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Top 10 Playgrounds To Visit In Hamilton
In our completely subjective and incredibly biased opinion, we have compiled what we believe are the top 10 playgrounds in Hamilton. We have delivered excursions to playgrounds across the city with thousands of kids. We have surveyed staff, assessed behaviour reports and taken anecdotal evidence of our trips and ranked them for your convenience.
10. Tamahere Park
Tamahere Park rounds out our list with its serene setting and family-friendly facilities. This park combines open grassy areas perfect for soccer games with a modern playground that keeps the kiddos climbing and sliding for hours. It's a new playground with a newly built retail area next door.
Things to consider: The park’s picnic area is great for gatherings, so pack a lunch. With plenty of shade, it’s also ideal for sunny days. It is out of central Hamilton and a bit of a drive.
Click here for directions.
9. Inuwai Park
Inuwai Park, a gem located in a quieter part of town, offers a peaceful escape with its well-maintained playground equipment and ample space for kids to explore. It has a basketball court and modern equipment.
Things to consider: The park is on the small side and is located on the outskirts of town. Aside from the basketball court, older kids may get bored quicker.
Click here for directions.
8. Minogue Park
At Minogue Park, it’s all about active fun. Known for its large train-themed playground and lake, the park is expansive with a lot to do. It features a flying fox and sits beside netball courts and a large car park.
Things to consider: This park is a favourite for birthday parties thanks to its vast space and BBQ facilities. Close to the city centre, it’s easy to swing by the shops or a café afterward for a well-deserved treat.
Click here for directions.
7. Legacy Park
Legacy Park is a newcomer but has quickly climbed the ranks with its innovative play structures and zipline that’s a hit with the daring bunch.
Things to consider: The playground is designed to engage children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens. The nearby basketball courts and open fields are perfect for older kids, and the local ice cream truck is often around to provide sweet relief after a day of play.
Click here for directions.
6. Destination Playground
Living up to its name, Destination Playground is a sprawling area decked out with the latest in playground technology, including interactive play stations that blend physical and digital play.
Things to consider: This playground is a hotspot, so it might get crowded during peak hours. It’s surrounded by ample parking and is just a few steps away from public transport links, making it accessible for a quick drop-in or a day-long stay. It sits beside Te Ao Marama School, which also boasts its own impressive playground, so it's a win-win for maximizing time when kids become bored of one playground.
Click here for directions.
5. Dominion Park
Dominion Park is a large playground with interactive water features and multi-leveled slides. There are things for kids both old and young, and it sits beside a large soccer field for when the playground gets dull.
Things to consider: The playground’s equipment is suitable for various ages, making it a family favourite. This playground received some negative attention upon opening and required security guards to stop vandalism; however, that seems to have subsided. Still, it has a history of some of the equipment being damaged.
Click here for directions.
4. Claudelands Park
Claudelands Park is an urban oasis with a spacious playground that includes swings, slides, and climbing frames designed to stimulate and challenge all age groups. It's a newer playground that is accessible and offers variety.
Things to consider: Located in a bustling part of town, this park is a stone’s throw away from the Claudelands Event Centre, where family events often take place, so you might catch a show after playing.
Click here for directions.
3. Parana Park
Parana Park is renowned for its artistic and whimsical play structures, making it a visually stimulating environment for children. It has fantastic water features with ducks and even features its own aviary with colorful parrots. You can pack your togs and enjoy a safe splash while choosing between the slides, swings, or large trees surrounding the area. Further along the park, there are attractions such as model planes, trains, and it is even close to the river for a quick stroll.
Things to consider: The park is not near any parking facilities, so parking on the main road and walking to it is the only option. It is not a very good wet day activity, but that's true for most parks.
Click here for directions.
2. Tauhara Park (Callum Brae)
Tauhara Park, part of the Callum Brae development, offers an expansive playground with state-of-the-art equipment set in a beautifully landscaped environment. It is large, boasts a basketball court, flying fox, multiple swings, multi-level slides, and activities for kids of all ages. It sits next to mini golf, pitch and putt, and a café, so adults can also remain entertained while supervising. Below the park is an expansive field for dogs and kids to run free. With pathways around the park, walking and biking are also great options for scooters, skateboards, and roller skates.
Things to consider: Parking is the only downside of this playground, as on busy days, sometimes you physically cannot get in. There is on-road parking down the hill, so hill haters may avoid the park altogether. Their loss.
Click here for directions.
Hamilton Lake
Topping our list is the iconic Hamilton Lake playground, a veritable wonderland for children with its wide array of equipment and stunning lake views. You simply cannot beat Hamilton Lake’s diverse offerings. With six different play areas, two entirely separate playgrounds, a lake, a boat club where you can catch yachting or dragon boats, pathways around the entire lake suitable for bikes, strollers, scooters, and more. Feeding the ducks can be its own activity, and the built-in ice skating rink offers even more fun for the kids. Dog-spotting and the on-site café and ice cream bar make this park the best Hamilton has to offer.
Things to consider: The playground is part of a larger recreational area that includes walking paths, a boat club, and abundant wildlife, making it a full-day destination. Parking can be a right pain on busy days, so prepare to walk a bit of a distance to get here on these days.
Click here for directions.