other highlights include musical instruments, a sandpit with two diggers, an in-ground spinner, and plenty of other toddler-friendly climbing forts, slides and swings. If they love their wheels, there is also a wide path that encircles the park that is perfect to learn-to-ride on.

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Fully fenced
• Bee and flower-themed garden area
• Musical Instruments
• Rubber based play areas
• Toddler-friendly play equipment
• Sandpit with diggers and water tables
• Small farmers market cubby
• Small hills with slides
• All abilities climbing fort with ramp
• Inground spinner
• Bike path surrounding the park
• Toilets within fenced area

Address: Dawson Parade, Arana Hills

You can read our full review of The Hills District All-Abilities Playground here.

The Mill Playground and Waterpark

If you are searching for a toddler-friendly playground in Moreton Bay on a steaming hot day, then you should consider heading to The Mill Playground and Waterpark in Petrie. Here you will not only find a dedicated toddler playground, but also a small water park. The Mill has been designed with all abilities in mind and so the entire play area (which includes numerous playground areas) is built on top of a flat, soft rubber base. The waterpark is more like one large splash pad, with fountains, shallow water play streams, and other toddler-friendly water play activities to enjoy.

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Dedicated toddler play space
• Toddler fort with nets, ladders, bridges and slide
• Toddler swing
• Flat, soft rubber playground base
• Inground roundabout spinner
• Waterplay area – splash pad with fountains
• Accessible toilets with baby change facilities
• Bike path
• Green space

Address: 1 Moreton Parade, Petrie

You can read our full review of The Mill Playground and Waterpark here.

For more toddler fun in Moreton Bay City, you might also enjoy:

Things to do with kids in Redcliffe

Best things to do with babies and toddlers in Brisbane

This large reserve in Murrumba Downs, on Brisbane’s northside, boasts a large multi-level play fort, pump track, outdoor fitness equipment, a fenced dog off-leash area and more. Whilst it is set in a suburban area, there is plenty of open space, where the kids can run wild, kick a ball, fly a kite or just laze about and enjoy the fresh air.

Blatchford Recreation Reserve Playground

Climbing opportunities

Entering Blatchford Recreation Reserve via the main carpark on Goodfellows Road, you will find most of the amenities and the main playground.

Whilst the playground is unfenced it is not too close to the roads or carparks to cause major concern, though caution should always be exercised. Smaller children can be kept occupied with some play panels which are low to the ground and a variety of swings (toddler, adult and nest), while the bigger kids can climb the fort and slip down one of the many slides.

Next to the main playground you will find a generous picnic shelter with multiple picnic tables, two electric BBQ’s and of course, the all-important, accessible toilet facilities, which include a baby change table.

Picnic shelter

A large field is adjacent to the main playground and lends itself to ball games, running races or even kite flying. This is also where the cricket nets are located.

The next area in the Reserve contains an extensive range of outdoor exercise equipment including a BEEP test track, handball court and other fitness equipment. A full-size basketball court is beside this area and will be popular among the older children. There is also a netball half-court, table tennis table (BYO equipment) and another shaded picnic shelter.

If you happen to be in the area with your dog, they will be happy to run around in the large, fully fenced, dog off leash area.

At the far end of the Reserve, next to the dog park you will find the impressive pump track, which was added to the area in July 2022 (unfortunately the second smaller playground was removed to make way for this feature). The track is suitable for BMX’s, scooters, balance bikes etc and will see the kids zooming around and having fun (hopefully without too many injuries). 

Imagination Factor at Blatchford Reserve

Pump track

Perhaps one of the most endearing features of this play space is the large open areas and a multitude of options when it comes to playing, exercising and having fun. Children can use their imagination by inventing running games, playing hide and seek or pretending to be the next sports star on the pump track. 

Accessibility at Blatchford Reserve

The main access point to the Reserve is via the Goodfellows Road carpark, which has two designated, accessible parking spaces. The carpark is connected to the picnic area, toilets and main playground via wide concrete paths. These paths loop around the playground and continue throughout the reserve, making most places accessible if you have a wheelchair, pram etc.

The main playground has sections of rubber base, making the swings, spinner and some parts of the fort easily accessible, though there is also bark around the equipment. 

There is plenty of shade throughout the Reserve provided by established trees, picnic shelters and shade sails.

Blatchford Sporting and Recreation Reserve features

• Playground (unfenced)
• Toilets (open between 5am and 8pm)
• Main Playground (partly covered by shade sails)
  • Rubber and bark base
  • Fort
  • Swings including toddler swing and nest swing
  • Climbing opportunities
  • Slides including a tunnel slide
  • Educational play panels
  • Accessible spinner
• Pump track
• Full-size basketball court
• Netball half-court
• Table tennis table (BYO equipment)
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Cricket nets
• Lots of open green spaces
• Large, fenced, dog off-leash area
• Electric barbeques (free to use)
• Picnic shelters, rubbish bins and water fountains.
• Nearby to public transport
• On and off-street parking

Another great playground in the area is John Oxley Reserve

What We Thought of Blatchford Reserve

Playground

Any play space that caters for all the family immediately gets our tick of approval. The energetic 11 year old loves to kick the footy and run around in the open space, while the 9 year old prefers to play – slipping, sliding and swinging her way around the equipment. 

Having toilets, picnic shelters and different play spaces makes this a great park for an afternoon of fun. 

