As advocates for early childhood development, we understand the significance of outdoor play in fostering a child’s physical and cognitive growth. If you’re seeking vibrant spaces that not only get your children moving but also spark their enthusiasm for the great outdoors, look no further. We’ve curated a list of what we consider the Gold Coast’s best playgrounds.
These playgrounds are dynamic environments that challenge and engage young minds. Our selection is based on our expertise in early childhood education, ensuring that each playground provides a rich range of experiences to stimulate curiosity and physical activity.
From sprawling play structures to interactive nature-based zones, these spaces are designed to encourage exploration and play.
Southern Gold Coast
Pirate Park Palm Beach
The beloved Pirate Park got a facelift in 2022 to the tune of $1.4M and the new and improved play space is impressive!
The sand-filled playground offers something for small and bigger children, including:
- Climbing nets and ropes
- Suspension bridge
- Telescopes, cannons, interactive panels
- Imaginary play elements
- 7-metre-high crow’s nest towers
- 8-metre-long tunnel slide
- Swings
- Flying fox
- Spinning globe
- Large basket swing
- Row boats with talk tubes
- Caves
- Hammock
- Sensory play elements
Parents can grab food or a beverage at the nearby Dune Cafe, and located right next to the playground are public toilets and showers if a dip in the ocean is needed after the sandy fun!
Schuster Park Tallebudgera
Don’t let your little adventurers miss out on the excitement at Schuster Park adventure playground! Ideal for children aged 4 and above, this playground is a climber’s haven featuring two towering slides off the main structure. Nature paths wind through the park, offering balance beams, jumping posts, sand paths with drums, musical flowers, and stepping stones for endless exploration.
Need to cool off? Enjoy a small beach area within reach. And if you’re planning a family BBQ, you’re in luck – there are two BBQs conveniently located next to the playground, along with a nearby toilet block. Schuster Park is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun and play.
Laguna Park Palm Beach
The Laguna Park playground in Palm Beach is a great playground for ages 2+, check out the huge adventure playground, pirate ship, slides and rockers, a pedal power monorail, funny faces interactive boards and more. The entire playground is fenced, which is great for the little ones, and it also includes a Liberty Swing for kids in wheelchairs. Much of the playground is shaded by sails, and there are toilets nearby. The playground is surrounded by a lovely lake and a walking trail. A great bonus is that Laguna Park is steps away from Third Base coffee!
Bill Thomson Park Elanora
Bill Thomson Park in Elanora is an medieval-themed playground completed in 2022 that has really brought the neighbourhood together like never before!
There are turrets and bridges connecting the playground together to create one large castle. A large flying fox runs along the lakeside of the playground, there are internal and external slides, a great swing set and plenty of imaginative play opportunities. This playground is more aimed at slightly older children, but agile toddlers can get around most of it as well.
In the same area, you will find basketball court, picnic shelter great for birthday parties and public toilets. Located a short walk around the lake is The Pines Shopping Centre, so you can grab everything you need for a picnic or just a coffee.
This playground has some open areas off the ground, is not fenced and steps away from the lake, so adult supervision is a must.
Frascott Park Varsity Lakes
Frascott Park has two playgrounds! Accessed via Yodelay Street or Mattocks Road, the most popular section of the park is the Mattocks Road entrance safari-themed playground.
Here you’ll find two play structures, one for the bigger kids and one for the toddlers. A huge slide and flying fox are keen favourites, while little ones will love driving the safari jeep. The second playground is located by Yodelay Street and is well suited for younger children. There is lots of natural shade, and easy climbing opportunities on the playground. The playground includes bridges, a slide, merry-go-round, swing set and spider net.
There’s also opportunities for parents to get some physical activity in! Fitness stations are scattered along the pathway. A large kick and play field with one goal post, perfect for a friendly game of footy, rugby or soccer. Also, a basketball court with hoops and backboard.
Toilets are available onsite near the Yodelay Street entrance.
Ronnie Long Park Tallebudgera
The Ronnie Long Park is a great set of two playgrounds between the Tallebudgera Surf Club and the beach. With one playground suited toward slightly bigger children, it’s partially fenced, has a big climbing tower, large nest swing, spinning frame, and rockers. This area is shaded and has a rubber floor, while the second playground is more suited to toddlers. There’s a slide, two swings and a plane to climb in and on. This area is also shaded with a sand floor. Behind the playground is the surf club’s cafe for parents. There are toilets and BBQs nearby. Just be aware the playgrounds are steps away from Tallebudgera Creek, parking can be a challenge on nice days.
