What is it about flying foxes that has the kids going batty? They’re pretty much a fixture in a lot of playgrounds these days, so we’ve found 24 places for you to join in the fun (for free!).
Central
Western Park
Where? 7/5 Howe Street, Freemans Bay
What else? New and improved in 2016, Western Park has everything you need to get your children’s hearts pumping. Other than its awesome flying fox, this park also has two tree houses for the monkeys of the family, a seesaw and 25m slide to enjoy.
Gribblehurst Park
Where? 51 Aroha Ave, Sandringham
What else? If the kids are driving you crazy going up and down the flying fox, don’t sweat it, there’s oodles to do. Sniff around the rose gardens, kick a ball on the rugby pitch, shoot a hoop on the basketball court, or check out the Edendale Bowling Club.
Heron Park
Where? 1625-1627 Great North Road, Waterview
What else? Dog-friendly and with a bit of land, this playground is perfect for creatures of all shapes and sizes. There is a dog off-leash zone (10 metres away from the playground), so no reason to leave man’s best friend at home.
Coyle Park
Where? 528 Pt Chevalier Rd, Pt Chevalier
What else? Right beside the beach, Coyle Park has a flying fox, a playground, and a static train to play in.
Mt Eden Domain
Where? 35 Clive Road, Mt Eden
What else? Tucked away nearby Mt Eden Summit, at this playground you’ll find an awesome flying fox amongst beautiful bush area. We recommend bringing your adventure shoes along, as a trek up the summit will end the day perfectly.
Tahaki Reserve
Where? 208/210 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden North
What else? On top of having a flying fox, this playground has a mini amphitheatre where you can view gigs and movies, and it has a toddler area. So take a picnic rug and huggle up for the day – there’s fun for all the fam.
Western Park
Where? 7/5 Howe St, Freemans Bay
What else? Western Park is almost brand-spanking new. Redeveloped in 2016, this playground has one of the highest and longest double slides in Auckland – perfect for racing, if you ask us. Alongside the playground are a couple of tennis courts, so don’t forget to chuck the racquets in the back of the car.
West
Tui Glen Reserve
Where? 2 Claude Brookes Drive, Henderson
What else? Tui Glen doesn’t just have one flying fox, but a dual one, as well as giant pyramid tepees. This treetop-themed playground is for those little adventurers and daredevils (but it is ages 5+ for safety).
Owairaka Park
Where? Off Owairaka Ave, Mount Albert
What else? Feeling sporty? Owairaka Park has a giant double swing, climbing wall, basketball courts, a volleyball court, a skate park, and a bike track with speed bumps.
Waikowhai Park
Where? Off Waikowhai Road, Hillsborough
What else? Do a spot of bird-watching, trek along the Harbour shore at low tide, and if the bush walks are too muddy, there are concrete paths lining the tracks.
East
Cornwall Park Playground
Where? Manukau Road, Epsom
What else? Epic house-like structures fill up this playground, and to get between them, kids can take either the flying fox or the train.
One Tree Hill Domain Playground
Where? Manukau Road, Epsom
What else? This playground has something for all ages including the climbing frames, slides and flying fox. For the ultimate family day out, try out one of the walking or cycling tracks.
Little Rangitoto Reserve
Where? 55-71 Upland Road, Remuera
What else? Little Rangitoto has a little bit of everything: Skateboard bowl, jungle gym, climbing frame, slides, and natural history. The reserve was once a great volcano but was quarried out to create the fun that is there today.
Rutherford Reserve
Where? 21 Archdall Sreet, Meadowbank
What else? Rutherford Reserve has lots of space to run around in, and the whole playground is lined with concrete for skaters.
Okahu Bay Playground
Where? Entrance on Tamaki Drive, Orakei
What else? This playground is also a Māori heritage site with a large waka-shaped-treehouse covered in carvings. Okahu Park is a walk away from the beach, has a barbeque and picnic tables, and a basketball court.
North
Onepoto Domain Playground
Where? Sylvan Ave, Northcote
What else? Apart from a very impressive flying fox, there’s a bike track, duck pond and spacious playground that will keep everyone occupied.
Kell Park
Where? Albany Village, Od Albany, (entrance next to the library)
What else? Just up Lucas Creek, there’s a great big wooden ship with a flying fox leading off the deck (not to mention a cannon). And if the kids are feeling more princess than pirate, you can feed the ducks and geese.
Red Beach Park
Where? Williams Bay Place, Red Beach
What else? Got yourself a budding All Black? Red Beach Park has a rugby pitch with goal posts for those practise kicks, a track leading down to the beach, and a recently revamped playground and flying fox.
Stanmore Bay Park
Where? Brightside Road, Stanmore Bay
What else? Opposite the Leisure Centre, Stanmore Bay Park boasts multiple football pitches, a skate park, a minute’s walk to the beach for a swim, giant climbing pyramids, and lots of places for the kids to scooter and bike.
Okura Reserve Playground
Where? Okura River Road, Okura
What else? Fill up your car with scooters, bikes and balls because Okura Park has everything you need. Other than its fast flying fox, Okura Reserve also has a basketball hoop and skate park to entertain your children
Long Bay Regional Park
Where? 2000 Beach Road, Long Bay
What else? Long Bay is an all-day extravaganza. Book a barbeque, head down to the beach for a kayak or a snorkel, or let the kids have a run around in the extensive grounds.
South
Mission Heights Park
Where? Mission Heights Drive, Flat Bush
What else? Surrounded with beautiful scenery, Mission Heights Park is perfect for those craving an afternoon outdoors. Whether it’s swinging, sliding or holding on to the flying fox with a tight grip all playground lovers are sure to have a memorable day at this play hub.
Macleans Park
Where? Eastern Beach, The Esplanade, Howick
What else? Need a little bit of me time? Join the fortnightly Doggy Day Out Walk to make some friends (and your dog can make some too). Every walk finishes at the Café Purina.
Samuel Miller Park
Where? 42-54 Nelson Street, Pukekohe
What else? At the heart of Pukekohe, you’ll find not just one, but two of Auckland’s best slides, a cycling track and a thrilling flying fox. To extend your day out, prepare some snacks as there are plenty of picnic spots to refresh.
By Olivia Stanley
more playgrounds from tots to teens:
10 Must Visit Playgrounds In West Auckland
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