Entertaining the kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune! We’ve rounded up 100 fantastic FREE things to do with children around Perth and surrounds. From splashing at beach playgrounds and exploring interactive museums, to discovering hidden nature trails and joining community events, there’s something here for every family. Our comprehensive guide covers indoor and outdoor activities across Perth’s metro area, perfect for those rainy days, school holidays, or when you just need to get the kids out of the house without spending a cent. Pack a picnic, grab the sunscreen, and get ready to explore the best free family-friendly activities our beautiful city has to offer – your kids will love these budget-friendly adventures!
100 Free Things to do with Kids in Perth
1.
Uncover the rich history of fire and emergency services at the DFES Education and Heritage Centre, offering interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a fascinating insight into Western Australia’s emergency response efforts.
Location: Perth
2.
Cool off at Maylands Waterland, featuring interactive splash pads inspired by local flora and fauna. Kids will love the giant frog waterfall, tipping bucket, water sprayers and bubbling fountains.
Location: 32 Clarkson Road, Maylands
3.
Explore the Rio Tinto Naturescape in Kings Park, an award-winning nature-based playspace that offers children the opportunity to connect with the natural environment through imaginative play and hands-on activities
Location: Kings Park Perth
4.
Discover the amazing Riverlinks All Abilities Playground in Clarkson, featuring zones for all ages and abilities. Kids will love the pirate-themed boat playground, flying foxes, water play area, and extensive bike track complete with road safety features.
Location: Riverlinks Drive, Somerly, Clarkson
5.
Explore the fascinating Omeo Shipwreck Dive Trail at Coogee Beach, where history meets marine life just 25m from shore. Snorkel or swim around the historic shipwreck and discover over 55 underwater art installations, including statues, cannons, and marine-themed sculptures.
Location: Socrates Parade, North Coogee Beach
6. 
Embark on a giant-sized treasure hunt at the Giants of Mandurah, where six colossal recycled wooden sculptures created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo await discovery in secret locations throughout the region.
Location: Various locations throughout Mandurah (starting point: Mandurah Visitor Centre)
Location: Mandurah
7.
Explore world-class art exhibitions across two floors at the Art Gallery of WA, featuring interactive spaces for kids in Gallery 09, stunning rooftop sculptures, and ever-changing displays by international and local artists. Perfect for introducing little ones to the creative world of art in an engaging, family-friendly environment.
Location: Perth Cultural Centre
8.
Go wild at Jungle Park!
Location: Whiteman Edge
9.
Explore the historic Fremantle Markets, a vibrant 120-year-old marketplace filled with artisan stalls, live entertainment, and global street food. Watch buskers perform, browse unique local crafts, and enjoy weekend children’s activities like face painting and animal farms in this bustling indoor market.
Location: South Terrace, Fremantle
10.
Discover the fascinating world of science at the Telethon Kids Discovery Centre, featuring 13 interactive games and exhibits where children can explore human anatomy through ultrasound and x-rays, examine specimens under microscopes, and learn about health research through fun, hands-on activities.
Location: Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands
11.
Burn off some energy at Aviary Creek Park
Location: Aveley
12.
Join the Fun at Little Things Garden Club! A delightful community garden program offering nature play, music, and gardening activities for families.
Location: Balga Salvation Army
Cost: Gold coin donation + piece of fruit for morning tea
13.
Go plane spotting at Perth Airport. There is a large car park with free parking available, and the pathway up to the shaded viewing platform is both pram and wheelchair accessible. Download a free plane tracker app to see when planes are due to land or take off.
Location: Perth Airport
14.
Visit The Bird, Fish and Reptile Place to discover an array of garden statues including dinosaurs, gorillas, and native animals, plus live birds, tropical fish, and reptiles. Kids will love posing with the huge T-Rex, sitting in the giant gorilla’s hand, and watching the black cockatoos and parrots.
Location: Corner Welshpool and Lewis Roads, Wattle Grove
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
15.
Discover the exciting Kingsway Regional Playground, featuring a dinosaur-themed water playground and three distinct play areas. Kids can climb the giant ‘Ozraptor’ dinosaur, dig for bones in the sandpit, and cool off in the shaded splash pad with water jets and sprays. The park includes traditional playground equipment, nature play elements, exercise stations, and accessible features like braille signage.
Location: Spectator Drive, Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex
16.
Explore local history at the Wanneroo Regional Museum, featuring interactive displays and activities that showcase the region’s heritage. The modern museum offers both on-site activities and take-home options for families.
Location: 25 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm
17.
