River Park

If you’ve got a toddler and you’re over fighting the crowds at bigger parks, this one’s worth knowing about. The fenced pirate-themed playground keeps little ones contained while you actually sit down for five minutes — there are benches, shade trees, and the whole setup is pretty relaxed. It’s right near the Parramatta River, so the views are genuinely nice rather than just a car park backdrop. The walking path is good for a casual stroll before or after, and parking isn’t a drama. Quiet, local, does exactly what it needs to.