The Best Playgrounds In The Inner West, Voted By Our Childcare Experts

These spots have been handpicked by the Only About Children team and are located near our Inner West campuses. Whether you’re looking for holiday entertainment or a quiet spot to relax, these parks are perfect for play-based learning – helping your kids develop vital life skills while getting some fresh air. 

 

Recently Renewed and Upgraded Playgrounds in the Inner West

To get started, here are some local playgrounds that have recently been updated by the Inner West Council. Fresh with new play equipment and shaded areas, these enhanced public spaces are definitely worth a visit. Perfect for energetic kids! 

Leichhardt: War Memorial Park

Address

39 Moore St, Leichhardt

Features

• Playground 
• Toilets 
• Bubbler
• Picnic tables
• No dogs permitted within 10m of playground 

Located on the corner of Moore and Catherine Streets in Leichhardt, War Memorial Park was recently upgraded with new play equipment, play spaces, and soft flooring. The playground is larger than average and features a charming wooden rocketship. It’s also shaded by trees and surrounded by greenery. 

This peaceful park has toilet facilities and a large picnic area, but no BBQ facilities. The play equipment is best suited to kids aged 3-10. Although dogs are not allowed near the playground, there’s an off-leash area in the southern part of the park if you want to take Fido along for a bonus frolic. 

 

Leichhardt: Lambert Park Playground

Address

22 Foster St, Leichhardt

Features

• Playground
• Bubbler
• Picnic tables
• Partially fenced

Lambert Park Playground is another sun-dappled park in Leichhardt that’s been recently updated. The new playground is set on a lush bed of artificial turf and it features play equipment suitable for younger and older kids. These include slides, climbing structures, a playhouse, an in-ground trampoline, and a roundabout. 

The unique nature play elements and musical chimes make this one of the best Inner West parks for kids – plus there’s plenty of space for running around. There are also newly-planted trees and shrubs, and cafes a block away at MarketPlace Leichhardt or Wayne’s Place. 

 

Haberfield: Haberfield Gardens

Address

12-18 Walker Avenue, Haberfield (access via Walker and Allum Streets)

Features

• Playground 
• Bubbler
• Picnic tables
• Pedestrian and cycle paths

Haberfield Gardens was officially opened to the public in 2020, forming part of the 18 hectares of open space planned by WestConnex. It features a recently renovated playground with a range of equipment including a rope climbing frame, slide tower, and swings. The soft floor keeps young kids safe, while the shade sails help to keep everyone comfortable on sunny days. 

Standout design elements include heritage brickwork, a glass noise wall, and greenery with native flowers. While there isn’t a cafe nearby, the site does have picnic tables and a drinking fountain. 

 

Rozelle: King George Park Playground

Address

Manning Street, Rozelle

Features

• Playground 
• Fully fenced
• Toilets (in King George Park) 
• BBQs 
• Picnic Tables 
• Bubbler

Located a short drive from the OAC Glebe Campus, King George Park Playground is suitable for children of all ages and abilities. The updated play equipment includes sandpits, swings, and slides for toddlers, as well as a climbing structure, tripod swing, and flying fox for older kids. 

The stunning water views make this park particularly enjoyable, plus there are BBQ facilities available for lunches and children’s parties. This playground is fully fenced to keep your little ones safe, and the toilet facilities make this spot particularly convenient. 

Five Docks: Charles Heath Reserve

Address

Queens Road, Five Dock (near the Leisure Centre)

Features

• Playground 
• Toilets 
• Bubbler
• Picnic tables
• BBQ

The upgrade to Charles Heath Reserve playground was completed in June 2024. It includes a brand-new adventure playground featuring two accessible play towers positioned high among the trees.  Perfect for littles ones between 2 – 12 yrs, this superb playground also includes musical instruments, nature play, climbing frames and more!

