We all know that kids love a great park! Whilst there are some obvious places we automatically think of taking the family to for the day, I’m here to share some epic parks that not only offer a playground, but an entire day out!
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
Stop driving past and come discover what little gem hides inside! Located right near the Ipswich hospital, Denmark Hill has so much to offer including a selection of bush walking trails, all of which are dog friendly (dogs must remain on leash). The trails all vary in fitness levels and length. While walking around keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, and experience the serenity, even though surrounding you is the hustle and bustle of the Ipswich CBD. Why not take the entire clan, fire up the barbeque, sit back and relax watching the kids burn off their excess energy on the playground!
Find Denmark Hill at 20 Chelmsford Avenue, Ipswich.
Tucker Park
The Brentwood Forest estate is home to Tucker Park and offers so much more than meets the eye! Tucker Park has a main base at the bottom of the hill which includes an enclosed basketball court, half sized football field, undercover tables and chairs and outdoor fitness section.
Whilst this is pretty epic on its own, continue up the stairs and along the winding path to find many different playground stations including swings and seesaws. Halfway up is an incredible slide located amongst the gum trees.
While it might be a mission to climb through the obstacle course to reach this sky-high slide, the trip back down certainly fills the thrill seeker needs! Of course, there is a smaller option for our little daredevils.
Wander up to the top of the hill to find the pooch park which provides an off-leash area for both small and large dogs. Socialise your furry friend while you chill out on the undercover seats overlooking the beautiful Aussie bushland! Tucker Park is the perfect place for a family picnic so make sure to pack some snacks or a cold lunch for the fam and truly enjoy the serenity.
Find Tucker Park at Ardie Court in Bellbird Park.
Pace Park
Ipswich’s most recent addition, Pace Park, officially opened on 29 July 2023 and has a golf theme! Featuring an Aussie first for parks, a 6-metre dome offers over 170 different rope style play activities that the kiddos will surely spend hours climbing.
In addition to this, Pace Park also offers traditional playground equipment and a large grassed area, however, is also home to a play fort, scooter/bike track, aerial hoops and flying fox – just to make sure all the energy for that day is spent! It has ball shaped obstacles and a golf inspired hoop course.
No matter where the little ones are playing in the park, located in the centre are sheltered picnic tables, so you can sit back and enjoy the ambiance while keeping an eye on them.
Find Pace Park at Vassalo Dr, Rosewood.
Queens Park
Queens Park is home to so many activities you can spend the entire day there! There is ample parking around the entire park making it easy to choose a starting point. On offer is the Ipswich Nature Centre, home to native Australian wildlife.
Enjoy the scenic boardwalk at your own pace, or book a VIP tour during school holidays for the entire family. Get an up-close encounter with some of our reptiles and feed the barn yard animals, with a tour guide on hand to tell you everything there is to know about our native Australian wildlife, as well as some not so well-known facts about the creatures housed at the Nature Centre!
Just across the road from the Nature Centre is Nerima Gardens where you can step into a walking meditation as you wander the gardens. During the months of March to October, you can book a Japanese Tea ceremony, where you will be guided through the gardens learning about Japanese history and how Nerima Gardens has significance to us here in Ipswich. Finishing up at the Tea House, you will meet your authentic Japanese Tea Masters and experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, followed by morning or afternoon tea.
These two big-ticket activities will take up most of your time in Queens Park, so head over to the Queens Park Café to sit back and unwind with beautifully crafted meals; be sure to try their thickshakes, Ipswich’s “thickest thickshake”! Before heading home, take the kids to the playground after lunch and burn off some of that remaining energy they always seem to have!
Find Queens Park at 10A Milford Street, Ipswich
Bumble Bee Park
Located in the Ripley Valley estate is one of the coolest playgrounds on offer to kids! Everything is bee themed which interactively gives children an insight to bees. Here you will find a large climbing dome, slides, swings, bouncers, puzzles and tunnels, all of course bee themed! This park is also dog friendly so long as they stay on a lead. There is a fountain for both two-legged and four-legged creatures and some covered tables, so make sure to pack a feast for the kidlets, I can guarantee they will be very hungry after their play.
Find Bumble Bee Park at Sable Street Ripley.
Stallard Park
Stallard Park has so much more than meets the eye! What initially looks to be just a large grassy oval with a playground, is actually a free gym as the oval is surrounded by equipment. Once you reach the other side of the oval, you might be surprised to find there is also a small cricket pitch, half-sized basketball court, barbeques and shaded picnic tables! Certainly the park is for sportier kids, or simply if you are wanting to head somewhere with more outdoor sport options!
Find Stallard Park at 125 Equestrian Drive, Yamanto.
