At Little Scholars, we’re not just about early learning, we are all about our families and community! That’s why we’re here to share our favourite outdoor playgrounds in Ipswich for toddlers.

Finding the perfect play spot for your toddler can feel like hitting the jackpot, and in Ipswich, Queensland there are plenty of winners. We’ve rounded up the best Ipswich playgrounds for toddlers – think soft-fall surfaces, mini slides, sand pits, and even friendly farm animals – all geared toward kids aged 1–5. These toddler-friendly playgrounds in Ipswich offer safe, fun environments for little ones to explore. So grab your sunhat and snacks, and get ready to discover the best outdoor playgrounds in Ipswich for toddlers!

Images and information courtesy of the organisations mentioned/linked below.

Queens Park, Ipswich - Water Play & Wildlife Fun in One Park

Queens Park is an all-in-one adventure for toddlers, combining an exciting playground with a mini wildlife experience. The playground itself features a wonderful water pump and little stream where toddlers can splash, pump water, and float leaves downstream. There’s loads of pint-sized play equipment on a soft-fall rubber surface, plus a big grassy lawn perfect for wobbling runs and family picnics. Towering shady trees keep much of the play area cool, and parents will appreciate the nearby Ipswich Nature Centre – a free mini-zoo home to kangaroos, farm animals, birds and more – accessed by a pram-friendly boardwalk. After meeting the animals, you can pop into the Environmental Education Centre across the path for interactive toddler activities, or recharge at the on-site café (which even has a kids’ menu). It’s easy to spend a whole morning here with your little explorer!

Toddler Highlights:

  • Interactive water play area (pump-operated stream)
  • Plenty of toddler-sized climbing structures and swings
  • Soft rubber ground and open grassy space for safe play
  • Mostly shaded by large trees (great for hot days)
  • Extras: Ipswich Nature Centre (mini zoo) and Environmental Education Centre on-site for added fun
  • Amenities: Toilets (with disabled access and change tables) and an on-site café for coffee or kids’ meals

Location: 10A Milford Street, Ipswich

Leichhardt Park, One Mile - Fruit & Veggie Themed Toddler Haven (Fully Fenced!)

If you have an energetic toddler who loves to roam, Leichhardt Park will be your new best friend. This adorable playground is fully fenced (a huge relief for parents of runners!) and sits on a soft bark base for gentle landings. The entire play space is cleverly designed for under-5s with a charming fruit-and-vegetable theme. Little ones can bounce on a giant watermelon rocker, play shopkeeper at the pretend veggie market stall, and clamber up a pint-sized fort – all sized perfectly for tiny hands and feet. There’s even a big sandpit with a digger where mini construction-lovers can scoop and sift to their heart’s content. Covered picnic tables and BBQs sit within the enclosure, so you can relax and snack without losing sight of your child. With its imaginative theme and thoughtful design, Leichhardt Park truly ticks all the boxes for safe, creative toddler play.

Toddler Highlights:

  • Fully fenced play areas – peace of mind for parents
  • Soft bark and sand ground surfaces (gentle on little feet)
  • Whimsical fruit & veggie theme for imaginative play (watermelon rocker, shopfront, etc.)
  • Dedicated toddler-sized fort, low slides and mini climbing equipment
  • Large sandpit with a kid-operated digger for tactile play
  • Swings (including toddler swing seats) and fun bouncers
  • Amenities: On-site toilets with baby change facilities, shaded picnic tables and BBQs inside the fence

Location: 1A Old Toowoomba Road, One Mile

Flagstone Adventure Park, Flagstone - Mega Park with a Toddler Zone & Water Play

You’ve probably heard the buzz about Flagstone Adventure Park – it’s one of the biggest playgrounds in South East Queensland, and it definitely lives up to the hype. But don’t let the epic scale scare you off if you have a toddler. Tucked within this 10-hectare mega-park is a fantastic dedicated toddler zone designed for little adventurers. In this smaller area, kids will find a low-to-the-ground climbing fort with mini slides and ladders, a fun tunnel built into a hill, toddler-sized climbing frames, and baby swings – all perfect for the under-5 crowd. There’s also an in-ground trampoline (just their size) and a sand play area for sensory fun. And here’s the best part: right next door is the Flagstone Water Play Park, a zero-depth water playground with sprayers, bubblers and jets where toddlers can cool off and splash safely!

