The Best Playgrounds with Water Play in Sydney Because Everything's Better with H20
When it comes to the best playgrounds with water play, Sydney is spoiled for choice.
Beaches aside, there are lots of ways to cool off in Sydney. And with spring officially here that means warmer days and water aplenty.
The thing about kids is that nine times out of ten, adding water to the equation fixes everything. Grumpy? Add water. Bored? Add water. Hot? Just add water.
We have rounded up some of our favourite playgrounds that incorporate water into their design – from water fountains to wading pools to water jets. Pack some swimmers, towels, sunscreen and a picnic lunch, and let the kids splash around at one of Sydney's playgrounds with water play.
The Playground
The Playground in Darling Harbour is a child’s dream – and it’ll keep them entertained for hours. The ‘Water Works’ area is pretty impressive. It’s a series of waterways that allow kids to control the flow of water with the help of switches, gates, a water wheel and an Archimedes water screw (cue the sneaky science lesson).
After all that playing, little ones can cool off at the Water Scoop or one of the many squirt stations. The park also boasts slides, swings, areas where they can explore motion, balance, and simple machines, and learn the workings behind it all.
1 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour
Steel Park Waterplay Park
Surrounded by lush greenery and the Cooks River, Steel Park is as picturesque as it is creative. Its Waterplay Park is a warm-weather winner. Along with the usual water spurt sprays, it has a series of water features like interactive fountains, sprinklers and misty sprays all designed to show kids how the water cycle works. Genius, right? The Waterplay Park is open from October to April, while the regular playground – with its flying fox, slides, climbing structures, swings and seesaw – offers year-round fun.
531 Illawarra Road, Marrickville
Mary O’Brien Reserve
A great escape from the hustle and bustle of Green Square, Mary O'Brien Reserve is ideal for kids of all ages. It has separate play areas and equipment for toddlers and older children, both of which include slides, climbing frames and other interactive features. For those kids who want to get wet, the water play area on the side of the playground has sprinklers and water spurts.
Joynton Avenue and Tilford Street, Zetland
Blaxland Riverside Park
A family favourite, Blaxland Riverside Park is a colourful, interactive space that’s far from the average playground. It’s home to the largest outdoor water play area in the state, so it draws quite the crowd in summer.
The sprawling park has loads of other fun features, including a double-flying fox, swings, tunnel slides, a scramble wall and a beautiful treehouse. It’s well maintained and has all the mod-cons to tick parents’ boxes, like parking, undercover areas, a café and excellent BBQ facilities.
Jamieson Street, Sydney Olympic Park
Pirrama Park
Thanks to its stunning location right on the harbour, Pirrama Park is a hit with kids and parents alike. The perfectly landscaped playground has it all — a huge sandpit, slippery dips, climbing frames, swings, and plenty of room to run around and kick a ball. But the main attraction is the water play area. It has fun features like fountains, waterspouts and sprinklers – which make Pirrama Park the place to be on balmy days. There’s also a great café on-site if you need a playground pick-me-up.
20 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Putney Park
Perched on the Parramatta River, Putney Park offers options for kids to choose their own adventure. The water play area is a huge drawcard, with two paddling pools linked by a little stream for hours of amusement. The rest of the park is divided into three areas: the main playground has a big slippery slide, climbing net and lookout tower, while the other two cater to younger and older children separately.
55 Pellisier Road, Putney
Walter Gors Park
Walter Gors Park underwent a massive refurbishment in 2017 and is now one of the best playgrounds with water play in Sydney, featuring fun streaming jets that will keep the kids entertained for hours. It also has lots of green space to run around in, playgrounds, outdoor cooking facilities and plenty of places to sit and relax.
36-40 Howard Avenue, Dee Why
Philip Ruddock Water Playground
This vibrant water playground features an array of interactive water jets, fountains, and sprays, creating a refreshing escape for little ones on hot days. The park's lush green surroundings and shaded areas make it a perfect spot for picnics while the kids can enjoy the water play.
Corner of Yates Avenue and Quarry Road, Dundas
Taronga Zoo
What better way to round out a trip to Sydney's Taronga Zoo than with a visit to their epic on-site park with an amazing water play area? Let the kids run wild as they splash about in the designated water zone, that's located next to the barnyard. It's ideal for kids of all ages and also has a great playground. Just don't forget to pack a change of clothes for the trip home!
Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
Finished splashing your way through the best playgrounds with water play in Sydney and want to play your next family adventure? Take a look at our feature on the best kid-friendly pubs in Sydney, and then take a squiz at our family-friendly guide to the Hunter Valley.
