Western Australia’s sun-drenched capital is a dream destination for traveling families, offering an incredible blend of pristine coastlines, unique wildlife, and wide-open green spaces. If you are planning a trip down under, you might be wondering exactly how to fill your itinerary without exhausting your children or stretching your budget too thin. Perth strikes a brilliant balance, offering high-octane adventures for teenagers right alongside gentle, sheltered bays and massive fenced playgrounds for toddlers.
Finding the best things to do in perth with kids requires knowing how to navigate the local climate, understanding the vast distances between some attractions, and knowing which spots actually cater to families rather than just looking good on a postcard. Whether you are hoping to snap a photo with a smiling quokka, splash in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or burn off energy on world-class playground structures, this guide breaks down the absolute best family experiences the city has to offer. For a complete overview of the city, you can also bookmark our main Perth city guide.
Top Outdoor and Nature Things to Do in Perth with Kids
Perth is a city designed for outdoor living. With more days of sunshine than any other Australian capital city, you will want to spend the majority of your trip outside soaking up the fresh air.
Rottnest Island
No family trip to Western Australia is complete without a visit to Rottnest Island. This car-free island paradise is located a short 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour). It is world-famous for its resident quokkas—small, incredibly friendly marsupials that roam freely around the island. Kids are absolutely mesmerized by them. Renting bicycles is the primary way to get around, and you can easily hire bike trailers or tag-a-long attachments for younger children right at the ferry terminal.
The island features 63 stunning beaches and 20 crystal-clear turquoise bays. The Basin is particularly fantastic for families due to its shallow, sheltered swimming areas. Expect to spend a full day here. Ferry and bike rental packages typically run around $100 to $120 AUD ($65 to $80 USD) per adult, with discounted rates for children. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as food options outside the main settlement are limited.
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Penguin Island Ferry - Rockingham Wild Encounters
Located about 45 minutes south of the central business district (CBD), the Penguin Island Ferry - Rockingham Wild Encounters is the gateway to the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The quick, five-minute ferry ride across the bay is thrilling for little ones. Once on the island, you can explore the boardwalks and try to spot the world's smallest penguins in their natural habitat. The discovery centre offers feeding demonstrations, which are highly engaging for toddlers and school-aged kids alike. The glass-bottom boat tours are also a massive hit, offering a chance to spot wild dolphins and rare Australian sea lions lounging on the beaches. Strollers are manageable on the island's boardwalks, though a baby carrier is easier if you plan to walk down to the sandy bays.
Araluen Botanic Park and Canning River
For a change of pace from the coastal winds, head inland to the Perth Hills. Araluen Botanic Park is a sprawling 59-hectare valley that feels entirely removed from the city. If you happen to be visiting in spring (August to October), the massive tulip display is breathtaking. The park features cool, shaded streams that are perfect for a gentle afternoon stroll. Note that while the main paths are stroller accessible, the park is set in a valley, so expect some steep inclines. Entry is very affordable at around $15 AUD ($10 USD) for adults.
Alternatively, the Canning River Regional Park offers a massive riverside retreat that is brilliant for burning off energy. The flat, paved trails are perfect for kids learning to ride bikes or push-scooters. Keep an eye out for the local 'Motorbike Frogs'—named for their distinct croak that sounds exactly like a revving engine.
Best Beaches for Families in Perth
You cannot visit this coast without spending significant time on the sand. Perth's beaches are spectacular, but the Indian Ocean can be rough, so choosing the right spot for children is essential.
Cottesloe Beach
Arguably the city's most iconic stretch of sand, Cottesloe Beach offers a perfect mix of pristine white dunes and family-friendly infrastructure. What makes "Cott" excellent for families is the shark-netted enclosure and the gentle waves near the groyne. Furthermore, the beach features magnificent terraced grassy banks shaded by massive Norfolk Pine trees. If your kids get tired of having sand in their swimsuits, you can easily retreat to the grass for a picnic while still enjoying the ocean views. Across the street, you will find excellent cafes and fish-and-chip shops.
Bathers Beach
If you are spending the day exploring the historic port city of Fremantle, Bathers Beach is a must-visit. This is a compact, sheltered cove tucked directly beneath the historic Round House. Because it is somewhat protected, the water here is exceptionally calm, making it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who might be intimidated by crashing waves. It is also incredibly convenient—you can walk straight off the beach and into a family-friendly seafood restaurant, or stroll over to the nearby Fremantle Markets for lunch.
