I when the weathers warm you need the low down on all the best local water parks! The great thing about all these water parks is that they’re FREE and they all have playgrounds for dry play as well.
Putney Water Park
Pellisier Road, Putney
Parking: Car park and street parking
Shelter: Sunshades over water area and 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 much seating inside the water park or much by way of interactive water features so perhaps bring some buckets to keep little ones busy. Afterwards, you might enjoy a picnic on the huge grassy area overlooking the Parramatta River.
Dundas Water Park
Corner of Yates Road and Quarry Road, Dundas
Parking: Street parking
Shelter: Sunshades over 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 September to May. More info here!
James Ruse Water Park
Harris Street, Parramatta
Parking: Car park and street parking
Shelter: Sunshades over 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 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.