Canberra’s shadiest parks and playgrounds for summer

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If you’re like me and burn within two minutes of being in the summer sun, you’re probably crossing playgrounds off your holiday activities list right about now.
While parks are a great (free) way for the kids to get fresh air and stay active, it can be hard finding options that have ample shade when the heat kicks in.
But after a bit of investigation, we’re pleased to tell you that there are in fact some lovely, shady options to help you (ahem) branch out a bit and not be restricted to indoor-only options when the temperature rises. We’ve compiled a list of playgrounds with shade in spades (and if you’re lucky, an iced coffee close by.)
Inner South/Inner North
Glebe Park
Surrounded by nearly seven hundred trees made up of English elms and oaks, you’ll have no shortage of shade at this central park! Besides the playground, which has a large slide, seesaw and spinning toys, there are plenty of grassed recreation areas and barbecues.
Glebe Park, Canberra City
Yarralumla Playground
This leafy, fenced park is close to the local shops with several cafe options, making it ideal for summer play dates. There are three shaded play areas to enjoy, including a double slide, swing bridge, balance poles and a climbing net for older kids.
Loftus Street, Yarralumla
Telopea Park
Telopea Park’s playground area is handily sheltered by sails, and there are also plenty of areas to spread out under the trees for a picnic. If it’s not too hot, walk or scoot five minutes up the road to the many cafes Kingston has to offer.
Telopea Park, Kingston
Weston Park
A perfect spot for a picnic or barbecue when the mercury rises! Thanks to the park’s abundance of glorious trees, there are plenty of areas that stay shady in summer. The main playground comes with musical instruments, a slide and bridge, plus there’s a bonus water park to cool off!
Pescott Lane, Yarralumla
Tuggeranong
Fadden Pines District Park
The name says it all! You can be sure to find shade at this park thanks to the lovely surrounding pine trees. The kids will be entertained with an adventure playground, skateboard area and picnic spots.
Bugden Avenue, Fadden
Lake Tuggeranong District Park
This park wraps around the lake foreshore and offers a range of recreational opportunities including picnic sites, a shady playground, skate park and even a swimming area to cool off.
Anketell Street, Greenway
Woden + Weston Creek
Farrer Nature Playground
This entire park is shaded with lovely tall trees, making it a comfortable option for a sweltering day. The play space features timber climbing structures, a sand pit, tunnel and climbing nets as well as a mountain bike pump track. It’s also handily located across the road from the local shops if you’re in need of a cool drink or ice cream.
Lambrigg Street, Farrer
Isaacs Recreational Playground
Surrounded by pine trees and tucked behind the local shops, this park feels like a hidden secret! There are two play areas including a fort, spinning top and bridge, making it ideal for imaginative play. After, be sure to check out Maple and Pine cafe for one of their tasty snacks or a coffee.
Julia Flynn Drive, Isaacs
Duffy Shops Playground
This newly upgraded playground is a hit with its rope bridge, metal slide, spider nest swing, springers and a scooter/bike track. Along with being close to the local cafe, there are shade sails over the equipment and covered tables, making it a cool play date option.
Duffy Place, Duffy
Belconnen
Paddys Park
With a whopping 2.7 hectares of space, this playground thankfully comes with plenty of shade sails. There are a range of informal play spaces as well as a multi-use sports court and enclosed cricket nets, as well as barbecue and picnic areas!
Pro Hart Avenue, Strathnairn
John Knight Memorial Park
Set on the shores of Lake Ginninderra, John Knight Memorial Park has a mix of sails and trees to provide relief from soaring temperatures. There’s a treehouse, flying fox and play sculpture; along with a large timber climbing unit featuring a wave board and climbing net.
Aikman Drive, Belconnen
Gungahlin
Franklin Recreational Park
At this northside park you’ll find a large, shaded playground complete with a slide, swings, obstacle course, pivot swing and climbing structures. There’s also undercover picnic tables and a barbecue area.
Gwen Meredith Loop, Franklin
Yerrabi Pond District Park
In lieu of looming trees, this park has handy shade sails placed over it instead, as well as a shaded picnic area. The playground features an innovative play space and adventure playground, with a double/tandem flying fox, skateboard area, basketball court and bridge for agility and coordination.
Wunderlich Street, Gungahlin
Feature image: Paddys Park