Looking for an action-packed day out with the kids? Think you’ve done it all? Freo, Hillarys, Mandurah etc… think again! Rockingham and Baldivis are absolutely packed with easy, family-friendly things to do, plus bribe them with an ice cream, get a bit of fresh air, and maybe even enjoy fish n chips on the foreshore. Here are our top picks for a local adventure in Rocko.
Things to Do in Rockingham
The Rockingham Foreshore is one of those “why don’t we come here more often?” places. It’s got calm water, a grassy foreshore with plenty of shade, picnic tables, and free BBQs, plus a very fun slide down onto the sand — yes, your kids will do it 100 times. There are also pontoons older kids can swim out to and jump from. Bonus: cafés, fish and chips, and ice cream options are right there, so you can make a full day of it. Read the Buggybuddys blog here.
Pack the rods and head down to the jetty where you’ll usually spot people fishing. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fun day out – bring the bikes for a scenic ride along the coast, or why not a family kayaking adventure if you want to get out on the water together?
On days when you need to stay indoors, caffeine, and a plan, Mug ‘n Brush ticks all boxes. It’s a huge creative and play space combo: a bright art studio and café at the front, and a gated play area where kids can climb, slide, and explore. There’s a fenced toddler zone too with climbing equipment, and a ball pit that will be hard to leave. They also hold ceramic painting and workshops, and you can book parties if your child is already plotting their next birthday theme. Read the Buggybuddys blog on Mug ‘n Brush.
If the weather turns rainy (or super hot), the indoor entertainment at Syren Street can keep you busy for an entire day! There’s Hey Caddy mini golf, the latest blockbusters at Ace Cinemas and arcade game fun at iPlay. The movies and dining options will keep the whole family happy.
If your kids are animal-mad, a boat trip around Penguin Island is one of those memory making day-out ideas. Take a fun Perth Wildlife Encounters boat cruise to spot dolphins, sealions, birdlife and of course those cute fairy penguins in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. They also offer swimming with dolphins’ tours – how amazing would that be!
Image Credit: Perth Wildlife Encounters
Open seasonally from October to April, the Rockingham Aquatic Centre is a classic sunny-day plan. Think heated 50m pool, 25m pool, and a shaded toddler pool, all set in established gardens with lovely picnic-y vibes. There are grassy areas with shade near each pool, plus a kids playground out the back. Pack your own lunch and use the free BBQs, or grab a snack from the kiosk. Read the Buggybuddys blog on Rockingham Aquatic Centre.
For year-round swimming, Aqua Jetty Leisure Centre is your go-to. It’s got a heated 50m outdoor pool, a heated 25m indoor pool, and a leisure pool with toddler beach entry and sprinklers — ideal when you’ve got mixed ages. There’s also a slide with set hours, plus extras like a café, crèche, outdoor play area, and BBQ facilities. It’s basically a “keep everyone happy under one roof” situation.
Read the Buggybuddys blog on Aqua Jetty Leisure Centre.
Things to do in Baldivis
Got older kids with big energy? Perth Aqua Park in Baldivis is an inflatable floating obstacle course with over 100 obstacles and it’s as fun as it sounds. Sessions run for 50 minutes, and you’ll want to arrive early for waivers and life vests. There’s a café onsite, shaded seating, lifeguards throughout, and obstacles like slides, climbing walls, and more. Read the Buggybuddys blog on Perth Aqua Park.
For a more chilled day, Golden Ponds is a fish and marron farm with lakes and gardens where families can try their luck fishing. No experience is needed, you can bring gear or hire rods. Choose to catch-and-release or pay per kilo if you want to take fish home for your dinner! There isn’t heaps of shade, so an umbrella and camp chairs are a good idea. The Pond’s Bistro with a playground found there too. Read the Buggybuddys blog on Golden Ponds.
If your family likes a challenge (and doesn’t mind getting filthy), XLR8 Obstacle Course is a purpose-built military-style obstacle course with mud, sprinklers, and all sorts of climbing fun. You do a warm-up, a practice run, then the “real” race begins — think rope climbs, cargo nets, monkey bars, and wire crawls. Wear old clothes and enclosed shoes you don’t love, pack loads of water, and prepare for that post-race pride. Read the Buggybuddys blog on XLR8 Obstacle Course.
If you’re after a slower, outdoorsy reset, the Baldivis Children’s Forest is a gorgeous option. Think nature-based play, wandering, exploring, and letting kids burn energy without overstimulation. It’s a community-led project that focuses on conservation and education, making it the kind of place that works for a “bring snacks and let them lead the way” kind of day. Read the Buggybuddys blog here.
Playgrounds in Rockingham and Baldivis
If your kids love a themed playground, Churchill Park Play Space is a beauty. It’s designed around a forest-to-sea concept with shipwreck-style equipment, balancing logs, tunnels, and climbing pieces that encourage proper adventurous play. The foreshore spot is cleverly shaded by mature trees and has toilets, BBQs, and picnic shelters nearby. Plus, you’re right by the foreshore cafés for a post-play treat. Read the Buggybuddys blog on Churchill Park Play Space.
Baldivis does adventure playgrounds really well, and Brightwood Adventure Park is the big-ticket spot. The standout is the colourful sphere climbing tower (13 metres high!) with two mega slides, one straight, one twisty. Add a dual flying fox, swings, nature play, and a scooter track and you’ve got hours sorted. There are picnic shelters and BBQ facilities, but toilet facilities have been a common “wish list” item, so plan accordingly.
Read the Buggybuddys blog on Brightwood Adventure Park.
The Rivergums Adventure Park is nature-based with a monster twist. The main feature is the monster nest climbing tower and a 6-metre tunnel slide, plus rope bridges, musical play, and a nest swing. There’s good shade thanks to existing trees and it’s pram-friendly, but there are no toilets, so pack what you need for a quick adventure. Read the Buggybuddys blog here.
If you’ve got a train-obsessed child, the Steam Train Adventure Playground in Baldivis is perfect for a morning playdate or an after-school energy burn. It features a large steam train structure for climbing and imaginative play, alongside a HUGE tube slide, flying fox and more traditional playground elements. Read the Buggybuddys blog here.
If you head a little out of town, Golden Bay is home to many fun playgrounds, the biggest being at Shipwreck Cove. The seaside playground and recreation space makes the most of its stunning foreshore location. Set along a grassy reserve, this coastal-themed park combines nature play, bike and scooter fun, and plenty of family-friendly facilities, making it an easy all‑day destination. Read the Buggybuddys blog here.
Whatever things to do in Rockingham you’re looking for – easy beach days, high-octane mud runs or a quiet stroll through a peaceful forest, this less-explored corner of Perth really does have it all.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