How to Get to Blatchford Reserve

Blatchford Sporting and Recreation Reserve is located on Goodfellows Road in Murrumba Downs. Ample off-street parking is available. 

For those wishing to use public transport buses do stop along Goodfellows Road, and the Kallangur Train Station is less than a 10 minute walk away (approximately 700m).

More pictures of Blatchford Recreation Reserve

Buchanans Park Playground

In April 2024, Buchanans Park in Burpengary received a much-needed upgrade. The existing play equipment was replaced, while the surrounding established trees were retained to give natural shade and a peaceful feel.

This partially fenced playground is set back from road and contains lots of fun equipment for families to enjoy, with nods to the adjacent ANZAC Memorial including a very cute aeroplane springer.

There are two main play forts – one for the older children and one for the toddlers. The main fort has several climbing options including a climbing wall, steps, ladders and ropes. Once you reach the top of the fort you can zip down the covered tunnel slide to return to the bottom.

Over at the toddler fort a dual slide, climbing opportunities and a find-a-word play panel will keep the little ones occupied.

A bank of swings, spinning stick, seesaw, spinning bucket and springer are dotted around the park, allowing children to have space from the main forts while playing.

While there is sand under the bulk of the equipment, the swings, roundabout and springer have soft fall underneath it.

Imagination Factor at Buchanans Park

Stepping into the leafy Buchanans Park could lend itself to a game of hide and seek, or perhaps your little ones would like to bring binoculars or magnifying glasses and see if they can spot any wildlife, you may just spot a koala in the wild!

Alternatively, they may like to sit on the swings and daydream, bring a sketch pad and draw what they might see in the treetops or just play and have lots of fun.

Accessibility at Buchanans Park

Buchanans Park has accessible elements to it. There are concrete paths leading from the carparks to the soft fall area where the swings and roundabout are. The roundabout is at ground level so could be used by those in a wheelchair.

While there are no shade sails at Buchanans Park there is ample shade from mature trees. A covered picnic shelter and electric BBQ are situated to the side of the playground. Accessible toilets are also located adjacent to the park, though it is across a carpark/road, so care should be taken.

Buchanans Park Features

• Partially fenced playground
• Sand and soft fall base
• Accessible toilets (adjacent to park)
• Natural shade
• Large play fort
  • Slides
  • Climbing nets
  • Rope tunnel
  • Climbing wall
• Toddler play fort
  • Dual slide
  • Steps
  • Climbing nets
  • Find-a-word play panel
• Seesaw
• Spinning bucket
• Springers
• Spinning stick
• Swings (nest, standard, toddler and you-to-me)
• Accessible roundabout
• Covered picnic shelter
• Electric BBQ
• Rubbish bins
• Bike rack
• Drinking water fountain
• Off-street parking

While You Are in the Area

Before or after you visit Buchanans Park why not check out the Caboolture Region Environmental and Education Centre (CREEC). Located just over 5km away in Burpengary, CREEC boasts an awesome accessible and fully fenced playground and environmental education centre.

Lightwood Parklands

Alternatively, for some sporting fun and lots of play options pop into Lightwood Parklands which opened late in 2023 in Caboolture South and is bound to entertain families.

What We Love About Buchanans Park

We love the fact that Buchanan Park is nicely shaded by established trees and has a range of equipment for all sorts of kids.

A covered picnic shelter, ample off-street parking and toilets makes this a perfect location for a school holiday get together or a party at the park. 

While you are at the park why not take a wander over to the ANZAC Memorial and have an age-appropriate discussion with the kids about what ANZAC Day means.

How to Get to Buchanans Park

Buchanans Park is located at 71 Progress Road, Burpengary.

Note – if you are coming from Brisbane it can be a bit tricky to navigate the roundabout near the park, just look for the signs for Progress Road. 

More Photos of Buchanans Park

South Brisbane Playgrounds With Sand Diggers

Boronia Heights – Middle Park Playground

There is a lot to like about Middle Park Playground! A great selection of elements here of varying size and difficulty will keep Brisbane Kids of all ages challenged and entertained. Younger kids will enjoy the rockers, see-saw, and climbing fort with stairs and a smaller slide. A highlight for many children will be the digger, which makes the most of the sand base in the middle of the fenced play area. 

Read our full Middle Park Playground review.

Browns Plains – Forestglen Park

With two distinct playground spaces in Forestglen Park, the original playground is set on sand under shady trees and features two separate play structures with slides, swings and rockers. In the middle of the sand here is a digger – it would be easy for Brisbane Kids to imagine they’re in the middle of a construction site here!

Read our full Forestglen Park review.

Camp Hill – Whites Hill Reserve Playground

The fully fenced ‘exploration’ playground at Whites Hill Reserve is enormous, with a great layout that includes a wide variety of play equipment suitable for kids of all ages and abilities. Little explorers will enjoy digging in the sand on the stationary diggers, playing with the spouts and troughs in the water play area, or bouncing on the rockers.

Read our full Whites Hill Reserve review.

Crestmead – Crestmead Park

Crestmead Park, with playgrounds and a skatepark, is a fantastic community park set on a large parcel of green space dotted with groves of mature trees and a range of play opportunities – it will keep your Brisbane Kids entertained for hours. Situated alongside the climbing structure is a toddler and normal swing, a sit-on digger, and some rubberized mounds. Ensure you pack the buckets and spades as there is plenty of sand!

