Baulkham Hills or Baulko to locals, is a Hills suburb with lots of great options for families, whether you want to play, ride or swim! Here are our suggestions.
Swim: Baulkham Hills
The jewel in the Baulkham Hills crown is the renovated Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre. The $55million project has resulted in a spectacular venue that will be enjoyed by thousands of local Hills residents for many years to come. The swimming complex includes an outdoor FINA Standard Olympic sized 50m pool with 10 lanes, 25m outdoor training pool for swim school, lap swimming and squad training, indoor 25m and family leisure pool, 20m warm water program pool, sauna, spa pool and steam room.
Whilst our kids love playing in the pools, the show stopper for us is the outdoor water play area – something the Hills has been in desperate need of for a long time.
Ride: Baulkham Hills
Baulkham Hills has a variety of options for kids wanting to ride their bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The BMX track at Turon Reserve, Baulkham Hills was upgraded in 2020. There’s something for every skill level – amateur riders will be able to develop their BMX abilities, while more experienced riders will have the chance to hone their craft on some of the trickier jumps. We’ve even seen a couple of young kids on balance bikes with Mums running nervously behind them.
Another option is Crestwood Reserve which has great bike paths and a learn-to-ride track. This track was only upgraded in 2018 but it is starting to look a little tired already. Whilst the signs and line markings are fading the tracks themselves still work the same and provide good space for younger rides to potter around. Read more here just note it doesn’t look as bright and shiny anymore!
Finally, the Balcombe Heights Reserve Skate Park is the largest Skate Park in the Hills. Its features include a 22m long bowl and a free skating area that includes various transitions, banks, kicker ramp, and central spine with ledge combination grind rails and pump hump.
Play: Baulkham Hills
Grove Square – The Hills (previously Stockland Baulkham Hills)
Stockland Baulkham Hills combined with Touched by Olivia to create a play space that’s pretty cool! It’s now also fully shaded – tick! It’s great for kids with big imaginations. It’s also got a cafe on each side and you can sit down in them and still supervise your kids.
Crestwood Reserve Playground – Peel Road, Baulkham Hills
This one is a local favourite amongst Hills District Mums. Although it’s looking a tad tired, the equipment is still great for kids under 5 and there are a number of redeeming features. There are slides, bridges, multiple ways to to climb onto the structure (i.e. ramps, balance beams, climbing ropes, stepping stones) and none of it is too high. In addition to the play structure there are also swings, a liberty swing and a sandpit.
It’s shaded and there’s plenty of space to pull up a rug by the play area. There are also toilets. Downsides: it has bark as flooring (so wear enclosed shoes if you’re not a fan) and it isn’t fenced.
Turon Avenue Reserve, Baulkham Hills
Turon Avenue Reserve underwent a major playground upgrade and relocation in 2021, including the installation of a new play unit, swings and a combination of rockers and springers, as well as a shade sail over the entire playground.
Picnic seating, a shelter, bubbler facilities and a bench were also included as part of the overall design.
Balcombe Heights Estate
The junior playground at Balcombe Heights Estate has just had a makeover and it’s super cute. The playground is farm-themed and includes a tractor-themed multi-play unit with a slide, climbing rope net, swing set, sheep spring rider, rooster statue and windmill.
Right next door is an older playground, better for older children who like to climb. The equipment is shaded but again very tired.
Recent upgraded playgrounds
These are little local playgrounds that have received a recent upgrade by the Hills Shire Council
Glanmire Avenue Reserve
Coolock Crescent Reserve, Baulkham Hills
Sophia Doyle Reserve, Hilda Road, Baulkham Hills
George Sutter Reserve, near the Baulkham Hills Early Childhood Centre off Old Northern Road, Baulkham Hills
