Blenheim Park

This park is far from shiny and new (a major upgrade is planned), but its manifold pleasures make it a fantastic place for a family barbecue, a dog walk or for tiring out your little charges for a couple of hours. It’s tucked away in a valley right next to Epping Road, but you’d never guess, and the roar of traffic is dampened by foliage. The main drawcard is a high-speed flying fox: leap off the wooden platform, ride it to the other side then hold tight as you hit the spring, ricochet backwards and begin your jaunt back in the opposite direction. Fancy a swing? Blenheim Park has five, joined up in a tricksy pentagon shape that has you thinking you’ll hit the other swingers (you won’t). There’s also a speedy slide, an impressive sandpit, a bike track with obstacles, and a gated area where dogs can run around and socialise with other dogs. Did we mention the race track exclusively for remote-controlled cars? This is a real kids' oasis of the northwest.