We’ve been travelling full-time with our three boys for years now, and we were pleasantly surprised to find out there are so many things to do with kids in Perth. If you’re planning a trip to Australia, or you’re an Aussie exploring options for your holidays, Perth is genuinely one of the easiest places in Australia to explore with kids.
Perth sits on the western Australian coastline, which means you get those stunning Indian Ocean sunsets that most Aussies on the east coast never see. The city center itself is compact, the public transport is solid, and there’s an outdoor lifestyle here that just makes sense for families. Whether you’re after breathtaking beaches, world-class museums, or wildlife encounters, Perth delivers.
What’s interesting about Perth is that it’s built along the coastline. It’s very long North to South and very narrow East to West, so nearly every neighborhood is a few minutes’ drive to beaches on the coast or built along a river leading to the ocean.
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A quick overview of Family-Friendly Activities in Perth
- Perth is incredibly family-friendly with free CAT buses in the CBD, endless playgrounds, and affordable (often free) outdoor activities perfect for kids of all ages.
- Perth is really spread out North to South along the coast, so be sure that you’re planning activities that are grouped together on a particular day to cut down on drive time or public transportation. We visited 3 areas primarily during our visit to Perth: Downtown (CBD – Central Business District), Fremantle (on the south side of downtown), Hillarys Boat Harbour (and area on the North end)
- Stay downtown for the easiest access to public transport options, or pick one or two areas of Perth to stay in and enjoy exploring that area thoroughly
- This guide is organised by area, so you can cluster activities
- We travel full-time with three boys, so every recommendation passes the “will this actually work with kids?” test—toilets, food, shade, what else to do nearby, and cost all considered – including pairing admission activities to nearby free options.
How we’ve structured this Perth Family Activity Guide
We’ve grouped areas that we visited: Perth City (sometimes called the CBD for Central Business District) , Hillary’s Boat Harbour (North End), Fremantle (South side), and things we couldn’t fit into our time and budget here, but we found in our research. We’ve done this so you can cluster activities and reduce driving back and forth across the city.
We focus on realistic days out. That means mixing a “headline” attraction with a free park or beach, and always mentioning where to grab easy kid-friendly food nearby. There are a lot of things in Perth that the locals will say are “Must Do” activities – too many for us to fit into our time here, so pick and choose for both your timeline, how busy you want to be, and your budget.
One important note: opening hours, prices, and family events can change. We always recommend checking official websites before visiting and pre-booking popular tickets or attractions.
What we were able to do with our kids in Perth:
Perth really is a hive of activity. There isn’t another major city that you can easily drive to from Perth, so the “isolation” on Australia’s west coast means they need to make their own fun, and they really do. We were house-sitting in Perth for 6 weeks and could easily have filled our time if we had stayed twice as long.
Here’s a list of the activities we did in Perth (with links to our reviews), and then below that, a list of activities we researched for a future trip.
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens and Glow Golf (North)
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens offers after-dark glow golf (the golf balls glow different colors). It’s a perfect evening out when the weather is cooler in the summer and different from black-light mini golf courses since you’re outside andthe balls glow. It’s located within the northern suburbs of Perth.
Our Review of Wanneroo Botanic Gardens Glow Golf | Wanneroo Botanic Garden Website
Outback Splash (North)
Outback Splash is a water park located near the Swan Valley, about 45 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It features multiple waterslides, splash zones, and water play areas suitable for families. It is a great option year-round, with water-based activities mainly available in the warmer months and plenty of activities like mini golf, an oversized chessboard, and outdoor mazes for cooler seasons. Bring your own picnic (free propane grills are available on site) and enjoy plenty of green space to stretch out and relax.
Read Our Review of Perth’s Outback Splash | Outback Splash’s Website
Island Aqua Park, Hillarys Boat Harbour (North)
Located in the water of Hillarys Boat Harbour in the North end, Island Aqua Park is a ‘wibit’ park of inflatable obstacles on the water. Slide, jump, climb, and swing across obstacles and try not to land in the water. For us, it was quite warm when we visited in December, so once you got over the initial chill of the water, it felt great to be back in the water between obstacles.
Time slots are 80 minutes long, so there’s plenty of time to exhaust the kids, cool off on a warm day, and have some time left for beach time at Hillarys or enjoying a snack or meal right at Hillarys harbour.
