Scarborough Beach Park

Not only is beautiful beachside Scarborough Beach Park home to Pirate Park and a train playground, but it also features a giant jumping pillow and a grove of cotton trees that children can climb.

The fully fenced jumping pillow can be found towards the northern end of Scarborough parklands, just opposite the breakwater and protected by a huge sun shade and a row of Norfolk Pines which line the shore. There are a number of undercover picnic tables located right beside the jumping pillow, as well as a basketball half court and some geometric climbing equipment*.

Meanwhile the the cotton trees’ sturdy textured branches have all intertwined to form a kind of matrix so that children can easily and safely spend ages making their way up, down and around from tree to tree - this is the only place around Brisbane with authorized tree climbing.

The delightful man made playground, which is sand-based, has been divided into two themed sections – Pirate Park and Railway Place. The latter, which features a tot-sized train on rails, has been designed so that children with disabilities can enjoy it and the former features a boat along with the usual little slippery dips, rockers and so forth.

Keep an eye out for the Gollum Tree as you stroll along the esplanade. Lord of the Rings fan or not, this hidden gem at the base of one of the majestic pines that line the pathway is sure to impress kids of all ages. 

While the playground is more suited to those 6 and under, the cotton trees and jumping pillow are ideal for older children and teenagers. Combine this with a cup of coffee across the road at Valori Espresso or Eighty Six Cafe, benches within the playground for parents and this is one park that is actually fun for all the family.

*Due to the popularity of the jumping pillow, there are a few basic rules for jumpers to adhere to - no shoes, no somersaults and only 14 children allowed on the pillow at any one time.

Image credit: Image of Gollum Tree by Danella Perrins