Nature Play is challenging the traditional playground equipment for a diverse playground experience. Nature Play Playgrounds feature running water, sand, logs, natural landscapes, trees to climb and may even feature a creek. They encourage creative play, spark imagination and we LOVE them!
We are so lucky that Adelaide has embraced the Nature Play trend & you can now find tons of natural play areas all across Adelaide & South Australia. Have a look below for some of the fantastic nature playgrounds to choose from.
Maybe the Leckie Playground in Mount Torrens up in the Adelaide Hills is your go-to? If you live down south, be sure to check out the newly developed Wilfred Taylor Reserve in Morphett Vale for lots of nature play fun. If you’re heading into regional South Australia, stop in at the Hermit Street Nature Play Space in Roxby Downs. Whether you are north, south, east, or west of Adelaide, you’ll find some cracking nature play areas nearby.
Find it at: Gulf Parade, Maslin Beach Located on the cliff face offering a spectacular 180-degree sea-view, this one is one of the most scenic playgrounds around. The reserve’s large, grassed lawn area is perfect for family activities and from the cliff point you can take pleasure in watching the sun set over one of Adelaide’s prettiest beaches, or study the many rock layers in the ancient cliff-face. Barbecues, shelters, public toilets and a...
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Opened in 2023, this incredible playground on the Eyre Peninsula is a must-visit, celebrating Barngarla storytelling with stunning First Nations artwork woven into its design. Families will find endless fun in the creative play spaces, from water and sand play to accessible play equipment and exciting climbing structures like the tunnel slide and ropes. With ocean views, picnic spots, free BBQs, and a nearby jetty, it’s the perfect spot for a...
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Find it at: Oval Terrace, Plympton This is another great example of mixing nature based play elements (water play, rocks and balancing logs) with playground favourites (slides, swings, flying fox) There’s wooden structures to climb, ropes to balance on, water to splash in, sand to build in. The natural elements are really inviting and the kids were having a ball. There’s a good mix of toddler and older kids equipment with a small...
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Find it at: Nedford Crescent, Fulham Gardens A lovely suburban playground which is great for toddlers, has the double ‘Mum and Me’ style swing where you can swing with your baby. Plenty of safety features here too which allows the toddlers to climb safely,with safe rails guard rails and good steps. No toiles shade or BBQ here however, but there is some shade on the grassed areas under the trees. Two swings and some wooden stepping...
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Glenthorne Nature Play Space Find it at: Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill The multi-million dollar nature play space, forming part of SA’s newest national park, Glenthorne National Park opened in May 2019 and the nature playground has it all, some of the wonderful playground features include; Multiple slides (including a HUGE tube slide tower Swings galore Inclusive inground roundabout Pram friendly paths Freestyle nature play (think...
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Find it at: Poltawa Terrace, Broadview Broadview Oval is a fabulous community space, which includes equipment and facilities for the whole family including: Playground Electric BBQ Cycle Track Tennis Clubs Oval Dog Park Kiosk (open Monday to Friday 8am-11am and 4pm-8pm, weekends for football games). This area is only an off-leash area for dogs between 5am and 8am, and 5pm and 9pm. The fenced off dog park is off-leash all of the time. We love...
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Find it at: Main Street in Myponga Myponga Nature Playground opened in mid 2018 and was a very welcome addition to the local area. This is another nature themed playground from the folks at Nature Play Landscaping who are behind some of our other favourite playgrounds including the new one at Point Turton The park has lots of wooden and rope climbing features, swings, wooden monkey bars/climbing ladder and a nice big sandpit. A beautiful spot...
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Find it at: Mosley Square Glenelg The Glenelg Foreshore Playground is SO good and we have absolutely loved visiting (along with most of Adelaide!) over the past few years since it opened. With the recent seasonal addition of the Giant Wheel, from about October to April, it makes for a brilliant day out! It’s a great mixture of beach surrounds, fun for young and old kids, and the move towards ‘nature play’ areas. Highlights...
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Adelaide is home to some amazing playgrounds, but sometimes, your kids may have a really intense love for a very specific theme. Most kids do at some point, whether it be dinosaurs, pirates, trains or just wanting to run around and get so damn dirty that you think you may get arrested for stealing sand. Whatever your kid is into, we have scoured the archives and compiled a list of some of Adelaide’s Best Themed Playgrounds for you to...
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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...
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When was the last time you said to your kids “go climb that tree?”or “get down from that tree!” Likely, it may have been a while. Tree climbing adventures have seemed to have disappeared off the after school hit list radar. Close your eyes … and remember back to your favourite tree to climb as a kid. Do your kids have one? When tree climbing, assess the risks like you do a playground and let them learn as we did...
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Find it at: 43 Jervois Street, South Plympton Jervois Street Playground in South Plympton is up there with Morialta and Glenunga as one of our favourite playgrounds in Adelaide. Some of the Jervois Street Reserve highlights are: Fully fenced junior playground with lots to keep the little ones happy including double slides, a ‘bird’s nest’ swing, regular and baby swing, sandpit and a water play feature with pump action water...
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Find it at: Corner of Bundeys Road and MacKinnon Parade, North Adelaide There are two main playground areas within the North Adelaide Playspace both with similar equipment but one lower to the ground and therefore better for 1-4 year olds, while the slightly bigger equipment is well suited to ages 4-10. Each playground section has HEAPS of options for climbing including lots of different wood and rope sections, log balance beams, wooden...
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Find it at: Princes Highway, Littlehampton Completed in 2024 and built to service new families moving into nearby developments, The Glebe is a beautiful open space with a minimalist nature playground, magnificent climbing tree, sand play and bike track. Its a dog exercise area too, so prepare for a number of dogs off lead, however the playground itself is free from dogs and is fully fenced. Plenty of nature, plenty of quiet and a lot of open...
