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    Best Shellharbour & Surrounds Playgrounds, Parks & Beaches. What to do with Kids

    Best Shellharbour & Surrounds Playgrounds, Parks & Beaches. What to do with Kids

    Discover the best playgrounds, parks and beaches in Shellharbour and surrounds including Oak Flats, Barrack Heights & more. Plus the best things to do with kids in and around Shellharbour & Shellcove. It’s an incredible place for family’s and kids to live, explore and enjoy! We’ll short cut you to where to take kids and have family fun locally.. Written by a local mum from Parents Guide Illawarra, your local guide for What to Do with Kids, we help you find family fun activities in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Kiama.

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    Top 28 Things to do with Kids in the Illawarra / What’s on for Kids School Holidays Illawarra & Wollongong. / Wollongong & Illawarra’s BEST Playgrounds Revealed / What to do with Toddlers Wollongong / Illawarra wide / Where to Eat with Kids

    Little Park Shellharbour Village

    Tower Slide & Treefort at Little Park Shellharbour Village. Image Curtesy of Theresa Garcia

    Located at Wollongong Street Shellharbour. This is one of our favourite parks! My kids love the long flying fox and the swings, which include a nest swing and an all abilities swing. It has multiple balancing areas suitable for a range of ages, a raised rope bridge (to challenge kids) which leads up to an old tree forte with different climbing areas.

    Bounce off the crazies on the in ground trampoline. Get your need for speed met on the sensational tower which has multiple slides, tactile activities and a climbing area. It has a roundabout and musical foot steps on the bridge as well as other musical elements. Little Park Shellharbour Village has a large grassed area, is based on the foreshore so the views are stunning.

    There are BBQs and plenty of trees for shaded picnics, there are toilets. My kids are 3 and 6 and love this place but would be ideal for 2-10 years old. There is plenty of parking all around the foreshore and a great pub and shops across the road for a sneaky treat

    Yirran Muru (‘Many Pathways’) Playspace

    Tree House Lookout, Sandstone Quarry blocks & Playspace Map. Images Curtesy of Shellharbour Civic Center and Visit NSW

    This place space is located at the back or the Shellharbour Civic Center and parking is off street and there is loads of parking areas around. Toilets and cafe are located in the Civic Centre Offices

    From the amazing sandstone tower path to the language wheel this is a park that feels like no other. This park has been co-designed, endorsed and supported by the local aboriginal community. There is a beautiful carved whale, a gunyah (shelter) and lots of storytelling, the frog walk is a favorite of ours.

    Snake Head Park

    Playground view. Image Courtesy of The Illawarra Mercury

    Located at Red Sands Avenue Shell Cove, this park gets its name from the large snake head sculpture which my kids love to play on then they make their way over to the mountain fort and past the sand digger. We also notice a 360 swivel swing and a climbing tower.

    I love this area with its duck pond just a one minute walk away and the beautiful scenery. There is a short walking track if your up to is and natural shade above half of the park. There are no toilets here, but plenty of off street parking.

    Terry Reserve

    Image c/o The Illawarra Mercury

    This park opened in 2025 and is an exciting addition to outdoor play for all ages in Shellharbour!

    ⁠There’s plenty of shade, swings, fitness equipment, and even a wheelchair-accessible seesaw – a first for Shellharbour which is wonderful to see. Basically, it’s the ideal spot to bring the kiddos for some fun! We love taking them somewhere new to explore. Definitely a spot worth checking out on your Shellharbour itinerary.

    Bardsley Park

    Playground view. Image Courtesy of Michael Dawe

    Located at 59 Wollongong Street Shellharbour. This is a newly updated park and right on the beachfront, next door to the North Beach surf club. A great little toddler park with climbing areas to push the abilities and a ocean themed seesaw, balancing beams and hoping logs and some two sings including a parent and child swing.