Deodar Park Burleigh Waters
Deodar Park is home to a total of seven slides, including a mega slide (which of course means mega fun!). Partly covered by shade sails, this small but mighty playground has elements suitable for a range of ages. Here you will find climbing opportunities, a flying fox, interactive panels, swings, a seesaw, balance rope and tunnels.
Alongside the playground is a fenced BMX pump track, suited to confident young riders. There is also a concrete basketball court and a large grassed area that allows for dogs off-leash.
There’s also a drinking fountain, picnic shelter, picnic tables. Note, there aren’t toilets located near the playground.
Broadwater Parklands Southport
The Broadwater Parklands playground is one of the most beloved play areas on the Gold Coast with several fun areas for children to explore, and recently got a $5M upgrade with a new spiral tower over four levels, with interactive play equipment like a glockenspiel, binoculars, telescopes, suspended nets, rope tunnels and an enclosed slide.
There’s also a water and sand play area with carved sandstone, bronze sea animals, water pumps, mini weirs and water gates, an elevated sand table designed as a ‘fish and chip shop’ that can accommodate wheelchairs
Play equipment including play panels, swings, slides, trampolines, diggers, stepping stones, balance beams, a carousel, climbing walls, and climbing nets
And that’s just the upgrades. Further down the park, there’s also the huge fenced bouncy pillow, as well as a popular monorail track that circles the perimeter of the playground. There’s also a zip line that runs along one side. There is also an unsheltered sand-based playground with swings, slides, and climbing equipment. A jumping pillow, seesaws, and other bouncing play equipment provide lots of play opportunities for kids of all ages.
The Rockpools water play is a sculptural water playground. The water play area is designed with cool water fountains and vibrant marine-themed equipment. It includes a creek bed and several tidal rock pools for children to splash in and explore.
The playground features a liberty swing for all abilities. There are four electric BBQs near the main playground area, and several covered table areas near the main playground, plus shady trees and umbrellas in random places on the large lawn area closest to the café. There are several toilet blocks throughout the park, including accessible toilets. There’s lots of paid parking, but know it’s well-patrolled by Gold Coast City Council.
Holly Brooke Carter Playground Ashmore
Do you have a dinosaur lover in your family? Then Holly Brooke Carter playground is the place to be! Located in Ashmore, the playground caters for a range of ages, with both a big and small playground at Bob Huth Park. The big playground is 3-storeys high and has two slides, and there’s a fun swinging bridge for children to climb across and plenty of high climbing opportunities too. The small playground has steps that toddlers can crawl or climb up without fear of falling off. There is also a small slide to tackle, and a few interactive panels.
Other elements in the playground include the infamous dinosaur, which survived recent renovations to the playground, to climb, a see saw and a dinosaur rocker, swings and a spinning swing too. The playground is mostly covered by shade sails, and the parkland has plenty of open green spaces with shade trees. There are picnic shelters, but no toilets or BBQs.
Bonus Bella's Wonderland Indoor playground Southport
Bella’s Wonderland stands as the Gold Coast’s largest play centre, offering an unparalleled experience for kids. Redefining the concept of a play centre, it features beautifully designed spaces with quality toys, sparking imaginative adventures. From an organic market and kitchens to an ice cream shop, dress-up boutique, Lego room, miniature cars, library, chill-out room, and a giant sandpit, every corner is bursting with excitement. The venue impresses with its sheer size, constantly unveiling new rooms filled with fun surprises.
The attention to detail is impeccable, earning it a resounding ‘wow’ from visitors. Additional attractions like a train ride and carousel, along with a delightful onsite cafe serving fresh and tasty treats, enhance the overall experience. Entry options include a 2-hour session or all-day play, with bundles available for multiple tickets. Online booking is recommended, although walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability (not guaranteed).
Northern Gold Coast
Emerald Lakes Parklands Carrara
Check out Emerald Lakes in Carrara! The play structure revolves around a central ramp, making it accessible for everyone! Children can climb, explore, and slide their way through the play area, with additional slides, climbing webs, interactive panels, swings, a spinner, and a see-saw for endless fun.