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Find it at: Beasley Avenue, Gawler (Parking on Chignell Circuit) Opening in August 2024, Reid Reserve is a nature themed playground nestled in the beautiful reserve up north in Gawler. Reid Reserve caters to all age groups, offering an array of features including; a flying fox nest swing slide accessible roundabout standard swings There is also a shaded picnic area and a half-basketball court. Built by the talented Climbing Tree team, this is a...
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Find it at: Heron Way, Hallett Cove This is a great playground with amazing views over the ocean. The reserve includes a 5-way swing, tunnel slide, water and sand play, nature play, fitness equipment, shade sales, toilet, seating, shelter and BBQ facilities. The playground is unfenced, and there is a drop down to the rocky beach that parents with fast moving smaller children will need to be mindful of. There is parking close to the playground,...
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Find it at: Comet Ave, Netley Designed and inspired by the kids at Netley Kindergarten, this new little nature playground is nestled in the quiet suburb of Netley and adds a new dimension to the modern day playground. A fabulous area for kids to get in touch with nature by playing with the sand, climbing wooden bridges, or getting lost in the cave. This space is literally back to basics. These are just a few of the obstacles the children face...
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Find it at: Addiscombe Pl, Unley Park Calling all Mini Ninjas. Heywood Park in Unley is the place to be. In addition to the 2 separate play areas this play space has the Unley Council have added an awesome Mini Ninja course designed for ages 10 – 14. In addition, the area provides a new fitness based activity hub for all to utilise. We love how the council have created this space with a natural flare in mind so the kids balance and climb...
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Find it at: Brooker Terrace, Hilton West Torrens Memorial Gardens are one of the city’s beautiful green spaces and are situated off Brooker Terrace next to the Cowandilla (Hamra) Library, and featured a great upgrade in 2018.There are heaps of climbing and swinging options for those with little people who love to climb as much as ours do! We love the unique bridge which links the two sides of the playspace, allowing...
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Find it at: Just off Wonambi Road What happens when 3 local Mums decide that it’s about time their kids had a brand new playground…? They just go and get one built (with some help)! Enter the Naracoorte Caves Fossil Hunters Nature Playground! With the help of the local community and backing of the local CWA Limestone Ladies group, 3 Naracoorte Mums raised enough votes to WIN a $150,000 State Government Fund My Neighbourhood Grant to...
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Find it at: Corner Old Belair Road and Norman Walk, Mitcham This ripper was upgraded in December 2018 and we absolutely love it! The new playground updates are a credit to Nature Play Design and the City of Mitcham with a great mix of the nature play elements alongside more traditional equipment. On the larger side of the park (the Northern side) there is the highlight of the new upgrade to Mitcham Reserve with a double story ‘elf...
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Find it at: Woodswallow Drive, Happy Valley Upgraded in 2024, this picturesque backstreet playground in the heart of Happy Valley is a ripper for the locals. With a huge flying fox, tube slide and tower plus some gorgeous nature play equipment which fits in nicely with the nature backdrop. No toilets here but shaded seating and half court basketball is on offer, as well as some grassed area.
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Find it at: Barrage Road, Goolwa Another one to add to the Nature Playground list! This $600,000 project was opened in late 2015 and is located in a beautiful big waterside park, right near the yacht club in Goolwa. On the weekend or in the school holidays you can often see people taking their boats out or having races on the water nearby. It’s location is the first point I’d make. It’s a gorgeous spot but it is right near the...
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Find it at: Greenhill Road, Hazelwood Park Hazelwood Park Playground is a beauty for families of all ages and abilities. Upgraded in 2010 (and given a bit more TLC in early 2024), this shady park with plenty to do was one of the first (and still one of our fave) parks with a nature play feel. Set in the corner of the huge reserve there is plenty of space, plenty of shade and plenty of play equipment. In the summer the Burnside Outdoor Pool is...
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Find it at: Leonard Norman Drive, Waikerie Opened in December 2018 the Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park was the idea of local couple Clive and Donna Mathews who received a $150,000 Fund My Neighbourhood grant from the SA Government and also raised a further $100,000+ from the local Rotary Club, Council and Go Fund me campaign. (how good is that!). The playground also now includes an accessible roundabout for wheelchairs and an accessible...
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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...
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Find it at: Mount Barker Rd, Bridgewater This stunning playground is just about everything we love about a day out in our beautiful Adelaide Hills. Coffee, stunning scenery and a fab playground for all ages. Located just below the Bridgewater Mill, the playground is fenced along the road and edges but NOT on the creek bed, which in my opinion is great because it allows kids to take there shoes off and go for a good explore in the creek bed....
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Marshmallow Park on Glen Osmond Road, in the Adelaide Parklands is a firm favourite with our families from the 2 year old to the 10 year old. With its huge new renovation, there is now heaps more to explore at this site – also known as Pelzer Park or Pityarilla Activity Hub! The renovation includes some brilliant new nature play features, alongside more traditional swings, slides and climbing frames. There is a great water feature hill...
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Find it at: Pine Reserve, Aberfoyle Park The picturesque spot down south has had an upgrade in 2023, and doesn’t it look sensational! There are no toilets sadly but plenty of shade, water fountains and park benches. There is play equipment for all ages including an array of ninja course style ropes and climbing equipment. Keeping with the pine theme, the equipment is primarily wood and rope based. I spent so much time here as a kid and...
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Find it at: Port Rd, Adelaide What a beautiful playground for kids of all ages! Renovated back in late 2012, the Bonython Park Playground has a some very cool features not found in the typical suburban park. Some of the best equipment includes two 25m flying fox lines fun for kids of all ages and an extensive water play area complete with pumps, gates and a watermill. Kids love playing and experimenting with water and this...
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