Embark on a magical adventure along the Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail, where over 20 whimsically decorated fairy doors are hidden throughout the town and Stirk Park. Each tiny door is uniquely designed to match its location – from book-themed doors at the library to cork-decorated doors at the hotel. Pick up a free trail map from the Visitor Centre or The Clip Joint to guide your fairy-hunting expedition.
Location: Throughout Kalamunda town centre and Stirk Park
18.
Visit the Whale Playground
Location: Scarborough Beach
Suitable for: All ages
19.
Explore the Children’s Forest at Whiteman Park, an educational nature space designed to teach kids about revegetation and Australia’s environment. Pick up a “50 things to do in the Children’s Forest” checklist from the Visitor Centre and discover hidden treasures including huts, bridges, stepping stones, and native animals throughout the kangaroo-proof fenced area.
Location: Between the Village and Mussel Pool, Whiteman Park
20.
Visit Rainbow Waters Playground, an award-winning water park in Ellenbrook featuring 15 interactive water features including fountains, bubble jets, and spray guns. The shaded splash pad area includes picnic shelters, BBQs, and modern toilet facilities. Located next to a large field perfect for ball games and near a BMX track.
Location: Library Avenue, Ellenbrook
21.
Cool off at Kwillena Gabi Pool, a unique circular swimming area created by floating pontoons in Mandurah’s stunning estuary. This family-friendly natural pool features a shallow beach entry perfect for toddlers and deeper sections for confident swimmers. Watch for dolphins and local wildlife that occasionally visit these waters, and enjoy the magical light display that illuminates the pool at night.
Location: Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah
22.
Rhyme Time at your local library is fun and free. Hosted by library staff, it is full of songs and stories to keep young children amused.
Location: Across Perth
23.
Get hands-on at Bunnings’ free Kids DIY Workshops, where children can learn woodworking, gardening, painting and recycled art projects. Each week features different themed activities, from building toolboxes to creating mosaic art. Many stores also include indoor playgrounds and cafes, making it a fun family outing.
Location: Multiple Bunnings stores across WA
24.
Stroll across Perth’s stunning Boorloo Bridge, where spectacular LED light shows illuminate the evening sky and panoramic river views create perfect photo opportunities. This wide pedestrian bridge offers a magical experience connecting the CBD to Victoria Park, with a chance to spot kangaroos on Heirisson Island.
Location: Perth CBD
Suitable for: All ages
25.
Explore The Cubby at Karrinyup Shopping Centre. Kids can enjoy a 16-meter-long play structure with slides, climbing walls, and rope courses, plus in-ground trampolines, sand play areas with mud kitchens, and a water play zone.
Location: West Deck, Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 200 Karrinyup Rd
26.
Explore maritime history at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, housed in Fremantle’s historic Commissariat buildings. Learn about Western Australia’s treacherous coastline, early European encounters, and fascinating shipwreck stories through internationally recognized exhibits and artefacts.
Location: Cliff Street, Fremantle
27.
Discover Lake Leschenaultia, a peaceful man-made lake in Chidlow, just 50 minutes from Perth. This family-friendly destination offers sandy beaches perfect for paddling, swimming, and water activities.
Location: 6082 Rosedale Rd, Chidlow
28.
Visit the Esplanade Youth Plaza, a modern recreational space in the heart of Fremantle. This$1.6 million facility offers world-class skating facilities and activities for all ages.
Location: Marine Terrace, Fremantle
29.
Climb the DNA Tower in Kings Park for spectacular panoramic views of Perth. This unique spiral staircase is modelled after DNA’s double helix structure and offers one of the best vantage points in the park.
Location: Forrest Drive, Kings Park (near Pioneer Women’s Memorial Lake)
30.
Visit the Riverton Library Makerspace Studio for free access to modern technology and creative activities for families.
Location: 67 Riley Road, Riverton
31.
Explore Perth’s unique collection of oversized and quirky attractions perfect for family photos and fun outings.
32.
Cool off at the Hyde Park Water Playground, a recently upgraded splash pad perfect for family fun during warm weather.
Location: Vincent Street, Perth
33.
Visit one of Perth’s free bike skills courses, perfect for young riders learning road safety.
Location: Across Perth
34.
Join Froggy’s Fun on the Green, a free outdoor play session for families with children aged 0-5 years. Activities run during school terms at two locations: Manning Park (Mondays) and Meller Park (Tuesdays), offering fun activities and a chance for parents and carers to connect.
Location: Manning Park, Hamilton Hill (Mondays) and Meller Park, Bibra Lake (Tuesdays)
Time: 9-11am during school terms
35.
Take a break from shopping at Mandurah Forum’s beach-themed playground. The fully enclosed play space features an impressive 8-meter high cray pot climbing structure with slides, plus a separate area for younger children with interactive games and imaginative play elements.
Location: Mandurah Forum, 330 Pinjarra Rd, Mandurah
36.
Have fun at Pia’s Place Playground
Location: Whiteman Park
Suitable for all ages
37.
Does your child love building with LEGO? Why not head along to your local library’s LEGO Club? These usually run in after school hours so both big and little kids can join in the fun.
Location: Across Perth
38.
Visit the Henley Brook Community Orchard, a free community green space that celebrates local culture and provides a peaceful spot for families.
Location: Corner of Brooklands Drive and Wongin Road, Henley Brook
39.
Immerse your family in Western Australia’s literary heritage at the State Library of Western Australia, a multi-story treasure trove of books, interactive exhibits, and cultural collections in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre.
Location: 25 Francis Street, Perth Cultural Centre
40.
Discover the historic Mundaring Weir, a picturesque dam in the Perth Hills offering family-friendly walks, picnic spots, and fascinating engineering heritage dating back to 1903.
Location: 39km east of Perth, between Mundaring and Kalamunda
41.
Discover Baldivis Children’s Forest, a 49-acre natural wonderland where kids can explore seven easy walking trails through pristine Tuart woodlands, build cubbies, and connect with nature through child-led adventures.
Location: 1399 Mandurah Road, Baldivis
42.
Step back in time at Mount Flora Museum, housed in a unique circular water tank building in Watermans Bay. This fascinating museum showcases local history through vintage household items, wartime memorabilia, and historical photographs. Kids can explore the interactive children’s corner with old typewriters and telephones, plus enjoy the outdoor playground and spectacular coastal views from the rooftop observation deck.
Location: Elvire Street, Watermans Bay
Opening Hours: Wednesdays 1pm-4pm (or by appointment)
43.
Discover Village Beach, a hidden gem in Wannanup offering a peaceful alternative to Mandurah’s busy waterfront spots, where families can enjoy calm canal waters and excellent facilities just 15 minutes from Mandurah.
Location: Wannanup (15 minutes from Mandurah)
44.
Watch planes take off and land at Jandakot Airport, one of Australia’s busiest training airfields. Visit the viewing platform at Robert J Cross Park, which offers picnic tables, grassed areas and toilets, or enjoy plane spotting from The Apron Café overlooking the runway.
Location: Eagle Drive, Jandakot
45.
Explore May Drive Parklands (formerly Synergy Parklands), Australia’s first environmental playground located in Kings Park. This dinosaur-themed playground offers an exciting adventure for families.
Location: May Drive, Kings Park
46.
Cool off at the BHP Billiton Water Park, an interactive water playground in the heart of Elizabeth Quay.
Location: Elizabeth Quay (opposite Elizabeth Quay train station)
47.
Enjoy a riverside day out at Matilda Bay Reserve. This century-old picnic spot offers a perfect blend of riverside relaxation and family fun. Nestled along the Swan River, the reserve features a small beach where kids can splash and play, while parents enjoy stunning city views under shady trees.
Location: Hackett Drive, Crawley
48.
Discover Perry’s Paddock, a historic site within Yellagonga Regional Park offering family-friendly outdoor activities and walking trails.
Location: 1198 Ocean Reef Rd, Woodvale
49.
Explore the modern Mills Park Library, a vibrant community hub offering free educational programs and activities for children of all ages, complemented by an array of nearby recreational facilities.
Location: 86 Brixton St, Beckenham
50.
Explore Western Australia’s first LEGO Store at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, featuring unique Perth-themed displays and interactive building experiences for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
Location: Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 200 Karrinyup Road, Karrinyup
51.
Check out Perth City’s best play space, Wellington Square Playground.
Location: East Perth
52.
Explore the tranquil Churchman Brook Dam, a historic water reservoir in the Perth Hills offering a perfect setting for family outdoor adventures.
Location: Near Armadale, Perth Hills
53.
Watch vintage tractors parade through Whiteman Park during the monthly Tractor Parade. See restored tractors from the Tractor Museum of WA chug their way from the Village Mall to Revolutions Transport Museum.
Location: Whiteman Park
When: Second Sunday of every month at 1pm
54.
Buster is a free play program for children aged 0-5 years and their parents/carers, offering educational activities and toys designed to develop various skills including motor skills, social development, and language development. Sessions run during school terms at two locations:
Location: Fremantle Arts Centre (Wednesdays) and Fremantle PCYC (Fridays)
Time: 9:30-11:30am
55.
Discover the thrill of Perth’s free pump tracks, where riders of all ages can develop their skills on specially designed circuits featuring rollers, berms, and jumps for bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
Location: Multiple locations across Perth
56.
Splash into summer fun at the Whiteman Park Water Playground, a free aquatic play space perfect for families seeking relief from Perth’s warm weather.
Location: Whiteman Park (Car Park 7), Lord Street
57.
Discover Swan Valley Station, a charming family destination combining a garden centre, café, and children’s playground with farm animals and an enchanting sculpture trail.
Location: 60 Forest Road, Henley Brook
58.
Burn off some energy at Giant Playground
Location: Bushmead
59.
Explore the modern Fremantle Library, a vibrant community hub located in the Walyalup Civic Centre offering free membership and diverse activities for all ages.
Location: 151 High Street, Fremantle
60.
Burn off some energy at Wongin tree-house themed playground
Location: Henley Brook
61.
Check out Luminous Park with its huge climbing tower!
Location: Bennett Springs
Suitable for: All ages
62.
Spend some time at Piney Lakes Reserve
Location: Winthrop
Suitable for: All ages
63.
Uncover the natural beauty of Yanchep Lagoon, a pristine beach oasis where a 400-meter protective reef creates a stunning turquoise swimming haven perfect for families.
Location: Yanchep
64.
Explore the Rocky Pool Walk Trail, a scenic hiking destination in Kalamunda National Park, perfect for families with older children
Location: End of Schipp Road, Piesse Brook (near Kalamunda)
65.
Step back in time at historic Buckingham House, built in the 1880s and home to the Buckingham family and their seven children. During special family events, kids can experience life in the colonial era through hands-on activities like butter churning, damper making on the wood stove, and “milking” a cow in the farming shed. The adjacent 1898 Wanneroo School House offers fascinating comparisons to modern classrooms.
Location: Neville Drive, Wanneroo
66.
Explore the historic No.227 RAAF Radar Bunkers, a fascinating piece of WWII history transformed into a street art destination near Yanchep.
Location: 2.5km north of Yanchep Beach Road-Wanneroo Road intersection (east side of Indian Ocean Drive)
67.
Check out Roebuck Park in Eglinton, which offers a shipwreck-themed playground that provides a charming outdoor escape for families seeking adventure.
Location: Eglinton
Suitable for: All ages
68.
Discover the scenic Whistlepipe Gully Walk Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike in Perth’s Mundy Regional Park.
Location: Lewis Road, Forrestfield (recommended parking area)
69.
Spend the day at Kwinana Adventure Playground
Location: Calista
Suitable for: All ages
70.
Join Mimi and Sarah for Sunday Story Time at Paper Bird. Story Time is on every Sunday morning at 9:30am. Read some favourite stories together in the courtyard.
Location: Fremantle
71.
Turn Trash into Treasure with Containers for Change! Kids can become eco-warriors and mini entrepreneurs by collecting recyclable containers across Perth.
Location: Multiple locations across Perth
FREE + EARN POCKET MONEY
72.
Take a trip to Bathers Park for a fun day out with the family. The park features a playground, grassy areas for picnics, and stunning ocean views.
Location: Alkimos
73.
Discover a Hidden Island Adventure at Kuljak Island! Kids will love exploring this secret spot right in the heart of Perth, where nature meets fun.
Location: Tidewater Way, Ascot
74.
Enjoy being a pirate for the day at Shipwreck Cove Playground
Location: Golden Bay
Suitable for: All ages
75.
Discover Western Australia’s industrial heritage at the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum in Armadale. This interactive museum features fascinating historical machinery including a large windmill, horse and buggy, and an 1876 band saw. Kids can explore drawers full of historical treasures and try out vintage equipment like old telephones and typewriters.
Location: Next to Armadale Visitor Centre
76.
Visit Rockingham Foreshore, a family-friendly beach destination perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Location: Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham
77.
Climb the Tree of Life at Explorer Park
Location: Sienna Wood
Suitable for: All ages
78.
Go on a Magical Photo Hunt along the Mandurah 3D Art Trail! Kids will love discovering larger-than-life artworks that seem to pop right off the walls.
Location: Mandurah Foreshore and Dolphin Quay
79.
LEGO fans would love a trip to Colour Block Park
Location: Golden Bay
Suitable for: All ages
80.
Step Back in Time at The Round House – WA’s Oldest Building! Kids can explore this fascinating piece of history perched high above Fremantle.
