When you have older kids, it can sometimes be harder to find playgrounds that give them enough of a challenge to stay enthusiastic enough to not be annoying…..thankfully Taperoo Playground is a winner!
A beautiful spot, with fabulous manicured grass to make any dad jealous and is perfect for picnics. There is a small tramp built into the ground which is always fun for a bounce or two. What we loved the most was the huge climbing equipment which had a range or ropes and little challenges to weave around as you climb. We haven’t seen anything like this in our travels for a long time and love some playground design creativity to challenge the older kids.
There is also extra equipment with swings and slides more suited to the younger kids, nature play, plus a half court basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment too! They have also included a BBQ, shelter and toilets to make this a very well designed facility for the family.
Find it at: Railway Terrace, Karoonda Part of the Mallee Playground Trail (A ripping local initiative linking 3 playgrounds at Karoonda, Wynarka and Wanbi), the space themed Karoonda Playground is an absolutely awesome attraction for the region, making it a must stop for Adelaide families out on a road trip. The star attraction is of course the 3-storey high tower, complete with double tube slide and observation deck area. The playground is fully fenced, with a bark surface (so wear shoes!) and also boasts a flying fox, hammock and water play area. We popped in on a school holiday road trip and the kids loved this one (even though the large tube slide does look a bit crazy!) Throw in some toilets, plus a stones throw from the bakery and pub across the road and this will be a regional playground highlight for years to come. Oh and don't forget to check out the Karoonda Silo Art during your trip! Read more about the silo art around our fab state here.
Find it at: Rodgers Terrace, Maitland On the corner of Rogers Terrace and Robert St in Maitland there is a great combination playground. It boasts both the typical metal/plastic style playground with a large wooden climbing section. There is a spinning ride (although beware after rain as it fills with water), swings, a big slide, a digger and climbing equipment. It is surrounded by fence for most of the playground with just a small gap for entering (not secure). It has a car park, shaded seating, a free bbq, a double cricket pitch and it's just a short walk to nearby toilets.Fun for the whole family!
Find it at: Cowell Foreshore Precinct, Thompson Drive, Cowell Cowell Foreshore Precinct underwent a $9 million upgrade in 2023 with the addition of an aquatic playground featuring a Splash Park and Water Slides, a Basketball Court, a Jumping Pillow and increased car parking (including long parks) for all those caravanning families! Cowell is a beautiful coastal town situated on the Franklin Harbour, approximately 490kms (around 5 hours drive) north-west of Adelaide. A popular place for fishing activities due to its sheltered waters of the harbour, Cowell offers so much more than just Oysters and Fish! The Franklin Cowell Foreshore precinct redevelopment has seen the creation of the Cowell Water Park alongside the Cowell Lions Park. The Precinct includes a free outdoor water play area featuring a splash zone and two water slides. A skate park, Jumping Pillow and full sized Basketball court have been added to the existing playground as well. There is also plenty of lawn for ball games and sheltered areas for picnics, as well as free barbeques! Whether you are looking for a morning tea or lunch stop on your Eyre Peninsula road trip or you're staying in the township, this is the perfect place to be…