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June 29, 2026
Last updated: June 2026
Castle Hill and the Hills District offer a rich variety of things to do with toddlers and preschoolers, from excellent playgrounds and indoor play centres to free library programmes and cultural experiences. Whether you are looking for a quick outing after the school run or a full day of family adventure, the Hills District has more options than many parents realise.
This guide covers the best parks, playgrounds, indoor venues, library programmes, swimming options, nature spots, and local events for young families in Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Cherrybrook, and West Pennant Hills.
Heritage Park Drive, Castle Hill NSW 2154
One of the Hills District's most popular family spots, set across 20 beautifully maintained hectares on a site with history stretching back to one of Australia's earliest Government Farms. The playground was fully upgraded in 2018 and includes a flying fox, double bay swings with toddler and baby seats, timber balance elements, a climbing frame, and a water pump feature for warm-weather play. BBQs, picnic tables, and toilets are on site.
More information: thehills.nsw.gov.au
Marella Avenue, Kellyville NSW 2155
Reopened with significant upgrades in April 2025, Livvi's Place is one of the Hills' standout all-abilities inclusive playgrounds. Features include a large water play area, an accessible multi-activity play tower, a double flying fox, slides, swings, a climbing net, sensory planting, a musical play walk, balance beams, shade sails, and picnic shelters. Fully fenced and an excellent choice for families with children of mixed ages and abilities.
More information: thehills.nsw.gov.au
Erlestoke Place, Castle Hill. A local neighbourhood favourite with a flying fox, multi-use sports court, bike track, BBQ facilities, and play equipment suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.
Coolong Street, Castle Hill. Features swings, a climbing frame, a learn-to-ride track, and play equipment for young children. A relaxed option for a weekday outing close to the Castle Hill town centre.
Corner of Gumnut and Holly Roads, Cherrybrook. Fully fenced with solid play equipment, a scooter path, soft fall rubber, a grassy area, and seating.
Worcester Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155. A large regional park with a revitalised nature playground, extensive bike and scooter paths, picnic shelters, and BBQ facilities. A short bushwalk follows Second Ponds Creek adjacent to the playground.
38 to 48 Arcadia Road, Galston, approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Castle Hill. Two playgrounds, a lake, a historical homestead, a network of cycle paths, and the Children's Forest, an interactive nature-based play area. Electric BBQs, five covered picnic shelters, and a weekend café make this a great destination for longer outings. Open 7am to sunset, every day except Christmas Day.
More information: hornsby.bookable.net.au
16 to 18 Victoria Avenue (Home Co. Southside Building), Castle Hill NSW 2154. One of the Hills District's newest and largest indoor play spaces, designed exclusively for children aged 12 and under. A dedicated Toddler Zone caters for under 2s; most of the venue is accessible to 3 and 4 year olds. Open daily 9am to 9pm.
More information: area51world.com.au
Unit 8/10 Hudson Avenue, Castle Hill NSW 2154. The Hills' long-running favourite indoor play centre, fully air-conditioned with a giant climbing frame, Airplay, a teacup ride, and a café. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm.
More information: castlehill.lollipopsplayland.com.au
Features a dedicated toddler area (0 to 2 years) with soft play structures, a small jumping castle, and free-range trikes, alongside larger equipment for older children.
More information: rousehill.crocsplaycentre.com.au
Shop 22, Showground Village, 15 De Clambe Drive, Castle Hill NSW 2154. An indoor play café designed specifically for toddlers and young children. Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm.
More information: cuto.com.au
Several Hills shopping centres have free or low-cost play spaces. Castle Towers has a pirate ship play area near the cinema complex. Castle Mall has a pirate ship play space on the footbridge. Rouse Hill Town Centre offers The Backyard (ages 2 and up) and The Play Terrace (younger children, undercover and fenced). Kellyville Village has a fully fenced, shaded outdoor play space.
