Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Hodgson Reserve
★4.5(438 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2 to 4 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers enjoy the separate enclosed play areas with age-appropriate equipment, while older children can explore the adventure playground, sports courts, and open fields perfect for running and games.🧡 Saved by 32 families
About
Hodgson Reserve is a spacious community park in suburban Melbourne that offers families everything needed for an active outdoor day. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, expansive green spaces for ball games, and well-maintained walking paths, it's a local favorite that provides excellent value as a free attraction for visiting families.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple playground areas with modern equipment including swings, slides, climbing structures, and sensory play elements
- ✓Large grassed areas perfect for picnics, ball games, and letting kids run freely
- ✓Free public BBQ facilities and covered picnic shelters for family gatherings
- ✓Paved walking and cycling paths suitable for strollers and young cyclists learning to ride
- ✓Sports facilities including tennis courts and basketball courts for older children
Pro Tips
- 1.Street parking is available along Bolinda Street and surrounding residential streets. Arrive before 10am on weekends to secure the most convenient spots near your preferred playground area.
- 2.Pack a picnic and use the BBQ facilities (free to use) located near the main playground. There are covered picnic shelters which are essential during Melbourne's changeable weather.
- 3.Bring a soccer ball or frisbee as the large open fields are perfect for active play, and sports equipment isn't available for hire on-site.
- 4.The park has limited shade in some areas, so bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, especially during Australian summer months (December to February).
- 5.Download offline maps before visiting as mobile data coverage can be patchy in some parts of the reserve.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (9am to 11am) for a quieter experience, or Saturday and Sunday mornings for a lively community atmosphere. Autumn (March to May) offers the most comfortable weather for international visitors, avoiding summer heat and winter rain.
What to Know
Entry is completely free and the park is open 24 hours, though best enjoyed during daylight. Public toilets are available on-site, and while there's no cafe, the nearby Bentleigh shopping district (5-minute walk) offers food options and supplies.
Seasonal Notes
The park is accessible year-round, but Melbourne weather is highly variable. Summer (December to February) can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F), so early morning visits are recommended. Winter (June to August) can be rainy and cool, around 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F), so bring layers and rain jackets. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor play.
Nearby Eats
Head to Centre Road in Bentleigh (5-minute walk) for family-friendly cafes and restaurants including The Bentleigh Club for casual dining, or Bentleigh village shops for takeaway fish and chips, pizza, and Asian cuisine options perfect for a park picnic.
More Activities Near Bentleigh
Park
Karingal Reserve
Free
Karingal Reserve offers families a peaceful escape into nature with winding walking paths through beautiful Australian bushland. This spacious park is perfect for introducing children to native flora and fauna, with plenty of open areas for picnics and nature exploration. The natural setting provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience authentic Australian landscapes while enjoying outdoor play.
Park
Bryant Family Reserve Playground
★4.6Free❤️38
Bryant Family Reserve Playground offers a classic Australian park experience with well-maintained playground equipment, plenty of open space for running around, and shaded picnic spots perfect for family gatherings. The combination of sports courts and grassy areas makes it ideal for active families who want both structured play and room to kick a ball or fly a kite.
Park
Colin Street Reserve
★4.3Free❤️59
Colin Street Reserve offers a tranquil escape where families can enjoy nature walks, open grassy areas perfect for picnics and play, and native Australian plantings that provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. This low-key neighborhood park is ideal for parents seeking a relaxed outdoor experience away from crowded playgrounds, with plenty of space for kids to run, explore, and connect with nature.
Restaurant
Bentleigh Units
$$
Bentleigh Units offers a welcoming gastropub atmosphere where families can enjoy quality casual dining without the stress. With dedicated play areas to keep children entertained and a kids menu featuring crowd-pleasing options, parents can actually relax and enjoy their meal while the little ones are happily occupied.