If you have a little runner on your hands – or you want to be able to relax knowing your children are (somewhat) contained – a fenced playground (and a coffee) is essential! Below is a list of the must-visit playgrounds in the Melville area that will keep both you and your wannabe escapees happy.
Kadidjiny Park, Melville
The “Dr Seuss” park (nicknamed for its distinctive red and white stripy poles) is a firm favourite with mums and kids alike, and it’s easy to see why. The brightly coloured play equipment and rolling hills make this playground a fun place to be, and there is a real focus on nature play. There are lots of different play spaces – slides, traditional swings, nest swing, roundabout, spider web climbing frame, musical equipment, and more!
There is some natural shade cover provided by the trees but parts of the playground can get very hot in the summer months. Within the fenced area, there is ample seating and BBQs available for use. Toilets are located just outside the playground.
There a few good coffee shops nearby where you can pick up your take away coffee. Lawley’s Bakery in the North Lake Shopping Centre or Blend Cafe and Pizza Bar both serve great coffee and snacks.
You can find Kadidjiny Park at Kitchener Road, Melville (on the site of the old Melville Primary School). Read the full review for Kadidjiny Park on our blog section, Parks & Playgrounds.
Somerville Park, Winthrop
Somerville Park is located at the heart of Winthrop and is set within a huge reserve that has a cycle/walking path. The path is perfect place for your kids to practice their scooting and bike riding skills. Dogs are permitted on the reserve, just be sure to clean up after them.
The playground is completely enclosed and has a large grassy area within the fence. Perfect for kicking a ball around or just letting the little ones use up some of that energy in a safe space. The covered play equipment includes a slide, spider web climbing net and rock wall, plus there is a swing set located at the other end of the play area.
Unfortunately there are no public toilets at the park itself, but Winthrop Village is only 500 metres away, if needed. The Village also has a few cafes where you can pick up your much needed take away coffee from.
You can find Somerville Park at 151 Somerville Boulevard in Winthrop
Bicton Quarantine Park, Bicton
This gem of a park sits on the site of the former animal quarantine station and boasts an absolutely amazing view out to the river. The playground has high fencing all around and benefits from natural shade cover provided by the surrounding trees as well as additional shade from the sails.
There are two slides, a fireman’s pole, monkey bars, a climbing wall, swings and a spring rocker so there is plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Toilets are located down the hill next to the riverside car park, and there are BBQs and picnic tables available close to the playground.
Stop off before or after your playground visit for a coffee and babychino at a near-by cafe. A short drive away you can find Puck Expresso in the Bicton Central Shopping Centre or try Little Stove in Bicton.
You can find Bicton Quarantine Park at Braunton St in Bicton (a separate car park can be accessed via Phipps St)
Other Fenced Playgrounds in Melville
John Connell Reserve – Dundee St, Leeming
Jeff Joseph Reserve – The Strand, Applecross
John Dickenson Reserve – Birdwood Circus, Bicton
Bibra Lake Regional Playground – Progress Dr, Bibra Lake
Laurie Withers Reserve – Dalston Crescent, Kardinya
Glasson Park – George St, East Fremantle
Ulrich Park – Fraser St, East Fremantle
If you have visited either of these playgrounds, or we’ve missed off a great fenced playground in the Melville area, leave a comment below or let us know in the Melville Mums Facebook group. For more playground and park reviews visit our Parks & Playgrounds blog.
