When those busy little bodies are itching to get out of the house, the best place to let kids roam free is to head to the playground. Finding a park that ticks all of the boxes when it comes to safety, entertaining activities and of course something for the parents to do, can sometimes be a task unto itself.
The good news is, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds on the Central Coast. You’ve just got to know where to look. To give you a helping hand, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best playgrounds on the Central Coast so the next time you’re on the hunt you won’t have to search very far.
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1. Vera’s Water Garden
Right in the heartland of The Entrance Foreshore you’ll find Vera’s Water Garden, an aquatic wonderland for children to splash about on a hot summer’s day. Colourful fountains burst water into ankle deep water so kids can safely move about while parents look on. For drier activities there are also two playgrounds flanking the area for additional fun.
46 Marine Parade, The Entrance
2. Terrigal Rotary Park Playground
This fenced off playground in Terrigal’s Rotary Park really does provide something for the whole family. Kids will be delighted to climb along the freshly renovated jungle gym and let their imaginations run wild in the wooden pirate ship while parents can grab a coffee at the cafe, fire up the BBQ and enjoy the beautiful bushland surrounds.
Terrigal Drive, Terrigal
3. Kincumber Broadwater Park
Venture along the waterfront trail heading out of Kincumber and you’ll stumble across Broadwater Park. In terms of playground structures this one has it all – swings, a flying fox, things to climb, places to spin and everything in between. When the weather is delivering, pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon down by the water to really cap off a great little adventure.
12 Sea Breeze Avenue, Kincumber
4. Avoca Beach Playground
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more aesthetically pleasing location for a children’s playground. Tucked behind the Avoca Beach Surf Club sits a very nautically themed playground with soft sand and fenced area for kids to explore. There’s a makeshift yellow dinghy, swings, a jungle gym and some bouncy, elevated surfboards for your little ones to test their wave skills. With the rock pools nearby and great food options (you can’t go past a good fish and chis lunch) there’s plenty to do before and after the park.
Vale Avenue, Avoca Beach
5. Kurraba Oval Park
This swish playground in Berkeley Vale has spared no detail when it comes to activities, swings and jungle gyms. All of the ropes, steps, ladders and walkways have been made using really premium materials. And most importantly the ground has been laid with cushy rubber ready to protect your kids from any trips or falls. Parents of boisterous little ones will rejoice! As it is right inside a park there is a huge amount of space to safely kick a ball about or bring a scooter to explore the grounds.
18W Kurraba Parade, Berkeley Vale
6. Canton Beach Sensory Park
Let your little ones open their minds by taking them to the Canton Beach Sensory Park jam packed full of unique and interesting activities. Imaginations will jump into overdrive with musical instruments to play, large puzzles to configure, bumpy surfaces to feel, contraptions to move about and of course the classics like a swing set is on hand for kids wanting to get some height.
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Beach Parade, Toukley
7. Umina Peninsula Recreation Precinct
If you want a park that has it all, the Peninsula Recreation Precinct is your best bet at making sure everyone has a good day on your next playground adventure. If the aim of the game is to tire your active kiddies out, then the job will get done here! There are swings, a bike track, a pirate ship, a cubby house, swings, a slippery dip, a flying fox and a number of climbing nets. And for the parents you can get your caffeine hit at the cafe next door – win, win!
Umina Beach Road, Umina
8. The Liberty Playground at Saltwater Creek Reserve
This sandy playground in Long Jetty is perfect for younger kids needing a safe area for soft play. There’s plenty to keep them entertained in this fenced area with a small slippery dip, swings and stepping blocks. Oh, and it goes without saying, there’s lots and lots of sand so feel free to bring some toys of your own.
The Entrance Rd & Tuggerah Parade, Long Jetty
9. Springfield Bushlands Reserve Playground
This humble park nestled in the beautiful surrounds of the Springfield Bushland Reserve this playground has one hot ticket activity that brings people back time and time again. You simply must head here if only for the kids to enjoy the longest slippery dip on the Central Coast. There isn’t much else to boast about here but the slide will have your kids gliding for hours.
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7 Bushlands Avenue, Springfield
10. Wairakei Road Playground
Your kids will have a blast exploring this quaint playground in Wamberal and you’ll enjoy the peaceful bush location. This shady area is perfect for those wanting to keep nasty UV-rays and heat at bay – and there are also plenty of nice spots to stay for a picnic.
Wairakei Road, Wamberal
11. Ourimba ‘Dinosaur Park’
It’s official title is Bill Sohier but really, locals know it as the dinosaur park as you climb the bones of a dinosaur here. This is a great spot for toddlers, with slides, swings and flying fox suited for pre-schoolers. It’s also in the middle of the bush so plenty of green views.
Corner of Ken Cook Way and Shirley Street, Ourimbah.
12. Sun Valley, Green Point
The most anticipated playground opening of 2021 went to the multi-million dollar development Sun Valley. This sprawling park has something for every age, with flying fox, climbing frames, swings and sensory fun. There’s basketball courts that double up for bike riding, much to the dismay of teenagers trying to shoot some hoops.
 31A Bayside Dr, Green Point NSW 2251
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