Nostalgia Box (City Center)
Step back into your childhood (if you grew up in the 90s as we did) and introduce your kids to some of your favorite childhood gaming consoles, from original Ataris, original Nintendo systems, Sega, PlayStation, and handhelds like Game Boy. Complete your visit with a wide open section to actually play the consoles with access to 2500 games, allowing you to anaihilate your kids at GoldenEye for Nintendo 64 and Halo for original Xbox (just saying…).
For the final boss, challenge the head honcho of Nostalgia Box (Dave) to a game of pong to win a prize – but fair warning, if you lose, you’ll need to hold a “loser” sign to be posted on their Instagram page!
Escape This, Perth CBD (City Center)
With multiple locations in Perth and a growing number of locations throughout Australia, we all agreed that Escape This was the best escape room we’ve been to. The rooms are very immersive and have highly detailed decorations and props.
They have some pretty intense options (not for a chicken like me – Adam) and we found a family-friendly challenge called “The Legend of Captain Nemo.” With 60 minutes of oxygen left in a submerged submarine, we had to restore power, resurface the submarine, and fight off a kraken before our time expired!
This was a great indoor activity on a hot day with both physical and mental components. We’ll count it as homeschooling for the day.
Read our review of Escape this Perth CBD | Escape This Website
Holey Moley, Northbridge (City Center)
Holey Moley takes mini golf to another world. Putt through the legs of a 6-foot dinosaur skeleton, in front of the Simpsons’ couch, past the angry shark, and through the tailpipe of a classic car – that’s just the first 9 holes. In the back half, shoot your ball through the pipes of a chocolate factory, use your putter like a pool cue to sink a corner pocket, roll across a 2-meter Nintendo controller, and navigate a life-size version of a mousetrap board game.
After you’re done losing to your 11-year-old (true story), grab some pizza and fries, and enjoy a full bar selection while your kids play in the arcade for an hour of unlimited access.
Cubetown (Outskirts of City Center)
Imagine playing an oversized arcade with your body instead of just your thumbs. Cubetown offers multiple rooms with light-up challenges from stepping on colored tiles covering the floor, basketball hoops with light-up backboards, spelling challenges with buttons around a room, and a climbing wall (don’t touch the red handles when they light up!)
Not just a casual afternoon of gaming, an hour here burns 400 calories, so wear good shoes, comfortable clothes, and get ready to cooperate to hit goals or compete against other players in various challenges.
Read our Family’s Review of Cubetown | Visit Cubetown’s Website
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Perth
KickinInn Seafood (Locations in Central and Northend)
Being on the coast, Perth knows seafood, and with locations all over Australia, KickinInn has its recipes down to an exact science. Kids under 8 eat free 7 days a week with a paying adult, so it’s a great way to try something new or enjoy a classic favorite. Their kids’ menu offers chicken and pasta if seafood isn’t for everyone in the family.
Our Family Review of Kickin Inn | Kickin Inn’s Website
Burgery Bar Wanneroo (North End)
This is worth the trip out of the way for the biggest burger we’ve ever laid our eyes on, called Burgzilla (our youngest son’s expression says it all!). Not just the biggest burger (still filling split four ways – 500g of beef, just over 1 lb) but great spices, flavor, and cooked to perfection. Top off your meal with a shake, wings, onion rings, and fries on the side.
Read Our Review of Burgery Bar Waneroo | Burgery Bar Website
Turkuaz Mediterranean (Hillarys Boat Harbour, North End)
Visit another world (while still enjoying views of the beach at Hillarys Boar Harbour) and enjoy the sounds, smells, and tastes of Turkey. Every detail from the plates to the light fixtures to the ingredients feels like you’ve sat down for a meal outside the local market. Turkish food was a new experience for us – not that we haven’t had Mediterranean food before, but it’s not our go-to as a family, but we could tell by the way our boys vied for the leftovers that they loved the food and experience there.
Nautical Bowls (Hillarys Boat Harbour, North End)
Choose a frozen yogurt base, then top it with granola, nuts, peanut butter, and topped with a drizzle of chocolate or matcha, and you’ve got one of the best tasting (and most filling) breakfast options in Hillarys. With locations throughout Australia, one stop here on vacation will have you asking if there’s another location closer to home.
This is the perfect way to grab a bowl to cool off at the beach packed with protien and nutrients that ice cream topped with candy just can’t compete with.