 

 

The Inner West’s Best-Fenced Playgrounds

In this next section we’ll provide our top recommendations for fully-fenced playgrounds in the Inner West. If you have active toddlers or energetic kids who never seem to stop moving, these playgrounds are ideal.

Fully-fenced playgrounds are also perfect for parents who are managing multiple young children. Instead of spending your entire outing worrying, you can sit back and take a breather while your kids do their thing. 

Leichhardt: Wangal Nura Park

Address

Corner of Flood and Myrtle Streets, Leichhardt

Features

• Playground 
• Fully fenced
• Bubbler
• Picnic tables 

Located a short walk from MarketPlace Leichhardt, this fully-fenced playground features all-abilities play equipment including swings, a climbing fort, slippery dip, seesaw, and spinner. Wangal Nura Park also has a grassed area with a soccer goal and basketball half court.  

This playground was built on a former factory site that the council purchased in 2003 to increase open spaces in the area. The only major downside of Wangal Nura Park is that there are no toilet facilities – so it’s not ideal if your kids suddenly decide they need to go. There are no BBQ facilities either, but the nearby Carpenter Cafe serves great coffee and tasty treats. 

 

Newtown: Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

Address

Federation Road, Lennox St and Church St, Newtown

Features

• Playground
• Fully fenced
• Toilets
• Bubblers

This fully-fenced playground is situated within Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, which is a six minute drive from the OAC Enmore campus. Regarded by many as the best kids playground Inner West, it’s a great spot for watching your kids have fun while you enjoy a coffee from one of the many terrific cafes on Australia Street.

The trees and sailcloths provide plenty of shade, plus there are public toilets nearby in case a member of your group needs to answer the call of nature. Outside the playground there are plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the many dogs that pass through.

 

Five Dock: Livvi’s Place (Timbrell Park)

Address

19 Henley Marine Dr, Five Dock

Features

• Playground
• Fully fenced
• Picnic tables
• Bubbler
• Toilets
• BBQs

Named the best play space in Australia by Parks and Leisure in 2010, Livvi’s Place was developed to reduce the barriers experienced by children with special needs. Located in Timbrell Park, it was Australia’s very first all-abilities playground. 

Fully-fenced, this groundbreaking playground is a joint initiative of the Touched by Olivia Foundation, the City of Canada Bay, and Leighton Contractors. The play equipment is truly unique, with an all-abilities flying fox, a spinning teacup, and two sandpit areas. It’s also wheelchair accessible, with toilet and BBQ facilities. 

 

Glebe: Glebe Foreshore Park Playground

Address

Chapman Rd, Annandale 

Features

• Playground
• Fully fenced
• Toilets
• BBQs

The Glebe Foreshore Walk spans 27 hectares of open space and includes three playgrounds, although the only fully-fenced option is located near Chapman Road in Annandale. (However, Jubilee Park Playground and Blackwattle Bay Park Playground are both worth a visit as well). 

This fenced playground has plenty of great equipment including swings and a slippery dip. There’s also a large sandpit, a boat, bridge, and mini castle tower. Toilet and BBQ facilities are nearby, and there are plenty of grassy areas for picnics and play in Bicentennial Park.

 

Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Park

Address

54 Queen Street, Beaconsfield

Features

• Playground
• Fully-fenced
• Toilets
• Picnic seating
• BBQs

Only a short drive from the OAC Alexandria campus, Beaconsfield Park is a great spot for enjoying a BBQ and relaxing with the family. The playground is fully-fenced and has soft artificial grass, making it ideal for energetic toddlers. 

The play equipment includes slides, climbing structures, a see saw, and swings. There are also toilet and BBQ facilities nearby, plus a selection of cafes not far from the park. In addition to the playground, Beaconsfield Park also features an off-leash dog area and tennis courts. 

 

The Inner West Playgrounds Closest to Our Campuses

Only About Children has campuses in Leichhardt, Enmore, Glebe, Haberfield, and Alexandria. This section will explore the best playgrounds in these suburbs – perfect for families who are looking for a nearby place for their kids to engage their imagination and get their energy out. 

