Auckland has hundreds of playgrounds - trust us, we know.

But finding playgrounds with good shade in Auckland? Those are a little harder to track down.

Finding a playground with good shade shouldn’t be this hard!

That’s why Roam with Kids is championing a petition to require shade to be included in all plans for new playgrounds and upgrades, to keep our kids safer from UV exposure and burning hot equipment. If you haven’t signed it yet, it takes less than a minute!

Looking for even more shaded playgrounds around Auckland? The Roam with Kids app now includes a Good Shade filter so you can quickly find sun-safe parks and keep your little roamies cooler this summer.

But for now, here are some of our favourite shaded playgrounds across Auckland!

North

Little Shoal Bay

One of our very top picks is Little Shoal Bay in Northcote. Not only does this spot have shade cloth over the entire playground, there’s toilets, parking and great views of the city across the harbour.

South

Hillside South Playground

Hillside South is a great little residential playground surrounded by huge mature trees. There’s plenty of shade over the playground, adult fitness equipment and seating. It’s suitable for preschoolers as the equipment isn’t too high off the ground!

East

Tainui Road Playground (Cockle Bay Reserve)

The playground at Cockle Bay Reserve is a huge playground right on the beach, with equipment for all ages! There’s ample shade provided by cloths, and also plenty of huge trees in the beach reserve which are great for picnicking under.

West

Rangatū Playground

In terms of shady spots, West Auckland isn’t spoilt for choice, but Rangatū Playground in Swanson is one of the best!

It’s a quiet neighbourhood playground with interesting and uncommon equipment like a parent-child swing, a rope tunnel and a hammock. It also has a great little learn to ride path for balance bikes, a reserve for kicking a ball around and a picnic table.

Central

Outhwaite Park Playground

The playground at Outhwaite Park in Grafton has recently had a refresh, and is well shaded by beautiful big trees! It’s excellent for all ages with different types of climbing structures and obstacles. There’s heaps of space to run around in, and flowers to explore.

You could even make a day of it - there’s toilets and BBQs here too!

Want to check out other Auckland playgrounds with great shade?

Download the Roam with Kids app and begin your three-day free trial to get exploring today!

Shaded Playgrounds in Auckland: Best Sun-Safe Parks for Kids