Da Napoli Neopolitan Pizza (Fremantle – South End)
We took our boys to Da Napoli for wood-fired pizza made to order for the best pizza in Fremantle. Unfortunately, they don’t have a season pass here, or we would just buy one and sleep in the dining room. We shared 3 pizzas, some appetizers, and a nutella drizzled desert. Da Napoli is hosted in the Republic of Fremantle distillery, so there’s plenty of things to taste and try on your visit here from fancy mocktails to classic favorites.
Da Napoli also has locations in Leederville and Como, so there will be plenty of opportunity to make a stop with your family.
Read our Review of Da Napoli Pizza Fremantle | Da Napoli Website
Gage Road Freo (Fremantle)
If you’re looking for a great place to relax and unwind after browsing the market or visiting the WA Maritime Museum, Gage Road Freo offers great food (try the fish and chips or pizza) along with foosball, arcade games, and a playground with a sandbox for the kids. For the parents, enjoy eating on the patio overlooking Swan River and into the Indian Ocean, or sample a flight from their onsite brewery.
Gage Roads Freo Brewpub Website
Family-Friendly Hotels in Perth
We stayed downtown for one night between housesits, and then we stayed in Fremantle for one night at the end of our visit to Perth.
Depending on what you’re hoping to experience, you might choose a historic hotel in Fremantle at the mouth of the Swan River leading to the ocean, or stay around Hillarys in the north end for a resort feel with plenty of shops, restaurants, and beach access with calm water around the boat harbour.
Besides hotels, we found house-sitting in Australia to be a great option for accommodation, offering easy access to the whole city via public transportation.
Four Points Sheraton Perth (downtown)
On the first visit, we stayed at the Four Points Sheraton Perth across from the RAC arena. It’s a beautiful hotel with a games room for the kids. Location is great if you’re catching an event at the RAC arena, with about a 10-minute walk to Perth Underground, a 20-minute walk to King’s Park, a 15-minute walk to Holey Moley in the Northbridge area, or catch a free CAT bus to get around the central city.
We were on the 6th floor in connecting rooms, so even though we were in the heart of the city, it was quiet enough to sleep. Many hotels in Perth don’t accommodate families of 5, so a connecting room was a great option.
Check availability for Four Points Sheraton
YHA Fremantle Prison (Hostel)
Chalk this up as one of the most unique hotel experiences we’ve had – staying in the renovated cells of the historic Fremantle Prison. Cells (I mean, rooms) hold a max of 4 people, and must have an adult over 18 in each room, so for a family of 5 like ours, we split into 2 rooms for our visit. There are rooms for 3 and 4 people, so an adult in each could accommodate a family of up to 8.
A hostel doesn’t mean you’ll have to share a room with other travelers. A hostel like YHA Fremantle Prison has space to accommodate a private room, a shared kitchen, outdoor game spaces, a common games or study room, and laundry facilities.
Staying at a YHA Fremantle Prison is a great location to explore the historic town of Fremantle with plenty of restaurants and quick bite places, the market within walking distance if you’re not bringing a vehicle, and historic downtown architecture with tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and detailed wrought-iron railings around second-story balconies.
Check availability for YHA Fremantle Prison
Here’s what’s left on our Perth bucket list for a future trip:
Perth City with Kids: Museums, Play Spaces & Easy Wins
The Perth CBD is compact, flat, and easy to explore with the free CAT buses. Spend at least 1–2 full days just to the city centre with kids before venturing further out, or visit as a great way to cap off your trip before flying out if you’re visiting another part of the city.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
This state-of-the-art museum opened in 2020 and tells the extraordinary stories of western australia through immersive and innovative displays. It’s located in the Perth Cultural Centre, right in the heart of the city.
The museum covers First Nations history, natural environments, and migration stories. The WA Museum Boola Bardip is an interactive museum that explores Western Australia’s cultural and natural heritage, making it a great rainy day activity for kids.
Visiting tips:
- Kids under 15 enter free
- Allow 2–3 hours minimum
- Café on-site for snacks
SciTech Discovery Centre & Perth Planetarium
If your kids love pushing buttons and making things happen, SciTech will keep them occupied for hours. The hands-on science exhibits cover everything from physics to biology, and there’s a separate preschooler zone for younger children.
The Perth Planetarium shows are the highlight for space-obsessed kids. Allow a full morning or afternoon.
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint offers gold tours where you can watch a live gold pour demonstration and see some seriously impressive gold bars and coins. This one appeals more to school-age kids and teens than toddlers—there’s a lot of standing and listening involved.