Read our full Crestmead Park review.

Dutton Park – Harmony Gardens

The playground area at Harmony Gardens is called the Butterfly Magic Playspace and was created by the council in conjunction with local kids, parents and neighbours. One of the best parts of the playground is a big sandpit complete with diggers, on which budding construction workers can sit and manipulate handles to pick up and move buckets of sand. The sandpit also includes a big fort armed with buckets on chains, which your Brisbane kid can use to haul up sand, then dump it back down into the sandpit via special mini slides. 

Read our full Harmony Gardens review.

Hawthorne – Hawthorne Park

Hawthorne Park playground, also known as Livvi’s Place Brisbane, is a lovely central park with a playground that is fully fenced and accessed only by a gate. On top of this, the playground is sheltered by shade sails, which gives it two big ticks in our review. The play equipment is suited to a variety of ages and abilities, with a large sandpit with digger, climbing nets, a group swing and a scary slide (recommended for older Brisbane Kids!).

Read our full Hawthorne Park review.

Marsden – JJ Smith Memorial Park

With two separate play areas, lots of grass, a river view and toilets, JJ Smith Park is a great spot for playing and picnicking with Brisbane Kids. The sand base is perfect for the sit-on digger or bring your own spades and buckets for some sandy fun. Playgrounds, a giant lizard sculpture, a basketball half-court, and wetlands viewing deck provide plenty of entertainment for visiting families. 

Read our full review of JJ Smith Memorial Park. 

Priestdale – Underwood Park (AKA Funderwood Hollow)

There are several play spaces throughout the Underwood Park, including a unique Spielart adventure playground and a second large playground that is protected by colourful shade sails. As well as the sand digger in the second playground, the park includes a nature play section with a water pump, tree stump styled sculptures for climbing and hiding, and wooden stumps, beams and chain obstacles.  

Read our full Underwood Park review.

Springwood – Springwood Park

Springwood Park‘s playground is large, bright and colourful featuring two play forts within the same sand play-based playground. Designed for younger children, the colourful play forts feature climbing nets, tunnels, slides, fireman poles, stairs, and ladders to climb onto the playgrounds. Springwood Park playground features a popular sand digger and if you have very young children, it wouldn’t be remiss to include some buckets and spades in what you bring to extend sand play even further. 

Read our full Springwood Park review.

Stones Corner – Hanlon Park

Everything about Hanlon Park screams nature play playground. With more than 460 new trees and 43,000 new shrubs and ground cover plants recently added, kids will find plenty to explore and discover within this natural inner-city oasis. From the large, grassed expanses found throughout the park to the sandpit diggers, wooden beam climbing stack, water play pump and pebbled river canal in the adventure playground, the park offers plenty of recreational fun for Brisbane kids and families.

Read our full Hanlon Park review.

Thornlands – Thornlands Community Park

Thornlands Community Park is like a mini fenced-in adventure land.  With a huge netted climbing structure, giant slides, quaint little cubby, water play, dinosaur dig and nature play area is just a few of its highlights – it is not hard to see why this park in Thornlands is such a huge hit for Brisbane families. Alongside the ‘dinosaur dig’ is a large sandpit rimmed with stone and wood stepping stones that houses sand diggers for more excavation opportunities. 

Read our full Thornlands Community Park review.

North Brisbane Playgrounds with Sand Diggers

Arana Hills – Hills District All Abilities Playground

Like a rainbow under the trees, The Hills District All-Abilities Playground is as inclusive as it is engaging for Brisbane Kids of all ages with a wonderfully accessible playground. Also referred to as Leslie Patrick Park, it is a fully fenced playground with several play areas. The sandpit space includes two diggers and plenty of room for building enthusiasts to create castles, moats and tracks for cars and trucks. 

Read our full Hills District All Abilities Playground review.

Brisbane CBD – Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Playground

Even though located within the bustling city, the large trees within the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens block out the city noise and leave everyone feeling tranquillity in this playground, which is great for all ages. There are many sensory activities, such as spinning hand objects, clear shapes to look through, and a sand play area with little diggers to sit and dig in the sand.

Read our full Brisbane City Botanic Gardens review.

Burpengary – CREEC All Abilities Playground

Everyone is catered for at CREEC All Abilities Playground; two-storey towers for the adventurous, boisterous climbers, and a specifically designed space for kids who prefer the quieter, introverted type of play with a variety of tactile stimuli. The smaller of the two fenced playgrounds feature a digger on a bark base.

Read our full CREEC Playground review.

Chermside West – John Goss Reserve

This unique playground and reserve are like a toddler and bigger kids’ play space paradise. Set over a large area, John Goss Reserve has different play equipment suited to Brisbane Kids across various age groups. Games of noughts and crosses are extra fun on the super-sized playing board and the sand digger is an obvious imagination play scaffold. 

Read our full John Goss Reserve review.

Mango Hill – Capestone Park

Set in a residential area, Capestone Park is like a tropical oasis, with play equipment to suit all ages. With tropical landscaping, an abundance of sand, and a water play area, it will keep busy Brisbane kids entertained. Shade sails cover some of the play equipment, which includes a basket swing, a netted spinner, a sand digger and a wall with a target on it. 

Read our full Capestone Park review.

