We know that there are lots of parents, grandparents or carers of little ones who appreciate a fenced playground. Here is our list of gated playgrounds in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter. We’ve also included partially fenced playgrounds as well.
Toddlers who are either just starting to walk or well into their running stage can be so much easier to handle when fenced-in, especially if you’re also juggling a baby or more children. Fences are also important when playgrounds are near roads.
While Newy with Kids would love to see more fenced playgrounds in the Newcastle area, you’ll find plenty further afield in Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and Port Stephens. They’re worth the extra drive for the peace of mind that comes with the playground being fenced.
For those wondering why the City of Newcastle doesn’t have fenced playgrounds, here is an explanation from their website under Playgrounds FAQs. Feel free to contact City of Newcastle directly to discuss this issue.
Why doesn’t Council (City of Newcastle) fence playgrounds?
Historically, we have not fenced playgrounds. Reasons for this can include costs associated with installation and maintenance; segregation from surrounding open space infrastructure such as courts, kick around areas and picnic settings; and aesthetic views.
Fully-fenced Playgrounds
Belmont Lions Park Playground, Belmont
This fully-fenced lakeside playground, located at 40 Macquarie Street, Belmont features swings, a net swing, slides, tunnels, climbing equipment, a bouncy and a toddler board with motor skill activities. There is a small car park located on the foreshore, or you can park at the nearby Coles complex. If it’s a hot day, pack swimmers and go for a splash in nearby Belmont Baths.
Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park Playground, Morisset
This inclusive, colourful playground spans across two separate areas, an upper playground area catering to younger kids and a lower playground area for older kids. Both are fenced. There’s also plenty of shaded areas, toilets and fitness equipment for adults. Read more about Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park Playground.
Bernie Thompson Park Playground, Shoal Bay
Take a drive up to the Bay with little ones and enjoy the fully-fenced adventure playground at Bernie Thompson Park, Shoal Bay. With a natural wood aesthetic as well as established trees for shade, nearby public amenities and equipment for all ages and abilities, including an accessible basket swing, you’ll find this playground at 101-122 Government Road, Shoal Bay.
Dixon Park Playground, Merewether
Located midway between Bar Beach and Merewether, Dixon Park Playground is a fully-fenced playground with swings (including a baby/toddler swing), a slide, climbing and balancing structures and more. There is a shaded picnic table inside the fenced area. Read more about Dixon Park Playground.
Fern Bay Reserve Playground, Fern Bay
Less than a five minute drive from the northern side of Stockton Bridge is Fern Bay Reserve Playground. It’s a great little playground with clean amenities, a water fountain, shade and lots of different equipment. Also located inside the fence is a concrete path circling the playground so little ones can ride their scooter or balance bikes round and round. If you have older kids with you they’ll appreciate the fully-fenced, half-size basketball court which incorporates soccer goals and a tennis/handball wall. Read more about Fern Bay Reserve Playground.
Harold Wesley Knight Park (Whitebridge Park), Whitebridge
With heaps of equipment, due to an upgrade in recent years, the fully-fenced Harold Wesley Knight Park, also known as Whitebridge Park, is a great one to visit with youngsters. There’s equipment for both older and younger kids, lots of green space, toilet facilities and picnic tables. Read more about Whitebridge Park.
John Tucker Park Playground, Paterson
Located within the spacious and picturesque John Tucker Park at Paterson is a great, fully-fenced kids playground. Featuring slides, climbing equipment, a seesaw and small flying fox, the playground is also completely shaded by a large shade sail. There are also undercover picnic tables, bbqs and modern amenities, making John Tucker Park the perfect destination for a day out with the family.
Kids Home Playground at Home Co. Kotara
There is a fully-fenced kids playground located outdoors between Domayne and The Golden Goat Cafe at Home Co. Kotara. The playground gates are open between 8.30-5pm daily. The playground is shaded with a shade sail and is recommended for kids between the age of 3 and 8.
Lake Macquarie Variety Park, Speers Point
One of our favourite parks/playgrounds, Lake Macquarie Variety Park (Speers Point Park) has something for all ages and is fully-fenced. You’ll still need to keep a close eye on little ones as it is a large playground with multiple gates and can get very busy on weekends and school holidays. Pack bikes, balance bikes and scooters as little ones will also love the scooter track at this playground with its road markings, road signs, roundabouts, obstacles and garage/parking area. Read more about Lake Macquarie Variety Park.
