News Illawarra’s Top 10 Playgrounds Celebrating the United Nations International Day of Play! Play is more than just fun- it’s a powerful part of how children learn, grow and connect with the world around them. Play is something every child should have the chance to experience every day. In honour of the UN’s International Day of Play 2025 and this year’s theme “Choose Play Every Day”, we’re celebrating the spaces that make daily play possible right here in the Illawarra. From coastal scenery to bushland escapes, we’ve broken it down into the three best playgrounds for all ages, three best for little ones, a special mention and our top three feature playgrounds. Download our free ‘Top 10 Illawarra Playgrounds’ list at the end of this post to take with you on your next adventure! Whether you print it out for the fridge or save it to your phone, it’s a great way to keep play at the heart of your weekly routine. Read on to explore each playground in depth — including what makes them special, where to find them, and why they made our list. Best for All Ages Cringila Playground and Community Park- Lackawanna St, Cringila With accessible swings and slides, climbing nets and an epic BMX track, this playground is brilliant for the whole family! Take in the great scenery at one of the surrounding walking trails, have a splash in the water play or brave the exciting pump track. Kids of all ages are sure to love this one! What we love about it: 12km of mountain bike trails Tracks catering to different ages and abilities 3.4km of gorgeous walking trails Amazing accessible slides and swings Challenging fun with the climbing nets and obstacle course Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/cringila-community-park/ McDonald Park Playground- Tongarra Rd, Albion Park Rail Affectionately known as the Cow playground! For children small and big, this developing sport and play precinct really has something for everyone! With great seating, toilets and BBQ facilities, alongside the play and fitness opportunities, you’ll see why we love this playground so much! What we love about it: Variety of graded play opportunities for all age ranges and abilities An exciting ninja warrior course Engaging fitness equipment A great learn to ride track A nature play trail to spark the imagination Netball courts and open green space for ball games Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/mcdonald-park/ Dimond Brothers Reserve Playground- Bong Bong Rd, West Dapto Dimond Brothers Reserve Playground is a scenic playground for all ages! With gorgeous views of the escarpment, a skate park and fun play equipment, all together in one location, what’s not to love? Opposite this playground is Reid park, a fenced, off-leash dog-friendly park, so even your furry friends can get involved! What we love about it: Skate park Water play elements Nest swing Climbing areas Fitness equipment Play equipment with slides Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/dimond-brothers-reserve/ Best for Little Ones Lakeside Drive Reserve, Kanahooka Playground- Lakeside Dr, Kanahooka Designed with the help of local school children, this playground is the perfect spot for young children! Featuring fun climbing structures, slides and a shared pathway, there’s so much to do! What we love about it: Trampolines Flying fox BBQ area and shaded picnic tables Water play Gorgeous lake views Specific toddler play space including boat and ice cream truck Local shops nearby Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/lakeside-drive-reserve King George V Oval Playground- Cowper St, Port Kembla This playground is much loved by younger ones, with colourful equipment, fun slides and so many climbing opportunities! Just a short distance from Port Kembla Beach and local sports grounds, play can be endless! What we love about it: Multiple swings including a nest swing Accessible parking spaces 5 different types of slides on one play equipment Close to local sports grounds and across from the pool Softfall flooring and shade Find out all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/king-george-v-oval/ Reid Park Playground- Allowrie St, Jamberoo This modern playground ticks all the boxes in the everyone can play guidelines. This park is great for little ones, in a scenic spot covered in an abundance of natural shade from the gorgeous trees! What we love about it: Baby and toddler swing Sensory play equipment including water play Gyro spinner and balance beam Cubby house Backs onto Kevin Walsh Oval, and within easy walking distance to Jamberoo village Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/reid-park/ Our Top Three Picks Hindmarsh Park Playground- Terralong St, Kiama Hindmarsh Park Playground is in the perfect location, situated in the heart of Kiama’s main road, in just a short distance to the beautiful Black Beach. With so much great accessible play equipment and activities, it’s hard to list all of our favourites! What we love about it: An inclusive trampoline An accessible carousel and see saw Musical play equipment and a sensory trail Rock and net climbing Unique polished concrete slides BBQ and bubblers, with toilets nearby Sand play with a sand digger, and an accessible sand digger Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/hindmarsh-park/ Reddall Reserve Playground- Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra This playground is perfect for the whole family, offering a large grass area with plenty of picnic tables and shelters, BBQ’s and fitness equipment alongside the playground. With a super fun ninja exercise park, zip lines (with an inclusive seat) and a music play area, everyone is sure to have fun! What we love about it: Unique 360° nest swing Fun fitness equipment- the whole family can get involved in movement Climbing features and a ninja exercise park, perfect for a challenge! Kiosk and public toilets within walking distance Natural sand play and next to the beach Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/reddall-reserve/ Stuart Park Playground- Cliff Rd, Wollongong This beachside playground has been built with everyone in mind, offering equipment for all ages and abilities, and an abundance of fun features for the whole family! Inspired by and built for adults with a disability, this playground is an All Ages All Abilities Playground. What we love about it: Flying foxes, climbing nets and a huge 8.6m Sky Tower Multiple playgrounds, including a sensory garden, wheelchair accessible trampoline and a human-size hamster wheel! A marked bike track Shady spots and picnic shelters Only a short walk to the beach and lagoon Inclusive play, with a liberty swing, nest swing, hammock and reclining swing! Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/stuart-park/ Special Mention Yirran Muru Play Space- Cygnet Ave, Shellharbour City Centre This very special playspace was co-designed by Shellharbour City Council and the local Aboriginal Community and is a map of the traditional travel routes taken in Dhawaral Country. The features of the playground replicate the seasonal movements of the Dhawaral people. This playground does not have traditional play equipment of swings and slides, but instead fosters connection and nature, with an awareness of local Dharawal culture. What we love about it: Beautiful sandpit Huge climbing wall- requiring supervision at all times Gorgeous natural feel, with so many spaces to explore Designed to challenge children physically and mentally Fosters imagination, cultural understanding and community Find all the info about this playground here: https://playillawarra.com.au/parks/yirran-muru-play-space/ As we celebrate the power of play today, let’s commit to keeping it in our lives every day. Play strengthens families, builds community and helps children grow into curious, confident learners. Whether it’s swinging at your local playground, climbing something new, or laughing together under the sun, play matters. This International Day of Play, we invite you to embrace the theme: Choose Play, Everyday Ready to explore? Download your free ‘Top 10 Illawarra Playgrounds’ list below and start making space for play, every single day. Tag us in your adventures at @HealthyCitiesAustralia to share how you choose play! Head to Play Illawarra’s website to download the full pdf: https://playillawarra.com.au/2025/06/10/illawarras-top-10-playgrounds/