While Flagstone Adventure Park isn’t fully fenced and can get busy (so keep a close eye on your little one), it offers endless entertainment. Older siblings can enjoy the giant climbing towers, skate plaza, and flying foxes, while you and your toddler stick to the gentler attractions. There are shelters and seating (the central play areas even have shade sails overhead), so you can take breaks as needed. A coffee cart/café is usually on hand near the water park – lifesaver! – and toilets are available on site. Pro tip: bring a picnic and maybe a change of clothes for the kiddo, because between the sandbox and water jets, they will get delightfully messy.

Toddler Highlights:

  • Dedicated toddler play area with low climbing fort, tiny slides and a sunken tunnel
  • Sand play zone and even a little in-ground trampoline for bouncy fun
  • Water Play Park adjacent with shallow spray jets and fountains (perfect for splashing on hot days)
  • Multiple swings including toddler bucket swings
  • Soft-fall rubber play surfaces and large grassy areas to run around
  • Partial shade from shade sails in the toddler section (bring hats and sunscreen just in case)
  • Amenities: Accessible toilets on site, off-street parking area, and a nearby café for coffee/snacks

Location: Trailblazer Drive, Flagstone (Jimboomba area)

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, Ipswich - Nature Play & Mini Bushwalks for Tiny Explorers

For a mix of playground fun and nature time, you can’t beat Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve. Nestled in 11 hectares of bushland right near Ipswich Central, this reserve includes a gorgeous nature-based playground that’s ideal for toddlers with big imaginations. The play equipment is all made from wood and natural materials, and it’s set low to the ground. Little ones can scamper over log balance beams, wobble across a small rope bridge, clamber on totem poles, and swing in a cute bird’s-nest swing. There’s even a pretend campfire ring and a tiny wooden stage – perfect for creative play and impromptu toddler performances! The ground is covered in soft mulch and sand, so tumbles aren’t a big deal.

What makes Denmark Hill extra special are the built-in mini hiking adventures. Just beyond the playground you’ll find several short, toddler-friendly walking trails looping through the forest.  They’re easy, mostly paved or bitumen paths – great for little feet or even prams. Along one trail, keep an eye out for large metal storybook frames which are part of the reserve’s “Tales and Trails” story walk, adding a touch of magic to your stroll. After your walk, you can picnic at the tables near the playground (there are BBQs and shelters too), or simply enjoy the birds and butterflies in this peaceful green haven. Bonus: an amenities block with accessible toilets is located by the picnic area, so you have all the essentials for a comfy outing.

Toddler Highlights:

  • Beautiful nature-themed playground with wooden climbing and balancing equipment
  • Low structures: no tall towers here – ideal for ages 1–5 to explore independently
  • Imaginative play features like a pretend campfire circle and mini stage for budding performers
  • Small basket swing (bird’s nest style) and fun obstacle-course elements (logs, ropes, nets)
  • Short bushwalk trails starting at the playground – easy grade, suitable for toddlers and prams
  • Storytime trail: discover the quirky story-frame installations along the paths (a hit with curious kids!)
  • Amenities: Picnic tables, shelters, BBQs, plenty of parking, and toilets (with disabled access) on site

Location: 20 Chelmsford Avenue, Ipswich

Faye Carr Park, Ripley - Rocket Ships & Toddler Learn-to-Ride Track

Calling all future astronauts – Faye Carr Park is a must-visit! This vibrant park in Ripley is famous for its trio of giant red-and-green rocket ship towers that wow you on arrival. But for toddlers, the real fun is at ground level: a snakes-and-ladders themed toddler playground that’s jam-packed with interactive play equipment. There are mini forts and slides, toddler swings, little spinners, bouncy rubber domes to hop across, and even a custom rope obstacle run – all designed for the 1–5 age group. In total, the park boasts 16+ developmental play activities just for young children, so there’s no shortage of things to touch, spin, climb or slide on. It’s partly covered with shade sails and has a mix of soft rubber, sand, and bark underfoot for safe play.