All sessions are free, run during school terms only, and require no booking. Adults must stay for the duration. Always confirm current term dates and times at the Hills Shire Council website, as schedules can vary between terms.
More information: thehills.nsw.gov.au Library for Kids
Interactive 30-minute sessions with stories, songs, and activities encouraging literacy and a love of reading. Castle Hill Library, 14 Pennant Street: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 to 11:00am. Baulkham Hills Library, 1 Railway Street: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 to 11:00am. Vinegar Hill Library (Rouse Hill), 29 Main Street: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 to 11:00am. Dural Library, Pellitt Lane: Mondays, 10:30 to 11:00am.
Short stories, songs, and rhymes for children who are beyond baby programmes but not yet ready for Preschool Storytime. Vinegar Hill Library (Rouse Hill): Mondays, 10:30 to 11:00am. Dural Library: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:00am.
Action songs, rhymes, and musical instruments at Castle Hill Library: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:00am.
Castle Hill Fitness and Aquatic Centre at 77 Castle Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154, provides swimming programmes for children from 6 months, including parent-and-baby classes. More information: chfac.com.au
Neptune Swim School has heated indoor pools at Rouse Hill and Box Hill, with small classes and a baby-and-toddler programme starting from 3 months. More information: neptuneswimschool.com.au
Puddle Ducks Swim Academy offers small group classes for babies, toddlers, and young children at Rouse Hill and Dural, with a free trial available. More information: pdswim.com.au
Carlile Swimming has Hills District locations in Cherrybrook and the Norwest/Baulkham Hills area. More information: carlile.com.au
Cumberland State Forest, 95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125, is Australia's only metropolitan state forest. Three easy walking trails include the Sensory Trail (350m, pram-friendly and toddler-perfect), the Palm Gully Trail (1km), and the Forestry Trail (1.3km). An on-site café, native plant nursery, toilets, and picnic areas make it a practical and beautiful destination for young families. Open daily 8:30am to 5pm (6pm during daylight saving).
Powerhouse Castle Hill, 2 Green Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154, offers free entry every weekend and during school holidays. The museum holds over 500,000 objects spanning arts, design, science, and technology, with rotating exhibitions and family workshops. Check the website for school holiday programming, as activities vary. More information: nsw.gov.au
Rouse Hill Organic Food and Farmers Market runs every Saturday at Market Square, Rouse Hill Town Centre, with certified produce, artisan breads, and specialty goods in a covered all-weather venue.
Messy Makers offers free sensory and messy play at Lynwood Country Club every Wednesday (11am to 12pm) and Castle Hill Bowling Club every Thursday (10:30 to 11:30am).
Rouse Hill Estate, a historic homestead, is open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
For current and upcoming events across the Hills District, What's On Hills is the most comprehensive local guide.
Castle Hill Heritage Park is the most popular all-round choice, with toddler swings, water play, and good shade and facilities. Livvi's Place at Bernie Mullane Reserve in Kellyville is exceptional for all ages and abilities, particularly after its 2025 upgrade.
Yes. The Hills Shire Council library programmes, including Preschool Storytime, Toddler Time, and Move and Groove, are all free during school terms with no booking required. Powerhouse Castle Hill also offers free entry on weekends and during school holidays.
Yes. The 350m Sensory Trail is pram-friendly and ideal for young children. The on-site café and toilet facilities make it a practical choice for families with little ones.
Area 51 World has a dedicated Toddler Zone for under 2s. Lollipop's Playland caters for young toddlers from 12 months. Cuto Kids Café at Showground Village is another relaxed option designed specifically for very young children.
Kings Road Long Day Preschool has been part of the Castle Hill community since 1989, preparing children for school and for life through our Learning for Life approach. We would love to welcome your family for a visit.
Book a tour of Kings Road Long Day Preschool or contact us with any questions.
The Hills Shire Council: Library for Kids
The Hills Shire Council: Castle Hill Heritage Park
NSW Government: Powerhouse Castle Hill
