8 Most Popular Cairns Playgrounds

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Jun 1

"Let's meet at Muddy's"

I groaned in response. Out loud. I couldn't even fake enthusiasm at the prospect of that bright, open-mouthed mud-skipper looking at me smugly (and somewhat creepily, let's be blunt here) while my toddler attempted to drink straight from the water jets in the splash pad AGAIN despite having a perfectly adequate drink bottle packed in his Paw Patrol backpack.

"Are you alright?"

"It’s just... I've already been to Muddy's three times recently."

I sounded spoiled, I know.

**Muddy’s Playground @ the Cairns Esplanade**

Muddy's is amazing, don't get me wrong. I do love the generous selection of playground equipment suited to a variety of age ranges and abilities. But...sometimes, a parent just needs a change of scenery. If big playgrounds are your thing but you're tired of "meet me at the mud-skipper" playdates, here are the most popular alternatives around for Cairns playgrounds.

In no particular order...

1. Muddy's Cairns Playground, The Esplanade

Easily the most popular Cairns playground, Muddy's has it all. There's even a cafe! There are splash pads for water play, a fenced toddler area, an assortment of playground equipment for all ages including, but not limited to, a flying fox, sound chimes, rope bridge, see-saw and puzzle games. The hamster wheel is always good for a laugh.

Of course, there's also Muddy himself. The giant mud skipper isn't supposed to be climbed on top of but it sure is fun to stand inside his giant jaws and pretend to be eaten for the sake of a photo. We've all done it, there's no shame here. Sections of Muddy's are closed for maintenance every Tuesday and/or Thursday morning until noon.

Muddy's Playground Cairns Esplanade @adventure mumma.jpg

Want more info on what else to do in Cairns? Then check out....

>>8 Cool Things to Do in Cairns with the Kids<<

2. Sugarworld Gardens, Edmonton

No, not the waterslides (though they are great too), the Cairns playground behind them! This is free to access and even has an all-abilities swing and communication board. The best part is that this Cairns playground is FENCED! There are swings, an assortment of spinners, loads of climbing ropes & structures, a rocker to seat 4 littles and another that can seat 4 adults or many littles. There are two diggers, a train and ample space to run around.

**Sugarworld Gardens Playground, Edmonton**

My 3-year-old son calls this The Peacock Park due to the flock of peacocks who frequent the area. Please treat the birds with respect and give them some space, some are more confident around people than others. Bring your balance bike, scooter or BMX and enjoy the bitumen paths that take you around the gardens themselves.

3. Fig Tree AKA The Tree House, Southern End of the Cairns Esplanade

The Fig Tree is a popular playground along the waterfront of Cairns

Conveniently located beside Wharf One cafe and wrapped around a large fig tree, this is a popular choice because of its more natural aesthetic. Visibility (and therefore adequate supervision of younger children) combined with its proximity to hazards like the water is a real issue here so please be mindful of this when you go.

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It’s a beautiful spot for little ones to let their imagination run wild, makes for beautiful happy snaps for those who love photography and just has this gorgeous fairy-tale vibe about the place. There's an assortment of equipment to try including a huge tube slide, ropes and lots of stairs and bridges.

4. The Lakes Playground aka The Duck Pond, Forest Gardens

This Southside favourite underwent a huge makeover just before the COVID-19 restrictions took effect. It’s located near tennis & basketball courts as well as, you guessed it, a duck pond full of friendly quacking ducks.

**The Lakes Playground, Forest Gardens**

The playground itself boasts both a toddler slide and a fast slide, a wobbly plank, climbing nets and giant games of tic tac toe & 4 in a row. There's also a large spinner, a small rocker to seat 4 littles as well as some swings. It’s a great place for a picnic and birdwatching.

Forest-Gardens-Playground @adventuremumma.jpg

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Forest-Gardens-Duck Pond @adventuremumma

5. Centenary Lakes Nature Playground, North Cairns

Centenary Lakes Nature Playground, North Cairns @adventuremumma 3.jpg

I love this Cairns playground so much that I led a petition to council asking for another one! This playground, the first of its kind in our region, was finalised in 2017 and is very regularly maintained by council. Visibility can be an issue here, especially with its proximity to both Centenary Lakes and busy traffic however with adequate supervision the risks here should be minimal.

There's something for all ages here, I started bringing my little boy here before he could walk. There's a fast slide and a giant double slide, a tunnel, heaps of climbing & rope features, sandpits, a sensory garden, den-building, a gigantic snake to balance on, steppingstones, balancing beams, a water pump and more.

There are toilets & bubblers and plenty of picnic tables and places to spread out too. There’s even a sign with a bucket list of things to do while you're there. Words don’t do this park justice; it needs to be seen to be believed.

Centenary Lakes Nature Playground, North Cairns @adventuremumma 7.jpg

6. Goomboora Park, Brinsmead

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I hope you like off-leash dogs and ropes equipment that's better suited to a school-aged crew! Goomboora is a very, very popular spot but just isn’t the best playground for young toddlers. They'll grow into it soon enough, and when they do, they’ll never want to leave.

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Goomboora Park, Brinsmead @adventuremumma.jpg

In the meantime, it's a great spot for a family picnic by the creek which is a favourite swimming spot for many on the North side as the water is shallow enough that most of the family can play relatively safely and so far it is crocodile free.

7. The Pirate Ship aka The Endeavour Fun Ship, Northern End of the Esplanade

Much like Muddy's, its centralised location on the Cairns Esplanade makes it an extremely popular spot, especially for birthday parties. The Pirate Ship is precisely that; a playground that is shaped like a giant ship with lots of pirate-y themed things to do.

The Pirate Ship aka The Endeavour Fun Ship, Northern End of the Esplanade @adventuremumma

There’s also a seesaw, loads of seating and a bunch of fig trees that are just right for climbing. Plus, don't forget the yellow tinny boat that is a very popular part of this Cairns playground that overlooks the water.

**The BBQs are always a popular option for birthday parties**

8. Yorkey’s Knob Playground, Southern End of the Yorkey’s Knob Foreshore

Yorkey’s Knob Playground, Southern End of the Yorkey’s Knob Foreshore @adventuremumma 2.jpg

This is a sweet Cairns playground that makes a day at the beach even more enjoyable. The playground is spread out over a large space and has swings, rockers, an assortment of the usual playground suspects and... a flying fox! With plenty of picnic tables, this is a favourite for gatherings on the north side.