Tours run for about an hour, and you should book a specific time slot in advance. It’s a unique experience that teaches kids about Australia’s gold rush history in a hands-on way.
Yagan Square & Perth Cultural Centre Outdoor Areas
After the museums, head outside to explore Yagan Square and the surrounding Perth Cultural Centre. There’s public art, open spaces, and occasional markets or live music events.
This area sits on Whadjuk Noongar land and has good spots to grab a coffee or snack while kids run around. It’s an easy add-on that doesn’t cost anything (other than the coffee – a worthwhile investment).
Getting Around the City
The free CAT buses make Perth City incredibly easy with kids. Here’s a simple loop day:
- Morning at WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Lunch in Northbridge (lots of casual options)
- Afternoon playground or street art walk
- Walk to Perth Train Station for connections to other areas
Elizabeth Quay, Swan River & Inner-City Playgrounds
Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River are the heart of family days in central Perth. Easy walks, city skyline views, ferries, and lots of play spaces make this area perfect for younger kids, especially.
Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay opened in 2015 as Perth’s modern waterfront redevelopment. For families, the highlights include:
- Carousel – Classic fun that never gets old
- BHP Billiton Water Park – Splash area that’s so much fun on hot days
- Playground – Small but well-designed
- Bell Tower – Great views and interesting chimes
- Riverside cafes – Easy lunch spots with kid-friendly menus
Pack spare clothes in summer because kids will get wet in the water park. In winter, it’s a great location for a riverside walk without the crowds. We visited Elizabeth Quey during a festive celebration in December with music, fireworks, and a drone show.
Perth Zoo
Take the ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth—half the fun is the boat ride itself. Perth Zoo is one of those classic family attractions that works for all ages.
Zoo highlights:
- Australiana section with kangaroos and koalas
- African savanna exhibits
- Multiple playgrounds throughout
- Regular keeper talks and feeding times
Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and more active animals. You can bring your own picnic to save money—there are plenty of grassy areas to spread out.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, sitting on the western edge of Perth City. It often feels more like remote bushland despite being so central.
Kid-friendly areas to explore:
| Area | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Synergy Parkland | All ages | Huge nature playground, BBQs |
| Ivey Watson Playground | Toddlers-8 years | Shaded, enclosed, water play |
| Rio Tinto Naturescape | 5+ years | Bush play, creeks, getting dirty |
| DNA Tower | 4+ years | Spiral staircase with incredible views |
The botanic gardens showcase over 17 hectares of native bushland and walking trails. Sunset views over the Swan River and Perth skyline are worth timing your visit for.
Don’t miss sunset overlooking the city from Kings Park, Perth
Don’t miss the Giant Boab tree near the park entrance. It was transported 3,200 kilometres from Warmun and is thought to be over 750 years old.
Matilda Bay Reserve & Blue Boat House
The Blue Boat House (officially the Crawley Edge Boatshed) sits at the end of a jetty in the Swan River and is one of Perth’s most photographed spots. It’s a quick stop but worth the photo.
Nearby Matilda Bay Reserve offers:
- Low-key picnic spots
- Playground
- SUP and kayak hire
- Swan spotting (actual swans, not just the river name)
This area works well for a chilled afternoon when you want to avoid traffic stress with younger kids.
Sunset River Strolls
For free, flexible evenings after a big attraction day, try a sunset stroll along the river foreshore. The South Perth or Como Jetty areas are good for older kids on scooters or bikes. Burswood Park on the east Perth side of the river is another option with good paths.
Our personal favorites were walking across the Elizabeth Quay bridge, Kings Park (Above) and Coastline sunsets near Hillarys.
Elizabeth Quay Sunset
Elizabeth Key Sunset (the brigs is decorated with lights for the Christmas festival)
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys Boat Harbour Sunset
Hillary’s Beach (North of the Boat Harbour)
HIllary Diog Beach Sunset (just north of Hillarys Boat Harbour)
Beaches, AQWA & Coastal Fun
Perth’s coastline is a big part of why families love this city. Lots of free play, sunset dinners, and easy day trips by train or car.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is the classic Perth beach experience. Safe swimming, a grassy foreshore perfect for picnics, and rock pools at low tide for little explorers.
