Playgrounds in Dunedin

Kids Playgrounds Throughout Dunedin

Our Awesome List of The Best Playgrounds in Dunedin

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Dunedin, with its vibrant community spaces, scenic parks, and family-friendly amenities, offers some of New Zealand’s most engaging and diverse playgrounds. From expansive parks with adventure playgrounds to quieter neighborhood spots with natural play elements, Dunedin’s playgrounds cater to a variety of ages and interests. This guide explores Dunedin’s top playgrounds, highlighting their features, age suitability, accessibility, and nearby attractions, making it an invaluable resource for families looking to enjoy outdoor play in Dunedin.

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Our Comprehensive Guide to Playgrounds in Dunedin, New Zealand


1. Marlow Park (Dinosaur Park)

One of Dunedin’s most beloved playgrounds, Marlow Park—popularly known as Dinosaur Park—features a dinosaur theme, which has captured the imaginations of local children for decades. Located near St. Kilda Beach, this playground is a fun destination for both locals and visitors.

  • Key Features: Dinosaur sculptures, climbing structures, slides, sandpits, swings, and a small bike track.
  • Age Range: Suitable for toddlers to school-aged children.
  • Accessibility: Some equipment is accessible, with wide paths for easy navigation, although not all structures are designed with accessibility in mind.
  • Nearby Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ areas, and a nearby skate park.

Marlow Park’s iconic dinosaur statues are a must-see for children, providing an interactive and themed play experience in a relaxed park setting close to the beach.


2. Woodhaugh Gardens Playground

Set within the scenic Woodhaugh Gardens, this playground offers a mix of traditional and nature-based play features. The surrounding gardens, with mature trees, walking trails, and a stream, create a tranquil environment that makes it an ideal spot for families seeking both play and relaxation.

  • Key Features: Swings, slides, climbing frames, and nature-inspired play elements like logs and stones.
  • Age Range: Suitable for toddlers and young children, though older kids enjoy exploring the garden paths and stream.
  • Accessibility: Accessible paths and open spaces for wheelchair users, though some play areas have limited access.
  • Nearby Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and access to garden trails and a duck pond.

Woodhaugh Gardens Playground combines play equipment with the beauty of nature, making it a perfect spot for family picnics and outdoor adventures.


3. Mosgiel Memorial Gardens Playground

Located in Mosgiel, just outside central Dunedin, the Mosgiel Memorial Gardens Playground is a favorite among families. With ample open space, large play structures, and nearby sports fields, it offers a wide variety of activities for children and adults alike.

  • Key Features: Swings, slides, climbing frames, and a flying fox. The playground also has a well-maintained lawn for games and picnics.
  • Age Range: Suitable for toddlers to older children.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths and some accessible play structures.
  • Nearby Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, sports fields, and BBQ facilities.

Mosgiel Memorial Gardens Playground is ideal for family gatherings, offering plenty of space and equipment for children to enjoy alongside picnic spots and recreational areas.


4. Logan Park Playground

Located near the University of Otago and the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Logan Park Playground is part of a larger recreational area that includes sports fields, a skate park, and walking paths.

  • Key Features: Climbing nets, swings, slides, and a small water play feature.
  • Age Range: Best suited for school-aged children, with challenging climbing equipment and interactive play areas.
  • Accessibility: Accessible pathways, though some equipment may not be fully accessible.
  • Nearby Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and walking trails around the park’s lake.

With its close proximity to central Dunedin and the university, Logan Park Playground is a versatile space that allows families to enjoy both active play and leisurely strolls.


5. Bathgate Park Playground

Located in South Dunedin, Bathgate Park Playground offers a range of play equipment and open spaces, making it popular among local families. The playground is set within Bathgate Park, which also hosts community events and sports activities.

  • Key Features: Traditional swings, slides, a climbing frame, and a small basketball court.
  • Age Range: Suitable for toddlers to pre-teens.
  • Accessibility: Accessible paths, though some equipment may have limited accessibility.
  • Nearby Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and sports fields.

Bathgate Park Playground is a great choice for families looking for a local playground with a variety of play options and ample space for running and outdoor games.


