Seven Awesome Things to Do with Kids at Lane Cove National Park

There are a million reasons why Lane Cove National Park is a family-favourite in our books. But we’ll have to settle with giving you seven awesome things for families to enjoy at this beautiful natural bushland.

Located just 20 mins North West of the Sydney CBD, Lane Cove National Park is undoubtedly Sydney’s best kept secret bushland that straddles the peaceful Lane Cove River, extending from East Ryde in the south to Pennant Hills in the north. We love that amid the chaos of metropolitan life, families both young and old can find solace and adventure in this reserve.

The National Park has almost 40 picnic areas, two beautifully maintained children’s playgrounds and even camping grounds for the beginner and veteran family campers. Whether you choose to head on to Lane Cove National Park for a day trip or a family weekender, you’ll want to be sure to do at least one of these awesome seven activities.

Bushwalking Trails

The park has so many great walking trails for everyone with various levels of experience. We especially love the Fairyland Pleasure Gardens located near the Chatswood West end of the park, which is one of our recommended trails if you have little ankle biters. With school kids, try the Riverside Walking Track – a clearly signposted walking trail that meanders through natural bushland alongside Lane Cove River.

 

The park’s also has numerous historic sites which are best explored along the self-guided Heritage walk. Plan ahead by picking up a brochure from the park office in Lindfield during the week.

Watch the Wildlife

Wherever you are in Lane Cove National Park, you’ll definitely be greeted by the curious sounds and sights of the park’s natives. Catch kookaburras and colourful lorikeets flitting between the trees, the Eastern water dragon slithering about the river, brush turkeys darting about or swamp wallabies lurking by the bush. There’s no end to the amazing wildlife and flora the kids can discover. Be sure to bring along binoculars for birdwatching.

 

Family Camping or Glamping

This park is rated one of our favourite family camping spots especially for beginners. You have a choice of caravan park, cabins or luxurious nature accommodation (see glamping option below). The caravan park campgrounds in itself is incredibly well-equipped with a camp kitchen, recreation room, laundry, and electric barbecues, a shaded swimming pool for cooling off when the weather is hot and a smaller paddling pool for littler guests. What more could you ask!

 

Cycling Tracks

The Pennant Hills and West Pymble Fire Trail is a familiar cycling track for the more adventurous and veteran family cyclers. Otherwise Blackman Park in Lane Cove West has lovely paved paths perfect for little cyclists, or most of the picnic spots have plenty of space.

 

 

Pack a Picnic

We can’t think of a better place to have a picnic to enjoy a great screen-free day with the family! You choose from a variety of 40 spots which offers picnic tables, barbecues, children’s play equipment, flat grassy areas and easy access to any of the walking tracks and spaces to cycle. Whatever the activity you choose, the park has a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for doing nothing and everything nature.

 

Free Playgrounds

There are three children’s playgrounds at Lane Cove National Park, all of which are amazingly well-equipped and maintained. They’re great meeting spots for families and groups or even birthday parties.

 

 

The playground at Tunks Hill picnic grounds is the most popular given it is located on large picnic grounds with BBQ and toilet facilities. The only downside is that there’s no shade over the playground, so it may get hot in the summer months. To get to this playground drive along Riverside Drive off Lane Cove Road not far from the M2.

The Jenkins Hill picnic area also has a large playground and is accessible via the Lady Game Drive entrance of the park, off Delhi Road. Toilets are located close-by, as are a few picnic areas with tables and BBQs. The playground is covered by a shade sail, so it is perfect even on a sunny day.

The Airmans Park Playground is the smallest and most basic of the three, located at the end of Bradfield Road, Lindfield. There are no toilet facilities available, and it’s normally frequented by the locals.

Boating Along the River

If your family loves the water, then head straight to the Lane Cove Boat Shed. Located off Riverside Drive near the Delhi Road entrance of the park, you’ll be able to hire rowboats, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and even pushbikes (not to get into the river though!). It’s open 10am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays and 12pm to 5pm on weekdays in summer holidays.

 

Alternatively, you can also bring your own kayak or canoe to explore the Lane Cove River upstream from the weir.

Additional Information About the Park

Depending on which part of the park you’re accessing, there is an entry day pass fee of $8.00 for cars or motorcycle. Pay at gate or ticket machine.

 

 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Always inform someone of your plans, where you are going and when you expect to be back. If possible, plan your trip with a group or another family.Dress appropriately for the weather and conditions of the bush walk. Ensure that your child has a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen, as not all areas of the park are sufficiently shaded.Always check the weather forecast. Some areas with rivers or water catchment areas may be at risk of flooding after rain.

Please check bush fire danger ratings and restrictions before you go by visiting the NSW Rural Fire Service website.