BEST Playgrounds & Parks in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra areas
Discover Illawarra, Shellharbour & Wollongong’s best playgrounds and parks. Parents Guide Illawarra has reviewed our top playgrounds, play spaces and kids parks.. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do! We have award winning, inclusive, diverse, enclosed and amazing playgrounds you will love.
If you love our guide below, you will also love Best Things to do with Kids in Wollongong & Illawarra What to do in Wollongong with Toddlers – Illawarra’s Best Kids Activities + all the info about our Best Fenced and Gated Playgrounds in the Illawarra and Wollongong Guide and Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra article also!
Plus, never get stuck for School Holidays in Wollongong again! Here is our Ultimate Illawarra What’s on for School Holidays Guide.
Boongaree – Rotary Nature Play Park, Berry
10 BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Boongaree Rotary Nature Play 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, with a wide range of activities for all age groups. 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 and water refill stations, picnic tables, 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.
Located at 151 North Street, Berry
Reddall Reserve, Warilla
10 BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Reddall Reserve Playground, Warilla
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 sit and have a picnic under trees on the grass. It even has a take-away shop for chips or coffee 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.
Located at Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra
Yirran Muru Playspace, Shellharbour
BEST 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.
Located behind the Shellharbour Civic Centre, Cygnet Ave, Shellharbour
Charles Harper Park Playground, Helensburgh
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Charles Harper Park Playground, Helensburgh
A playground for under ten-year-olds has many grass areas under the trees where they can play with a frisbee or soccer ball. This park has natural play at the centre of its theme, with a dry creek bed, artwork by local children, and water pumps. It also has a public toilet in the centre of town and cafes nearby. 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.
Located at Waratah Street, Helensburgh
Stuart Park Playground, Wollongong
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Stuart Park Playground, Wollongong
Stuart Park in Wollongong 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. Bring swimmers for a play in the Lagoon or at the beach. There is plenty of seating, grass areas for picnics, and shade. If you want to go for a bush walk, Puckey’s Estate walk is right next to the park, with historical information plaques along the walk. This playground has slides, swings, zip lines, and a scooter area. This playground has recently been updated with a huge scooter track, hamster wheels and even more swings to play on.
Located at: Cliff Road, Wollongong – read more about Visiting Stuart Park here
Nicholson Park Playground, Woonona
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Nicholson Park Playground, Woonona
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 plenty of room to run and play. This playground doesn’t have much shade, but it does have plenty of seating areas. It has a water play zone, zip lines, and swings. A cafe across the road also serves takeaway ice creams, coffees, and smoothies. There are toilets onsite and plenty of parking.
Located at: Corner of Kulgoa Road & Park Road, Woonona
Wollongong Botanic Garden Playground
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Wollongong Botanic Gardens Playground
As a part of our incredible Wollongong Botanic Garden, we have an all-abilities playground. It is fully enclosed and safe for children of all ages. There are two sandpits here, a maze and swings. The park is suited for under twelve-year-olds, but older children have a great time wandering the gardens. 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 is a coffee van and a free book library. There are also toilets nearby to the playground and BBQ areas.
Located at Wollongong Botanic Garden, Murphy’s Avenue, Keiraville
Thirroul Beach Reserve Playground
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Thirroul Beach Reserve Playground
Opposite the free public pool and the beach, this playground is great for all age groups but most suited for under twelve-year-olds. It has a zip line, swings, climbing frames, and a small track for bikes or scooters. It would be easy to spend the day here close to the toilets, cafe and beach. There are also lots of areas to sit and picnic under the trees.
Located at: Cliff Parade, Thirroul
Clermont Park, Albion 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.
Located at Clermont Crescent, Albion Park
Cringila Hills Playground
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Cringila Hills Playground
Cringilla HIlls, one of Wollongong’s newest playgrounds completed in 2022. It was designed to be all inclusive, from ‘bumpy’ frog out the front to the outrageous pump track its sure to be a great time for all. The playground has loads of area to have a ball.
Cringilla Hills Playground is conveniently located at 21 Lackawanna Street Cringilla, making it easily accessible by car. There is plenty of parking even on a busy day. This amazing park was named park of the year at the Parks and Leisure Australia NSW Conference Awards 2023.
The playground has accessible swings and slides, water play area, climbing net and obstacle course. It also has a great pump track, BMX track and walking trails nearby. You can also read more about Cringila Hills Playground here.
Integral Energy Park, Kembla Grange
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Integral Energy Park, Kembla Grange
This is a beautiful, spacious park with BBQs and plenty of undercover seating. It 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. There are toilets onsite, but you will need to bring your own food and drinks. There is a tap for refilling drink bottles, though.
Located at 88 Darkes Road, Kembla Grange
Stanwell Park Playground
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Stanwell Park Playground
This is a great playground, beside a small bush walk and a great creek to play in. There is a cafe and toilets. The playground is suited for under ten-year-olds, but there are plenty of trees to climb and space to kick a ball for any children. There are BBQs, picnic areas, and a patrolled beach a short walk away. While you are here, why not drive to Stanwell Tops for ice cream and watch the hang gliders at Bald Hill?
