There's something for everyone here, including the ubiquitous spacenet. a flying fox and a fort structure to keep kids entertained for hours.
A big hit with smaller children is the push-along train which needs a helping hand from parents or older children to push it around its small track.
Lots of grass to run around on and plenty of shade for summer picnics.
Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter
What was once a former industrial outpost of Auckland's waterfront, Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter is now a thriving public space with a unique urban feel that draws on its working waterfront past.
A revolving selection of movies, markets and music add to the community vibe.
Cornwall Park
Massive trees and wide open spaces filled with chickens and grazing sheep characterise this stately park along with plenty of BBQ spots.
The Stardome Observatory has planetarium shows and events throughout the year.
Plans for a rebuild of the old tea room, colloquially known as the Kiosk, have not yet been made following a suspicious fire in October this year.
Shakespear National Park
New Zealand's most visited and accessible open sanctuary is just 50 kilometers away from Auckland - for those that don't have access to a car a bus runs daily from downtown Auckland.
There's a lot on offer: bird-watching, boating, snorkelling, diving, fishing, camping at Te Haruhi Bay Campgroun and plenty of tracks to explore with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. Tiri Tiri Matangi a mere 4 kilometres off the eastern coast.
Browns Bay Beach
An awesome playground, great eateries which are family friendly and right on the waterfront - this is perfect for picnicking.
Onepoto Domain
Off Northcote turnoff just over the Harbour Bridge this park has massive duck ponds where old timers sail model boats. There's also a biketrail for quite young children along with a fort for kids to let their imaginations run wild.
Shepherds Park, Beach Haven
This dog-friendly also features soccer fields which see plenty of use. The park also has one of the first exercise circuits in Auckland, complete with workout machines.
Centennial Park, Campbells Bay
One of Auckland's largest metropolitan parks is perhaps best known for its world class 18-hole golf course but it is also home to massive floral displays.
JF Kennedy Memorial Park, Castor Bay
You'll often see runners toiling up and down the stairs but for there's also something for history buff and nature lovers - with amazing views and beautiful flowers on show.
The gun emplacements and tunnels are the remnants of a 6-inch gun battery constructed during 1941 and 1942 as part of Auckland's World War II defences.
The tunnels are open for guided tours on the second Sunday of each month, between 11.00 AM and 2.00 PM.
Whakanewha Regional Park, Waiheke Island
The parkland has a history of Maori and European settlement, with a pa site and terraces still visible on the headland.
Twitchers can spot kereru, tui, piwakawaka (fantail) and tuturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) in the wetlands and along the coast, while kayakers can explore nearby inlets and bays.
Parrs Park, Oratia
Parrs Park has recently been redeveloped to include walking tracks, picnic areas, gardens, a skate park, grassy fields and an artificial sports turf that is open for public use.
The new playground, named Apple Box, draws inspiration from the area's history, including the Oratia Beauty, a well-known local apple variety.
Other attractions include the north-eastern area, developed in 2012 into a recreation area with picnic tables, boardwalks and a wetland habitat, and Waikumete Stream, which has been restored and planted with native vegetation along its banks.
* We know there are loads more fantastic parks out there - so if we've missed your favourite off the list share it in the comments section below.
