If you'd like to give the kids a park experience to remember while you're in Ipswich, the award-winning Lobley Park will make you very popular with the younger members of the family. The park has an aviation theme, earning its nickname of 'the aeroplane park', so budding pilots' or flight attendants' spirits will be in the clouds.

The nearby RAAF base at Amberley gets a nod with the walk-in equipment resembling an RAAF cargo plane with mock cockpit, plus there's an air-traffic control tower with x-ray machine and radar screen. Blue pathways painted with clouds connect different play areas and make Lobley Park a great place to bring a scooter or bike. There's also an interactive flower garden and 'parachute' swings among other attractions.

Lobley Park has disabled access and covered electric barbecue areas and toilets, and as it's lit up at night, it's tempting to stay for an evening sausage sizzle and continue exploring Ipswich the next day. No wonder it's become popular for birthday get-togethers and is a winner of a Parks and Leisure Australia State Award for Regional Playspace and Parks.