Hammond Playground

Locals know Hammond Playground is one of the better spots in Chatswood for a proper afternoon out — the flying fox alone is enough to keep kids coming back. There’s a solid mix of equipment covering all ages, from the climbing structure through to slides and swings, so siblings aren’t fighting over the same piece of gear. The shade trees do a decent job of keeping things bearable in summer, which matters when you’re trying to actually sit and eat at the picnic tables without melting. That big open grass field is genuinely useful — plenty of room for a kick-around or just letting the dog stretch its legs while the kids do their thing. Parking is easy enough, BBQ facilities are on hand, and parents can keep an eye on everything without having to hover.