Best playgrounds in Redfern
Redfern Park is the top pick, because a family day out there covers two age groups, water play, toilets and barbecues. The other playgrounds here split on what a family needs: how far the fencing goes, whether there's shade, and whether there's water or a treehouse to play on. Start with your kids' ages, then check the fence and the shade.
Quick picks
- Mixed ages: Redfern Park's two playgrounds mean each kid can have one that suits them.
- Toddlers who need a fence: Hansom Cab Place is a small playground that is fully enclosed, with inclusive equipment and a swing.
- Climbing and bouncing: Douglas St Peoples Playground has a big play structure with a climbing net, plus trampolines.
- Treehouse in the shade: Reconciliation Park's naturally shaded playground has a custom treehouse for toddlers and young children.
Redfern Park: two playgrounds for mixed ages
- Partly fenced
- Shade
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Water play
Redfern Park is the pick when your kids are different ages, because it has two playgrounds in one place. The enclosed one is for the little ones, and a shade sail covers its swings and slide. The open one has water and adventure play. The park is only partly fenced, since the other playground is open. Toilets are in the park beside the cafe, and barbecue and picnic facilities are there too. Redfern and Central train stations are a short walk away.
Best for: Parents of kids at different stages
Hansom Cab Place: a small, fully enclosed space for toddlers
- Fully fenced
- Shade
- Accessible play
Hansom Cab Place is a small playground that is fully enclosed, so it suits parents who want a contained space for little ones. Of the Redfern playgrounds, it is the only one known to be fully fenced. Its enclosure keeps the play space separate from Young Lane. The equipment is inclusive, and a swing sits alongside it. The lawn under the trees gives the playground its shade. Parents have seating within the play area, in the form of concrete stools and a curved bench. Its equipment suits infants, pre-schoolers and toddlers. The toilets, BBQs and parking are all unknown here.
Best for: Families who want a contained spot for toddlers
Douglas St Peoples Playground: climbing, balancing and bouncing
- Shade
Douglas St Peoples Playground is the one for active kids, with a big play structure to climb. The main structure has a climbing net, a spiral pole and a balance bridge. Trampolines, hopscotch and a double swing are there as well. The double swing has a toddler basket, so little ones get a seat too. The nature play space has rocks and wood to balance on, and it sits apart from the main structure. A fabric canopy also shades the play space from the sun. The play structure sits on rubber softfall. There's no word on fencing or toilets, so check when you arrive.
Best for: Active kids who like climbing and trampolines
Reconciliation Park: a treehouse in natural shade
- Shade
Reconciliation Park is the pick for toddlers who want a treehouse and natural shade, on George Street. Its playground has a slide, monkey bars and swings, plus a custom treehouse with its own slide. The equipment is aimed at toddlers and young children. Natural shade covers the play area, which makes it a good stop on a warm day. Carers can sit nearby on the benches. Fencing and toilets are unknown for this one.
Best for: Toddlers who love a treehouse, and parents who want shade
How the playgrounds compare
By area
Every playground in and near Redfern
The table below compares every playground in and near Redfern, with unknown details marked as a dash.
| Park | Fenced | Shade | Toilets | BBQ | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Redfern Park | Partly† | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| 2.Hansom Cab Place | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – |
| 3.Douglas St Peoples Playground | – | ✓ | – | – | – |
| 4.Reconciliation Park | – | ✓ | – | – | – |
| 5.Marriott Street Reserve | Partly† | – | – | – | – |
| 6.Yellomundee Park | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nearby, outside Redfern | |||||
| Prince Alfred Park · Surry Hills | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ward Park · Surry Hills | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Cooper Street Reserve · Surry Hills | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Edgely Street Reserve · Surry Hills | ✓ | – | – | – | – |
† Fenced on some sides only; the park's section explains where.
How we picked
Our yardsticks were equipment, ages, fencing, shade, toilets, BBQs, accessible play and size. A playground made the picks only when we knew enough about it to write a full section. Where a detail is unknown, the table shows a dash rather than a no, so an unknown never reads as a missing feature. The parks in the table are ranked by how well they suit young families.
FAQ
Is there a fenced playground in Redfern?
Yes, Hansom Cab Place is a small playground with a fully fenced play space. Redfern Park has an enclosed toddler playground as well, alongside an open one.
Which Redfern playground has water play?
Redfern Park has water elements in its open playground. The enclosed playground has swings and a slide under a shade sail.
Are there toilets near Redfern's playgrounds?
Toilets are on site at Redfern Park, beside the cafe. For the other Redfern playgrounds, toilets are unknown, so check before you go.
Is there a playground in Redfern with a treehouse?
Yes, Reconciliation Park has a treehouse with a slide of its own and a pneumatic fireman's pole. Natural shade covers it, and the equipment is for toddlers and young children.