North Dunlop Playground

If your kid’s past the toddler stage and actually wants a challenge, this one’s worth the trip. The obstacle climbing structure is the real drawcard — rope wall, pole ladder, sliding pole, and a rope hammock that keeps older kids busy for longer than you’d expect. There’s a swing set and a spring seesaw beam too, so the classics are covered. The shade trees do proper work on a hot Canberra afternoon, and the benches mean you’re not standing around awkwardly while they play. The open grass field out the back gives them somewhere to burn off whatever energy’s left.