Playgrounds in North Melbourne

North Melbourne has two playgrounds on this list, both free, both outdoors, both pram friendly and wheelchair accessible, and both pitched at toddlers first. The difference is in what surrounds the equipment and how far it stretches for older kids.

Gardiner Reserve Park and Playground is the larger setup, with three separate play zones sized for smaller children, so a two-year-old and a five-year-old can play at the same time without getting in each other's way. Reviewers keep mentioning the shade, the well-maintained equipment and the new public toilets, and the large sandpit comes up repeatedly as the standout. There are BBQ facilities and shaded seating for a picnic, plus free parking. Road noise from McCauley Street is audible, though the play areas sit back from it. Mamma Knows Melbourne calls the park super cute and notes the spider-themed sculptures scattered around, which are the playful, sculptural kind. The consensus is that this one suits children under five best; older primary kids tend to run out of things to do.

North Melbourne Community Centre Playground is smaller and its equipment is an older style, but reviewers describe it as clean, safe and well maintained. It has an infant swing seat alongside a standard swing, lower play elements for ages one to five, and a monkey bar arch that keeps it interesting to around age ten. Soccer fields and basketball courts sit immediately next to it, the community centre runs classes, and several cafes are a short walk away. Reviews suggest Thursday around 11am is the busy time and Monday the quiet one.