Orphanage Park | Millswood | Review

Orphanage Park | Millswood

by Catherine Leo & Adaire Prosser (updated 2026)

This popular, leafy playground just behind Tabor College on Goodwood Road is one of those real winners for all ages. It is easy to see why this remains a favourite play date destination for South Australian families. 

Although this park is located close to Goodwood road, it is set amongst big leafy trees, gardens and large lawn areas and even has a creek running through the park. The playground is away from the road and noise with its own carpark. It is fully fenced, and covered by large shade sails. 

The fenced area is quite large, which will let the energetic kids burn their energy safely while also allowing them to climb some trees and explore. There are lots of different textures and undulating surfaces, as well as bridges, which give kids a feeling of exploration and discovery. Soft springy matting underneath the equipment is great for the little ones too. 

A big attraction for the older kids is a double-sided rock wall with ladders and holes to pop through as they go. There is also another toddler climbing wall to get to the slippery dip for the toddlers. 

Other popular options for toddlers include the rocking animals, swing set, stepping stones, wooden bridge and play boat.

The large tyre swing hanging from chains in a fenced area was fantastic for putting a few kids on and having them glide through the air. This swing has its own separate fencing, so there is no risk of little ones getting knocked over. 

There is a bike track throughout the playground and the adjacent tennis court also seemed popular for wheels, when it wasn’t being used. Having a netted tennis court in a public space is quite an attraction too!

Art is a key part of this park, interspersed with the native landscaping, it looks fantastic. There were plenty of spots to sit and gather with other parents, with 4 table/benches and other seating too, as well as grassed areas to picnic or to use one of the BBQs.

A local parent remarked to me that it feels spacious yet is small enough that you can’t lose the kids, and that there is plenty of room on spongey matting for the crawlers to get around easily. 

Outside of the fenced area is the adjacent park which the kids really enjoyed using for running over little hills and kicking the soccer ball. There are more paths for walking or bikes, and a creek running through the park. The kids loved exploring the creek bed while it was dry.  It’s a leash-free dog park which probably requires a little bit of caution, but could also add lots of entertainment for some families.

This is a great park to consider after a movie at the Capri… take a picnic and let the kids run wild! There’s also plenty of great coffee within walking distance on Goodwood Road with cafes like Trouble and Strife and Ginger’s Coffee Lounge.

Highly recommend it for all ages, and a great space for the adults too.

Orphanage Playground Summary

• Fully fenced
• Toilets just outside the fence
• Plenty of shady trees
• Suitable for all ages
• BBQ and picnic tables/benches
• Tennis courts
• Bike track for little wheels through the playground
• Park adjacent to playground for ball games etc

Discover all the best playgrounds for toddlers

See our top parks & playgrounds around Adelaide

For more information and all enquiries please visit the City of Unley website.

What:  Orphanage Park

When: Anytime

Where: Mitchell Street, Millswood |  Map

Who:  Playground Lovers

[box size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]This playground review was written and photographed by Catherine Leo, professional family photographer and a Play & Go mum who regularly visits playgrounds with her children. See the Catherine Leo Photography website here and Facebook page here.[/box] 

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: All photos by Play & Go

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