Best Playgrounds in The Hills District (Updated April 2026)

Lessing Park is a fully fenced, family-friendly playground in Asquith featuring diverse play equipment, picnic and barbecue facilities, and an off-leash dog area where dogs can run and socialise freely in a safe environment.

Apex Park is a 1.2-acre public park in Castle Hill, NSW, ideal for walking and running enthusiasts. The park features well-maintained paths through lush greenery, a playground for children, BBQ facilities, and picnic areas, making it a serene destination for outdoor recreation and family gatherings.

Castle Hill Heritage Park is a 20-hectare heritage site in Castle Hill NSW featuring rolling landscaped hills, remnant Blue Gum forest, and concrete walking tracks with historical interpretative signage. The park's standout feature is its rich colonial history, including its origins as a convict farm established in 1801 and its role in the 1804 Castle Hill Rebellion.

Erlestoke Park in Castle Hill, NSW 2154 is a family-friendly recreation area featuring a learn-to-ride bike track, flying fox, multi-purpose sports court, and playground equipment. The park underwent major upgrades completed in July 2023, enhancing accessibility and facilities for all visitors.

Fred Caterson Reserve is a comprehensive 58-hectare recreational facility in Castle Hill, NSW, featuring five soccer fields convertible to three cricket fields, making it the region's premier sports hub. The reserve offers extensive facilities including tennis courts, a basketball stadium, BMX track, and multiple walking trails.

Edward Bennett Oval is a community sports park in Cherrybrook, NSW managed by Hornsby Shire Council. The park features a playing field for cricket and soccer, a playground with a six-meter climbing net tower and bike track, electric BBQs, and picnic facilities. Edward Bennett Oval serves local sports clubs and families.

Greenway Park is a multifaceted community space in Cherrybrook, NSW, featuring an off-leash dog park with separate enclosures for small and large dogs, alongside sports facilities, playgrounds, and walking trails. The park's standout feature is its dual-enclosure off-leash dog area with agility equipment.

Hornsby Park in Hornsby NSW 2077 is a family-friendly recreation area featuring a recently upgraded children's playground, picnic facilities with free electric BBQs, and access to scenic walking trails including the Blue Gum Walk. The park also connects to the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

Storey Park in Hornsby NSW is a modern community destination featuring a fully fenced, inclusive playground with adventure areas for all ages, complemented by a community centre, BBQ facilities, and over 100 newly planted trees across landscaped grounds.

Arnold Avenue Reserve is a multi-sport facility in Kellyville, NSW offering two full-sized sports fields, netball courts, synthetic cricket nets, and a children's playground. The reserve features a shared pedestrian and cycling track, making it ideal for families and sports enthusiasts.

Granville Park in Merrylands, NSW is a comprehensive 24-hour recreational facility featuring ten sports fields, playgrounds, a splash park, and walking trails. The park's standout feature is the Laurie Ferguson Splash Park, a sensory-rich water play area with jets, misters, and cascading water features inspired by local First Nations stories.

Merrylands Memorial Park is a family-friendly community space in Merrylands NSW featuring a modern playground with softfall surface, basketball court, sports fields, BBQ facilities, and well-maintained walking paths. The park's standout feature is its accessible design with wheelchair-friendly entrances and dedicated parking.

Merrylands Park is a 27-acre recreational facility in Merrylands, NSW 2160, featuring multiple sports fields, playgrounds, and a designated off-leash dog area. The park serves families, athletes, and dog owners with modern amenities including BBQ facilities, picnic areas, and ample parking.

Arthur Phillip Park is a recently upgraded community park in Northmead, NSW, featuring a 600-meter walking and cycling circuit track, accessible playground for ages 2–12, and multi-use sporting fields. The park's standout feature is its inclusive playground with nature play areas and its continuous circuit path suitable for walking, cycling, and scootering.

Northmead Reserve is a family-friendly park in Northmead NSW featuring two baseball sporting fields, a diverse playground for children aged 0–13+, and amenities including BBQ facilities and picnic areas.

James Ruse Reserve is a large family-friendly recreational space in Parramatta featuring the largest water playground in the area, with interactive water jets, fountains, and sprinklers operating September to May. The reserve also includes a dry playground, skate park, and extensive picnic facilities.

Parramatta Park is an 85-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site in Parramatta NSW featuring expansive green spaces, historical landmarks, and recreational facilities. The park's standout feature is its extensive network of walking and cycling paths, including the 3.1 km People's Loop Trail and 3 km Heritage & Riverside Loop, attracting over 1.7 million visitors annually.

Central Park in Rouse Hill NSW is a family-friendly regional park offering multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and BBQ facilities. The park features walking and cycling trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor recreation and gatherings with family and friends.

Brickpit Park in Thornleigh NSW is a comprehensive recreational facility featuring a newly opened fully fenced off-leash dog park, upgraded playgrounds with inclusive equipment, sports courts, picnic areas, and a continuous paved circuit path for walking and cycling.

The Esplanade Garden in Thornleigh NSW is a public park offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and BBQ facilities for families and community gatherings. The park features well-maintained open spaces ideal for relaxation and informal recreation across the local area.