With an abundance of playgrounds in Manawatu, here are our top picks for your littlies to be entertained for hours this summer. From slides to swings, rockets to butterflies, rock-climbing walls to tic tac toe; explore our region’s playgrounds for some fantastic free fun all year round!
Apollo Park
The recently upgraded Apollo Park boasts a fun playground with a spinning rocket and a parent/child swing where you can swing together with your little one. Incorporating a butterfly theme as inspired by the magical monarch butterfly sanctuary at the rear of the park, this truly is Milson’s hidden gem!
Apollo Park, Milson, Palmerston North
Victoria Esplanade
A local’s favourite, Victoria Esplanade’s junior playground is a popular spot on a glorious day. You’ll be sheltered under the shade sails while having fun at Manawatu’s largest playground. With multiple slides and swings, trampolines, mouse wheels and a flying fox for the bigger kids. Don’t forget to hop from mushroom to mushroom, one of the original features of the playground.
Victoria Esplanade, Palmerston North
Memorial Park
One of the city’s major parks, Memorial Park boasts a playground suitable for all abilities. Featuring a Liberty Swing, which is a wheelchair friendly swing (the key to access the swing is available from the Palmerston North City i-SITE in The Square). Pre-schoolers enjoy the puzzles, ladders, ramps and slides and can cool off afterwards in the fenced paddling pool nearby.
Memorial Park, Palmerston North
Ashhurst Domain
Located a short 10-minute drive from Palmerston North, Ashhurst Domain has two extensive playgrounds, including a flying fox. Have races down the double slide or drive side-by-side in the play car. Picnic and BBQ areas are close by, so this is a perfect go-to for a family day out!
Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst
Timona Park
In friendly Feilding you’ll find the Timona Park childrens’ playground. This recently upgraded playground features a super-fun tiered fort with multiple mini-slides – a perfect way for kids to burn off their energy running back up to the top!
Timona Park, Feilding
