Looking for a school holiday adventure that blends creativity, exploration and prehistoric fun? The Dinosaur Hunt Trail (14–27 April 2025) at the Perth Cultural Centre is a must-do for curious kids—and we were lucky enough to experience it on its very first day!
Start Your Dino Day at the Urban Orchard
If your little one is in their dinosaur era like my toddler Kai, you’ll want to begin your adventure at the Urban Orchard (open 9am–12pm until 17 April). With dino face painting ($5), lucky dips ($2), sand art, chalk drawing and a roaring photobooth, it’s an energetic and creative start to the trail.
Kai especially loved contributing to the collaborative chalk mural, drawing alongside other children and the costumed Dino Keepers who truly brought the magic to life with their in-character interactions.
The photobooth props—think feather boas, bunny ears and oversized sunnies—were a hilarious hit and the EFTPOS option made small purchases easy for parents. Don’t forget hats and sunscreen—all activities at the Urban Orchard are outdoors and not all areas are shaded.
Follow the Trail to Discover Five Sneaky Dinosaurs
Grab a Dinosaur Hunt Passport Map at any participating venue or download it online. There are five cheeky dinosaurs hiding around the precinct and spotting them is half the fun. We didn’t find them all on our first visit, so we’ll definitely be back! Hot tip: check the Perth Cultural Centre’s social media for all the hiding spots before you go.
WA Museum Boola Bardip: A Dino Lover’s Dream
Kai was utterly captivated at WA Museum Boola Bardip, where three daily shows of Erth’s Dinosaur Encounters feature lifelike puppets. Think a large, roaring roaming dinosaur out the front of the museum who happily interacts with the children—if they have the courage to come say hi! Kai loved giving the dinosaur a pat on its head as it lowered itself to the ground for him to reach.
There are also two dinosaur hatchling puppets wandering around the museum during the show times.
Inside, we also explored the Dinosaur Discovery Zone on Level 3—free with museum entry or membership.
Activities include:
- Dino tails to transform the kids into stomping, roaring dinosaurs
- Dinosaur figurines for imaginative play, which staff happily join in on—sharing fun facts about dinosaurs too
- Palaeontology pits to unearth fossils
- Lego and Duplo tables with visual instructions to create your own dinosaur—then place them in front of a prehistoric scene/backdrop
- Puzzles
Don’t forget to see the dinosaurs at the Wild Life exhibit and take advantage of the photo opportunity on Level 1, where your little one can sit inside a dinosaur egg!
Fuel Up with Prehistoric Treats
Dining options across the Perth Cultural Centre are themed and toddler-approved:
- Epoch Café: $18 Dino Meal—dino nuggets, chips, jelly and a Freddo Frog
- Ground + Co: Babyccino and surprise dino egg chocolate
- Picabar: $12 Dino Bites and free colouring-in sheets
Whether you pack lunch or treat yourself, there’s something for every little explorer’s appetite.
Extra Highlights and Parent Tips
- State Library of WA: Explore the exhibition On the Way to Nana’s
- Perth Institute of Contempory Arts (PICA) & The Art Gallery of WA (AGWA): Drop-in creative workshops
- Alex Hotel: A quiet space to recharge with colouring sheets and beautiful Indigenous art
- State Theatre Centre: Don’t miss The 91-Storey Treehouse or Room on the Broom stage productions
Final Thoughts from a Dino Mum
We barely scratched the surface on Day One—Kai had the time of his life but was completely worn out from all the excitement. A pram is highly recommended for toddlers, public transport makes access easy and there is ample paid parking (we parked at the State Library Carpark).
Whether you’re spending a full day or planning multiple visits, this trail is packed with rich, hands-on fun. With a mix of free and paid experiences, it’s a great fit for all budgets—and it’s not just for little ones. Older siblings, parents and grandparents will find something to love too.
We’ll definitely be back—after all, we still have dinosaurs to find!
What You Need to Know
Dinosaur Hunt Trail – Perth Cultural Centre
Dates: 14–27 April 2025
Cost: Free and low-cost activities
Urban Orchard Hours: 9 am–12 pm until 17 April
Location: Various venues across the precinct
What to bring: Hats, sunscreen, water bottle, pram
Plan your visit and download your trail map via the Perth Cultural Centre’s website
Find more things to do this school holidays
- About the Author
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Adriana Turk is a Melbourne-born mum raising her adventurous two-year-old in Perth, her new home. A teacher with a passion for play-based learning, Adriana shares her journey through Perth Toddler Adventures, an Instagram account dedicated to budget-friendly outings, natural playgrounds, and hands-on activities for little ones. With a focus on creating magical everyday moments and connecting with Perth parents, Adriana blends her teaching expertise and love for adventure to inspire families to embrace learning through play and discovery.