Petrie – Sweeney Reserve

Sweeney Reserve is an expansive place to explore providing recreational opportunities for play, exercise and river access within the lush parklands of Petrie. While the partially fenced playground is not huge it features an embankment slide, spinners, nest swing and a big sandpit with a metal digger. Be sure to go for a walk around the Reserve and look up – can you spot the flying foxes (bats) and maybe even a koala?

Read our full review of Sweeney Reserve here. 

Ipswich Playgrounds with Sand Diggers

One Mile – Leichhardt Park

Leichhardt Park offers a fully fenced playground with a charming food design that’ll delight toddlers and offers plenty of space for little imaginations to run wild. Featuring two play areas, this park offers sand play (with a mini digger), fruit and veg themed imaginary play, a 30m flying fox, swings and plenty of climbing options. There are toilets too, which is always important on a day out at the park. 

Read our full review of Leichhardt Park. 

Ripley – Brooking Parklands

Brooking Park in Ripley is a climber’s paradise, with multiple options for exercising those arms in legs in a range of adventure play equipment that will make the bigger kids happy. The most exciting feature is the large climbing frame in the park’s centre, with various nets and platforms to keep them on the move. There are swings, a see-saw, and sand diggers for the younger playground adventurers.

Read our full Brooking Parklands review.

Map of Playgrounds with Sand Diggers

To help you find a playground with sand diggers we have provided this handy, interactive map to assist you. Have fun digging!

For more playground inspiration, check out our guide Best Ninja Warrior Playgrounds or our guide for other transport attractions in Brisbane.

Fairy Playground Features: Magical Forest

Other Playground Features:

• Climbing equipment galore!
• Rope nets
• Balance beams
• Cliff climbers
• Tunnels
• Ledges to climb and balance upon
• Tunnel slide
• Toddler’s wide slide
• Play base of rubber soft fall and bark
• Hand rings
• Unfenced playground
• Scooter track
• Covered and uncovered picnic tables
• BBQs
• Accessible toilets
• Concreted walking paths
• Basketball half-court
• Grassy areas
• Fenced dog park
• Car park and street parking

Address: Batten Street in Kedron

Please read our full review of Bradbury Park (The Magical Forest) here.

 

Garth Webb Park Playground, Camp Hill

Garth Webb Park – Photo Credit: Playscape Creations

The newly renovated Garth Webb Park Playground features all the usual play equipment children love to explore with a distinct fairytale theme running throughout.

A beautifully hand-carved fairy door is one of its central features, as are the delightful fairy stools.  Each stool is inlaid with a beautiful resin fairy scene.  To encourage discovery through the space, several hide and seek Animal-themed medallions have been concealed throughout the play items as well.

Fairy Playground Features: Hand-carved fairy doors and stools with fairy scenes.

Other Playground Features:

• Climbing towers 
• Slide
• Sensory panels
• Bark Base
• Fairy doors
• Stools
• Swing
• Seesaw
• Animal-themed medallions
• BBQs
• On-street parking
• Unfenced
• No toilets

Address: 127 Kennington Road, Camp Hill

Here is a review of Garth Webb Park.

Hidden World Playground, Fitzgibbon

The Hidden World Playground in Fitzgibbon may reside on a relatively unremarkable suburban road, but that is where the “boring” ends. This northside playground, filled with bright and colourful play equipment that features giant caterpillars, half-buried dragons, and other mystical creatures, is the perfect environment for would-be fairies to play.

We also recommend checking out the manhole cover and the mystery surrounding this spectacular space- the truth is out there! 

Fairy Playground Features: Fairy Castle-like fort, mystical creatures, gnome, buried dragon

Other Playground Features:

• Unfenced Playground
• Accessible toilets
• Sand-base (can get hot in the heat of the day)
• Multi-level wooden forts, swings (including standard, toddler and nest swing), slides
• Spinning bucket, 3-way springer, sway Fun (multi-user, all-inclusive glider)
• Wheelchair carousel, climbing structures, musical elements
• Sheltered picnic tables and BBQ facilities and rubbish bins
• Fenced dog off-leash park
• On and off-street parking

Address: Roghan Road, Fitzgibbon

Civosity Park

Not your usual playground set up, Civosity Park is an enchanting garden that offers plenty of nature and imaginative play opportunities for Brisbane kids. The play garden features a small creek, mini bridges, and plenty of enchanting decorations along the way, including giant mushrooms, fluttering butterflies and a playful platypus.

At night the garden transforms into an illuminated magical forest, lit by well-placed coloured fairy lights.

Enchanted Forest Playground, Ashgrove

The Enchanted Forest is a popular park for local families, boasting musical toadstools with slides, swings, climbing nets, and fort-style constructions. 

This park gives kids the backdrop to any imaginative play world they would like to enter. There is the fairytale castle climbing fort and a witch’s store complete with the cauldron, spider webs, pumpkins and more – perfect for creating their own spells and potions.  The magical toadstools and forested environment make this an ideal fairytale playground in Brisbane for birthday parties.

Like any tree dense playground in Brisbane, always bring some insect repellent. 

Apex Park, Ormiston

Apex Park has so many wonderful features that will inspire a child’s imagination.  The small Gumnut house area off to one side is perfect for little ones who want to pretend they live in a magical forest land of fairies and woodland creatures.  With giant ladybugs and dragonfly slides complete with a wooden log seat and letterbox, these whimsical offerings are rare in a suburban playground like this. The park is covered by shade sails and features flying fox, sandpit, nature play space, bike pump track, multi-sport half court and so much more!  