We recommend late afternoon visits to avoid the midday sun and catch those famous Indian Ocean sunsets. There’s free parking along the side streets if you arrive early enough.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is probably the best all-rounder for families. The precinct includes:
- Huge adventure playground
- Skate park for older kids
- Shallow splash areas
- Patrolled swimming
- Fish and chips and ice cream within walking distance
You can easily have fun here on a budget. The whole family will find something to enjoy, from toddlers in the splash zones to teens at the skate park.
Other Family-Friendly Beaches
| Beach | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trigg | Confident swimmers, teens | Surfier conditions, dramatic views |
| South Beach (Fremantle) | Young kids | Gentle water, close to Freo |
| Hillarys Boat Harbour | Toddlers, nervous swimmers | Sheltered swimming area, protected |
AQWA – Aquarium of Western Australia
AQWA at Hillarys Boat Harbour showcases marine life from the Western Australian coastline. The underwater tunnel is the main drawcard, plus touch pools where kids can handle starfish and sea creatures.
Pair AQWA with time at the Hillarys Boat Harbour playgrounds, cafes, and protected swimming area for a full coastal day. It’s a solid option when you want variety beyond just beach time.
Surfing and Water Sports with Kids
For older kids and teens, beginner surf lessons are available at beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough. Younger children can stick to boogie boards and snorkels in calmer conditions.
Safety reminders:
- Always swim between the flags
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen regularly
- Check surf conditions before heading out
- Bring plenty of water
Fremantle with Kids: History, Markets & Play
Fremantle is about 25–30 minutes from Perth City by train, bus, or car. It feels like its own small port town with heritage buildings, markets, and South Beach nearby. It’s an artsy town with plenty to see and do. If you’re considering visiting Fremantle, here’s our full rundown of things to do with kids in Fremantle.
Fremantle Markets & South Terrace
The weekend markets are a hit with families. You’ll find food stalls, local crafts, buskers, and occasional face painting or animal farm pop-ups. It’s easy to snack your way through lunch here, which works well with picky eaters who want to choose their own adventure.
South Terrace—known locally as the “cappuccino strip”—has plenty of cafes and restaurants if you want a proper sit-down meal.
Esplanade Reserve & Playgrounds
The big playground at Esplanade Reserve is worth the visit. There’s a skate park nearby, shaded lawns for picnics, and occasionally a Ferris wheel operating during festivals.
This works well as a “reward” spot after museums or walking tours. Let the kids burn off energy while you sit with a coffee.
Fremantle Prison & Maritime Museums
Fremantle has some genuinely interesting history for school-age kids:
- Fremantle Prison – Shorter courtyard or daytime tours work for families (some tours may include details that are too much for sensitive younger children)
- WA Maritime Museum – Hands-on maritime exhibits and Australia II yacht
- WA Shipwrecks Museum – Stories of Dutch shipwrecks that older kids usually find fascinating
The maritime and shipwreck museums have free entry, making them budget-friendly options.
Rainbow Container Artwork
Near the port, there’s a colourful container arch that makes for a fun photo stop. From here, you can do an easy waterfront stroll and grab fish and chips as the night sky appears.
Simple Fremantle Day Plan
- Morning: Fremantle Markets for brunch and browsing
- Late morning: WA Shipwrecks Museum or Maritime Museum
- Lunch: Gage Roads, Freo (Same car park as Maritime Museum)
- Afternoon: Esplanade playground and beach time
- Evening: See the city light up at night with a walk, wood-fired pizza at Da Napoli Pizza
- Stay: At YHA Fremantle Prison for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in a historic prison
Perth Hills, Wildlife & Nature Adventures
The Perth Hills and outer parks offer fresh air, bush walks, waterfalls, and wildlife without huge drives. Great for families wanting to escape the city for a day.
Caversham Wildlife Park & Whiteman Park
Caversham Wildlife Park at Whiteman Park is the easiest place near Perth to get up close with Australian wildlife. You can:
- Hand-feed kangaroos (including western grey kangaroos)
- See koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils
- Watch daily farm shows with friendly farm animals
- Meet Australian rules football mascots during special events
The surrounding Whiteman Park has playgrounds, the Revolutions Transport Museum, and heritage train rides. It’s a full family fun day without needing to head into regional WA to see wildlife.
Perth Hills Waterfalls & National Parks
Two main family-friendly options:
Lesmurdie Falls
- Easy 20-minute walk to the lookout
- Steeper trail to the bottom for adventurous kids
- Best after winter rains
John Forrest National Park
- Short accessible walks
- Picnic areas with BBQs
- Kangaroos often spotted near car parks and lawns
These make for great half-day outings combined with a cafe stop in the Perth Hills towns.
