Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra

There are so many amazing parks and playgrounds in our beautiful part of the world! Here at Parent’s Guide Illawarra, we have searched for the best toddler-friendly playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

As a local mum writing for Parents Guide Illawarra, I’ve seen my kids tackle all the play equipment, and they all got a big thumbs up! These playgrounds have safe equipment that’s low to the ground, places your littles can play until their heart is content and where you know they’ll be safe.

If you love our guide below, you will also love What to do in Wollongong with Toddlers – Illawarra’s Best Kids Activities + all the info about our 10 best Playgrounds across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra and Best Fenced and Gated Playgrounds in the Illawarra and Wollongong Guide also!

Wollongong Botanic Gardens Playground, Keiraville.

Murphys Avenue, Keiraville.

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Wollongong Botanic Gardens Playground, Keiraville.

Fully enclosed and within the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden. There are two sandpits, a maze, a low slide, a fenced ramp for running, and swings. Beyond the playground are toilets, a coffee van, and a street library. Bring frozen peas or vegetables (no bread) and feed the ducks, eels, and water dragons.

Stuart Park Playground, Wollongong.

Cliff Road, Wollongong.

This park has a high slide, which little kids might wander towards. Besides this, there are heaps of low-play equipment for kids to explore. The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant is close by for takeaway coffee or lunch. The lagoon nearby is not fenced, so you will need to be vigilant if you have a runner – however, the playground is a fair distance from the water. There are toilets just past the restaurant, a short walk away. This playground has hammocks, swings, a bike/scooter track, and more.

Luke’s Place Playground, Corrimal.

Princes Highway, Corrimal.

Fully enclosed and catering to little kids, this playground has a cool train to play on. It also has low slides, swings, and a roundabout to spin on. Toilets are located inside the Corrimal Plaza Shopping Centre next door. There are also lots of nice cafes to choose from for takeaways and a spot of lunch for little bellies.

Guest Park Playground, Fairy Meadow.

Cambridge Avenue, Fairy Meadow.

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Guest Park Playground, Fairy Meadow.

While not fully enclosed, it does have a fence. Right next to the skate park, this playground has lots for younger children, including climbing equipment, an in-ground trampoline, a play shop, and a slide. The slide is medium-sized. Depending on your little one’s adventurous side, they might love it, or it might be too high.

William Beach Reserve Playground, Brownsville.

Prince Edward Drive, Brownsville.

Surrounded by Mullet Creek and with a shade sail for added shade (always good at a playground). This park has heaps of low-play equipment, including a nest swing and water play. There’s lots of grass to play on too. This playground is partially enclosed and is away from the road. This is a beautiful, quiet area to take the kids. There are no cafes close by, but there are toilet facilities.

Yirran Muru Playspace, Shellharbour

Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Yirran Muru playspace

This special play space was created in collaboration between Shellharbour Council and the local Aboriginal community. The design is a map of traditional travel routes taken over Dharawal Country, with stepping stones and pathways around the playspace replicating the seasonal movements of Dharawal people. There is a beautiful sandpit and a huge climbing wall (children must always be supervised). It has a beautiful natural feel to it and lots of space for children to explore. There are lots of places for young children to play and explore at this playground, but there are some high climbing walls that we suggest you supervise your children around.

Charles Harper Park Playground, Helensburgh.

Parkes Street, Helensburgh.

This is a beautiful nature playground with lots of low equipment. This one is not enclosed. It has a Ninja-Warrior-style obstacle course, climbing equipment, a cool tunnel and more. There are toilets a short walk away, cafes on the main street, and the free swimming pool is next door.

Cringila Hills Playground, Cringila.

21 Lackawanna Street, Cringila.

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Cringila Hills Playground

A unique feature of this park is Gudgad the Greedy Frog, a giant book that tells the story of its namesake. A braille version is available as well. This playground is fully fenced. It has lots of equipment suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. These include a creek, swings, and equipment to spin on.

Dimond Brothers Playground, Dapto.

