Chatswood isn't the first suburb that comes to mind for free family activities, but it has more going for it than its reputation as a shopping hub suggests. Here's what's worth knowing.
Willoughby Park
The best park in walking distance from Chatswood's town centre. Willoughby Park has a good playground, open grass areas, and a pleasant bush fringe on the southern edge. It's well-maintained and has good shade. The walk from Chatswood station takes about 15–20 minutes.
Address: Willoughby Road, Willoughby Entry: Free Facilities: Toilets, some seating, open oval
Lane Cove National Park
The closest national park to Chatswood, accessible by car in about 10 minutes or by a longer walking route through the bush. Lane Cove National Park has canoe hire (paid), BBQ picnic areas (some free, some bookable), and a network of walking tracks along the Lane Cove River.
The river flat areas are great for picnics. The Riverside section near Lane Cove village has a good flat path suitable for prams and young kids on bikes.
Entry: No park entry fee Parking: Small parking fee at Lane Cove Riverside
Chatswood Oval and surrounds
A large public oval near the CBD with surrounding grass areas and basic play equipment. Mainly used for sport but useful as open space near the centre of Chatswood.
Address: Anderson Park, Chatswood
Castle Cove Reserve
A quiet bushland reserve in the suburb of Castle Cove (about 5 minutes drive from Chatswood). Good for a short bushwalk and exploration — suited to kids who like spotting birds and lizards rather than structured play.
Address: Edinburgh Road, Castle Cove Entry: Free
Chatswood Library (Willoughby City Library)
One of the better public libraries on the North Shore. Willoughby City Library runs regular story time sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Sessions fill up during school terms — check ahead.
Find current sessions at Discover — search "Willoughby" or "Chatswood".
Free events
Willoughby City Council runs community events across the North Shore. Browse upcoming events at Little Rascal.
Chatswood shopping precincts (rainy day)
When the weather's bad, Chatswood has the most concentrated shopping in the area — Westfield Chatswood and The Concourse — both with covered food courts and the usual big centre kids' facilities. Not free, but useful context.
Getting there
Chatswood is on the T1 and Metro lines — very easy from the CBD (about 20–25 minutes). The Metro North West Line connects it to Macquarie Park and the Hills.
Updated May 2026. Know a great free spot in Chatswood we've missed? Let us know.