North Canterbury's Best Playgrounds
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Here is our pick of favourite playgrounds, for toddlers and preschoolers, that we have visited in Rangiora, Ohoka, Kaiapoi, Woodend and Pegasus.
Victoria Park Playground
Corner Queen and Percival Streets in central Rangiora
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Play areas and equipment for both babies/toddlers and older children, including 2 baby swings.
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Picnic tables and plenty of grass area for picnics.
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Toilets (newly renovated) with nappy change tables.
Elephant Park
Corner Blackett Street & Whites Road, Rangiora
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Play equipment for both toddlers and older children
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Standard play equipment, plenty of variety, climbing wall, an old tractor and of course a big colourful elephant.
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Established trees offer shade on sunny days in some areas.
Oakwood Park Playground
Corner Elm and Oakwood Drives, Rangiora
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Fully fenced area for toddlers with a sandpit, slide, baby swings and a park bench where you can relax comfortably while supervising.
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Play equipment and areas for older children outside of the fenced area, including a 'spider web' and basketball court.
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Picnic table, toilet and a huge field.
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Lovely walking paths in the neighbourhood.
Torlesse Playground
Also called 'Castle Park', on Johns Road, Rangiora
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Play areas and equipment for both babies/toddlers and older children, including a baby swing, tunnel and slide.
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Picnic table on site
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Neat little 'road' with markings & signs for scooters or bikes
Acacia Avenue Playground
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65 Acacia Ave Reserve, Rangiora
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Modern playground with some toddler suitable equipment
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Areas for older children - basketball court, large field
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Very little shade as it is in a fairly new subdivision with not a lot of established trees.
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Picnic table
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Toilets
Arlington Reserve Playground
Epsom Drive, Rangiora
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Another modern playground with some toddler suitable equipment - baby swing, slide and have a spin in the 'UFO' (I'm not sure what it's called!).
Baker Park Playground & BMX track
Access from corner Aldersgate & Wesley Streets or Otaki Street, Kaiapoi
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An updated, colourful playground with baby swings and an easy-going BMX track that is perfect for beginning toddler bikers. Toilets and picnic area nearby.
Trousselot Park & Playground
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Charles Street, Kaiapoi
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Play areas best for preschoolers and older children, but young toddlers will enjoy it too with your help.
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Picnic areas, including the lovely garden area.
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Toilets.
Sovereign Palms Playground
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Beachvale Drive (by the lake), Kaiapoi
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Modern playground with baby swing, little ride-on elephant and a few other fun things suitable for young toddlers. Pre-schoolers and older kids will love it all.
Ohoka Domain Playground & BMX Track
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Corner Mill & Whites Roads, Ohoka
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Great play areas for both toddlers and older children.
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Features a brand new playground (for older children).
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BMX track great for toddlers (with help), pre-schoolers and older children.
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Toilets, picnic areas and large grass area.
Stalker Park Playground & BMX Track
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Beside Woodend School, Rangiora-Woodend Road
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Great little playground for train lovers of all ages with a toddler-friendly BMX track beside it.
Pegasus Lake Playground
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Pegasus Main Street, by the lake & The Good Home restaurant.
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Awesome play areas for all ages.
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Great little toddler station on the ground to explore so no need to worry about early walkers falling off play equipment!
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Grass areas nearby where you can picnic.
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Lovely walk around the lake.
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Toilets.
Other playgrounds worth a mention...
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​Watkins Playground on Watkins Drive, Rangiora.
Also accessible by walking through the reserve on Northbrook Road (corner of Northbrook Road and McPhail Ave - across the road from access to the Northbrook Lagoon).
This playground is nice and modern with some equipment suitable for toddlers, including a baby swing.​
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Watkins Playground
Silverstream Playground
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Footbridge Terrace (across the road from the cafe)
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We haven't personally visited this playground yet but it has been recommended by local mums as a great toddler friendly option.
Please get in touch via the contact page if you have a favourite North Canterbury playground that could be added to this page.