25 Things To Do With Kids in Perth This Weekend
Perth might be Australia's most underrated family city. With year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, Kings Park on the doorstep and a growing list of family-friendly attractions, there's never a shortage of things to do. Here are 25 ideas to fill your weekend.
Free & Outdoors
1. Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Perth's crown jewel. The playground near the DNA Tower is world-class, with nature play, climbing structures and water play in summer. The park itself has walking trails with panoramic views of the Swan River and city skyline.
Tip: The Lotterywest Federation Walkway (glass-and-steel bridge through the treetops) is free and spectacular.
2. Scarborough Beach Foreshore
The redeveloped Scarborough foreshore has a fantastic water playground, skate park, and BBQ areas right next to the beach. Kids can alternate between the beach and the playground all day.
Tip: The whale playground at the southern end is best for toddlers.
3. Whiteman Park
This massive park in the Swan Valley offers free entry and includes a children's forest, bushwalking trails, a vintage tram ride ($3), and a village with heritage buildings. You could spend an entire day here.
Tip: Pack a picnic — there are loads of covered BBQ areas but no major cafe.
4. Lake Monger — Wembley
A gentle walk around Lake Monger takes about 40 minutes at kid pace. The resident black swans and pelicans are the main attraction. The small playground near the car park is good for a post-walk play.
Tip: Late afternoon is best for bird spotting.
5. Matilda Bay — Crawley
A sheltered bay on the Swan River perfect for paddling with young kids. The grassy foreshore has BBQ facilities and it's close to the UWA campus if you want to grab a coffee.
Tip: The water is calm and shallow — ideal for toddlers on hot days.
Wildlife & Nature
6. Perth Zoo — South Perth
One of Australia's best mid-sized zoos. The Australian Bushwalk section lets you walk among free-roaming kangaroos, and the new African Savannah exhibit is impressive. Kids under 4 get in free.
Ages: All ages Price: Adults $36, Kids $18, Under 4 free
7. AQWA — Hillarys
The Aquarium of Western Australia features a walk-through underwater tunnel, touch pools and a focus on Western Australia's unique marine life. The massive main tank with sharks and rays is mesmerising for all ages.
Ages: All ages Price: Adults $35, Kids $22
8. Caversham Wildlife Park — Whiteman
A hands-on wildlife park where kids can hand-feed kangaroos, pat wombats, and hold snakes. It's less polished than Perth Zoo but the close animal encounters can't be matched.
Ages: All ages Price: Adults $34, Kids $16
9. Penguin Island — Rockingham
A short ferry ride from Rockingham, Penguin Island is home to a colony of little penguins. The guided tours are excellent and the island has beautiful beaches for swimming after.
Ages: 3+ (for ferry and walking) Price: Ferry + Discovery Centre: Adults $25, Kids $16
10. Yanchep National Park
Crystal Cave, koalas, kangaroos and bushwalking trails — all within an hour of the CBD. The cave tours are fantastic for kids aged 5+. The koala boardwalk is free with park entry.
Price: $15 per vehicle, cave tours from $14
Indoor Activities
11. Scitech — West Perth
Perth's interactive science museum is brilliant for curious kids. Hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, live science shows, and regularly rotating exhibitions keep it fresh even for repeat visitors.
Ages: 2–15 Price: Adults $19, Kids $12
12. The Maze — Bullsbrook
Part hedge maze, part mini golf, part water slides (summer only). The Maze is an eclectic mix of activities that somehow works brilliantly. Kids love the challenge of finding their way through.
Ages: 3+ Price: From $16 per person
13. Bounce — Cannington
Perth's go-to trampoline park with interconnected trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball and a ninja course. Dedicated toddler sessions on weekday mornings.
Ages: 3+ Price: From $20 per hour
14. Zone Bowling — Multiple Locations
Bumper bowling for the little ones, regular lanes for older kids and teens. Multiple Perth locations with arcades attached.
Ages: All ages Price: From $15 per game
15. Holey Moley — Northbridge
Not your average mini golf. Themed holes based on pop culture with a sense of humour. The Perth Northbridge venue is family-friendly during the day (it transitions to a bar at night).
Ages: 5+ Price: From $17 per person
Beaches for Families
16. Cottesloe Beach
Perth's most iconic beach with calm waters, a grassy foreshore and cafes along Marine Parade. The Indiana teahouse makes it feel special.
17. Hillarys Boat Harbour
Sheltered beach, playground, AQWA, and a string of restaurants. A one-stop family day out.
18. City Beach
The redeveloped City Beach has excellent facilities — a modern change room block, BBQs, and a playground near the surf club.
19. Rockingham Foreshore
Calm, shallow water perfect for toddlers and young swimmers. The foreshore playground is excellent.
20. Sorrento Beach
A quieter alternative to Scarborough with a beautiful beach and the Hillarys boardwalk nearby.
Rainy Day Ideas
21. IKEA — Innaloo
Yes, really. The free Småland supervised play area entertains kids aged 3–10 for up to an hour while you browse in peace. You don't even have to buy anything.
22. Perth Museum — Boola Bardip
Perth's newest museum in the cultural centre is world-class and mostly free. The kids' gallery on level 3 is purpose-built for young visitors with interactive displays about WA's natural history.
23. Reading Cinemas — Multiple Locations
Tuesday movie deals make cinema an affordable rainy day option. Some locations have gold-class-style seating.
24. Local Libraries
Perth's public libraries are underrated gems for families. Most run free storytime sessions, school holiday activities, and have excellent children's sections.
25. Indoor Play Centres
Perth has several excellent indoor play centres for those days when you need guaranteed entertainment. Check our full list of Perth indoor play centres.
Planning Your Weekend
For more ideas, browse our complete Perth activities directory with ratings, photos and reviews for every venue.