High-Energy Adventure and Theme Parks
If your kids have outgrown building sandcastles and are looking for serious thrills, Perth has several options that cater to older children and teenagers.
Adventure World
Located in the southern suburbs, Adventure World is Perth’s premier hybrid theme-and-water-park. It offers a rare mix of world-class thrill rides (like the massive Abyss rollercoaster and the Kraken water slide) alongside dedicated splash zones for younger visitors. The "Dragon’s Kingdom" area is specifically tailored for kids under eight, meaning a family with diverse age ranges can easily spend a full day here without anyone getting bored. Day passes are around $70 to $90 AUD ($45 to $60 USD) depending on the season. Bring your own towels and plenty of sunscreen.
Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb
For a truly high-octane adventure that will satisfy hard-to-please teenagers, book the Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb. Families climb 314 steps up the iconic white arches of this pedestrian bridge, which spans the Swan River near the Optus Stadium. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with an open-air viewing platform before zip-lining 400 metres across the river back to the parklands. It is physically demanding and requires closed-toe shoes, but the adrenaline rush and the views of the city skyline are unmatched.
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iFLY Perth and Dwellingup Adventures
If the weather turns unexpectedly rainy or excessively hot, iFLY Perth is a brilliant indoor alternative. This high-adrenaline indoor skydiving experience allows kids as young as three to float on a cushion of air in a vertical wind tunnel. It is a premium experience (starting around $90 AUD / $60 USD per person for two flights), but the sheer joy on kids' faces makes it worthwhile.
For families wanting to swap screen time for forest trails, take a day trip to Dwellingup Adventures. Located about 90 minutes south of Perth, this outdoor hub offers canoe rentals for gentle river paddling and fantastic mountain bike trails through the towering jarrah forests.
World-Class Playgrounds That Are Actually Free
One of the greatest perks of traveling to Western Australia is the local government's immense investment in public play spaces. You do not need to spend money to find incredible entertainment for kids.
Kwinana Adventure Park
Consistently ranked as one of the best playgrounds in the state, Kwinana Adventure Park is an absolute masterpiece. Set within natural bushland, this massive, award-winning destination playground features a signature tree-walk, flying foxes, and an interactive splash pad that is a lifesaver on 35-degree (95°F) summer days. The entire area is fully fenced, giving parents peace of mind while kids run wild.
Faulkner Park (Volcano Park)
Located in Belmont, close to the airport, Faulkner Park (Volcano Park) is a high-concept, fully fenced playground centered around a massive 'volcano'. Every 15 to 20 minutes, the volcano emits misty steam, which kids find endlessly entertaining. The park also features large flying foxes, toddler-specific play zones, and plenty of shaded seating for parents.
Burswood Park Playground
Situated on the banks of the Swan River, the Burswood Park Playground is a scenic play hub featuring a massive climbing tower for big kids and a fully fenced, shaded zone for toddlers. The soft-fall rubber flooring and musical play equipment make it highly accessible. Plus, you can grab a coffee from a nearby food truck and watch the boats cruise down the river while the kids play.
Unique Experiences: Things to Do in Perth with Kids Off the Beaten Path
Swan River Seaplanes
If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want a bucket-list experience, Swan River Seaplanes offers something extraordinary. Taking off directly from the water of the Swan River is an exhilarating sensation. The scenic flights offer stunning aerial views of the Perth CBD, Kings Park, and the coastline stretching out to Rottnest Island. It is a splurge, but the unique perspective of the city's geography is unforgettable.
Perth Observatory
For older children with an interest in space and science, the Perth Observatory in the Perth Hills is a hidden gem. This historic hilltop observatory offers a rare chance to see the Southern Hemisphere's night sky through powerful, heritage telescopes. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and great at explaining complex astronomical concepts in a way that school-aged kids can grasp. Because viewing sessions happen after dark, this is best reserved for kids who can handle a late bedtime.
What to Skip: Tourist Traps and Overhyped Spots
Not every highly advertised attraction is ideal for families. When curating your itinerary, feel free to cross these off your list.