Araluen Botanic Park
Araluen Botanic Park is especially beautiful during the August–September tulip festival. The gardens have good photo spots, walking paths, and picnic areas.
Nearby orchards like Raeburn or S & R offer seasonal fruit picking during blossom and harvest seasons. Check festival dates and entry fees before visiting—special events can get busy.
Yanchep National Park & Trees Adventure
Yanchep National Park is about 50 minutes north of Perth and offers:
- Koala boardwalk (guaranteed sightings!)
- Kangaroo spotting at dawn and dusk
- Crystal Cave tours (book ahead)
- Trees Adventure rope courses for different age groups
This is a full-day trip with some cost involved, but the variety keeps kids occupied for hours. Check height restrictions for the treetop courses before promising anything to excited kids.
Nature Day Tips
- Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need)
- Hats and sunscreen are non-negotiable
- Sturdy closed shoes for bush walks
- Check fire warnings and park closures, especially in summer
Day Trips from Perth: Islands, Valleys & Big-Ticket Memories
These day trips work best if you have 4–5+ days in Perth and want bigger adventures beyond the city. All are doable as long day trips with kids.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is the quintessential Perth day trip. The island is car-free, which means bikes are the main transport—and yes, you’ll definitely see quokkas.
Planning tips:
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Ferry | Options from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys |
| Bikes | Hire with kids’ seats or trailers on arrival |
| Best bays | The Basin, Little Salmon Bay for swimming |
| Crowds | Summer is busy; shoulder seasons are calmer |
Pre-book your ferry company and bike hire, especially during school holidays. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen—everything is pricier on the island.
Penguin Island & Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Penguin Island is a quick ferry ride from Rockingham, about 45 minutes south of Perth. The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park around it is home to dolphins, sea lions, and plenty of birdlife.
What to do:
- Boardwalk around the island
- Penguin discovery centre
- Wildlife cruises to see dolphins and sea lions
- Rock pools to explore at low tide
Note: The island closes June–September for penguin nesting. Check dates before planning your visit.
Swan Valley
Swan Valley is WA’s oldest wine region, but it’s surprisingly family-friendly. About 25 minutes from the Perth CBD, it’s perfect for a relaxed day trip.
Kid-friendly stops:
- Chocolate factories (Margaret River Chocolate Company has a Swan Valley outlet)
- Ice cream and gelato shops
- Mini golf courses
- Animal farms and wildlife encounters
- Casual pubs with playgrounds like The Henley Brook
Focus on a kid-centric route rather than wine tasting—save that for a date night when grandparents are visiting.
Adventure World, Perth
These are the big-ticket theme park options:
Adventure World (September–April)
- Waterslides,roller coasters, classic rides, and pools
- Best for kids over 4 who meet height restrictions
- Book ahead during school holidays
Outback Splash (year-round, summer focus)
- Water park with giant slides
- Maze and mini golf
- BYO picnic allowed in some areas
Other Day Trip Ideas
For families with older kids or planning a broader WA road trip, consider:
- The Pinnacles – Limestone pillars in a surreal desert landscape. North of the city with beaches nearby to make a day of your visit.
- Lancelin – Sandboarding on huge white dunes
- Wave Rock – The famous wave-shaped rock formation (3+ hour drive)
These work better as part of a longer Western Australia adventure than a quick Perth stay.
Practical Tips: Getting Around, Where to Stay & Budgeting for Families
Let’s keep this practical. Here’s what you need to know to make Perth easy and affordable with kids.
Getting Around
| Transport | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free CAT buses | CBD exploring | Multiple routes, frequent service |
| Transperth trains | Fremantle, Scarborough | Family-friendly, air-conditioned |
| Ferries | South Perth, Rottnest | Fun transport that doubles as an activity |
| Rental car | Swan Valley, Yanchep, Perth Hills | Essential for outer attractions |
If you’re staying central for a few days, you can manage without a car. But if you want to explore Perth’s natural attractions, a car makes life much easier.
Where to Stay with Kids in Perth
Central Perth/Elizabeth Quay: Best for first-timers who want walkable access to museums, playgrounds, and ferries. We stayed at Four Points Sheraton downtown which gave us easy access to be walkable around the downtown core. If you’d really like to stay in the heart of it (like less than a minute walk to restaurants, shops, and cafes) consider a hotel at Elizabeth Quay.
