Looking to get out of the house and into nature with the kids these school holidays? There are many urban parks offering family-friendly, accessible facilities that are sure to offer hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Parks Victoria is delivering millions of dollars of investment to build new and upgraded facilities at parks and reserves in Melbourne. These improvements will provide people with more opportunities to connect with nature within an urban setting and support the health and wellbeing of local communities.
Here is a round up some of their favourite urban parks to take the kids to these school holidays. From nature-based all-abilities playscapes that are sure to inspire play and imagination, to parent-friendly changerooms, ample carparking and accessible toilets, pathways and picnic areas, these stunning green spaces are the perfect place to get outside, get active and enjoy the benefits of time spent in nature with your loved ones.
Before you head out on your adventure, be sure to check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for any changes in conditions that may impact your visit.
1. OLINDA PRECINCT
Located in the Dandenong Ranges just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Olinda Precinct offers an expansive playspace, picnic facilities and stunning views for those seeking a quick escape to the hills.
Designed for children of all ages and abilities, the nature-based playspace provides hours of imaginative play for families. Picnic facilities and toilets are also available to provide the comforts needed for a fun family outing, and you can even bring your four-legged family members along too, with a dedicated dog-off lead area and a series of on-lead walking trails available (though please note, dogs are not allowed in the playspace).
Visitors can also look forward to further improvements at the precinct, with upgrades to the car parking and visitor facilities planned. A new food and beverage offering is also being explored. View plans for these upgrades and keep up to date on project progress at the Olinda Precinct Project page.
All-abilities accessible playspace: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Picnic facilities: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes (in designated areas only, dogs are not permitted in the playspace)
Food and/or beverage offering: Yes
Mobile food vendor on site Wednesday – Sunday
More visitor information HERE
2. JELLS PARK
Further down the mountain at Jells Park, parents can find not one, but two all-abilities playscapes to entertain the kids for hours.
The accessible nature-based playscape at Yabbie Hill has been custom built to accommodate adventurous kids of all ages and abilities. Young explorers can climb, hide, swing, and slide across a giant yabbie, sprawling spiderweb, rocky pinnacles and lush green forests.
The second playground at Jells Park East features traditional play equipment including swings, slides and a sand pit, along with contemporary nature-based elements such as wooden climbing equipment and a huge blue-tongue lizard to play on!
For the sleep-deprived parents, Madeline’s Café offers great coffee and something to eat, and there are plenty of accessible pathways suitable for prams and bikes if you’re looking to stretch your legs (and a project to deliver new shared-use loop trails on the way!).
Jells Park also has a Changing Places toilet facility (which requires a special MLAK key to access) next to the visitor centre for visitors with high-support needs and their carers.
All-abilities accessible playspace: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Picnic facilities: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, on lead
Food and/or beverage offering: Yes
More visitor information HERE
3. WATTLE PARK
Tucked away in bushland in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, families can take a break among the trees at Wattle Park. Kids of all ages can enjoy the recently opened nature-based playscape, which has been designed to cater for all abilities. It features play structures including a double-storey tram fort, play domes, swings, spinners, slides and sensory play, which are wheelchair-accessible with assistance. They’re sure to be immersed in imaginative play for hours!
A 3.25km trail loop trail suitable for prams has also recently been upgraded at the park, and new barbecues, picnic shelters and tables have also been installed, providing the comforts needed for a great day out with the family.
All-abilities accessible playspace: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Picnic facilities: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, on lead
Food and/or beverage offering: Yes
A kiosk will open at the Wattle Park Chalet during school holidays.
More visitor information HERE
4. SEAWINDS GARDENS
If you’re chasing a seaside escape (with kids in tow) then be sure to treat yourself to a visit to Seawinds Gardens. Perched at the top of Arthur’s Seat State Park, take a stroll along one of the pram-accessible walking tracks through delightful exotic and indigenous gardens, and stop by Bay Lookout to take in breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay with the sea breeze on your face – 305 metres above sea level.
The gardens are popular for picnics, with picnic facilities and toilets available next to the car park. All-abilities access is available to facilities and walking tracks, and there’s a great nature-based playground for the kids to explore.
All-abilities accessible playspace: N0
Toilets: Yes
Picnic facilities: Yes
Dogs allowed: No
Food and/or beverage offering: No
More visitor information HERE
5. BRIMBANK PARK
For those further west, the playscape at Brimbank Park is a haven for creative play that will inspire children and families to connect with nature. The playscape includes swings for younger and older children of all-abilities, an accessible sandpit, a build-it-yourself cubby house and signage in Braille and Auslan throughout.
The park also has an extensive network of walking tracks to explore and is great for bird watching, with parrots, Galahs, large wetland birds and birds of prey calling this beautiful bushland home.
There are several picnic areas in Brimbank Park to choose from, complete with barbecues and picnic tables – many of which are new thanks to improvements delivered as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. Upgraded toilets and shelters are also set to be installed in the coming months.
For a quick fix, you can also stop by Lumbar & Co for a coffee, sweet treat or delicious healthy lunch.
All-abilities accessible playspace: YES
Toilets: Yes
Picnic facilities: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, on lead
Food and/or beverage offering: Yes
More visitor information HERE
6. WERRIBEE PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN
If you’re looking for something a little different to playgrounds and picnic areas, look no further than Werribee Park Community Garden. Located in Werribee Park on Bunurong Country, the garden offers an immersive experience for families of all ages and abilities, with veggie patches growing seasonal produce and friendly chickens who don’t mind scratching around at your feet while you and the kids explore.
The community farm also has a large picnic shelter and accessible toilets, and it’s a close walk to the Werribee River Trail. If you’re feeling like stretching your legs, the trail – which is pram friendly – will lead you to some lovely spots by Werribee River, and to the park’s heritage orchard.
All-abilities accessible playspace: No
Toilets: Yes
Picnic facilities: Yes
Dogs allowed: No
Food and/or beverage offering: Yes
More visitor information HERE