We’ve personally tried and tested nearly every park and playground in the Ryde area (and surrounds!) – it’s a tough gig but someone’s got to do it ?! Did you know we also rate each park out of 6 based on whether or not it has the following factors?:
- Coffee close by
- Shade Sail
- Bike/scooter track
- Noteworthy features
- Can host a party (BBQ, tables, toilets)
- Gated / safe
With all of those features in mind, we have come up with a list of our 8 favourites! Check it out below (in alphabetical order) – do you agree with us??
Bicentennial Park
Victoria Ave, Concord
Bicentennial Park is no ordinary park – beyond the great playground is a mere 40ha to be explored! There’s also the dedicated scooter track complete with road signs and markings, loads of grass to enjoy a picnic, ball games and more. We love that playground has a soft fall ground, shade sails and equipment for all ages. Read our full write up here.
Boronia Park
37 Bridge St, Epping
This one is an absolute gem and definitely worth a visit. Accessible via a beautiful rose garden, this fantastic park will leave you spoilt for choice! You will find a scooter/bike track, various playgrounds to suit different aged kids, toilets, BBQ facilities, great shade and soft fall ground. Learn more here.
Hughes Park
Burns Bay Road. Lane Cove West
Ding, ding, ding – we’ve struck gold! Whilst this playground doesn’t have the best shade, it has some of the coolest equipment around that will suit crawlers all the way up to tweens! There is a soft fall ground, loads of features including climbing rock walls, swings, slides and everything in between. You’ll even find adult exercise equipment if you are so inclined. Check out the full park spotlight here.
Jim Walsh Park
Graham Avenue, Eastwood
Whilst not the newest park on the block, Jim Walsh Park still packs a punch. It has BBQs, scooter/walking/bike track, toilets, a creek with ducks, lots of shade and, of course, a great playground for the kids too. Read all about it here.
McIlwaine Park – Brays Bay Reserve
Corner Concord Road and Mary Street, Rhodes
This one is a very popular picnic spot and for good reason. There’s the lovely river views, plenty of green space to spread out on and two great playgrounds to boot. The younger kids’ playground is fenced and has soft fall ground, while the older kids playground has lots of climbing and a sand floor. Get all the details here.
Rhodes Foreshore
Shoreline Road, Rhodes
There’s plenty to love about this shiny and new park – it has a combination of soft fall ground and grass, there are a few shade sails, it has lovely river views and it is fully fenced! Nearby, you’ll also find a fun water fountain feature and a lovely cafe. Toilet facilities are excellent too. Check out the details here.
Ryde Park
Princes Street and Argyle Street, Ryde
Ryde Park was already a winner with great little playground, basketball court, grass to run around on and a cafe on site. With the opening of the scooter park in early 2018, Ryde Park is now a ‘must visit’! Check out all the details here.
Waterloo Park
Waterloo Road and Trafalgar Place, Marsfield
Waterloo Park has something for every member of the family from the playground, to the basketball court, to the exercises equipment. It is conveniently located beside the shops, so great for grabbing a coffee and maybe even lunch! The playground has soft fall ground, a big walking/scooter track, fun equipment and lots of open space. Get the details here.
