North Shore Park at Varsity Lakes has a clever drawcard: a miniature road circuit laid out in asphalt, with lane markings, zebra crossings, roundabouts, give-way and one-way signs and a set of working traffic lights. Little ones can bring a balance bike, scooter or trike and practise their road rules on a proper little road network.

Alongside the circuit is a shaded playground with an ornate slide tower, swings including a nest swing, a spinner and spring rockers, set on a soft base under a big green shade sail. There is also a basketball half-court, so older kids and siblings have something to do too.

It is an easy neighbourhood park to settle into, with picnic shelters, a barbecue, bench seating and open grass around the play areas. Bring helmets for the road circuit and you have an easy morning sorted.