Slightly tongue-in-cheek, I've been feeling a bit envious of all the 'road-trips' the other writers have been taking, so felt I would do one of my own….but with a difference!
We have the pleasure of grandparents 'day-care' once a week and with a two and a half-year-old, I am constantly on the look-out for new venues (they get bored so quickly, don't they?) to take our little man to - I've found eight, a change of scenery and venue for every day of the week, plus one!
I must add, to locate all these playgrounds, I used my SatNav in the car and as there were no street numbers given, had to be satisfied with putting in the 'centre' of the street, but in every instance, I was quickly rewarded by finding what I was looking for.
Deloraine Drive Playground, Buderim
Deloraine Drive - Image: Elaine de Wet
This children's' playground is just off the roundabout on Deloraine Drive. Beautifully maintained, gated - so the littlies can't get out - with a large variety of playground equipment to satisfy any 'boredom' issues we might have and probably one of the only playgrounds that I came across that did not permit our furry family members. Parking could be a problem as the only spot to park is on the street and being so close to a roundabout, might be precarious.
Buderim Forest Park Playground
Buderim Forest Park Playground - Image: Elaine de Wet
This is a dinky little playground in Martins Creek Road, Buderim - in a very quiet street, is beautifully maintained, and has the added bonus of the Buderim Forest Park as a backdrop, which I didn't try out on this day, but I suspect has walking paths into the Forest Park that lead from the playground. Parking availability was a breeze on the street.
Buderim Playground
Buderim Playground - Image: Elaine de Wet
This playground has a stunning parkland setting located in North Buderim Boulevard. Plenty of equipment options for the littlies and all undercover as well. What I really loved was the large grassed parkland as sometimes the little people in our lives just love to run and don't want to be inhibited by staying in one spot. Picnic tables and benches were also available so one could have an after-school/kindy picnic lunch too.
Wirreanda Park
Wirreanda Park with the magnificent Weeping Fig Trees - Image: Elaine de Wet
The magnificent Weeping Fig Trees in this park always leave one in awe - they provide a beautiful backdrop to this very popular playground on the corner of Short and King Streets in Buderim, creating a huge canopy of shade - especially for those sweltering summer days! A well-maintained park, with plenty of playground equipment options plus a 'jungle gym', which I'm sure will be a hit for the older children and will definitely ensure they also want to be outdoors. Lots of parking at the park, so one is always assured of getting a space.
Mountain Creek Playground
Cycle Tracks at Mountain Creek Road - Image: Elaine de Wet
This 'playground' is in Mountain Creek Road, Mountain Creek, but suffice it to say that even though I didn't find THE actual playground, it appears that the Sunshine Coast Council have provided beautiful pathways for cycling, walking or jogging in this area. Perhaps I had ventured into this area from the wrong side, but the street parking was a bit 'hairy', the only available parking was on a curve - a spot I would hesitate to use more than once in my lifetime. But, if you and your children are avid cyclists, perhaps you can pick up these well-maintained pathways by cycling from home.
Glenfield's Boulevard Neighbourhood Park
Glenfields Boulevard Neighbourhood Park - Image: Elaine de Wet
This is an absolutely beautiful playground with so many options, one would have to visit more than once. They have the usual playground for the littlies; a fantastic section set up with outdoor gym equipment, as well as a 'hoop' section ideal for outdoor basketball - I firmly believe that these areas would be a 'cool' spot to hang out for the older ones. Bins with black bags were available for our furry family members and benches were set up around the playground equipment so mums can sit and chat while keeping a beady eye on their offspring. I had no hassles with parking, there was plenty available on the street. A definite 'must-do' this one!
Outdoor gym equipment at Glenfields - Image: Elaine de Wet
Fenced littlies playground at Ponytail Circuit - Image: Elaine de Wet
Don't you just love the name? Makes me feel young and carefree again!
This playground is absolutely the 'cherry on top' of all playgrounds - with not one, but two magnificent play areas for our favourite little people. This park has a fenced-off area for the real littlies with under-shade seating for all the mums and a much larger second playground with a pyramid-style jungle gym, ideal for our offspring that have the climbing 'bug'. A really stunning park with a 'mums-and-bubs' class in progress, picnic areas for the whole family - it really offers a wonderful alternative to going to the beach.
Pyramid-style Jungle Gym - Image: Elaine de Wet
Frogmouth Circuit - Image: Elaine de Wet
Another small playground, with a limited amount of play equipment on display. The upside to this playground is that it's situated in a large grassed area (for all the runners) and has a wonderful picnic area. It's also in very close proximity to the Ponytail Circuit, so if one wants a bit more variety, I would suggest, a visit to Ponytail.
With school holidays just around the corner and Spring well and truly on its way, what better way to help your littlies expend some of that surplus energy in the great outdoors - I promise these are quite fabulous playgrounds!
Please note that at the time of my 'road-trip' I suspect all littlies were still at home having brekkie - hence the lack of any activity in my photos.
