Barry Curtis Park Playground, Skatepark & Family Guide: Flat Bush, Auckland
- Author: Auckland for Kids
- Last Updated:
Looking for one of the best playgrounds in Auckland for kids? Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush is now home to one of Auckland’s biggest and most exciting destination playgrounds, alongside a huge skatepark, basketball courts, wetlands, walking tracks and wide open spaces for families to enjoy together.
Covering more than 90 hectares, Barry Curtis Park is one of New Zealand’s largest urban parks and a fantastic all ages family destination in East Auckland. Whether your kids love climbing towers, scootering, basketball, skateboarding, water play or simply running around outdoors, there is plenty here to keep the whole family entertained.
Named after long serving Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis, the park combines modern family facilities with natural wetlands, ponds and streams to create one of Auckland’s best free outdoor family destinations.
Barry Curtis Park Destination Playground
Barry Curtis Park is now home to one of Auckland’s newest and most impressive destination playgrounds, a large scale play environment designed to inspire movement, confidence, creativity and discovery.
Developed in collaboration with local iwi Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki and the Howick Local Board, the playground celebrates the surrounding wetland landscape while delivering adventurous and inclusive play experiences for tamariki of all ages and abilities.
The playground has quickly become one of the best playgrounds in East Auckland and is already attracting families from across Auckland.
What is at the playground?
The playground includes:
Giant climbing towers and lookout structures
Huge climbing nets for older kids
Slides and swings
Trampolines
Musical sensory play equipment
Interactive games and play panels
Shaded water play areas
Inclusive play features
Dedicated toddler and younger children’s play spaces
Why Families Love Barry Curtis Park Playground
One of the things we love most about Barry Curtis Park is how much space there is for kids to move, explore and play freely.
The playground has been thoughtfully designed with accessible pathways, inclusive play equipment and separate zones for different ages and abilities. Younger children have safer age appropriate spaces to explore while older kids can challenge themselves on the taller climbing structures and nets.
The shaded water play area is especially popular during warmer weather, so it is worth bringing a towel or a change of clothes for younger kids.
There is also plenty of seating, grassy space and picnic areas nearby which makes it easy for families to spend several hours here.
Barry Curtis Park Skatepark
Barry Curtis Park also has one of the largest skateparks in East Auckland and it is hugely popular with scooters, skateboards and BMX riders.
The skatepark can get busy on weekends and during school holidays, especially in the afternoons, so mornings are often quieter for younger riders.
Wide flat pathways throughout the park also make this one of the best parks in Auckland for kids learning to scooter or ride a bike.
Basketball Courts and Sports Fields
Families will also find basketball courts and large sports fields throughout the park.
The basketball courts are located in different areas, so if one court is busy it is worth checking the others nearby.
The huge open fields are perfect for kicking a ball around, flying kites, running races or having a family picnic.
Wetlands, Walking Pather and Nature
Barry Curtis Park is more than just a playground. The park also includes wetlands, ponds, streams and protected gully areas with walking paths winding throughout.
Families can enjoy an easy walk, scoot or bike ride while exploring the natural areas and spotting birds around the wetlands.
The wide concrete pathways are buggy friendly and wheelchair friendly which makes the park accessible for a wide range of visitors.
Facilities at Barry Curtis Park
Barry Curtis Park has excellent family friendly facilities including:
Public toilets throughout the park
Sports pavilion with showers and changing facilities
Picnic tables and seating areas
Semi covered plaza areas for shelter
Wide pathways suitable for scooters, bikes and prams
Large grassy spaces for games and picnics
Car parking around different areas of the park
Auckland for Kids Tips for Visiting Barry Curtis Park
Allow plenty of time because the park is huge and there is lots to explore.
Bring scooters or bikes for the flat pathways.
Pack towels or spare clothes if your kids want to enjoy the water play area.
Weekday mornings are usually quieter for younger children.
The skatepark is best suited to confident scooter riders and older children during busy times.
There are limited shaded areas in some parts of the park so sunscreen and hats are recommended.
Where is Barry Curtis Park?
Barry Curtis Park is located in Flat Bush in East Auckland between Chapel Road, Stancombe Road and Ormiston Road.
The skatepark and one of the basketball courts are located near the corner of Chapel Road and Ormiston Road.
Best Nearby Family Activities
If you are visiting Barry Curtis Park with kids, you could also explore these nearby family friendly places:
Totara Park Mountain Bike Track and Playground
Hughs Way Playground in Flat Bush
Neverland Kids Indoor Playground in Burswood
Tupu Youth Library in Otara.
FAQs About Barry Curtis Park
Is Barry Curtis Park good for toddlers?
Yes. The playground includes a dedicated younger children’s play area with age appropriate equipment and safer spaces for little ones.
Is Barry Curtis Park free?
Yes. The playground, skatepark, basketball courts and park areas are FREE to visit.
Are there toilets at Barry Curtis Park?
Yes. There are public toilets located in different areas throughout the park.
Can kids scooter and bike at Barry Curtis Park?
Yes. The park has wide flat concrete paths which are ideal for scooters, bikes and beginner riders.
Is Barry Curtis Park wheelchair and buggy friendly?
Yes. Many areas of the park including the pathways are wheelchair and buggy friendly.