Right on the Collaroy beachfront reserve, Collaroy Beach Playground (officially Bruce Bartlett Reserve) is a large, fully fenced inclusive playground a few steps from the sand on Sydney's Northern Beaches. It's an easy half-day: let the kids loose inside the fence, then wander to the rockpool, the promenade or a cafe across the road.

Why We Love It

• Beachfront but fully enclosed so you get sand, surf views and the rebuilt seawall promenade on your doorstep without spending the whole visit chasing a runner back from the road.

• Built for every kind of kid with a beach-side combination unit (shop-front panel, toddler slide, twist slide) at one end and a big climbing dome and rope frame for older ones at the other.

• Inclusive design done well with a wheelchair-accessible Liberty Swing, an all-abilities carousel, springers and carved-sandstone sensory and musical play built in, not bolted on.

• Seasonal water play that runs in the warmer months, so on a hot day they can cool off without the full beach mission.

• Pairs with the rockpool next door, a gentle, kid-friendly spot for a dip when sandcastles and slides have run their course.