Sir Joseph Banks Park playground

There are actually two separate play areas here, which makes a big difference when you’ve got a toddler and an older kid in tow — they each get something suited to them. The younger set has a sandbox and musical equipment to mess around with, while the climbing structure and slides keep bigger kids busy. Shade trees and covered seating mean you’re not cooking in the sun while you watch them, and the BBQ and picnic tables make it easy to turn a playground visit into a proper afternoon out. The lake nearby adds a nice touch — kids inevitably wander over to look for ducks between turns on the swings. Parking is straightforward, there are proper restrooms on site, and the bike track and open grass field mean you can fill a solid few hours without running out of things to do.