Every time I’m around Forest Hill I have the same problem: I genuinely don’t know where to take the kids. There’s no big drawcard playground worth a special trip out here, and even the free kids play space up on Level 3 at Forest Hill Chase is pretty forgettable once you’ve been a couple of times. So on a recent trip I went looking for something better, and landed on two small playgrounds that are actually worth knowing about.
Forest Hill Reserve
This one is genuinely tiny. The main structure is just a low cubby house, a little bridge, a small slide and some swings, nothing here has much challenge to it. That’s actually the appeal, though: it’s perfect for a baby or toddler who’s only just working out how to climb and isn’t ready for a big slide yet. They can explore it entirely on their own steam while you stand close enough to catch them.
One detail worth mentioning is that the slide looked Swedish-made to me, which stood out because most playground equipment around Australia tends to be locally manufactured. That might explain why the shape and style felt a little different to the usual local slides. I haven’t been able to confirm the manufacturer independently, so take it as an observation from the visit rather than a confirmed fact, but it was noticeably different from the norm.
A few metres away there’s a small climbing frame for kids with more energy to burn, plus a grassed area with big shade trees if anyone needs to run around afterwards. Forest Hill Reserve sits on Fraser Place, which is also where Aqualink Nunawading is, so it’s a genuinely handy spot to burn off some energy before a swim.
Brentford Square Playground
This one has more to offer. The main wooden structure has a blue spiral slide, stairs, a curved climbing ladder and a few small rock-climbing points, and underneath there’s a row of spinning cube panels with Australian animal designs. Off to the side is a colourful arched climbing frame that looks a bit like a little tent, kids can crawl around it, find the openings and climb through one side to the other.
My daughter’s favourite by far was the spiral slide. It’s not particularly high, but the spiral is long enough that she went back and climbed up for another go more times than I could count. The little mound and climbing ladder nearby are good for balance and coordination too.
It’s right next to the Brentford Square Shopping Centre, so it’s easy to grab groceries or a bite to eat afterwards, and there are toilets on site, which always makes a playground stop that bit easier with small kids.
Would I Recommend a Special Trip?
Honestly, no, I wouldn’t plan a dedicated outing to Forest Hill just for these two. But if you’re already in the area running errands or heading to Aqualink, both are worth a quick stop, and between the two, Brentford Square has more to keep an older toddler entertained for longer.
More Playgrounds and Rainy Day Options
If you’re after somewhere with a bit more scale, our review of Verdant Park Playground in Doncaster covers a much bigger structure that’s better suited to older, more confident climbers. And if the weather turns, our roundup of the best indoor play centres in Melbourne has a few solid backup options, along with our guide to kid-friendly restaurants with playgrounds in Melbourne if you’d rather combine a meal with playtime.
Forest Hill Playgrounds: The Details
Forest Hill Reserve is on Fraser Place, Forest Hill, right by Aqualink Nunawading, best suited to babies and younger toddlers still building their climbing confidence.
Brentford Square Playground sits inside the Brentford Square Shopping Centre on Canterbury Road, Forest Hill, next to the Commonwealth Bank, with toilets on site and enough variety to hold an older toddler’s attention for longer.
Neither is worth a special trip on its own, but both are a solid, free way to burn off some energy if you’re already nearby.