There’s a playground for all enthusiasm levels, from agility courses to little kid zones. And the best part? A bunch of these playgrounds are right beside Lake Taupō, so it’s easy to bounce between swinging and climbing to lake splashing and back again. Keep the fun rolling with these ten playgrounds until the crew is happily worn out.
Taupō domain | Taupō
This spot’s a local fave, but there’s plenty of space for everyone to reach giddy heights on the giant spider net, zip down slides, and splash around in the water play area. Little ones have their own mini-playground, and older kids can challenge each other at the giant chess game. With ice cream and coffee nearby, energy levels can stay topped up. Budding train enthusiasts can hop on the Lions Club Express for a $2 ride, and don’t miss the Taupō Museum for dino-hunting fun and a peek into Taupō’s volcanic history.
Need to know: Picnic tables. Toilets. Parking is available on Story Place and Ferry Road.
Lakewood Reserve | Taupō
Dual flying foxes make this playground an instant hit, with kids racing side-by-side through the air. There’s something for everyone here—mini wobblers for little ones and cool climbing nets for the older kids to conquer. Just five minutes from town, it’s close to shops and takeaways, so the fun doesn’t have to end. With a big shade cloth for those sunny days and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, it’s a prime spot to kick back with the locals—or even challenge them to a friendly aerial battle.
Need to know: Drinking fountain. Picnic table. Lakewood Drive, Nukuhau, Taupō.
Spa Thermal Park | Taupō
This is Taupō’s go-to hub for summer adventures. Around the wooden fort—packed with slides, firefighter poles, a sand pit, and swings—sprawling grassy fields are perfect for a game of cricket or kicking a ball around. It’s also the starting point for adventures to Otumuheke Stream for warm, lazy soaks in thermally heated water, scenic walks to Huka Falls, or biking the Rotary Ride. Nearby, you’ve got the Taupō Disc Golf Course weaving through the slopes and an action-packed BMX track, buzzing with riders. There’s no shortage of ways to play here.
Need to know: Toilets. Picnic table. Country Avenue, Taupō.
Te Kapua Park | Turangi
Bringing local Māori stories to life, this colourful playground is packed with adventures inspired by the Tongariro River and surrounding mountains. Every corner has a bit of magic, from a towering climbing fort to a wooden waka to ride, weaving traditional tales throughout. Kids can balance, spin, slide, and rock on gear inspired by hīnaki fishing traps, while water play with spouting poles keeps kids on their toes. There are basket swings, musical instruments, sensory play, and a mini whare fort for the littlest explorers. Right next to the skate park, basketball court, and a café for snack breaks.
Need to know: Picnic tables. Free electric BBQ. Toilets. Te Rangitautahanga Road.
Kinloch Beach Playground | Kinloch
Grab some top-notch fish 'n' chips from Kinloch Store, then hit up the community playground right by Lake Taupō in this cute village. After munching down, dive in for a refreshing swim and plunge off the pontoon—tick off all the family’s adventure goals in one spot, especially if you bring the bikes and jump on the Great Lake Trails.
Need to know: Free electric BBQ. Toilets. Picnic tables. Car park off Mata Place, Kinloch.
Wharewaka Playground | Four Mile Bay | Taupō
At the southern end of town, away from the crowds, this playground mere metres from the lake edge ticks all the right boxes for quick play with its roller slide, wooden fort and a colourful handful of equipment for younger adventurers. It might not have all the bells and whistles of newer spots, but it makes up for it with space to run around, and it’s the ideal turnaround point for a family stroll along the Great Lake Pathway—laid-back and easy. Or bring some sausages for the BBQ and make an evening of it as the sun sinks across the lake.
Need to know: Toilet. Free electric BBQ. Picnic tables. Parking on Stanley Street.
Mangakino Playground | Mangakino Lakefront Reserve
Pack the togs and take a quick 40-minute drive to Mangakino, where a massive pontoon with dual slides bobs in Lake Maraetai—ideal for keeping cool this summer. The nearby playground in this laid-back hydro town has a spider net, bucket swing, and climbing fort to entertain kids of all ages. Plus, there’s a disc golf course nearby for extra fun. For biking enthusiasts, this is the trailhead for family-friendly rides along the Waikato River Trails, leading to mossy hydro relics, swing bridges, and beautiful bush-lined gorges.
Need to know: Picnic tables. Toilet. Free electric BBQ. Lake Road, Mangakino.
Besley Park Playground | Acacia Bay
Set sail just 10 minutes from town on the lake's western side on this pirate-themed playground with a wooden ship to climb, crawl, and conquer. Kids can dive into the tunnel, while adults join the fun with exercise equipment or a game of pétanque. Bonus: Across the road is a mini old-school playground with a tractor and a gnarly tree perfect for climbing. Got rackets? There’s also a community tennis court. Wrap it all up with a dip at Acacia Bay and a selfie on the enormous blue pottery chair at Besley Park.
Need to know: Drinking fountain. Wakeman Road, Acacia Bay, Taupō.
Mere Road | Taupō
This neighbourhood playground pulls in the crowds with its swooping tunnel slide, bucket swing, half-court basketball, and a scooter track that loops all around the action. It’s one of the newest in town — a must-do on your Taupō playground tour.
Need to know: Picnic tables. Mere Road, Taupō.
Centennial Drive
For older kids craving a muscle-taxing challenge, this obstacle course is all about feeling the burn. Go solo or spark some friendly competition on the rope climbs, rock wall, and hanging obstacles—race against each other on the dual course or at your own pace on the individual tracks. And if you’re after something a bit more chill, there’s a mini playground with swings, a game of noughts and crosses, and small fort for a less energetic outing.
Need to know: Parking off Delany Drive beside the netball courts, Taupō.