Safety is a top priority, as the playground is fully fenced with only one entry and exit point. Shade sails and trees offer protection from the sun, ensuring a comfortable play experience. While heavy rains can make the surrounding parklands wet, the elevated design of the playground keeps it dry.
Conveniently located within walking distance to the French Quarter, it’s the perfect spot to play while parents enjoy a cup of coffee. Please note, there are no toilets or picnic facilities. Off street parking available. There is a bike path and walking track around the lake.
Bim’bimba Park Pimpama
The Bim’bimba playground is an award-winning park with a large outdoor amphitheatre, toddler play space, playground, teen hangout, and basketball court, which are all connected by a series of entwining paths perfect for bike and scooter riding. There’s also the metal music gong, the animal sculptures, and a spinning wheel. Everything is spread out at this park, with lots of little spaces for different types of play. The park really encourages exploration and the use of imagination.
It’s a climbing-focused park, so better suited to children ages 4+. There is a toddler area separate to the big structures.
The park is partially shaded by shade sails. There are also toilets and baby change facilities, as well as picnic shelters and BBQs on site and onsite parking for 50 cars, otherwise street parking available.
Eagle Tree Park Coomera Foreshore
Eagle Tree Park at Foreshore Coomera is one of the newest on the Northern Gold Coast. It’s packed with areas for imaginative play and sensory play, as well as more traditional play equipment. It comfortably caters for all ages, and provides a range of experiences for all ability levels.
Based around a central ‘birds nest’ structure, the playground includes a standalone toddler play space, small basketball court and swing set. There are heaps of flat pathways for bike and scooter riding, a picnic shelter with BBQ and a toilet block.
This playground is perfect for those who love to climb! There are platforms to reach, bridges to cross and huge slides to come down again. Little ones are not forgotten, with a space that has a sandpit with hidden shells and diggers and a playhouse with interactive game and music features. There’s also a number of small slides across the park.
The bike paths allow you to link up with the Foreshore Jetty Park, which incorporates a launch pontoon for kayaks and a riverside setting for family get-togethers and barbecues.
On-site there are BBQs, toilets, and a water fountain. The area is accessible for prams, wheelchairs, bikes and scooters.
Buckler Park The Surrounds Helensvale
The Surrounds at Helensvale boasts an innovative playground designed to provide children with an exciting tactile and sensory adventure, offering numerous play elements and the chance to safely take on challenges that stimulate both their bodies and minds. The highlight for older kids is a large, double climbing cube-type structure, featuring slides accessed through various climbing points. The unique challenge lies in the absence of platforms or stairs attached to the slides, requiring access via rope nets. This feature may not suit little ones or those averse to climbing, but alternative delights include trampolines, a rope swing, and a flying fox!
For younger children or those less inclined to climb, a smaller playground awaits with a couple of slides, stairs, a ride-on jeep, and a see-saw. And for those seeking messy play, the playground offers a sand and water play area sure to captivate children for ages.
Ideal for hosting birthday parties, the playground includes a spacious picnic table shelter complete with BBQs, tables, and bench seats. The addition of shade sails addresses the heat factor, with early morning or late afternoon visits recommended to avoid the peak temperatures. Conveniently, a nearby community centre houses a cafe and toilet facilities, making it a dream location for every parent.
Parklake Park Maudsland
The Parklake Park playground is a child’s dream! It has six different playground play spaces and a large park to explore, with a giant brightly-coloured two-level treehouse fort with two slides, several sets of swings including a nest swing, rockers, and see-saws, flying fox, suspended rope bridge, a play car, climbing dome turtle and drums!
There’s also shade sails or large established trees that provide shade over the majority of playground play space, a large sporting field, wide walking paths, one gazebo and several BBQ picnic shelters scattered throughout park, a basketball court, on-site public toilets and an off-street carpark.
Gibirrngaan Park (Black Snake Park) Maudsland
Gibirrngaan Park/Cloverside Park is a unique one! It’s a nature-inspired playground centred around a huge black snake statue. There is play equipment for both young and old with a toddler cubby and slide, as well as a giant rope-climbing tower and enclosed slide for the bigger children. There’s even a fun sandbox to dig for dinosaur fossils!
Children can balance along the giant red bellied black snake, dig for dinosaur fossils or explore the playhouse. Climb the net to the wooden birds nest for views across the park, and then race down the mega slide! Little explorers will love the dry creek bed and giant snake eggs.