Bray Farm Park Playground

• No toilets
• Multistorey playground fort with slides
• swings and climbing net
• Covered picnic table 
• On street parking

Address: Riverbreeze Estate on Rivermint Street, Griffin

Please read our full review of Bray Farm Park

Funderwood Hollow

• Toilets
• A unique Spielart adventure playground
• Additional play features in the wider Underwood Park
• Shady
• Playground shelters and BBQs
• Off street parking
• Off leash dog park

Address: Underwood Park is located on Underwood Road in Priestdale.

Play spaces that spark imaginative play in children is something that our team at Brisbane Kids love. If you are looking for more playgrounds that we think foster this you may also be interested in:

Themed-Playgrounds

Urban Play’s Best Brisbane Playgrounds

Urban Play’s Best Inner Brisbane Playgrounds

Riverside Green

Riverside Green, Southbank

Ken Fletcher Park, Tennyson

Chalk Street Park (Vera Canale Park), Lutwyche

Fernwood Park, Taigum

Sir John Chandler Park, Indooroopilly

Urban Play’s Best South-West Brisbane and Ipswich Playgrounds

Ripley Adventure Park

Spring Mountain Lagoon Park, Spring Mountain

Flagstone Adventure Playground, Undullah

Tucker Family Park, Bellbird Park

Robelle Domain, Springfield

Orion, Springfield

Hilltop Adventure Park, Collingwood Park

Ripley Adventure Park, South Ripley

Urban Play’s Best South Brisbane Playgrounds

Calamvale District Park

Thrush Street Park, Inala

D.M. Henderson Park, MacGregor

Homestead Park, Shailer Park

O’Gorman Street Park, Alexandra Hills

Buxton Park, Yarrabilba

Yugarapul Park, Sunnybank

Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme

Hilltop Park, Ormeau Hills

Whites Hill Recreation Reserve, Whites Hill

Calamvale District Park, Calamvale

Urban Play’s Best North Brisbane Playground

Amity Park

Ridgeview Park, Narangba

Spinnaker Park, Newport

The Green, Carseldine

Summerstone, Morayfield

Amity Park, Narangba 

Lemke Park, Albany Creek

Along with Urban Play’s impressive list of best Brisbane playgrounds, you might also be interested in checking out our list of the Best Brisbane Playgrounds.

Who are Urban Play?

Flagstone Adventure Park

Urban Play has grown into one of the most reputable playground suppliers in the Australian market, completing over 8,000 play and fitness spaces. By no means your average playgrounds, the company’s designs are quite often mind-blowing to behold, with their themed elements, creative builds and towering constructions an easy marker.  

With a base in Brisbane, the company’s focus on play value, creativity, sustainability, inclusivity and innovation is clear to see, with their quality products developed to withstand our harsh Australian climate and create happy and healthy communities.

Urban Play – The best playground designers in Queensland?

Orion Playground

It’s a big call, but from a team who have reviewed A LOT of playgrounds over the years, it is one we are happy to make for us. Their list of awards may support this, but if you head to any of their playgrounds, you will know what we mean.  

Built from the ground up, the team states they relish the challenge of turning ideas into concepts and sketches into reality – and we believe them! The quality of their materials and equipment is unmistakable, and they take great pride in creating unique areas of play that not only spark imagination but offer challenging and adventurous play for all age groups.

Although many of their playgrounds feature elements like giant, twisting metal slides and sky-high netted rope bridges, safety is paramount and children can be challenged without concern. It’s not only these extensive features that we love, though. Their playgrounds are usually themed, and the adorable abstract constructions and characters woven into the space make imaginative play a big factor for the kids.

North Lakes Town Park Playgrounds

North Lakes Town Park at Lake Eden is lucky to feature three playgrounds, all with their own unique twist. As you walk around the lake on the designated paths you will come across the playgrounds, so be sure to stop, rest and play.

There was a small playground near the cafe and toilets, but it has been removed. 

Main Playground (Memorial Drive)

In December 2023, North Lakes Town Park at Lake Eden received an upgrade and was lucky enough to score a new main playground and some extra car parking spaces. 

A commanding green and yellow play tower is the focal point of this playground, with children invited to clamber, scramble and climb their way to the top. After a look at the lake from the lofty heights, they can then slip down the twisty, yellow tunnel slide.

Two small in-ground trampolines will amuse the bouncers, while a toddler and standard swing (with lovely views of the lake), will entertain those looking for a more serene activity.

Beside the big tower is a smaller toddler tower with low-to-ground play panels, and a small slide, which is accessed by steps. Soft fall base surrounds the play equipment, which means no dirty feet and clothes from tan bark!

Kids (or adults) can use their arm muscles to push the play water pump and watch as the water flows into the small concrete area below. If you are barefoot, you may even like to splash about in this area.

Playground #2 (Lochside Drive)

If you leave the main park and head right (away from the North Lakes Hotel), you will enjoy a nice walk before coming to the second playground. This play area is probably more suited to small children, though there is a supernova (spinning disc) which is always fun for the bigger kids.

A small play structure with climbing opportunities, a slide and swings is ideal for toddlers and has a tan park base.

Covered picnic tables and BBQ’s are located beside this play area, so if you are stopping for a snack or picnic this is a great spot.

Playground #3 (Finnegan Drive)

Further around the path, heading toward the hotel is the third playground. Though not large, this playground still contains a slide, climbing opportunities and a little track rider (hand-held flying fox).  

BBQ’s, drinking fountain and covered picnic tables are situated beside this playground, so adults can have a rest while keeping a close eye on the kiddies at play.

All playgrounds are unfenced, and some sections of the path pass close to nearby roads, so caution with children should always be exercised. As there is also a large body of water, which is mainly unfenced, a close eye should be kept on children at all times. 

Exercise Opportunities at North Lakes Town Park

North Lakes Town Park at Lake Eden is popular among exercising locals, especially early in the mornings, late afternoons and on the weekends.

The path around the lake is just over 1.67km long, though there is a section where you can take a slight short cut. On the Lochside Drive side an outdoor fitness equipment station can be found with several pieces of equipment and ground markings for exercise opportunities.

The path around the lake is part of the 10.000 steps program, with signage posted at regular intervals so you can keep track of how far you have walked. Park Run also takes place around the lake on Saturday mornings at 7am and is very popular. I would suggest planning your visit outside this time as the area is very busy! 

Yoga, personal training sessions or groups of friends can often be seen using the paths and grounds around Lake Eden. It is a picturesque place to exercise, especially with the added benefit of having a nice cold drink at the Boardwalk café afterwards.

Imagination Factor at North Lakes Town Park

The wildlife explorer among the family will love a visit to Lake Eden. Pop on a hat, grab the binoculars and maybe even a birdwatching book and set out to be an explorer at the lake. What wildlife will you find? Frequent dwellers at Lake Eden include black swans, ducks, eels, turtles, water dragons and a variety of other water birds. You may even spot a possum, koala or snake too! Wildlife signage can be found around the lake to help you identify what you are looking at. But please, DO NOT feed the wildlife.

Of course, games like tiggy and hide and seek are always popular too, whether you are at the playgrounds or enjoying one of the lawn areas.

Accessibility at North Lakes Town Park

Accessible parking spaces are located near the North Lakes Hotel, with wide, concrete walking paths encircling the whole lake. There are segments of boardwalk/wooden bridges, but they are still suitable for prams, walking aides and wheelchairs.

Covered seating options and water fountains are located at regular spots around the lake, with accessible toilets located beside North Lakes Hotel. Some of the play equipment receives natural shade from trees during certain times of the day, but other areas can get hot, so consider this when planning your visit. 

Unfortunately, there is no specific all-abilities play equipment at any of the playgrounds at Lake Eden.

North Lakes Town Park Features

• Three unfenced playgrounds
  • Slides
  • Climbing opportunities
  • Swings
  • In-ground trampolines
  • Play water pump
  • Track rider
  • Supernova
• Accessible toilets
• Walking paths/Park Run circuit
• BBQs
• Drinking fountains
• Picnic shelters
• Rubbish bins
• Café and restaurant at North Lakes Hotel
• On and off-street parking

Another great playground nearby is Aurora Boulevard Park.

What We Love About North Lakes Town Park

Our family loves visiting Lake Eden regularly as it is a location that ticks all the boxes. We usually start with a walk around the lake, stopping off at any or all of the playgrounds which are dotted around the lake.

There is plenty of shade and lots to see on your walk. Packing a picnic blanket and having morning tea under the shade of a tree, overlooking the lake is always a nice activity too.

How to Get to North Lakes Town Park

North Lakes Town Park at Lake Eden is located at Memorial Drive, North Lakes.

Public transport options nearby include the North Lakes Bus terminal, a short 400m walk away. On and off-street parking surrounds the lake, particularly on Lakeside Drive and Lochside Drive.

More Photos of North Lakes Town Park

Lower Moora Park playground

This playground by the bay is one to put on your ‘Playground Bucket List.’ Its forts, slides, wooden carvings and seaside setting make it the perfect destination for hours of family fun. Confident climbers will enjoy exploring the many levels of the playground.

The smaller children can amuse themselves in the play area underneath the fort or get busy in the sand area, where there is plenty of space for digging or playing on the colourful animal structures and spring rockers. There is also a separate fort perfect for toddlers, which includes a slide and a place to express themselves musically via the instruments.

It is not just the playground that is appealing. The immediate surroundings of Lower Moora Park make it easy to spend a whole day in the area. Nearby Shorncliffe Pier stretches out into Bramble Bay and is perfect for enjoying a leisurely stroll, a spot of fishing or even as a venue for family/wedding photos.

Picnic spots under shady trees are aplenty, with magnificent views of the Bay and Pier. If you haven’t brought your own picnic, there is a nearby café, ‘Café on the Park’, just a short stroll up the hill, where you can purchase coffee, fish and chips and other snacks.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Lower Moora Park, then head up the hill to Moora Park, where there are swings, peaceful shady gardens, rotundas and great views overlooking Bramble Bay.

Imagination Factor

Brisbane Kids can let their imaginations and their legs run wild as they race through the maze of interconnecting forts and bridges and slip down one of the many slides scattered throughout Lower Moora Park. The park lends itself to an epic game of hide ‘n’ seek which will keep the children occupied for a very long time.  

Little ones can explore nature whilst also playing at this fabulous playground. Many of the large poles supporting the forts are adorned with colourful wood carvings showcasing a variety of birds, animals and sea creatures. Perhaps they could pretend to be pirates, spotting ships in the distance, or act like a prince/princess in a castle, either way, it is a wonderful setting for imaginative play.

If they happen to tire of the playground, why not take them down to the shore of Bramble Bay where they can build sandcastles, collect shells or paddle in the calm waters or you can take a nice pram friendly walk along the coastline.

Accessibility

If you can get a park in the lower carpark, access to Lower Moora Park is via a flat, concrete path, though the playground is not overly suitable for those with special needs. Most of the play area has a rubber base, though there is a lot of uneven ground, so care should be taken. Nearby toilet facilities include a disabled toilet.

Large established trees and shade sails provide plenty of cover over most of the playground, and the proximity to the water provides a lovely sea breeze. With that in mind, the closeness of this unfenced playground to the Bay means carers need to be extra vigilant. The size and layout of the playground can also prove troublesome when trying to keep tabs on your little ones, especially if you have multiple children at the park.

Lower Moora Park features

• • Unfenced playground
  • Swings, including a toddler swing
  • Multiple Slides
  • Interconnecting wooden forts
  • Climbing nets, ladders and a small climbing wall
  • Sand play area
  • Sand and rubber matting base
  • Shady park due to shade sails and large trees
  • A variety of seating options surrounding the playground
  • Bike/Walking Paths
  • Outdoor shower
  • Water Bubbler
  • Shaded picnic tables
  • BBQ’s
  • Public toilets, including disabled facilities
  • Free off-street parking (additional parking available further up the hill)
  • This is a setting offering the ideal location for family photos in Brisbane.

  Lower Moora Park is located just off Park Parade, Shorncliffe. 

  A popular Playground nearby is Decker Park, offering more fort play and beachside fun

Things To Do at Northshore Riverside Park

Northshore Riverside Park is so much more than just a simple playground for kids to enjoy. Designed for the whole family, the space is also home to a small secluded beach, a café, a boardwalk, cycling and walking trails, grassy fields, art installations, picnic spaces, and more. 

Peaceful, relaxing, and with gorgeous riverside views to boot – below are just some of the things you can do when visiting Northside Riverside Park with your family.

Pirate-themed Playground

One of the first things you will see as you enter Northshore Riverside Park is the sweet little pirate-themed playground. Shaded by two generous shade sails, the playground is perfect for young children and toddlers.

A small ship-shaped climbing fort includes rope ladders, a climbing wall and a viewing platform. There is also a circular swing and a small whale structure submerged in the sandy base for kids to climb on.

We love this park for its simplicity and imaginative-play possibilities. Although it is not fenced, there are generous grassed spaces surrounding it for parents to sit on a picnic blanket and supervise the kids. 

As it is not a big park either, its size makes it easy for little ones to play safely and for parents to see where they are at all times. Young kids will love pretending they are pirates, sailing the open seas and encountering various whales and sea animals on their journey!

Northshore Riverside Beach

Only a few metres away from the playground is a little secluded stretch of beach that most families would not even know existed! Be sure to bring the kids’ swimmers, buckets, spades and towels too, as the wide and sandy beach is perfect for sand castle creations and sand digging.

A few art installations stand tall along the beach; their smooth frames and giant holes making perfect additional play structures that our Brisbane kids loved climbing over and through!

Although there are no actual shaded spots on the beach itself, the tree-filled park directly opposite it offers many places to set up if you don’t have a tent. Covered gazebos and picnic tables also overlook the beach area and can be used as a base for families moving between the parklands and beach for the day. 

Playscape

You will find the Playscape parkland at the end of the park and directly behind the northern end of the beach. A ‘playscape’ is a landscape that has been designed for you to play on and interact with. This interpretative nature playground includes a long, winding dry river creek bed and numerous art installations designed to be climbed on. 

Designed by indigenous artist, Fiona Foley, the playscape is inspired by mangrove habitats and created with the natural vegetation and ecosystem of the Hamilton shoreline in mind. 

Kids can discover giant seashells, mangrove pods, and humungous Pandanus seeds. Oh, and keep an eye out for the original wharf timber blocks that have been incorporated and displayed here too.

Northshore’s Picnic and BBQ Areas

Tucked into the playscape area are numerous covered seating areas and BBQs. A large, open field of flat grass, as well as the undulating grassy hills surrounding them, are perfect for both kicking a footy and also for setting up a picnic.

Northshore Cycleway

Meandering through Northshore Riverside Park are the wide open pathways that make up part of the Northshore Cycleway. The beautiful, tree-lined pathway runs for 14km alongside Remora Road, Macarthur Avenue and Hercules Street. This is Brisbane’s first integrated cycle track, making Northshore Hamilton a desirable destination for cyclists.  

Families can either ride along the cycleway, or the kids can pack in their scooters and/or bikes and ride along as the adults stroll along the promenade, which winds throughout the park and past all of the main attractions.

River Room Café

Another huge drawcard to Northshore Riverside Park is the on-site River Room Café. Centrally located within the park and directly opposite the CityCat terminal, this unique river and beach-side café proudly serves the freshest food available, prepared daily and sourced from local producers.

Enjoy stunning views of the Brisbane River as you perch up against the bi-folded windows, or grab a takeaway snack and coffee and sit outside in the parkland to soak it all in.

You can check out the café’s full breakfast and lunch menu here. Kids are also well catered for, with a choice of meals for $12.90 that all come with chips and veggie sticks too.

