Where: Seabreeze Avenue, Kincumber

When the sun beckons us all outside, it can be tricky to find a park suitable for all age groups. Problem solved: throw the bikes in the boot and head to Seabreeze Avenue, Kincumber. A wide bike track encircles this sizeable park overhung by shady trees; full of play equipment, swings, picnic tables and exercise apparatus for the grown-ups. The best thing about this park is the bush atmosphere. Set near the leafy banks of Kincumber Broadwater, this beautiful park is hard to beat.

Where: Macquarie Drive, Croudace Bay

For those families who like wide open spaces for a serious cricket match or soccer game following their picnic, then look no further than Croudace Bay Park (Thomas H Halton Park). Located on Macquarie Drive at Croudace Bay, and extending to the lake foreshore, this park is huge and boasts a boat ramp, shelter, BBQ area, playground, skate park, toilets, wetlands, and a pedestrian/cycleway. It also offers a leash-free dog exercise area, and ample off-road parking. With a little something to satisfy every age bracket, Croudace Bay is definitely one location to include on your “To Do” list.

Where: Wallarah Peninsula, Lake Macquarie

Picture this… a parkland rich with wildlife, lake views and new, modern, clean toilets. Where else would you find a haven as blissful as Murray’s Beach? Located five minutes south of Swansea on the Wallarah Peninsula it provides the perfect setting for a family day out. The playground equipment is state-of-the-art, and built over a sandpit for those budding young excavators. There are shelters, free barbecue facilities, smooth paths for scooters and skating, and a nice long jetty perfect for a spot of fishing. This park is definitely worth a look; especially for those who appreciate a bit of shade from the summer sun.

Where: Tudor Street, Hamilton

Imagine a place where you can sit in the shade of gorgeous old trees, sip the city’s best coffee and read the newspaper, while simultaneously entertaining  and exercising your children. Sounds too good to be true? Well, at Gregson Park it becomes a reality.
Not only does it boast a pirate ship, swings and climbing equipment with soft-fall ground cover, there is also a deserted-island inspired garden area with boulders to scamper over and adventures to imagine. Wide open grassed areas for running and close toilet facilities complete the premium park package.