By Michelle Barry, the Team Leader for Child Health Promotion for Healthy Cities Illawarra

Skin cancer is Australia's no. 1 cancer and the exposure you get before turning 10 years old can impact your lifespan. That’s why Cancer Institute NSW is putting the focus on the importance of shade in our playgrounds.

By providing shade, we’re also protecting our children from immediate injury – the concrete/soft surfacing can become dangerously hot for soft feet and if you’ve ever (like me) forgotten to check a slide’s heat in the midst of summer, you'll know the level of pain and mum guilt that happens.

These are three great playgrounds with shade sails and natural shade in the area.

1. Charles Harper Park, Helensburgh

A great playground in the middle of Helensburgh town with big shade cloths covering the majority of the playground. It's a very inclusive playground with communication boards, accessible trampoline and a natural water-play area, a perfect spot to visit on a warm day. It also has cool artwork, inspired by the town's mining heritage, which is always a bonus.

2. Moona Moona Creek, Huskisson

Set by the water, this playground has gorgeous natural shaded areas thanks to the trees mingling with the breeze plus the benefit of a shade sail over the playground and over picnic and BBQ areas. It’s a great location for an extended day out as the water from the creek is perfect for kids to splash in, depending on the tide.

3. Lakeside Drive Reserve, Koonawarra

Love this playground for its extra elements of shade across the main playground plus a smaller toddler playground shaded by the trees. This allows younger kids to explore without interruption, as well as parents being able to stand back and supervise under the trees. Add in lake views, a zip line, covered picnic tables and you have a winner for my family.

Find the best parks near you with Play Illawarra. Discover parks on the playground finder map, with photos, facilities and so much more