Playgrounds in Adelaide

All six of these playgrounds are free and all sit in or beside the Adelaide parklands, so the choice is less about location than about what kind of afternoon you want. Three are fully fenced. Marshmallow Playground has two BBQ areas, water play in warm weather, and, according to KIDDO Mag, a large central fig tree providing shade; the magazine calls it an inner South institution after a recent refurbishment. East Terrace Glover Playground is the smallest of the three Glover sites, with in-ground trampolines and monkey bars as the standout pieces, but reviewers say it gets overcrowded during school hours. South Terrace Glover Playground is quieter, has a flying fox and a wheelchair swing, and puts the toilets inside the fence with big grassed areas just outside.

If your kids need space to spread out, Princess Elizabeth Playspace is the large-scale option. KIDDO Mag calls it the castle playground for its giant spiral slide, and lists it among Adelaide's best. Reviewers do flag maintenance issues, including broken glass reported near equipment, so scan the ground first.

Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace is the pick for children with mobility needs or disabilities: wheelchair-designed equipment, a gated perimeter, Changing Places toilets, musical instruments, water play and a bike track. Reviewers rate it highly for birthday parties.

Rymill Park (Park 14) is a different proposition. The playground is a smaller part of a central green space with a lake, ducks, looped pram-friendly paths and open picnic grass, so it suits a mixed-age family day more than a dedicated play session.