Perth’s best playgrounds: we rate the best parks for kids

YOU may have missed this if you don’t have children, but Perth has undergone a park revolution over the past decade.

No longer will a couple of swings, a slide and a see-saw suffice – these days, any park work its salt must be beautiful, functional and safe.

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Adventure playgrounds have been elevated to a high art form, and some of the results are breathtaking.

These are our takes for the best playgrounds for kids Perth has to offer.

10. Morgan John Morgan Reserve (Train Park), Glen Forrest

Referred to by locals and Hills visitors as ‘the Train Park’, this park is a must-visit for any little train enthusiasts. Featuring a replica steam train and a host of other play equipment in beautifully leafy surrounds, Morgan John Morgan Reserve (so good they had to name it twice) promises hours of fun for the whole family.

9. Russell Brown Adventure Park, Minim Cove, Mosman Park

This superb nature playground is so well integrated into the natural surrounds you might miss it. For older kids, there are plenty of climbing obstacles to get stuck into, using ropes and wood, while for the little ones there is an enclosed area featuring a slide, fort and all the usual favourites. The park is right on the banks of the river, so do keep a close eye on things.

8. Foreshore Reserve, Egret Point, Erskine

Hidden under the new Mandurah Traffic Bridge, visitors have to walk along the Peel Inlet to discover all this park’s features – beginning with a ping pong table (with paddles – bring your own balls), BBQ area that leads to a rope maze, a climbing wall and a climbing tower styled like the nearby Osprey nests. Then there’s swings and a second picnic area. It also features fish cleaning tables for people determined to catch their dinner.

7. Rotary Park, Scenic Drive Wanneroo

Rotary Park features musical instruments and a rock climbing wall, as well as all the usual favourites. There is also a beautiful lawn area and a swing that is wheelchair accessible.

6. Wellard Playground, Bellingham Parade

The recently completed playground’s 7.3m high climbing tower is a one of a kind in WA. It was specially designed and manufactured for the park, which also features a trampoline pit, climbing dome and kick-about area.

5. Mundaring Community Sculpture Park, Jacoby Street

Recently redeveloped, this park will satisfy mum and dad’s craving for a bit of culture while simultaneously tiring out the kids. Created in 1988 by the Mundaring Bicentennial Community Committee, the park features an array of sculptures from some of WA’s most renowned artists. This year’s remodel has made significant improvements to the children’s play area, and makes it well worth a visit.

4. Sam’s Memorial Playground (Warradale Park), Warradale Terrace Landsdale

This fenced playground features slides, swings, a timber tepee and musical instruments. The Warradale Park play area is the only dedicated autism-friendly playground in Perth and has been created in memory of toddler Sam Trott, who passed away in 2014.

3. Escarpment Park, Bristlebird Loop Alkimos

Escarpment Park is a glowing advertisement for the developing northern suburb. With modern play-equipment, shade sails over sand, barbecue areas and ocean views, this park offers plenty to love for parents and children.

2. Calleya Playground, Cnr Cilantro Parkway and Wattleseed Avenue Banjup

Calleya playground is proving a hit with kids from all over. Featuring a high-altitude tubular slide for the more adventurous, and a smaller slide for the toddlers, the park also has in-ground trampolines for hours of bouncing fun.

1. Woodbridge Riverside Park, First Avenue

The park features an Eco Adventure play zone with a vast array of play equipment, including a great flying fox. It also features play and social opportunities for wheelchair users and visitors with other physical or intellectual impairments.