Fremantle: More laid-back vibe, close to markets and beaches. Great for families looking for a getaway to a coastal town – plenty of boutique shops, ice cream stands, and great to just wander and explore. We stayed at YHA Fremantle Prison for a really unique experience.
Hillarys Boat Harbour for a Beach-Town Vibe: Perfect if you want a beach-first holiday. Easy access to sand and surf daily with beaches all along the coast and a handful of restaurants and snack spots to choose from. We were housesitting in Perth during our visit, but there is a complex called Nautica Residences right on the harbour, and there are some other hotels at Sorrento Beach, just a short walking distance from Hillarys.
How Long to Stay
| Duration | What You Can Cover |
|---|---|
| 3 days | Pick One: Perth CBD with a day trip to Rottnest // Fremantle // Hillarys with a day trip to Rottnest (Ferries to Rottnest leave from multiple locations in Perth both HIllarys Boat Harbour, Fremantle, and Elizabeth Quay) |
| 5 days | Choose a few activities and stay at a couple of locations for some variety, or just pick a single home base and explore thoroughly |
| 7–10 days | Plenty of options to visit a couple of locations for 3-5 days each. For our family, we would spend 5 days in Perth CBD (with a day trip or overnight south to Fremantle) and the rest of our time enjoying the beach at Hillarys. |
Budget Tips from Adam & Celine
- Pack picnic lunches for parks and beaches
- Use free playgrounds and city parks most days, and find a local library on a poor-weather day
- Prioritise one or two paid “hero” attractions and enjoy plenty of free activities between
- Book tickets ahead of time online for discounts
- Stay in family apartments or holiday parks if you’re road-tripping
- Check for free family events happening during your visit (like the Festive Lights we found at Elizabeth Quay around Christmas or summer concerts in the park.)
Perth at your own pace is the best way to experience it with kids. Don’t try to cram everything in—leave room for beach days and playground discoveries.
FAQ: Visiting Perth with Kids
What is the best time of year to visit Perth with kids?
Late spring (October–November) and autumn (March–May) offer warm days without extreme heat, calmer ocean conditions, and events like the jacaranda season. Summer (December–February) can be very hot, but perfect for beaches if you time activities for morning and evening. Winter (June–August) is cooler with more rain, but it’s great for museums and cheaper accommodation.
Is Perth safe and walkable with young children?
Yes, central Perth, Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, and the South Perth foreshore are generally very safe and stroller-friendly. The usual common sense applies—watch kids near busy roads and water, especially around jetties and the Blue Boat House area. We didn’t have any concerns, but as usual, stay in well-lit areas at night and trust your gut.
Can you visit Perth without renting a car?
Yes, we did. For some of our visits while housesitting in Perth, we had access to the homeowners’ car, but otherwise getting around with public transportation was pretty straightforward using our Apple Maps or Google Maps for navigating.
The free CAT buses, trains, ferries, and organised tours to Rottnest and Penguin Island cover a lot. Public transportation is great in most areas, and if you’re willing to walk 10-15 minutes with your luggage, you can get just about anywhere in Perth. However, a car becomes very useful for day trips out of the city, like Swan Valley, Perth Hills, Yanchep National Park, Pinnacles, and flexible beach hopping with kids and all their gear.
What should we pack for a Perth family trip?
Essentials include strong sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, hats, sun shirts for the beach), reusable water bottles, light layers for windy evenings by the coast, quick-dry towels, and closed shoes for bush walks. Perth has big supermarkets (Coles and Woolworths) everywhere for topping up on snacks and forgotten items. Don’t stress about packing everything—you can buy what you need locally.
How many paid attractions should we plan with kids?
We recommend one paid “headline” attraction every day or two, mixed with free beaches, community events, libraries, splashpads, and playgrounds. This prevents kid burnout and keeps the budget in check. Good combos include: Holey Moley Mini Golf + Kings Park, Escape This + sunset at Elizabeth Quay, or a Rottnest Island day followed by a simple beach-and-playground day.
Switch between eating at headline restaurants (like Burgery Bar or Kickin’Inn) and grabbing a light snack or piecing together a picnic from the grocery store.
Perth really is one of those cities that just works with families. The combination of city west centre attractions, stunning beaches, and easy nature escapes means you can explore Perth’s best without the stress that comes with some travel destinations.