One of the standout features here is the learn-to-ride track that loops around the playground. This mini roadway comes complete with street signs and road markings, offering the perfect practice ground for kids on trikes or balance bikes – don’t forget to pack your little one’s wheels! Beyond the toddler zone, Faye Carr Park also includes open grassy fields and a half basketball court, so older siblings (or energetic parents) can kick a ball or shoot hoops. Family-friendly extras like picnic shelters, BBQ facilities, and water fountains make it easy to linger for a lunch break. The park is relatively new, very clean, and although not fully fenced, it’s set back from any main roads in a quiet estate. Parents will also appreciate the accessible toilets and baby change facilities on site, plus convenient on-street parking. All in all, this “rocket park” delivers a space-age level of fun for little kids!

Toddler Highlights:

  • Unique rocket ship theme – exciting visuals without being too scary for littlies
  • Dedicated toddler play area with low-to-ground forts, small slides and ramps
  • Interactive play elements: spinners, a mini see-saw, puzzle panels, and bouncy rubber mounds
  • Learn-to-ride bike/scooter track encircling the playground, with real traffic signs for imaginative play
  • Five-person group swing and inclusive merry-go-round for social play (toddler and parent can ride together!)
  • Half basketball court and open lawn adjacent – great for a pram walk or kicking a ball
  • Amenities: Wheelchair-accessible toilets, baby change tables, sheltered picnic areas with BBQs, and water taps

Location: 1 Joy Chambers Circuit, Ripley

Grande Park, Springfield Lakes - Fully Fenced Wonderland with Bike Track & More

True to its name, Grande Park offers a grand day out for families – especially those with adventurous toddlers. This park is a fully fenced wonderland of multiple play zones set amid beautiful eucalyptus trees. Inside the extensive fenced area, you’ll find a dedicated toddler playground as well as areas for older kids, all on soft bark and rubber surfaces. For the little ones, there’s a cute toddler fort with slides and a mini climbing wall, plenty of ground-level activities, swings (including a toddler bucket swing), and spinning elements that are just the right speed for younger children. One highlight is the pair of hill slides built into an artificial mound – even tiny tots can enjoy a gentle slide with a grown-up’s help. Meanwhile, mini daredevils can try the small climbing nets or wobble on the low balance beams. Because everything is enclosed, you can relax (a bit!) while your toddler toddles from one activity to the next in this safe space.  

Grande Park also features an awesome traffic-themed learn-to-ride track just outside the main playground fence, winding through the trees. It has real road signs, painted lines, and little bridges – perfect for a preschooler on a balance bike or scooter to practice “road rules” (and burn extra energy). Bring the bikes and trikes! There are also walking paths leading to a small creek and bushland around the park, so curious little explorers can enjoy a short nature walk with you. Other facilities abound: picnic pavilions, BBQs, toilets (accessible), and even a fenced dog-off-leash area across the road for your furry family members. With so much to do, it’s easy to spend a whole morning or afternoon at Grande Park. Pack a picnic (and a change of clothes if mud or water play might tempt your tot), and make a day of it!

Toddler Highlights:

  • Entire playground area fully fenced – stress-free play for wanderers
  • Soft fall bark and rubber flooring throughout, plus large grassy sections to run around
  • Dedicated toddler equipment: small slides, a low climbing fort, baby swings, spinners
  • Fun extras like hill slides built into a grassy mound and little climbing nets
  • Traffic-themed bike/scooter track on site with signs and road markings – A+ for pretend play and biking practice
  • Shady spots under sails and trees; adjacent bushland paths for a mini nature walk or scoot
  • Amenities: Toilets (wheelchair-accessible), covered picnic tables, BBQs, and easy parking nearby

Location: 40 Grande Avenue, Springfield Lakes

Time to play!

Ipswich truly delivers when it comes to toddler-friendly playgrounds – from imaginative themed parks to nature-filled play spaces, there’s something here for every little personality. Now it’s your turn to explore! Why not plan your next family outing around one of these amazing parks? Pack the stroller, plenty of water, and a spare set of clothes (just in case!), and get ready for giggles and good times. We’d love to hear about your adventures, so feel free to share with us on social media @littlescholarsearlylearning! which Ipswich playground for toddlers becomes your family’s favourite.

If you’re after the best childcare in Ipswich, look no further than our brand-new campus, Little Scholars Karalee! Contact us or book a tour today to ensure your little one gets the best start to life that they can.