We've compiled a list of Best Parks for Kids on Brisbane's Eastside (south of the river) to help you locate the perfect park for a day outdoors. Let us know if you think we've missed any!
Wynnum Wading Pool Park is not only a great spot for kids, but also a picturesque location for anyone wanting to enjoy an ocean view. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and take-away options along the esplanade and shaded tables and barbeques for those wanting to pack their own lunch. There are a couple of playgrounds to accommodate kids of all ages, a giant climbing structure, a waterpark for those warmer months, a wading pool which fills with ocean water with the tide, and a walking/cycling path that stretches well beyond the length of the park. You can also take a walk out along the jetty or play on one of the small sandy beaches.
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Playground (x3)
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Picnic (x6)
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Toilet
Also known as Rocket Park, Carindale Recreation Reserve is a lovely park with features and facilities to suit all ages. It has a large playground area with a rocket ship for pretend play, double slippery slide, swings, sandpit area, climbing frame and more. There are also many large spaces, some under trees, for a relaxed picnic or a game of cricket, footy etc.
The Bulimba Creek Bikeway runs through the park, and for those wanting more exercise there is also a basketball half-court, a tennis rebound wall and some fitness equipment.
Facilities include:
- electric barbeques
- shaded picnic table
- water
- public toilets
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Playground
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Dog Park
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Picnic (x2)
Colmslie Beach Reserve is a wonderful, spacious parkland situated alongside the Brisbane River in Murarrie.
- ocean-themed playground with climbing sculptures, a flying fox, a wobbly bridge circuit, musical boat, slide and circle of swings.
- Small pathway for the kids to ride/scooter.
- A boardwalk takes you to a small beach alongside the river, with a spectacular view of the Gateway Bridge.
- Generous in space, it has plenty of room for a game of organised sport, and lots of shady trees for a picnic.
- Sheltered BBQs and picnic tables available.
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Playground
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Picnic (x4)
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Toilet
With a playground to entertain the children, Lota Park is a lovely spot to picnic and enjoy the extensive bay views.
- There is a fort-like playground structure incorporating rope climbing and tunnel slippery slides particularly suited to older kids.
- For toddlers, a separate, semi-shaded play area with a small slide, rockers and climbing cubby holes.
- Both playgrounds have sandy ground covering, providing a soft landing for falling kids not to mention a great sand-pit area for younger ones.
- Bike path runs through the park and continues along the waterside through the suburbs of Manly and Wynnum - great for those wanting a scenic walk/run/cycle.
- Exercise equipment stations.
- Beautiful open space dotted with sheltered picnic tables and BBQs.
- Toilets available.
Alongside the ever popular Oxford Street, Bulimba Memorial Park has something for kids of all ages.
- For toddlers, a wonderful set of pretend-play stations including a cafe shop and bakery, a small slide, two sets of swings and the usual rockers.
- For the older kids, a climbing fort with a variety of climbing structures leading to a slippery slide.
- Wood chip ground cover at the playground areas.
- Large oval for some running around or organised sport.
- Plenty of shade from shade sails and large old trees.
- Close to shops for those wanting to grab a coffee.
- Park benches and a shelter with picnic tables.
- Toilets, though they are located on the other side of the park and some distance from the playground.
- Only partially fenced on one side of the playground, and situated on a main road so extra caution required when supervising the kids.
- Plenty of street parking.
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Playground
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Toilet
Also known as Meadowlands Park, Preston Road Park is a popular spot for young families, dog-owners and picnic lovers alike.
- There are 2 playground areas which are rubber-surfaced and shaded by large sails. There's a large climbing structure with slides, bridges, tunnels, ladders and platforms to climb between, spinning seats, vertical standing spinners, a circular spin ride, rockers, swings, and musical stations including an upright xylophone with instructions for playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
- Small concrete skatebowl, popular with young scooter riders in particular.
- Half-court basketball.
- Bulimba Creek Bikeway runs through the park, providing plenty of off-road cycling opportunity.
- Fenced dog off-leash area (some distance from the playground) with sheltered bench seats for dog owners.
- Sheltered picnic tables, electric BBQs and bench seating.
- Off-street carparking available.
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Playground (x2)
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Dog Park
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Picnic (x3)
Hawthorne Park is a great place to visit if you appreciate a fenced playground for your littlies, the opportunity for a bit of flat walking, cycling, or scooting, and easy access to a cafe. The playground (known as Livvi's Place Playground) was created by the Touched by Olivia Foundation and focuses on providing a unique and creative play area where children of all abilities can play together.
- The playground is bright and colourful, fully shaded with shade sails and rubber surfaced.
- Equipment in the playground includes a tongue-like slalom-glider/slide (designed for children >5years), various climbing structures including climbing nets and free floating rings, a large sandpit, a "Learning Braille" chart, swaying boat ride, sea saw, balance board, lie-down circle swing, rockers and traditional swings.
- The sports ground adjacent to the playground provides ample room for a run around.
- A flat walking track meanders through the park and is particularly well suited to young bike riders or scooters.
- Wood-fire BBQ and picnic shelter near the playground.
- Child-friendly cafes close by on Riding Road.
- Street parking (including some reserved disabled parking) on Riding Road.
- Toilets available, however they are on the other side of the park and some distance from the playground area.
Manly Park is the perfect spot for a picnic, with plenty of shaded picnic tables and BBQs, lots of space and a great view of the bay.
- There is a small, sandy playground with the "HMAS Manly" (a great pretend play structure with a small double slippery slide) as well as rockers and a set of swings.
- The large pyramid-style climbing structure will keep older kids entertained.
- There is a bike path running alongside the bay for those wanting some exercise while taking in the views.
- Plenty of sheltered tables and BBQs, and an abundance of sunny space to lay out a picnic rug.