Maitland Park All-Abilities Playground, Maitland
It’s well worth the drive to Maitland to visit this great playground. Besides being fully fenced, there’s lots of shade, accessible toilets and plenty of equipment to keep little ones entertained including swings, a flying fox, a great sensory area and more. There’s also a great scooter track at this playground but it is located outside the fenced area. With plenty of huge, old trees, Maitland Park is a great spot for a picnic and the shaded car park means that you can stay and play for hours in summer and your car won’t get hot.
My Funland Playground at Stockland, Glendale
The ‘My Funland’ fully-fenced play area at Stockland, Glendale is recommended for kids aged 3-12. Located next to Pitastar (near Kmart), it’s the perfect place to relax with a drik or a bite to eat while you watch the kids play. There are plenty of outdoor tables overlooking the play area.
Pelican Foreshore Park, Pelican
Pelican Foreshore Park is another fenced park and features play equipment for the younger set. There’s a wobbly, small slide and climbing wall for young kids as well as a toddler swing. There’s also lovely views of Lake Macquarie from the park. If kids need a break from the playground, walk down to the beach and watch the numerous pelicans who call this place home. You can also swim at the beach when the weather is warm. Read more about Pelican Foreshore Park.
Raworth Park, Raworth
There’s a fantastic fenced playground located at Raworth, near East Maitland, and you can even bring your fur-babies as there’s a fenced area for them right net door. Littlies will love the pretend playhouse with climb-through tunnel.
The well-shaded toddler playground boasts two small slides, stairs and lots of rope structures to climb on. A large concrete path, located inside the fenced area, winds its way around the playground, perfect for little ones on scooters, balance bikes or small bikes. There’s lots of parking, public amenities and an undercover BBQ and picnic table outside the fenced area. Read more about Raworth Park.
Rose Point Park, Singleton
If you’re looking for a great spot for a day trip or driving past on the New England Highway or Golden Highway, stop at Rose Point Park, Singleton for a break. This regional playground is packed with play equipment for kids of all ages and abilities, is fully-fenced and has lots of shade provided by mature trees. Read more about Rose Point Park.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
This huge, fully-fenced, all-abilities playground in a beautiful lakeside location at Croudace Bay is a great spot. The kids will have a great time playing on the huge pirate ship, in the water play area and in the many different, natural ‘play zones’. There are accessible toilets as well as two covered picnic areas, each with a bbq and picnic table. Read more about Thomas H Halton Park.
Warner Park, Warners Bay
Warner Park is a popular, fully-fenced park located close to the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie. For younger tots there’s a dedicated toddler area with softfall flooring and lots of age-appropriate equipment. The playground also features a sheltered picnic area and an upgraded amenities block so it’s ideal for group catch-ups. Read more about Warner Park.
Partially-fenced Playgrounds
Coldstream Crescent Reserve, Rankin Park
Located in the Coldstream Crescent Reserve on McCaffrey Drive, this timber playground is fenced to the road and features heaps to keep toddlers and preschoolers busy. The climbing structure has a low rock-climbing wall, bridge, dual slide and more, plus there is a regular swing, baby swing and balancing logs. There’s lots of surrounding green space to run around and an undercover picnic area. Read more about Coldstream Crescent Reserve.
Cooranbong Reserve Playground
Located on the western side at the southern end of Lake Macquarie, Cooranbong Reserve is a peaceful space featuring a large playground which is fenced on three sides, providing a barrier from the nearby road and pond. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained here including a scooter track, water play area, six metre climbing pyramid and more. Read more about Cooranbong Reserve Playground.
Reay Park, Dudley
Reay Park, located on Ocean Street, Dudley is a neat little park to visit with toddlers and preschooler. The playground is small, but it’s fenced to the road on three sides.In its bushland setting, surrounded by trees and birdlife, it feels like a hidden oasis, not far from the bustling Charlestown CBD. Read more about Reay Park.
Toronto Foreshore Playground, Toronto
Located on the Toronto Foreshore, this partially-fenced playground has amazing views of Lake Macquarie as well as a range of play equipment suited to a wide range of ages which is ideal if you have kids of different ages. Younger kids will enjoy playing in the cute replica boat. Read more about Toronto Foreshore Playground.
You might also like:
Best Playgrounds for Toddlers in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Parks & Playgrounds with Shade in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Activities You Can Do with a Toddler in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter