Trying to decide between the THREE playgrounds in this park was tricky. Since we were in the company of two smaller kiddos, we headed to The Boulevarde. The massive green space stretches 68 hectares, but you can walk to all three playgrounds –  it’s very hilly, though, so take the pram or bikes. Aside from being a safer play zone for the little ones (from early walkers onwards), the largest benefit is that it’s fully sheltered by giant shade sails.

The playground is made up of mostly traditional play equipment, like spring rockers, a cubby house, slides, swings, monkey bars, abacus, and various climbing structures. But as you wander away from the main shaded area, you’ll discover additional interesting features that appear to have been tacked on over the years. 

There’s a flying fox, a soft fall mound with three slides for them to test out over and over, a couple of speakers playing bird noises, a ship’s bow featuring metal pipes to bang and clang. Further along you’ll find a couple of wooden bridges that either wobble or jiggle from side to side. It’s full of random surprises! 

You can seriously make a day of it here. You’re surrounded by a beautiful bush setting, there are toilets, electric barbeques, vast undercover picnic areas, drinking fountains, and free parking. There’s no café or food nearby, so bring along a picnic, your walking shoes, and your little explorers. 

Ruffey Lake Park,
Victoria Street, Templestowe.

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