With its sparkling foreshore, epic Playgrounds and endless ocean views, Scarborough is one of Perth’s most family‑friendly beachside spots. Kids can race between the giant whale Playground, skate park and rock climbing wall, cool off in the beachside pool or the surf, grab an ice cream, then finish the day with sunset markets or a family‑friendly meal. Whether you’re planning a full day out, an after‑school play, or a mini staycation, our kid‑friendly guide to Scarborough has everything you need to keep the whole family smiling.
Whale Playground Scarborough
The impressive Whale Playground is the ultimate anchor point for a family day at Scarborough. Overlooking the beach, the Noongar culture–inspired design features a huge blue whale skeleton, with rope nets to climb through its “ribs”, a log swing to rock on in the “belly”, sand play and plenty of nooks to explore. Thoughtful inclusive elements such as elevated wheelchair‑accessible sand tables and ramps between play spaces mean kids of all ages and abilities can join in the fun. Read the Buggybuddys review of Whale Playground Scarborough here.
Scarborough Skate Park (The Snake Pit)
Scarborough Skate Park – affectionately known as “The Snake Pit” – is a huge, modern space where kids can scoot, skate or BMX to their heart’s content. With a competition‑grade bowl, rails, ramps and jumps, there’s room for confident riders as well as learners on scooters. The adjacent climbing wall with padded flooring and nearby half‑court basketball area make it easy to keep active kids entertained for ages. Read the Buggybuddys review of Scarborough Skate Park here.
Scarborough Beach Pool
When the surf is a bit wild or you prefer a more controlled swim, Scarborough Beach Pool is a brilliant family option right on the foreshore. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it features a dedicated kids’ pool with a beach‑style gradual entry and fountains, plus a lap pool for more serious swimmers. The geo‑thermally heated water (around 27°C in the lap pool and 32°C in the kids’ pool) makes it comfy year‑round, and there are change rooms, shade and a café close by. Read the Buggybuddys review of Scarborough Beach Pool here.
https://www.scarboroughbeachpool.com.au
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach itself is the star attraction, with a wide, lifeguard‑patrolled stretch of sand perfect for splashing in the shallows, building sandcastles and playing beach games. Families will love the plentiful facilities along the revitalised foreshore, including showers, toilets, change rooms, free Wi‑Fi and grassy areas ideal for picnics and ball games. In summer, the amphitheatre comes alive with events and live entertainment, making it a great spot to linger for sunset.
The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
Scarborough Sunset Markets
On warm Thursday evenings from November through late April, Scarborough Sunset Markets turn the foreshore into a lively, family‑friendly festival. Food trucks dish up cuisines from around the world, while stalls sell gifts and goodies, and live music creates a fun holiday vibe. Families can grab dinner to enjoy on the grass or down by the sand, and kids can run off energy between bites. Read the Buggybuddys review of Scarborough Sunset Markets here.
https://www.scarboroughsunsetmarkets.com
Rendezvous Film Club, Scarborough
Rendezvous Film Club brings a touch of magic to family movie night, with its rooftop cinema perched high above Scarborough Beach on level 24 of Rendezvous Hotel. Cosy up in deck chairs as the sun sets over the ocean, then enjoy a family‑friendly film under the stars. Movie‑and‑accommodation packages are available, making this a fun option for a special occasion or school holiday treat.
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
https://www.rendezvoushotels.com/hotel/perth-scarborough
Eating out in Scarborough
Eating out in Scarborough is a breeze for families, with everything from casual fish and chips by the beach to colourful gelato bars and cafes. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between swims, treating the kids to an ice cream after the skate park, or sitting down for a relaxed meal with an ocean view, there are plenty of venues that welcome little ones with open arms (and kids’ menus). Here are some of our favourite family‑friendly spots to eat in Scarborough.
Zoie Café
Right beside Scarborough Beach Pool, Zoie Café is a relaxed, family‑friendly spot to refuel between swims. Parents can enjoy good coffee while kids tuck into cakes, snacks or a scoop of creamy gelato, all with a view over the pool and ocean beyond. With a casual vibe and reasonable prices compared to many beachfront venues, it’s an easy choice for families. Read the Buggybuddys review of Zoie Café here.
171 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
https://www.zoiecafe.com.au
Dumbo Gelato
No Scarborough adventure is complete without an ice cream stop, and Dumbo Gelato is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Just a short stroll from the Playground and skate park, this colourful gelato bar dishes up classic and quirky flavours that kids will love sampling. Grab a cone and wander down to the sand, or perch on a bench along the foreshore to soak up the beachy buzz. Read the Buggybuddys review of Dumbo Gelato here.
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
Betty’s Burgers, Scarborough
Betty’s Burgers brings its popular Queensland‑born burger concept to Scarborough, serving up juicy, crowd‑pleasing burgers with options for gluten‑free diners too. It’s a relaxed, modern spot that works well for families who want something tasty and quick before or after a beach play. Think classic burgers, crispy fries and shakes the kids will love. See the Buggybuddys review of Betty’s Burgers here.
188 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
https://bettys.com.au
Lark Cafe
A little back from the main strip, Lark Cafe on Brighton Road is a gem for families. As well as serving excellent coffee and a solid all‑day menu, it boasts a fully fenced nature Playground that keeps kids happily occupied while grown‑ups relax. The combination of tasty food, friendly service and a safe play space makes it perfect for catch‑ups with other families. Read the Buggybuddys review of Lark Cafe here.
Unit 4/49 Brighton Rd, Scarborough WA 6019
https://www.larkscarborough.com.au
The Lookout
Once an iconic 90s nightclub, The Lookout has been reborn as a beachside venue that also caters to families during the day. Parents can enjoy a meal or drink with coastal views while kids are entertained with pool tables, giant Connect 4, colouring‑in and even a mini bowling alley. Its casual atmosphere and varied menu make it a fun option for a weekend lunch or early dinner with the kids. Read the Buggybuddys review of The Lookout here.
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
https://www.thelocalpubgroup.com.au/venues/the-lookout
Staying in Scarborough – Rendezvous Hotel
If you’d like to turn your day trip into a staycation, Rendezvous Hotel is Scarborough’s best‑known family accommodation. The resort‑style pool with its cascading waterfall is a huge hit with kids, while parents will appreciate the ocean views, on‑site dining and easy access to the beach and foreshore attractions. Tennis courts and other facilities round out the offering, making it a convenient base for exploring Scarborough and beyond.
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
https://www.rendezvoushotels.com/hotel/perth-scarborough
Getting to Scarborough
Scarborough is easy to reach by car or public transport, though it can get busy on hot summer days. Around 1,400 free parking bays are dotted along the foreshore, with additional paid options in the Manning Street multistorey Wilson carpark (with two hours free) and underground at Rendezvous Hotel. Regular buses run to Scarborough, many connecting via Glendalough Train Station, making it simple for families to leave the car at home and enjoy a stress‑free beach outing.
From sunrise swims and Playground adventures to sunset markets and rooftop movies, Scarborough packs a huge amount of family fun into one easily walkable foreshore. With plenty of kid‑friendly cafes, ice cream stops, play spaces and places to stay, it’s the kind of destination where a quick visit can effortlessly turn into a full day – or even a weekend – by the sea. However you choose to enjoy it, Scarborough is sure to become a firm family favourite.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
