The waterfront park and wonderful children’s playground at the Freyberg swimming pool complex

The Best Children’s Playgrounds in Wellington

Some of Wellington’s playgrounds are situated close to many of the Wellington must-see attractions, such as the Te Papa Museum and Island Bay. If you have small children and the weather is fine you should definitely factor them in as part of your day. From tiny tot friendly right on through to equipment which might challenge even the adults in your party, they’re all right here in Wellington.

One of the longest slides in New Zealand – great fun for kids of all ages

Our 2 Favourite Playgrounds – Frank Kitts and Freyberg Beach Playground

The fun and funky lighthouse slide at well-loved Frank Kitts Park has instant appeal for children and this huge piece of equipment is typically the first thing they head for. Parents will enjoy the waterfront location complete with stunning waterfront views and the convenience of the ice-cream van which parks up at weekends. Other equipment includes swings, a great climbing structure and spring ride-ons for the little ones.

Another seaside favourite is the grassy Freyberg Beach play area at Oriental Bay which means playground time can be combined with a paddle or swim. There is a big – and it has to be said excellent – rope jungle-gym for the older kids. Toddlers are catered for with a slide, tunnel, safe climbing platforms and a tot-sized rope bridge. Next door is the Boat Cafe which, being an actual tugboat, is bound to appeal to the kids while simultaneously catering for the grown-up’s caffeine needs.

After a session with the kids at the playground – pop into the Tug boat cafe for your well earned coffee!

Also beachside is Shorland Park, situated on Island Bay’s esplanade. This playground also has a long slide as well as a pirate ship, wood-based climbing structures, swings and a junior section. Check it out, it’s well worth a visit and on a fine night combine it with a fish and chip dinner on the beach!

Another Top Park and Playground is Central Park

If you’re getting a little fed-up with watching the kids have all the fun take yourself along to the Central Park play area. This popular Wellington playground is situated in the green belt area of the city. It’s a great  a spot for children and adults especially if you’re planning a picnic. Here you’ll find not one but three flying foxes side by side so you can race each other. The thrill theme is continued with many other exciting things to play with including a gigantic space-ball climbing frame. Younger family members will not miss out as they have slides, swings, crawl tunnels, see-saws and more.

Not far from Central Park is the beautifully situated George Denton Park which positively encourages adults to grab a piece of the fun for themselves. If you have older children who are looking for equipment which ticks the boxes for both entertaining and challenging, we think this could be a perfect fit.

Botanical Gardens

If the beautiful Botanic Gardens are on your family’s Wellington wish-list you might be pleased to hear they have an excellent playground. A plethora of equipment for all ages includes a flying fox, a pair of large exciting slides complete with tunnel sections. To reach them you have to climb up to a platform. There’s also a interesting ‘rocktopus’ where children sit on tyres and rotate around and around. Trying to describe this is tricky but suffice it to say we know for a fact children love this. There are also ride-ons and an enclosed area for really small children. Ride the cable car up to add even more adventure and, just in case you’re wondering, entry to the Botanic Gardens is free.

Wellington’s Longest Playground Slide

Big slides are something of a theme in Wellington. To round things up, here’s a couple more for you to add to your child-friendly activity list and keep the kids enthralled. The award for giant slide with the best view almost certainly goes to that at the Roseneath Play Area. The longest slide honour is held by the Nairnville Park playground in Khandallah with its 15 metre tunnel slide. These parks and Wellington playgrounds will keep your children happy for hours!