The northern beaches area has some of the most spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, great parks, plenty of cafes and restaurants and also some of the most awesome playgrounds, which offer not only lots of fun for the little ones, but also a relaxing place for parents.
North Harbour Reserve PlaygroundCondamine Street, Balgowlah
North Harbour Reserve is a stunning spot with amazing water views. It has a shaded playground for younger children, half basketball court and a small skateboard, scooter, bike track around the play area. It includes two double electric BBQs, seating and tables, large trees which provide plenty of shade as well as plenty of grassed area. Right across the road is a small kiosk for ice creams, snacks and coffee.
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North Harbour Reserve & Playground
Pittwater Road, Collaroy
The southern end of the beach has an enclosed, shaded playground with play equipment for children from 1 to 8 years of age. Next to the playground is open green space, where older children can run and play. There are several BBQs and tables inside the enclosed playground area, but if you are not in the mood for cooking, grab a snack or lunch in one of the takeaway shops or cafes across the road. Showers and toilets are located nearby. During summer older children can swim at the patrolled beach and for younger children, there is a great rockpool.
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Collaroy Beach Playground
Mona Street, Mona Vale
Excellent park for the whole family. A large enclosed playground with play equipment for young and older children, this playground has recently been upgraded and includes a dry creek bed/adventure trail which contains stone carvings of sea creatures such as crabs, fish, dolphins and starfish, flying fox, space net, snakes and ladders, spica poles and spring rockers. Flying Fox Café is right next to the play area so parents can relax and enjoy a quiet coffee or lunch. You will often see pelicans wandering nearby. Several BBQs and tables with shade are located just outside the enclosed area, as is a great bike/scooter track.
Winnererremy Bay Playground
North Steyne Road, Manly
This enclosed and shaded playground has recently been upgraded with new play equipment. There is a small car park right next to the playground as well as a toilet block. On the weekend parking can be difficult, but you can generally find a parking spot in one of the sidestreets or on the beach. Right across the road is a takeaway shop and a small corner store which sells snacks and ice creams. The park has a pathway, so children can ride their bikes and scooters, but keep an eye on younger children as the reserve is right next to Manly Lagoon, which is fringed by tall grass.
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Manly Lagoon Reserve & Playground
Stuart Street, Manly
The park has everything one needs for the perfect day out. You can swim at Little Manly Beach or at Colin's flat, go fishing off the point, enjoy a BBQ or a picnic and for children, there is a great shaded playground, lots of grassy areas to play on and a footpath for riding scooters or bikes or roller blading. Little Manly Beach Café serves not only coffee and ice cream but also sandwiches and hot lunches.
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Clontarf Playground
Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf
Clontarf Reserve is one of Sydney's hidden treasures and a must visit for the whole family. The park has an undercover, shaded playground, which is suitable for children 0-12 years of age, plenty of seating and several BBQs as well as water taps, a bubbler and outdoor shower. There is plenty of parking - paid and unpaid (within a short walking distance). In summer it is perfect for swimming, as there are no waves and suitable for young children with its swimming enclosure and at low tide shallow water.
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Clontarf Reserve & Playground
Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a popular family spot as it offers several playgrounds, parks and also green open spaces suitable for simply kicking the ball, flying kites or playing cricket. There is a surf beach where older children can go boogie boarding and also a protected beach with no waves, suitable for younger children. BBQs, tables and amenities are also available in most spots. Great cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, so plenty of choice for lunch or coffee.
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Palm Beach Playground
Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen
The playground is state of the art and caters for all ages. It has a grotto, adventure trail which contains stone carvings of mythical creatures, space net combination, spica poles, supa nova and fenced, shaded junior play area. BBQ facilities are also available and there are several tables as well as plenty of grassy areas. There are no cafes within short walking distance so bring drinks and snacks.
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Berry Reserve Playground
Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
Berry Reserve has an enclosed and shaded playground. BBQs, tables and benches are located nearby and seats are also scattered along the entire reserve. Large trees provide plenty of shade. Children can feed ducks, fly a kite, ride their bikes, scooters or skateboards along the foreshore and there is a basketball court for older children. Parents can grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafes.
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Dee Why Beach Playground
Griffin Road, Dee Why
Dee Why Beach has had a major upgrade over the past 18 months and has become a very popular family spot. The southern part of the beach features a great enclosed playground, with plenty of tables and seating, making it ideal for families with young children. Nearby is also a rockpool with showers and toilets. Behind the surf club is a large carpark and another smaller playground and an oval, where kids can play cricket or just kick the ball. You will also find plenty of cafes and restaurants and a gelato bar which serves not only delicious ice cream, but also coffee.
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Dee Why Beach Playground
