We know our readers love playspaces! They’re where our kids burn off energy, make buddies, climb, spin and explore – and where we catch up with friends and soak in some sunshine.
And now… you get a say in how our future playgrounds are designed. Wahoo!
Central Coast Council wants YOUR input to help shape the Coast’s playspaces for the next five years. This is big – we’re high-fiving and happy-dancing over here at this news!
Your feedback will directly influence how Council plans, builds and cares for the Coast’s 260 playspaces – everything from equipment and amenities to styles and size. What you share now will impact how your kids play for years to come.
Hot tip: The survey has two short parts – make sure you complete both!
• Section 1: Tell Council what types of playspaces you want more of (water play, nature play, adventure play, risky play and more).
• Section 2: A fun “spending game” where you get 12 tokens to choose the features your family values most.
Quick: fill it in, so our community's needs and imaginations are met, and they can build playgrounds that our kids (and we!) absolutely love.
👉 Fill in the survey before 21 December.
Got an extra 5 minutes?
The playspace at Umina’s Peninsula Recreation Precinct is getting a redesign too, and Council’s keen to hear your ideas for that space as well.
Have your say on the Umina upgrade here.
A few Central Coast playgrounds kids can slide, climb and swing at






Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
Enjoy horse riding, horse grooming, pony parties and more at The Outlook Riding Academy in Terrigal
Friday Paddock Adventures at The Outlook Riding Academy Ditch the screens and join the herd. Getting boots dirty and spirits high. Looking for a memorable, outdoor experience for the whole family? Check out The Outlook Riding Academy in Terrigal: it's a family-run equestrian centre that offers far more than just horse riding. From pony painting,…
The Best Cafes on the Central Coast for Families
The Best Kid-Friendly Cafes on the Central Coast (Playgrounds, Outdoor Dining + More) Looking for the best family-friendly cafes on the Central Coast? We’ve rounded up the top spots for great coffee, good food and spaces where kids are genuinely welcome. We are absolutely spoilt for choice with amazing cafés here on the Central Coast…
Visit your local station this Fire & Rescue NSW Open Day!
It's no secret that kids love fire trucks. They love the lights, the siren (weee orrrr, weee orrrr), and the really large truck with its really large hoses and really large ladders. On Saturday 9 May 2026 you can blow their minds by taking them to a real fire station to see real fire trucks…