Leichhardt: Pioneers Memorial Park

Address

Norton St, Leichhardt 

Features

• Playground
• Toilets

Pioneers Memorial Park is only a short drive from the three OAC campuses in Leichhardt (Norton Plaza, Marion St, and Elswick St). The playground is situated within the park grounds which are very well maintained with lots of grassy spots to relax and a beautiful rose garden. 

This is one of Sydney’s most interesting and unique playgrounds, designed by award-winning installation artist Mike Hewson. It features colourful bucket towers, sandstone blocks, logs, climbing structures, monkey bars, and a slide – plus the ground is made from rubber to keep kids safe. If you’re looking for a playground that’s a little out of the ordinary, Pioneers Memorial Park is an awesome option. 

 

Enmore: Enmore Park

Address

Enmore Road and Black Street, Marrickville

Features

• Playground
• BBQs
• Picnic seating
• Toilets (available during the pool cafe opening hours)

 

This park is walking distance from the OAC Enmore campus, plus there’s also an aquatic centre that has a creche and swim school. Suitable for all ages and abilities, Enmore Park is considered by many to be the best kids park in the Inner West – in part thanks to its distinctive rocketship play structure.

The playground features slides, swings, a spider climbing net, and see-saws – plus it’s shaded and the ground is soft. Additionally, there are plenty of trees and grassy areas where you’ll get to see a lot of cute dogs. Overall this is a great spot for families, plus it’s close to Marrickville Metro if you want to do some shopping or get lunch. 

 

Haberfield: Algie Park

Address

195 Ramsay St, Haberfield 

Features

• Playground
• Toilets

If you’re looking for a great park near the Haberfield OAC campus, look no further. The play equipment at Algie Park was refurbished in 2022, providing kids with a multi-play unit, swings, nature play area, and soft flooring.

Beyond the playground there’s a sporting field for cricket and soccer, plus changing rooms. Algie Park has plenty of tree coverage, with grassy areas to take a stroll or enjoy a picnic lunch. It’s also a good location if you and the kids enjoy dog watching. 

 

Glebe: Dr H J Foley Rest Park Playground

Address

140 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

Features

• Playground
• Picnic seating
• Toilets

Located at the corner of Bridge Road and Glebe Point Road, Dr H J Foley Rest Park Playground is only a minute’s walk from the OAC Glebe campus. It’s a cute little space with shaded areas, picnic tables, and well-maintained toilet facilities. Great for kids parties and leisurely weekends. 

The playground has swings, rope climbing structures, and a slippery dip. On Saturdays there’s an artisan’s market which provides a showcase for local designers and makers. Plus there are plenty of restaurants nearby, and cafes serving excellent coffee. 

 

Alexandria: Sydney Park Playground

Address

Sydney Park Road, Alexandria

Features

• Playground
• Toilets
• BBQs
• Bubblers

One of the best playgrounds Inner West is situated inside Sydney Park – only a two minute drive from the OAC Alexandria campus. This is a partially-fenced playground that’s been designed for kids of all ages and abilities, plus it also features a children’s cycling track and a skate park. 

The play equipment at Sydney Park is next level, with slides built into a hill and climbing nets that look like rockets. There are also swings, a sandpit, bridges, a water play zone, and soft flooring. If you’re feeling hungry you can grab a snack at the Sydney Park Kiosk, and if you’re in the mood for a walk there are plenty of trees and plants to admire. Altogether, this is a fantastic destination for families.  

 

Discover Holistic Childcare in the Inner West

Looking for more tips on family-friendly activities or childcare services in the Inner West? Contact the Only About Children team today to learn how our early learning programs can provide your child with a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment – both indoors and out!

Explore OAC locations in the Inner West:

• Leichhardt Norton Plaza
• Leichhardt Marion St
• Leichhardt Elswick St
• Haberfield
• Enmore
• Glebe
• Alexandria