38 Bong Bong Road, Horsley.

Right next to the skate park for the older kids. This park has excellent play equipment for toddlers and preschool-aged kids, with a trampoline, swings, low climbing equipment and low slides. No toilets on site, though, and this playground isn’t enclosed.

Integral Energy Playground, Kembla Grange.

88 Darkes Road, Kembla Grange.

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Integral Energy Playground, Kembla Grange.

Although this playground isn’t enclosed, it is a reasonable distance from the car park. There are heaps of great play equipment for all ages here. But for the littlies, there’s lots to do, low slides, swings, and open grassed areas for running around. There are toilets, BBQ facilities, and water for refilling drink bottles. There’s also a covered area with tables for lunch or morning tea. There are no cafes close by, so bring your own or grab one on your way there.

Gerringully Park Playground, Horsley.

Bong Bong Road, Horsley.

A playground for younger kids, this park has a range of equipment perfect for young children, with equipment to climb on, low slides and swings, and fine motor play. There are no toilets at this playground, and it is not enclosed.

Clermont Park, Albion Park

Clermont Crescent, Albion Park

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Clermont Park

Clermont Park is a great playground for younger kids, with plenty to engage them and ignite their imagination. There is a cubby house, double swing, play fort and more. Although it is not gated and doesn’t have facilities like toilets, it is a lovely playground with plenty of shade and lots to explore.

Holborn Park Playground, Berkeley.

9 Holborn Street, Berkeley.

This is a great park with lots to climb on and explore. The swings are a favourite and a mixture of slide heights. This playground is on the water’s edge and isn’t fenced. It sheltered picnic tables next to the park. It is near a skate park with paths for scooters, bikes and prams. Toilets are available near the skate park.

Dragon Park Playground, Figtree.

Princes Highway Figtree (Opposite Figtree Community Centre)

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Dragon Park, Figtree

This playground has lots of great play equipment for young kids. It isn’t enclosed but is a good distance from the road. There are toilets onsite.

Kanahooka Playground.

Lakeside Drive, Kanahooka.

There’s plenty of equipment to explore here. Some of these include swings, mini trampolines and water play. Next to Lake Illawarra and not fenced, but it provides a lovely feel.

King George V Playground, Port Kembla.

Lot 1, Cowper Street, Port Kembla.

Equipment here includes things to spin on, swings, and low-to-the-ground slides. There are toilets across the road. It isn’t enclosed but is next to the cricket pitch and feels green and safe. Port Kembla is close by too.

Towradgi Beach Playground.

2 Towradgi Road, Towradgi.

Here there are junior and senior play areas. This playground is great for families with different-aged kids. The park is next to the ocean pool and beach. It has BBQ facilities and toilets onsite. The shade sail covers the toddler equipment. There’s a good selection of play equipment here, from things that spin, swings, and slides.

Nicholson Park Playground, Woonona.

Park Road, Woonona.

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Nicholson Park, Woonona.

This playground is opposite the beach and has toilets onsite. Some of the equipment includes water play facilities, climbing equipment, swings, low slides, and a flying fox. There is a cafe across the road which has fantastic takeaway options.

Strachan Park Playground, Woonona.

Princes Highway, Woonona.

Newly refurbished and fully enclosed (thank goodness!), it is excellent for little ones. All the play equipment here is toddler or preschooler friendly. Everything is low to the ground and feels very safe. There are toilets onsite and cafes (and a bakery) close by.

Austinmer Beach Playground.

Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer.

Fully enclosed and across the road from both the beach and great cafes. This playground is a good option for younger kids. It does have a higher slide, but it also has a small slide and lots of low-to-the-ground equipment to play on. Mostly shady, this playground is an excellent choice for hot days.

Bulli Beach Playground.

Trinity Row, Bulli.

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Bulli Beach Playground.

