Image © CassandraJoy
The Poppy Kettle Playground, Geelong is a lovely playground set on the Waterfront, overlooking Corio Bay. It is close to Cunningham Pier. There are toilets close by. On weekends you can even buy a gelati from the gelati van which is usually parked near the playground.
Image © CassandraJoy
There is lots of different equipment there. From swings to slides to a pyramid climbing net there is play equipment for everybody. The Poppy Kettle Playground has equipment for all ages. It will challenge the children with the pyramid climbing net and with lots of different activities to slide and swing and spin on.There are plenty of rocks to climb on, with the scooting and skating area just beside the playground. Little ones will like to rock in the wooden boat, or climb the sea dragon.
Image © CassandraJoy
You can get to the playground a few different ways. If you like walking, you can park at Eastern Park and walk to the playground. Or you can park at Rippleside or St Helen's and walk to the playground. There is parking close to the playground, near the skate park and in front of the playground (well at the back of the playground I guess, as the front of the playground faces Corio Bay). However parking is usually quite hard to come by, unless you're very lucky.
Image © CassandraJoy
In the image above you can see the Skate Park precinct for the older children in the background.
If your family likes riding bikes, you can also park further away and ride to the playground. There is parking in the city and parking is free on weekends. I often find that it's hard to get a park closer to the city and the main waterfront area. I don't mind a walk from Eastern Park. For some families with little ones it can be a big day if they have to walk too far to get to the playground.
Image © CassandraJoy
The Geelong Waterfront is a great place to spend a day out. You can take the children to the Poppy Kettle Playground, then find somewhere close by for lunch. There are lots of restaurants along the waterfront. Then you can head back to the playground or you can take the children to Eastern Beach for a swim on a hot day, or a ride on the Ferris Wheel if it is in town. You could also take a walk along the Bollard Trail and see how many rabbits you can spot on the bollards. You could even have a ride on The Carousel.
Image © CassandraJoy
For older children, there is the Youth Precinct skate park close to the Poppy Kettle Playground. The older children can skate or ride the different parts of the skate park, or play a bit of basketball. I have seen one or two basketball hoops there.
Image © CassandraJoy
You can head to the Poppy Kettle Playground from sunrise to sunset. There are spectacular views across Corio Bay. The playground is suitable for children from toddlers to teenagers. The parents might enjoy the bronze statues of the Poppy Kettle people, dotted around the rocks.
Image © CassandraJoy