6. Brighton Beach Playground

The Brighton Beach Playground is a smaller, beachside playground that provides a fun option for families visiting the coast. The playground’s close proximity to Brighton Beach makes it easy to combine playtime with a beach outing.

  • Key Features: Swings, slides, and climbing frames.
  • Age Range: Suitable for young children, though older kids may enjoy the beach.
  • Accessibility: Limited accessibility, as the playground is primarily sandy, with no paved pathways.
  • Nearby Amenities: Beach access, picnic tables, and a small cafe.

Brighton Beach Playground’s location next to the ocean offers the perfect opportunity for a beach picnic and a refreshing play session for children.


7. Mornington Park Playground

Mornington Park Playground is a well-loved local playground in Dunedin, known for its challenging climbing frames and expansive green spaces. This playground is located in the Mornington neighborhood, a short drive from central Dunedin.

  • Key Features: Climbing nets, slides, swings, and a large open grassy area for sports and games.
  • Age Range: Suitable for older children, especially those who enjoy active play and climbing.
  • Accessibility: Accessible paths around the play area, though some equipment is designed for more able-bodied users.
  • Nearby Amenities: Picnic areas, sports fields, and a nearby dairy for snacks.

With its challenging equipment and open spaces, Mornington Park Playground is ideal for children who enjoy active play and outdoor sports.


8. St Clair Playground

Located by St Clair Beach, this playground offers a seaside experience with play equipment designed to entertain kids while adults enjoy the beach views.

  • Key Features: Swings, slides, and climbing structures, with a view of the ocean.
  • Age Range: Suitable for younger children, although older kids will enjoy exploring the nearby beach.
  • Accessibility: Some paths are accessible, though the sand may limit accessibility for certain equipment.
  • Nearby Amenities: Cafes, beach access, picnic tables, and restrooms.

St Clair Playground is a popular spot for beachgoers, with the playground’s seaside setting making it perfect for a combined beach and play outing.


9. Jubilee Park Playground

Jubilee Park Playground in North East Valley is a hidden gem, offering traditional play equipment within a park that also has hiking trails and green spaces for outdoor activities.

  • Key Features: Slides, swings, climbing frames, and a skate park nearby.
  • Age Range: Suitable for children of all ages.
  • Accessibility: Accessible paths and open grassy areas, though some play structures may not be fully accessible.
  • Nearby Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, and access to walking trails.

Jubilee Park Playground is perfect for families who enjoy hiking, with trails surrounding the playground offering additional opportunities for exploration.


10. Chingford Park Playground

Chingford Park Playground is set within the larger Chingford Park, a scenic area that features mature trees, open fields, and historic buildings, providing a unique backdrop for a playground.

  • Key Features: Swings, slides, a seesaw, and a large grassy area for games.
  • Age Range: Suitable for young children and toddlers.
  • Accessibility: Accessible pathways and open spaces for easy navigation.
  • Nearby Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and scenic walking trails.

Chingford Park Playground’s picturesque setting, with open fields and historic charm, makes it an inviting spot for families looking to spend a relaxed day outdoors.


Tips for Visiting Dunedin’s Playgrounds

  1. Check the Weather: Dunedin’s weather can change quickly, so bring extra layers, sunscreen, or rain gear to stay comfortable during your visit.
  2. Bring Snacks and Water: Many playgrounds have picnic tables and open spaces for a snack break. Consider packing a picnic to make the most of your time at the park.
  3. Plan for Accessibility: If you require wheelchair access, review each playground’s accessibility features in advance, as not all playgrounds offer fully accessible paths or equipment.
  4. Explore Nearby Attractions: Several playgrounds, like Marlow Park and St Clair, are close to other attractions such as beaches and cafes, making them perfect for a day out.

Final Thoughts

Dunedin’s playgrounds provide a wonderful array of recreational spaces for families, offering everything from themed play equipment at Marlow Park to scenic coastal playgrounds like St Clair and Brighton Beach. Whether you’re a resident or visiting Dunedin, these playgrounds offer opportunities for adventure, imagination, and family bonding. With this guide, you’re set to explore the best playgrounds that Dunedin has to offer, each providing unique play experiences in the heart of New Zealand’s southern charm.