Best playgrounds in Northmead
Northmead Reserve is the most complete playground stop in Northmead, with shade over the play equipment, toilets, BBQs and free parking in one park. The others differ mainly in what they offer children. Arthur Phillip Park has an accessible playground for kids aged 2 to 12, and Robin Hood Park's climbing and balancing play suits toddlers and older children alike.
Quick picks
- Most complete: Northmead Reserve pairs a shade sail over its play gear with toilets, a BBQ and free parking.
- Accessible play: Arthur Phillip Park's playground is designed for children aged 2 to 12, with a 600-metre circuit track ringing the park.
- Playground and a walk: Robin Hood Park's playground suits toddlers, and the Redbank Track bushwalk starts from the park.
Northmead Reserve: shade, toilets and a BBQ in one place
- Shade
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
Northmead Reserve suits a family day that needs shade, toilets and a BBQ in the same place. Its playspace takes children from 0 to 13 and older. The climbing wall, flying fox and spinner keep older kids busy, while slides and swings cover the younger ones. A sail provides shade over the play equipment. The amenities building has public toilets, and there are BBQ facilities for cooking, plus picnic areas with seating nearby. Drivers pay nothing at the Elizabeth Crescent car park or on Watson Place, so the stop is easy to plan.
Best for: Families planning a long playground visit with shade, toilets and a BBQ
Arthur Phillip Park: accessible play with a track beside it
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
- Accessible play
Arthur Phillip Park is the pick when accessible play matters most. Its inclusive playground is built for children aged 2 to 12, and the kids' options run from a bouldering wall and mini flying fox to nature play. A 600-metre circuit track rings the park, so scooters and bikes can use it while younger children play on the equipment. Public toilets are open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, so plan a bathroom stop before then. Electric barbecues sit beside covered picnic tables, and free street parking runs along Edward and Park Streets.
Best for: Families who want accessible play, and riders who want a track beside it
Robin Hood Park: a playground that leads into a bushwalk
- Shade
- Parking
Robin Hood Park is the one to choose when a playground visit should lead into a walk. The Redbank Track starts from the park and follows Toongabbie Creek. Toddlers and older children can both use the swings and balancing features, and shaded seating sits close to the equipment. Toilets aren't on site, so a stop before you arrive is worth planning. On-site parking is free, but spaces are limited at busy times, so arrive early on weekends and public holidays.
Best for: Families with toddlers who want a walk after the playground
How the playgrounds compare
By area
Every playground in and near Northmead
The table below ranks every playground in and near Northmead for young families, with a dash wherever a detail isn't known yet.
| Park | Fenced | Shade | Toilets | BBQ | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Northmead Reserve | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2.Arthur Phillip Park | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3.Robin Hood Park | – | ✓ | ✗ | – | ✓ |
| 4.Charles Herbert Reserve | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nearby, outside Northmead | |||||
| Willsford Homes Reserve · Baulkham Hills | ✓ | – | – | ✗ | – |
| Russel Walker Reserve · Baulkham Hills | – | – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Otto Losco Reserve · Winston Hills | – | – | – | ✓ | – |
| Richill Park · Baulkham Hills | – | – | ✗ | ✗ | – |
How we picked
Each park was scored on what it has for children: shade, toilets, BBQs, parking, accessible play and park size, plus the equipment and ages it suits. Picks needed enough known details to say something useful, and the rest stay in the table. Gaps appear as dashes in the table, and a dash is never read as a no, so missing details don't count against a park.
FAQ
Where can I find shade at a Northmead playground?
Northmead Reserve is the answer, with a sail shading its play equipment. Robin Hood Park also has shaded seating close to its playground.
Which Northmead playgrounds have toilets?
Northmead Reserve and Arthur Phillip Park both have public toilets, though Arthur Phillip Park's are shut after 8:00 pm. Robin Hood Park has none at all.
Is parking free at Northmead's playgrounds?
Yes, Northmead Reserve's car park and street spots cost nothing, and Arthur Phillip Park's kerbside spots on Edward and Park Streets are free too. Robin Hood Park's on-site spaces are free as well, though they run short at busy times.
What Northmead playground suits toddlers?
Robin Hood Park's playground suits toddlers as well as older children, with swings and balancing features close to shaded seats. Northmead Reserve's playspace takes children from 0 to 13 and older, so the youngest kids have something there too.