When the weather warms up, you’ll want to know where to find the best local water parks! The great thing about these spots is they’re all free – and each one also has a playground for some dry fun between splashes.

Putney Water Park

Pellisier Road, Putney

Parking: Car park and street parking

Shelter: Sunshades over the water area plus many mature trees

Toilets: Yes

It’s not the newest water park on the list, but this one has a great paddle pool for toddlers and a slide for the older kids, too. There isn’t a lot of seating inside the water park or much by way of interactive water features, so consider bringing some buckets to keep little ones busy. Afterwards, you might enjoy a picnic on the huge grassy area overlooking the Parramatta River, or head to the new Putney Beach for a paddle!

Dundas Water Park

Corner of Yates Road and Quarry Road, Dundas

Parking: Street parking

Shelter: Sunshades over the water area and some tree shade

Toilets: Yes, across the grass field

This neat water park is great fun for kids with water spraying from every which direction, tipping buckets and rings that kids LOVE running through. The water park operates from 9am to 8pm from September to May. More info here!

James Ruse Water Park

Harris Street, Parramatta

Parking: Car park and street parking

Shelter: Sunshades over the water area and some small trees

Toilets: Yes

This is another action-packed water park with an area perfect for younger kids as well as one for older kids. It has spinning water features, fountains, water rings to run through and more.

Meadowbank Park

Constitution Road, Meadowbank

Parking: Car park and street parking

Shelter: Sunshades over water area

Toilets: Yes

This sweet little water park is the latest addition to the Ryde area, set inside the Meadowbank Playground, which we reckon has to be one of Sydney’s best playgrounds.

The Playground Darling Harbour

Darling Quarter, 1–25 Harbour Street, Sydney

Parking: Paid parking station; however, public transport is your best bet! Get the train or ferry in for $2.50 (Sundays only) – the kids will love it.

Shelter: Nothing over the water area, but there are other designated shade areas

Toilets: Yes

While very busy, this large water park will keep the kids entertained for hours. Kids can redirect water in the water roads, bring water up through tubes and splash about. If you have 2 or more young kids, you may want to ensure there is a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio, as the kids can easily run to different areas and with lots of people and lots of things to do, it is hard to keep track. Why not make a day of it by getting the ferry in, lunching at one of the many cafes nearby and enjoying the sights of Darling Harbour.

Pirrama Park

20 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont

Parking: Car park and street parking

Shelter: Sunshades over the water area and lots of trees

Toilets: Yes

Situated on the harbour, this lovely water park has a great variety of activities to keep the kids busy, plus plenty of seating for adults.

Blaxland Riverside Park

Jamieson St, Newington/Silverwater

Parking: Carpark. Can be hard to get parking!

Shelter:  Small amounts of shade – no shade over water area

Toilets: Yes

This water park is just one part of a huge and awesome playground that you could easily spend the whole day at! Beyond the water park, you’ll find lots of swings, climbing frames, flying foxes and fun galore! It’s a great one for older kids. Pick your times carefully; there isn’t much shade, and weekend parking can be tricky.

Photo Credit: Timeout

Ollie Webb Reserve

37A Glebe St, Parramatta

Parking: Free 2 hour parking on Glebe and other surrounding streets

Shelter:  Yes

Toilets: Yes

This water play section of this playground is again just one part of the amazing equipment at this wonderful all-abilities park.  You’ll also find outdoor exercise equipment, BBQs, one-third basketball court, picnic tables and park benches, walking path and great toilet facilities.

More info here.