If all of this isn’t enough to keep little ones happy, the bike race track is sure to please. Partially fenced, this race track has twists, turns and hills. The park has plenty of seating and two covered picnic shelters.
There are no toilets or cafes nearby so be prepared, but there are several shaded picnic tables for snack breaks.
Lion's Park Helensvale
Lion’s Park at Helensvale is a huge playground that caters for everyone, especially the climbers, as the only way to the fort is by climbing nets!
For toddlers and little ones, there is a smaller playground featuring a mini fort, slide, rocker, see-saw and stepping stones.
Within close proximity are:
- Barbecues
- Toilets including an accessible toilet
- Drinking fountain
- Picnic shelter
- Picnic tables
Celadon Park Helensvale Surrounds
Celadon Park is located in the Helensvale Surrounds estate. This is a great play space for 0-5 year olds with its to the endless opportunities for imaginative play! This playground doesn’t feature any of your traditional play equipment pieces and allows for creative play!
The playground is surrounded by an interactive bike track designed to help children of all ages learn how to ride a bike. It has traffic signs, a petrol station for refueling, a fire station for imaginative play and a small pump track component for the children looking for a challenge, do not forget to bring the bikes or scooters on this visit!
The playground is shade-sail covered, but the bike track is not. Note there aren’t toilet facilities or BBQs. Picnic tables, rubbish bins and a water fountain are available.
Country Paradise Parklands Nerang
The centrepiece of the adventure playground at the Country Paradise Parklands is the 11.5m windmill with mega slide, accessed via a water-tank tunnel and swing bridge. Wrapping around the entire playground space is a creek bed with water play elements. There are toddler and pre-schooler play spaces, as well as the central playground for everyone to enjoy. The water play area features water pumps, troughs and ramps, encouraging the kids to build natural channels for the water to flow.
This area includes BBQs, toilets including accessible ones, a drinking fountain, picnic shelter and picnic tables.
Just beware, we’ve heard magpies can get nasty during mating season.
The Backyard Coomera Westfield
An unexpected gem at a shopping centre! The Backyard at Coomera Westfield offers a lot for children of all ages!
There’s an age one – four years play zone: a ‘fallen log’ immersive sensory zone entertaining children with tactile, auditory and visual experiences. The fallen log includes cubby and hiding spaces, sound tubes, a playful tunnel experience and slippery slide.
Then there’s an ages four – eight years play zone: a fun-filled obstacle course providing imaginative and adventure play. The space includes numerous balance and climbing experiences, trampolines, swings and a spiral slide.
The real highlight of The Backyard, particularly on hot summer days, is the water play area, which features ankle to knee-deep water, children can pump the water pumps, dodge squirting frogs, spin water wheels and explore the winding streams of water. The Backyard features big shade sails and grassy banks, and has deck chairs for the adults. There are change rooms are right beside the water area, plus toilets and BBQs. The Backyard is also conveniently located right next to the shopping centre’s fresh food Marketplace!
Green Grove Park Pimpama
Green Grove Park in Gainsborough Greens (Pimpama) isn’t the biggest playground in the area, but the playground’s interpretive and educational play experience is why it received an Award of Excellence – Play Spaces at the 2019 Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards in recognition of the playground’s elements of exploration, discovery, role play, balance, climbing, storytelling, exhilaration, and social interaction.
Children will enjoy this award-winning adventure playground with its eight-metre-high hill slide, timber log play forts, sandstone block stair climb, and sand play at the base. The playground also includes a reclaimed fallen tree for climbing over as well as big sandstone boulders and climbing structures. The area is connected by pathways and dry creek beds.
Note, there are no toilet or BBQ facilities available.
Hilltop Park Ormeau
An oldie but a goodie! Hilltop Park is split into two sections, you’ll find a shady toddler play area with a car, climbing frame and mini playground with slide and swing in one area.
The main playground space is better suited for bigger children, with a larger playground and slide, large climbing net, balance beams, spinners and a swing set. Little ones can also climb the ramp up to the old water tower, which has been converted into a play structure.
Toilets, a BBQ , water bubbler and picnic shelter are right beside the playground, with additional shady seating all through the park.
Check out our guide to all the best playgrounds across South East Queensland! Read:
