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Top 3 Local Child-friendly Parks on the Upper North Shore

Outdoor play is vital for a child’s development and provides a myriad of benefits across all aspects of a child’s growth.

• Physically, it boosts cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility through activities like running and climbing.
• Mentally, it reduces stress and enhances mood by providing a natural, calming environment away from indoor and screen-based activities.
• Cognitively and socially, it encourages creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation through unstructured play.
• Outdoor activities also build children’s confidence and independence by allowing them to tackle and overcome physical challenges safely.
• And of course, it helps children soak up some Vitamin D and connect with nature!

At Little Leo’s Early Learning Centre, we provide ample opportunities for children to engage with nature. They can explore our leafy yards, tend to our vegetable garden, or enjoy trips to the local zoo. These activities allow them to bond with and learn about the natural world in a hands-on way.

To complement the outdoor time your child receives at our Killara childcare centre, we recommend an additional 1 hour of outdoor play on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends.

Outdoor play can include Nature Walks, Bike Rides, Picnics, Outdoor Craft Activities, Trips to the Beach and our favourite a simple trip to the local park!

Here is our pick of the best local parks in Killara:

• Bicentennial Park

Address: Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble NSW 2073

Parking: Available next to the playground

Description: With its verdant surrounds and spacious lawns, this playground is great for family gatherings and mothers’ groups alike. Set in the midst of Bicentennial Park, it offers two substantial playgrounds, electric BBQs and undercover picnic tables.

• Lane Cove National Park

Address: Max Allen Rd, Lindfield NSW 2070

Parking: Lots of parking available inside the park (Paid)

Description: Lane Cove National Park, not far from Sydney’s city centre, is the perfect place for a family day out or school excursion. Explore historic sites along the Heritage walk or enjoy a picnic, canoe or go birdwatching.

• Swain Gardens

Address: 77 Stanhope Rd, Killara NSW 2071

Parking: Street parking available on Stanhope Rd.

Description: Stroll through this beautiful landscape reflecting the character of English gardens in a bushland setting. The lower garden area has BBQ facilities and synthetic grass lawn popular for family gatherings and children’s parties. Pedestrian access to Swain Gardens is via narrow pathways with some steep inclines and steps. Dogs are permitted to enter the gardens as long as they remain on leash.