If your kids love a little magic mixed in with their bushwalks, the fairy doors at Whiteman Park’s Children’s Forest are well worth seeking out. This lovely fenced forest is tucked between Whiteman Park Village and Mussel Pool, and it turns a simple nature walk into a mini adventure. Its good free fun!
The Children’s Forest has been designed especially for kids to explore, learn and get a little grubby in nature. Native plants have been grown here in stages over many years, creating a beautiful patch of bushland filled with winding paths, bridges, stepping stones and lots of surprises hiding amongst the trees.
The fairy door trail is one of the highlights. Pick up a free activity sheet from the Visitor Information Centre in the Village, then set off on a hunt for tiny doors tucked into tree trunks and around the forest.
There’s more to spot than just fairy doors too. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful bird sculptures, giant bees, native animal artworks and the whimsical forest guardians, the Boy of the Bush and his sister Fern. Kids can duck into bush huts, cross little bridges and discover a life-sized wedge-tailed eagle nest made from steel. There are musical instruments to bash out a tune on, a working sundial and even a Forest Fort play space.
The forest activity sheets make the outing extra fun. There are bird, fauna, flower and Eye Spy sheets, as well as the “50 Things to Do in the Children’s Forest” checklist. It’s a nature treasure hunt, without any need for screens, spending money or a huge amount of planning. The paths are mostly flat gravel and suitable for a gentle wander, though proper shoes are a good idea. The forest is fenced, making it feel more contained for little explorers, but it still has that wonderfully wild bushland feel.
After your fairy-door hunt, you can easily make a day of it at Whiteman Park. The Children’s Forest is only a short walk from the Village, where you’ll find playgrounds, museums, picnic spots, trams, trains and plenty more family fun.
Entry to the Children’s Forest is free and it’s open daily from 8.30am to 6pm, though it closes on days with Total Fire Bans or severe fire danger restrictions. In summer, be sure to check conditions before setting off. Pack your bottles of water, don your fairy wings and let the fairy spotting begin!
Whiteman Park, Lord Street, Whiteman.
Discover more things to do at Whiteman Park here.
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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, as well as lots of WA travel, and fun family activities with the kiddos in tow. Part of a blended family of 6, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly recs. Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