Other Northshore Attractions

Eat Street Markets

When most people hear the words Northshore Hamilton, one dining experience usually springs to mind first. The Eat Street Markets, hidden inside the vibrant shipping container city of Eat Street Northshore, is a foodie heaven filled with culinary delights from across the world and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. 

Coming to life with a mix of twinkling lights, enticing aromas and groovy music every weekend, the huge range of food and dessert trucks mean your entire family can be happily catered for here.

Situated south of Northshore Riverside Park on the Hamilton Shoreline, you can read our detailed review of the Eat Street Markets.

Northshore Traditional and Beach Tennis Centre

Just outside the entrance to Northshore Riverside Park is a long row of traditional and beach tennis courts. Beach Tennis Brisbane has transformed the Northshore Tennis Park into the official HQ for beach tennis in Brisbane. This exciting sport combines the thrill of beach volleyball, the finesse of tennis, and the agility of badminton, all in one enjoyable and energising game. 

Hercules Street Park Playground

Hercules Street Park Playground is an incredible design effort featuring a multi-level, industrial-themed container play structure with a four-metre-high tube-slide, as well as a traditional swing to cater to children of all ages and abilities.

A large grassy area separates the main playground from a ball game area. There is a bounce wall with a half-court basketball court, a wall with targets painted on wickets, and tennis markings. Next to the bounce wall is a table tennis table (BYO bats and balls) and exercise equipment. 

There is also an intelligent water play area with synchronised programs and lighting at night to create a family-friendly space. You can read our full review of Hercules Street Park Playground here.

Northshore Riverside Park features

• Unfenced playground
• Accessible toilets
• Some play equipment under shade sails
• Beach
• Promenade
• Bike and walking paths and boardwalks
• BBQs
• CityCat terminal (Northshore Hamilton)
• Car park, ferry terminal (Northshore Hamilton)
• Café/Kiosk
• Outdoor fitness/exercise station
• Picnic area/shelter
• Grassy spaces
• Riverbed

How to Get to Northshore Riverside Park

Northshore Riverside Park is located 305 Macarthur Avenue, Northshore, Hamilton.

Located only 6km from the city centre and on the Brisbane River, Northshore Riverside Park is probably one of the most well-connected and easy places to get to. 

With its own CityCat terminal (Northshore Hamilton) gifting you direct access from the water, the park also has a generous and free carpark that makes driving in with all your gear for the day a simple option too.

If you love to ride, a riverside bike path can take you from the Brisbane CBD to Northshore Brisbane.

More Photos of Northshore Riverside Park

Bunnings Playgrounds

There is a fenced playground in many of the larger Bunnings stores spread throughout Queensland. The playground is usually located next to the Bunnings café and close to the garden section.

Most Bunnings playgrounds are of a similar design, featuring a contained climbing fort with a series of connected tunnels upon a rubber soft fall base. A viewing bubble is often found at the top of the fort, shaped like a spaceship. Here, children can wave to mum and dad down below.

A spiral tunnel slide adds a bit of excitement to the experience as kids swirl their way back down.

Most Bunnings playgrounds will also have some ground-level game panels to interact with; these vary from store to store. Accessible toilets can usually be found close to the playground and café.

Bunnings’ playgrounds are fenced and fitted with child-safe locks; however, parents or guardians must supervise children in the playground at all times as they are not supervised by Bunnings staff. The playgrounds are recommended for children aged 4-12 years old.

Bunnings Hardware Café

Larger stores which house a playground will typically also contain a café. The café has barista-made coffee and other hot drinks. Cold bottled beverages are also available.

A selection of pre-prepared food items like wraps, quiches, cakes and cookies can be purchased. Tables and chairs provide a comfortable place to eat.

Some Bunnings stores even provide a selection of board games to use in the café.

Kids D.I.Y. Workshops

Kids can have fun on the weekends or during the school holidays and get creative at one of the free D.I.Y. workshops for children.

Hosted at Bunnings, your Brisbane Kids can join the fun and make exciting projects such as toolboxes, decorated calico tote bags or magic wands. Bunnings offers activities of different themes that regularly change, ranging from garden and woodworking to mosaics and recycled art and craft. 

There are cooking classes for little chefs, while junior gardeners can learn how to plant vegetable seeds to start their own edible gardens.

Workshops are also regularly held before special events like Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

These workshops are ideal for most children aged between 3-12 years old, though we recommend checking the fine print before you attend. A parent or guardian must accompany the child during the workshop and remain in-store.

How to Book a Bunnings Workshop

If you want to browse workshops and/or make a booking, visit the Bunnings website and search for your local store. From the store information tab, select “More details,” then scroll down the page. Under the heading “Find & book a workshop or activity,” you can search for what is available in your area. Please note that spaces in all classes are limited.

Kids D.I.Y. videos

If you cannot visit a Bunnings store, let your kids get creative with their own D.I.Y. project at home. Bunnings has a selection of simple kids’ craft and D.I.Y. videos available for free on their website. There’s something to suit all ages and skill levels. So, your next family weekend project may just be a click away.

Find Your Nearest Bunnings Warehouse

With over 500 Bunnings Warehouse stores in Australia, there is bound to be one near you. To locate your closest Bunnings, visit the Bunnings website. 

More Photos of Bunnings Playgrounds