Location: Captains Lane, Fremantle (west end of High Street)
81.
Take a Family Adventure Along the Coode Street Jetty Walk! Kids will love this easy riverside stroll with plenty to see and do along the way.
Location: Coode Street, South Perth
82.
Aviation fans will love hanging out at Drimmie Park. The main feature of the playground is a bright red replica of a World War II Catalina Seaplane.
Location: Clarkson
Suitable for all ages
83.
Discover Fremantle’s Fascinating Past on the Heritage Walk Trail! Young history detectives will love exploring stories of early Western Australia at the historic Fremantle Cemetery.
Location: Carrington Street, Palmyra
84.
Explore WA’s Transport History at Revolutions Transport Museum! A fascinating journey through time showcasing Western Australia’s transport evolution.
Location: Whiteman Park (next to Car Park 1)
85.
Hang out at Vale Adventure Playground
Location: Aveley
Suitable for: All ages
86.
Step back in time at Cockman House, a historic 1860s homestead offering an interactive glimpse into early colonial life in Perth.
Location: Ancestor Retreat, Woodvale Drive, Wanneroo
Opening Hours: Sundays during autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November), 1:30pm-4:00pm
87.
Play in the Park Mobile Playgroup (Vera the Van) is a free mobile playgroup service operating at different locations throughout the City of Armadale during school terms:
Locations and times:
Tuesdays: Karda Hills Room, Rushton Park, Kelmscott (9:45-11:30am)
Wednesdays: Memorial Park, Armadale (9:30-11:30am)
Thursdays: Byford Briggs Park Pavilion (9:45-11:45am)
88.
Step Back in Time at Historic Sampson House! Experience life in 1888 Fremantle at this beautifully preserved family home.
Location: 61 Ellen Street, Fremantle
89.
Spend the day at Bibra Lake Regional Playground
Location: Bibra Lake
Suitable for: All ages
90.
Discover “It’s All About the Past” at Wanneroo Cultural Centre! A free, interactive program perfect for young history explorers.
Location: 3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo
91.
Race around the tracks at Pegasus Park
Location: Bennett Springs
Suitable for: All ages
92.
Grab the Scooters and head to Heath Park
Location: Eglinton
Suitable for: All ages
93.
Race around the tracks at Lions Park
Location: Armadale
Suitable for: All ages
94.
Discover Heirisson Island – Perth’s Hidden Wildlife Haven! A unique island sanctuary under the Causeway Bridge where city meets nature.
Location: Under the Causeway Bridge, Perth
95.
Experience the Historic Zig Zag Scenic Drive in Kalamunda! A unique winding road offering spectacular views of Perth.
Location: Starts at Lascelles Parade, Gooseberry Hill
96.
Step back in time at the Azelia Ley Homestead Museum, a beautifully preserved 1920s home showcasing local history through ten themed rooms. Explore historical displays including vintage furniture, clothing, and photographs from early Cockburn settlers. Highlights include Azelia’s wedding dress, pioneer artefacts, and rooms set up as they would have been in the 1920s, complete with period furnishings and children’s toys.
Location: Manning Park, Hamilton Hill
Open: Sundays 1:30pm – 4:30pm
97.
Explore the Glen Iris Estate Playground in Jandakot! A nature-themed playground perfect for family fun.
Location: Dean Road, Jandakot (former Glen Iris golf course site)
98.
Go on a bike ride! Perth has a great network of cycle paths, making for loads of kid-friendly spots for a family bike ride!
Location: Across Perth
Suitable for: All ages
99.
Check out the 8m Tower Slide at Catalina Beach Park.
Location: Mindarie
Suitable for: All ages
100.
Discover Shelley Beach Playground! A riverside playground perfect for all ages with multiple play zones and facilities.
Location: Shelley Beach, City of Canning
Perth truly shines as a family-friendly city where making memories doesn’t need to cost a thing. From the stunning coastline to bustling cultural precincts, our city offers endless opportunities for free family adventures all year round. Whether you’re watching the sunset at Cottesloe Beach, discovering local history at our museums, or letting the kids run wild at one of our many amazing playgrounds, these budget-friendly activities prove that the best things in life really are free. Remember to check the Buggybuddys events calendar regularly, as new free activities and events pop up throughout the year. Have we missed your favourite free spot? Drop us a comment below – we’d love to hear about your family’s favourite cost-free adventures in Perth!
Want more family-friendly inspiration? Don’t forget to follow Buggybuddys on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates on what’s happening around Perth for families.
- About the Author
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