Located at Station Street, Stanwell Park
Bulli Beach Reserve Playground
BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Bulli Beach Reserve Playground
Located between two great cafes, with the beach and pool within walking distance, sits this great playground. It has recently been refreshed and has heaps for children to play on. It has a scooter or bike track, slides, and swings. There is a water fountain close by and lots of space to play on the grass or have a picnic. It doesn’t have shade over the playground and can be windy, but it has covered picnic tables and plenty of grassed areas under the trees to picnic or relax. There are toilets close by.
Located at: Trinity Row, Bulli
Looking for enclosed or gated playgrounds? Click here!
Best alternative, cost-effective Gated/Indoor Playcentres & Playgrounds
Tabatinga Dapto
Dapto Leagues Club, Cnr Station St & Bong Bong Rd, Dapto
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.
Dapto Leagues Club
Cnr Station St & Boing Bong Rd, Dapto NSW 2530
Little Foodies, Big Imaginations! At The Mill at Dapto Leagues Club, kids are always welcome! Their dedicated children’s play area is the perfect spot for curious minds to explore and play. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild in our pint-sized pizza shop and fruity little grocer – perfect for budding chefs and mini market owners in the making.
Looking for a night off? Their friends at Tabatinga Dapto offer Drop & Dine every Friday and Saturday night for children aged 3+.
Sharky’s Play, Northern Bowl Bellambi
103 Bellambi Lane, Bellambi
Best gated playgrounds in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Sharky’s Play
Sharky’s Play, Northern Bowl Bellambi: Delight your child in a sensory “under the sea” experience, with sea critters and creatures. The multi-level playcentre features a separate toddler play area and big kids play area (3+ years) with slides, obstacles, mazes and more! The facility includes a seated area and cafe. They also host Kids Parties too.
The Lake Illawarra Hotel
193 Windang Rd Windang NSW 2528
The Lake Illawarra Hotel’s playground 4 slides, climbing and play equipment. It also has soft flooring and is fenced in to keep your kids safe. It also has a roof to protect your kids from the sun or the rain so you can utilise the playground all year round.
They also have plenty of outdoor seating next to the playground so that you can sit and keep an eye on your children.
The Lake Illawarra Hotel’s cabanas are adjacent to the kids’ playground and are perfect to book out for kids parties, birthdays or to catch up with friends. We have 3 outdoor cabanas and 3 fully enclosed indoor cabanas. Learn more here now.
Flip Out Albion Park
182 Princes Hwy, Albion Park Rail
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?
Woonona Bulli RSL
455 Princes Highway, Woonona
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!
Note: at the time of the publication of this article, WBRSL’s one of two playgrounds has been temporarily removed in the new carpark stage of construction. They still have one kids play area open that has a shade cloth over it in their outdoor dining area near the Brasserie.
UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space
Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
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.
North Nowra Tavern
Family Fun at the Newly Renovated North Nowra Tavern! Looking for a spot where the whole family can relax and enjoy? The North Nowra Tavern has you covered!
Their brand-new kids play area is a total hit—featuring soft play equipment, slides, and a safe, secure environment that keeps little ones entertained for hours. Parents can kick back in our spacious outdoor seating area with full view of the playground, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drink while keeping an eye on the fun.
Plus, don’t miss Kids Eat FREE Mondays during dinner—check the menu for details! Great food, cold drinks, and plenty of fun for the whole family—it’s all here at your local, family-friendly tavern down the coast!
Air Born’s Cheerleading’s Daytime Playtime
3 Ball Street, Woonona NSW 2517
Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra – Air Born Cheerleading’s Daytime Playtime
Air Born Cheerleading’s Daytime Playtime Sessions for U5’s: Unstructured play for 6 months through to 6 years and the opportunity for your kiddo to play in Air Born’s awesome cheer and gymnastics facility. Explore their trampolines, soft play equipment, aerial silks, balls, beams and more. If your child doesn’t like too much structure or if you just want something relaxed where your child can just play, Daytime Playtime is what you need! No pre-booking is required. Arrive and leave at anytime time during the session and pay at the door. Learn more here.
The Block – The Shellharbour Club
The Shellharbour Club, Cnr Wattle & Shellharbour Roads, Shellharbour
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
Treetops Adventure Nowra
23 Rock Hill Rd, North Nowra, NSW, 2541
Now for something completely different and if you and your child are in the mood for an adventurous day trip, Treetops Adventure Nowra is just the thing! Located near Nowra and only one hour from Wollongong.
Perfect for kids 3 years plus, they have 2 Junior Courses that will test and challenge preschoolers in a fun, safe and engaging way. Their Junior Courses are specifically made for little monkeys 3-7 yrs old! Junior Ropes courses range from 1-4 meters off the ground and include aerial obstacles & ziplines that are built to help your little one exercise their motor skills. Little juniors build their skills and confidence as they climb solo, whilst adults supervise from the ground. Learn more and plan your exciting day out amongst the trees along the picturesque Shoalhaven River here.
After even more local playground inspo? Check out Play Illawarra’s guide to free outdoor play spaces for kids in Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour & Shoalhaven
Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!
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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.