- The Perth Mint: While the 10-minute live gold pour is genuinely fascinating, the rest of the mandatory guided tour is incredibly dry. It involves standing in quiet rooms listening to long historical lectures that will have young kids squirming within minutes.
- Crawley Edge Boatshed (The Blue Boathouse): You will see this iconic blue shed on every Perth tourism brochure. Skip it. It is located on a very busy main road with virtually no parking, no nearby amenities, and no shade. You will wait in a long line of tourists just to snap a single photo on a narrow boardwalk while holding tightly onto your children to prevent them from stepping into traffic.
- The Bell Tower: The entry fee for this glass spire at Elizabeth Quay is steep for what is essentially a quick elevator ride. You can hear the historic bells ringing clearly from the free playground right outside the tower, saving you time and money.
- Murray Street Mall and Forrest Chase: These are standard concrete shopping thoroughfares featuring the same global brands you can find in any major city. Unless you urgently need to buy clothing or supplies, they offer nothing uniquely engaging for kids.
- Guildford Heritage Walk: Walking tours that involve standing on sidewalks looking at colonial building facades are generally a tough sell for children. Save your walking energy for the parks and beaches.
- Note: Ensure you also avoid adult-only venues that sometimes appear on generic city lists, such as The Court and Steamworks Perth.
Age-by-Age Guide to Perth
Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
Focus your days around the water and fenced play areas. The calm, shallow waters at Bathers Beach are perfect for early waders. Spend your afternoons at Burswood Park Playground, where the fenced toddler zone allows them to explore safely. The Transperth Ferry across the Swan River (from South Perth to Elizabeth Quay) is a cheap, short, and thrilling ride for a two-year-old.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
This is the perfect age for wildlife encounters. A day trip to Rottnest Island to spot quokkas will blow their minds (just remind them to look, not touch). Volcano Park in Belmont is another guaranteed winner, providing hours of imaginative play as they wait for the "volcano" to erupt with steam.
School-Age (Ages 6-10)
Kids this age have the stamina for bigger days out. The ferry ride to Penguin Island and the subsequent glass-bottom boat tour offer the perfect mix of education and excitement. They will also get massive value out of Adventure World, particularly the Dragon's Kingdom and the mid-tier water slides.
Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-14)
Teens need autonomy and adrenaline. The Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb provides a genuine physical challenge and an epic story to tell their friends back home. Indoor skydiving at iFLY Perth is another massive hit. For beach days, head to Cottesloe where they can swim out to the pontoon or grab some independence buying snacks at the beachfront cafes.
Pro Tips from Parents for a Smooth Trip
- Mind the 'Fremantle Doctor': If you are visiting in the summer, always plan your beach trips for the morning, ideally finishing up by 11:00 AM. By early afternoon, a strong, cooling sea breeze locally known as the 'Fremantle Doctor' sweeps across the coast. While it cools the city down beautifully, it turns the beaches into sand-blasting wind tunnels that are miserable for small children.
- Strategic Playground Timing: In peak summer (December to February), skip outdoor playgrounds entirely between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Even with the massive shade sails that cover most Perth parks, the dark plastic slides and metal climbing frames become dangerously hot to the touch.
- Beware of Swooping Season: During spring (August to October), local magpies become highly protective of their nests. If you see temporary council signs warning of swooping birds in a park, take them seriously and choose a different route. A bird swooping at your head can be terrifying for a child.
- Navigate the CBD for Free: Utilize the free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses to navigate the downtown core and Northbridge. The Blue and Red lines are particularly useful for families, stopping near major museums and parklands. It saves tired little legs and costs absolutely nothing.
- Dinner Hacks: Instead of paying for expensive CBD parking and formal dining, park in South Perth, grab some takeout, and take the quick Transperth Ferry across to Elizabeth Quay as the sun sets. If you are visiting in summer, head to Forrest Place on Friday nights; it transforms into Perth's premier street food market with dozens of global food stalls, live music, and plenty of space for kids to dance.
Perth is a city that genuinely rewards a slower, outdoor-focused pace of travel. By timing your beach visits to beat the afternoon winds, taking advantage of the phenomenal free playgrounds, and picking the right nature encounters, your family will leave Western Australia with incredible memories. Whether you are soaring over the Swan River or cycling alongside quokkas, finding the best things to do in perth with kids comes down to embracing the sunshine and letting the city's natural beauty do the heavy lifting.