Newly refurbished, this playground is great for little ones. Surprisingly, a new fence and shade weren’t included with the new equipment. But this is still a wonderful place for kids to explore and have a great, fun time. The equipment is primarily low to the ground, with one bigger slide. There is a roundabout, trampolines, small slides, swings and little shops for role play. Next door, there is Bulli Beach Cafe. It has great coffee, ice creams, and toilets underneath it (on the beach side).

Thirroul Beach Reserve Playground.

Cliff Parade, Thirroul.

There’s a range of equipment here, but much for littles to do. This playground has swings, natural climbing equipment, low slides, and a small track for bikes or scooters. It has a water fountain for drink bottles. It’s also next to the beach and the free saltwater public swimming pool, which has a great toddler pool. Toilets are at the beach, next to the Thirroul Beach Pavilion Cafe.

Best Enclosed & Gated Parks for Illawarra Kids

If you want playgrounds that are completely enclosed where little ones can’t escape, you can read our guide to the best gated/fenced playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra here.

Best alternative, cost-effective Gated/Indoor Playcentres & Playgrounds

Tabatinga Dapto

Dapto Leagues Club, Cnr Station St & Bong Bong Rd, Dapto NSW 2530

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Tabatinga Dapto

Tabatinga at Dapto Leagues Club is an award-winning epic indoor play area for the little ones to run, play and have a ball while you watch them and relax. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and it is an easy way to spend a morning or afternoon and go home with satisfied kids. Tabatinga also offers a Drop & Dine service where children can be left in fully supervised care of Tabatinga staff while parents enjoy some adult time in Dapto Leagues.

Woonona Bullli RSL

455 Princes Highway, Woonona NSW 2517

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Woonona Bulli RSL

Woonona-Bulli RSL Club has catered for young and older children with their playgrounds. They have a great coffee and morning tea cafe and a bistro open at lunchtime. This is truly a stress-free experience. The kids can play safely while you have some time out with everything you need onsite. This is a winner!

Block House at The Shellharbour Club

The Shellharbour Club, Cnr Wattle & Shellharbour Roads, New South Wales 2529

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – The Shellharbour Club

Let your little ones enjoy the rush of slippery slides & interactive spaces! Set amongst the docks in the Precinct, the children’s play area is a unique place full of wonder. Promoting learning, imagination and interactive play, kids will explore the bright colours of the shipping containers providing indoor-weather proof play. It’s endless hours of play! Learn more here.

Operating hours:

Wed: 5pm – 8.30pm
Thu: 5pm – 8.30pm
Fri: 5pm – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 8.30pm

UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space

Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Keiraville NSW 2500

Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space

A hands-on childrens museum, The Early Start Discovery Space is full of hands-on play-based educational activities aimed at children birth to 10 years old. These include a Lego room, construction site, two outdoor playgrounds, loose parts play, a marketplace and bakery, and much, much more. In the enclosed outside area there is a cafe, creek and play equipment. What’s not to love?

Membership also gives you access to underground members car park Monday to Friday. Even without a membership, there is still free parking in the university carpooling car park, a short walk from the Discovery Space. There are lockers inside to store everything you need for a day out.

Flip Out, Albion Park

182 Princes Hwy, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527

Best gated playgrounds in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Flip Out, Albion Park

Let the kids burn some energy and have a great time at Flip Out in Albion Park. They have an awesome Ninja Warrior zone and areas for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect place for a fantastic birthday party, or an outing full of fun! With great coffee and wonderful staff, you won’t be disappointed with your decision to visit. Why not join in the fun with the kids and don some Flip Out socks so you can laugh, play and bond with the kids too?

We hope this guide helps, what gated parks did we miss? We struggled to find any gated parks South of Wollongong but we would love to update this guide if you know of any. Any updates are gratefully received at [email protected] – thanks for your help!

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About the Author: Lisa Hagan
Lisa grew up in Thirroul and is a mum of four children. A student to life, Lisa loves learning and searching for the most fun things to do with her kids. She loves exploring the Illawarra and surrounds. Searching for fun and educational activities are her favourites for her kids whom she homeschools.