Find it at: The Parade & West Terrace, Kensington Gardens

Hidden away in the inner Eastern suburbs is this the awesome Burnside Adventure Playground. Despite being a multi-award winning park and just off The Parade, I’ve been surprised to find how many locals don’t even know about this place with things to do for families of all ages and interests! It s a firm fave for us and our two boys under 5, plus our friends with toddlers and others with 6 & 8 year old!

There is an entrance to a small carpark from The Parade just past the tennis courts (see map below), but on a nice weekend it can get busy. Plenty of additional on street parking can be found within 40m walk to the main playground on West Terrace.

The main playground on the western side of the resserve has plenty for kids from 18months to 7 years or so, including 2 great flying fox (one seated one for all abilities and ages). It also has a few swings, slide, climbing frame and  a great rubber softfall area and bike/scooter path.

Take a short walk past the facilities block and car park, note the beautiful old grandstand aside the sports oval where you’ll find plenty of dog walkers on the weekend, and you’ll see a full fenced ‘duck pond’ about 80m on. With lots of ducks, signs to make sure you dont try to swim!, and additional small toddler playground over there its worth the short walk. If you’re into tennis there are free courts and BBQs on that side as well, plus HEAPS of places to set up your own family game of soccer, football or train in the cricket nets.

Entry to the carpark from The Parade or park on West Terrace. Open all hours. Parents of small kids please take care after recent rains as there is a small riverbed nearby that is unfenced.

You might also be interested in

  • Find it at: Belair National Park, SA Located within Belair National Park and surrounded by 800 hectares of beautiful bush this playground is an oldie, but a goodie! These photos bring back so many memories for us. Can anyone else remember school excursions here in the 80s and eating massive bush biscuits? Sitting in the huge concrete tunnels and then scurrying away trying to hide from your friends. Belair National Park sells itself. An iconic spot in Adelaide with beautiful natural scenery, fantastic facilities scattered throughout to suit whatever occasion you are after. If you haven't visited the adventure playground in a few years, bring your kids and spend the day. They will love the open space, the iconic huge concrete tubes, wooden fort and playground equipment. It has all you need in a playground too. Toilets, shelter, BBQ and parking. Check out the national park here for all the park entry details.

  • Find it at: Morialta Conservation Park, Woodforde The eagle has landed at Morialta Playground... in a 7 metre tall nest - and your kids can climb it! Yep, the Morialta Conservation Park playground is AWESOME! Best suited to kids aged 5-15years, it is great to see a play area perfect for older families. With over 100 car parks and walking trails to guide you, it makes a visit to the park even easier to navigate for families. The stunningly designed, HUGE and super fun playground has been designed with a Nature Play theme, with elements from Aboriginal culture. This super impressive nature playground features five themed play areas that are built across the Stradbroke Road picnic area. Come ready to explore Frog Island, Eagle’s Perch, Great Snake, Bird Nests and climbing boulders, as well as paths, creeks, rock walls and climbing trees. Please be aware that the Morialta Playground isn't fenced, has a nearby creek and road and has plenty of areas where you'll have to keep a hand &/or close eye on kids with high falls possible etc which makes it less suitable for younger kids but awesome fun for older ones! Things we love about Morialta Playground: The whole…

  • Morialta Conservation Park is a top pick for family walks, nature play, and wildlife spotting, especially after rain when the waterfalls are at their best. Located just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, it offers a range of walking trails suitable for families with kids of all ages. What Families Should Know: Best Time to VisitWeekends and public holidays get really busy, and the carpark fills up quickly. It’s best to head there early, go later in the day, or visit during the week if you want to avoid the crowds. ParkingThe main carpark is right near the start of the walks, but it often fills up. If that happens, you can park along Stradbroke Road before the entrance. Just keep in mind it adds about 1.5 km each way to get to the trailhead. Walking Trails First Falls Walk (around 20 minutes each way) - Flat and easy, this one’s great for little kids. The path is sealed and fine for prams. After rain, there are small creek crossings along the way which are fun for kids to splash in - just keep a close eye around the water. Falls Plateau Hike and Giants Cave (about 2 hours) -…