Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra

Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we love kids’ birthday parties. So, we’ve found the best outdoor party spots with playgrounds, shade, and picnic tables (and most have BBQ facilities) in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Look no further; we have done all the research for you and have all you need right here (and in the links below) for the best local birthday party venues, free or paid.

Need wet weather party options or to outsource the fun then find the best Illawarra & Wollongong kids’ inside party venues here. Or if you want more read our guide to Kids’ Birthday Party Supplies, inspiration and ideas in Wollongong & Illawarra.

Here are our favourite Illawarra parks for kids parties – remember to turn up early to bag your best picnic table or under cover spot! We recommend morning parties for this reason, then you also avoid the arvo winds that can pick up in our warmer months.

Integral Energy Park Playground

88 Darkes Road, Kembla Grange, NSW 2526.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Integral Energy Park, Kembla Grange.

A beautiful, spacious park with BBQs and plenty of undercover seating. This is a beautiful space to relax while the children play. Surrounded by bush and pet-friendly, there is room to spread out and explore or play games here. It is peaceful and beautiful. Here there are toilets onsite, but you will need to bring your own food and drinks. There is a tap for refilling drink bottles and a large undercover area for if the weather turns. With heaps of space for the kids to spread out, kick a ball, and play party games, this is a fantastic option.

Stanwell Park Playground

Station Street, Stanwell Park, NSW, 2508.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra -Stanwell Park Playground

This is a great birthday party option. There is a cafe for takeaway food if you wish and toilets onsite. The playground is suited for under ten-year-olds, but there are plenty of trees to climb and space to kick a ball or play party games for any children. There are BBQs and picnic areas, as well as a patrolled beach a short walk away. There are sheltered picnic tables and lots of trees for shade, but not a lot of cover for rainy or windy weather.

Wollongong Botanic Garden

Murphy’s Avenue, Keiraville, NSW, 2500

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra -Wollongong Botanic Gardens.

The Wollongong Botanic Garden are a fantastic birthday party option for sunny weather. There are plenty of beautiful places to spread out and enjoy this tranquil environment. With greenery and beauty everywhere and lots of space for party games or kids to explore, why not utilise this gorgeous space? There are even BBQs near the playground, seating scattered throughout the gardens and a fully fenced all-abilities playground.

A short walk from the playground is a duck pond filled with ducks, eels and water dragons hanging out there. Take some frozen peas or vegetables to feed them (but no bread, which makes them sick). Outside the playground, there is a coffee van and a free book library. There are also toilets nearby to the playground. It’s a free venue with plenty of space to create a great party.

Reddall Reserve

Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra, NSW, 2528

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Reddall Reserve.

This is a large playground with a ninja course, high slides, and plenty of swings. Reddall Reserve playground does not disappoint. The view is beautiful, with the beach next to the park and pelicans flying around searching for fish. There is room to have a picnic or games under trees on the grass. It even has a take-away shop for chips or coffee, which is only a short walk away. There are toilets close by and plenty of parking. This playground ticks all the boxes and suits children of all age groups. It would make for a fantastic birthday party.

Stuart Park

Cliff Road, Wollongong, NSW, 2500

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Stuart Park

This is a great all-ages playground. It is right next to the Lagoon restaurant, which is great for take-away ice-creams, coffee or lunch. It has plenty of covered picnic tables, BBQ facilities and lots of open space to explore. Bring swimmers to play in the Lagoon or at the beach. There is plenty of seating, grass areas for picnics and games, and plenty of shade. This playground has slides, swings, zip lines, and a scooter area.

Charles Harper Park Playground

Waratah Street, Helensburgh, 2508

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Charles Harper Park Playground

A playground for under ten-year-olds has many grass areas under the trees to play games or toss a frisbee. This park has natural play at the centre of its theme, with a dry creek bed, artwork by local children, and water pumps. In the centre of town and cafes nearby, it also has a public toilet. The free public pools are also next door to the park. It is right next to the town centre, so close by for a cafe visit. There are also BBQ facilities near the playground.

Cringila Hills Recreation Playground

21 Lackawanna Street, Cringila, NSW, 2502.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Cringila Hills Recreation Playground, photo care of Steven Bell.

A recreation playground with everything you could need to keep kids of all ages and abilities busy. It has some shade and toilets available onsite. It even has a bubbler for kids to refill drink bottles or have a quick drink in between all the play. Remember to bring food and drinks because this playground isn’t near shops. There are covered picnic tables but no BBQ facilities within the playground for setting up party food. There is lots of space here and so much to keep all the kids busy and happy for a great birthday party.

Nicholson Park Playground

Corner of Kulgoa Road & Park Road, Woonona, NSW, 2517.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Nicholson Park

Close to Woonona Beach and the soccer fields, this playground is great for under twelve-year-olds. It has a large climbing frame for the older children, and it has plenty of room to run and play. This playground doesn’t have much shade, but it does have plenty of seating areas and some picnic tables under cover. It has a water play zone, zip lines, and swings. There is also a cafe across the road that serves takeaway ice creams, coffees, and smoothies. There are toilets onsite and plenty of parking.

Luke’s Place

Princes Highway, Corrimal, NSW, 2518.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Luke’s Place

Luke’s Place playground, located right next to the Corrimal Park Mall, is an all-inclusive play space that ticks all the boxes. Fully fenced and featuring play equipment to suit toddlers through to older kids, the playground is a hit all year round, but especially in summer when the water table starts pumping (taking a change of clothes is a good idea). There is one table that is covered, but no BBQ facilities. Inside the mall, there are toilets, and there is a large soccer field for games just behind the playground. There are also lots of cafes close by and Coles in the mall for any takeaway or extra items you might need.

Bulli Beach Playground

Trinity Row, Bulli, NSW, 2516.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Bulli Beach Reserve

Newly refurbished, this playground is great for little ones. There is plenty of room to spread out and grassed areas for games or picnics. There is shade underneath the trees and a sheltered picnic area with tables. This is a wonderful place for kids to have a great 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. There are no BBQ facilities at this playground, but next door, there is Bulli Beach Cafe. It has great coffee, ice creams, and toilets underneath it (on the beach side).

Boongaree Rotary Nature Park Playground

151 North Street, Berry, NSW, 2535.

Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra – Parents’ Guide Illawarra – Boongaree Nature Park, Berry

While this playground is a bit of a drive from the Illawarra (Berry is located in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region), it is a drive well worth taking. It’s easy to spend the day here, and it would make for a fantastic birthday party, with equipment suited to all age groups and with great facilities. The skate park area is amazing for all abilities, and the playground has a range of slides, zip lines, and sandpits. It also has an enclosed area with water play. There are toilets, water refill stations, covered picnic tables, BBQs, and shade. It is close to the town centre, but far enough to be peaceful and relaxed. You won’t regret making it a day trip and visiting this awesome addition to the Berry area.

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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.