    There is a few shaded ares for a rest but no shade over the playground. The path runs from the park along the foreshore for a nice stroll. Toilets are at the surf club and there is a water bubbler. Perfect park for a little play!

    Collins Reserve, Shellharbour

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    Located on Glider Avenue, Shellharbour City – this perfectly positioned playground is a central hub for local residents, preschoolers, primary students, and aged care visitors. Council have preserved existing trees, creating plenty of shade. Key features include a Fusion Play fort with climbing, balancing, and a slippery slide, a rope whirl, single bay swings with cub and toddler seats, a spinning whirl, and a nature play trail with teepee, hopping logs, adventure trail tread, and log jumps. Fitness equipment, softfall surfaces, footpath connectivity, and a mix of seating plus updated landscaping with shaded areas complete this vibrant, welcoming space.

    Calderwood Valley District Park

    Image co/ Tylor Brammer

    A wonderful & exciting addition to the Calderwood Valley community, located in the Shellharbour City Council & precinct. The multicoloured 20-metre slide cannot be missed and is just one of the fantastic features of this park. Young ones can now slide, swing, exercise, gather and play in the second District Park located off Farmgate Crescent, with sweeping views over the escarpment.

    Playgrounds at Oak Flats, Blackbutt, Warilla, Barrack Heights & Barrack Point:

    NEW! Elloura Park, Warilla

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    Shaped by feedback from the Shellharbour community, the new design offers a welcoming space to play, catch up with friends, or simply relax and enjoy the day. You’ll find an Adventure Play Tower, Double Swing with Nest, Wave Rider Rocking Boat, Imagination Activity Panel, Nature Discovery Play, and plenty of informal and formal seating. Located on Helen Street, Warilla.

    Jock Brown Sportsfield, Barrack Heights

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    Welcome to the newly opened Jock Brown Playground! Located at Barrack Heights (Gipps Crescent), the playground features a unique Hurricane swing- the first in the city – along with a climbing tower and slippery dip, double swing bay with nest, infant and strap swings, an accessible spinner, creek bed play zone, native trees providing natural shade, and a mix of informal and formal seating. It’s a fantastic new space for the whole community to enjoy.

    Ski Way Park, Oak Flats

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    We’re excited about the new play space design for Ski Way Park, offering play opportunities for all ages and abilities. The area features sandstone blocks that complement the nature play zone and provide informal seating. Highlights include a Fusion combination climber with slippery slide, a climbing cube with rope and rock climbing, a nest swing, and rubber softfall. Nature play elements like alligator crossing logs, hopping logs, adventure trail tread, and log jumps are also included.

    Dawes Park, Barrack Point

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    This new play space at Dawes Park, located on Barrack Avenue, Barrack Point, offers a range of fun and engaging features for all ages. Highlights include a Fusion combination climber with slide and rock climbing wall, an exciting zipline, double bay swings including a nest swing, and a mix of softfall and bark surfaces for safety. Kids can also enjoy the alligator crossing, hopping logs, adventure trail treads, and balance beam, all connected by accessible footpaths. The park also provides convenient facilities such as a BBQ, picnic tables, shelter, and public toilets, making it a perfect spot for family outings and community gatherings.

    Caldwell Park, Barrack Heights

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    Caldwell Park major makeover is now finished and ready to be enjoyed! Located on Lagoon Street, Barrack Heights, this shaded park offers plenty of on-street parking and a brand-new play space featuring built-in slides with rock climbers, a nest swing, two strap seat swings, an accessible spinner, and a tower with a ramp and rope climber. Nature play areas and connective paths add to the fun. Plus, Caldwell Park is one of the first to feature the new Spectra Orbit climber, offering three challenging trails for different age groups.

    Central Park, Oak Flats

    Photo c/o Shellharbour City Council

    This exciting new play space at Central Park, Lake Illawarra, offers a variety of play options for all ages, including double bay swings, a treetop activity tower with slide, rope net climbing, sensory panels, a flying fox, and a wheelchair-accessible rope spinner. Kids can explore the nature play trail with alligator crossing logs, hopping logs, and more – all on safe rubber soft fall. The park also features picnic tables, footpaths, parking, and public toilets for a great family outing.

    Indoor Playparks & Playcentres:

    Block House – Precinct at The Shellharbour Club

    Nearby is the amazing The Shellharbour Club – kids eat FREE on Tuesdays + FREE family FUN in The Precinct every Friday between 6pm – 8pm which has several indoor parks and many different dining options, perfect for a catch up or a family lunch/dinner. On Tuesday’s kids eat free! Simply purchase any full priced meal from Fiftysix Dining during Lunch or Dinner to receive a kids meal, absolutely FREE.

    The latest family-friendly eatery to open at The Shellharbour Club, is Precinct, a unique dining experience unlike any other. Wander through the bustling indoor street market, sample the best of street food from Big Time BBQ, Dynasty Dumplings and Bon Bon.

    Best Beaches in Shellharbour

    Killalea – The Farm. Image Courtesy of Visit NSW

    1. Killalea – The Farm. Located at Killalea Drive Shell Cove is one of the most stunning hidden gems the Illawarra holds. Untouched and magnificent, most of the time is a calm beach perfect for little ones to run and play
    2. Bass Point, at the right time of year you can catch some whales breaching off shore, or take a dip in the rock pools.
    3. Foreshore, an enclosed Harbour right opposite the Little Park Playgound is the perfect place for the kids to have a swim or a play in the water, generally very small waves if any at all.
    4. South Beach, a great spot to walk out and investigate the ocean rock pools, or search through the many shells or pieces of coral washed up on this beach.
    5. Discover more Best Beaches for kids in Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW here

    What’s good for Neurodiverse / ASD children in Shellharbour?

    There is loads of fun to be had here, from walking on the rocks beside the beautiful ocean (our favourite) to visiting the pelicans at the boat ramp, sights and sounds allow for a sensory experience, with plenty of ways to run off that energy. South beach is filled with shells and coral that has been washed up and is so much fun to sort through (my kids think so and they are 6 and 3).

    More Kids Friendly Activities and Attractions close by

    Image Courtesy of Kramer Photography

    Nearby there are many things to do and attractions to visits such as the new and beautiful Marina is a short drive and with magnificent foodie areas, brilliant for a nice stroll or scooter along the boardwalk around to the break walls. For all your food, dining and shopping needs. Fun Places To Take Kids – Illawarra Page and our Best Parks in Wollongong article.

    In Summary: Why Shellharbour is SO Good for Families:

    Something for all ages!

    We could spend a whole day here starting with breaky (and coffee) at one of the amazing cafes up the main street then venture to one of the listed parks, with all the beach fronts and BBQ areas an ideal place for a lunch or picnic. The Pelicans are friendly as are the people, the Little Park is always busy with kids of all ages, take the scooter for a scoot or the bikes for a ride, pack the skates if your game!

    Educational & Fun

    Learning about the environment and developing an appreciation for nature at the same time, sound like a win for me!

    Family Bonding Opportunities

    Shellharbour is a place where families can spend time together and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a game of catch, a family picnic, or a stroll along the beach, the area offers numerous opportunities for quality family time.

    Importance of Free Activities & Time in Nature

    Outdoor activities play a crucial role in family life, child development, interaction and social skills providing opportunities for children to explore, learn. Free activities are great without the financial burden. In the Illawarra region, there are plenty of free places to take kids that offer fun and amazing lasting memories.

    After even more local playground inspo? Check out Play Illawarra’s guide to free outdoor play spaces for kids in Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour & Shoalhaven

    About the Author: I am Amanda, I am a busy mum of 2 kids, they are 6 and 3. We love to get out in nature and play and have fun making memories. We love the beaches in summer and nature walks anytime of year, we have been to most of the playground in the Illawarra and love to tell everyone all about them!

    Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

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