If you’re looking for something truly different to do with the kids, Flight Experience Perth in Northbridge is one for the bucket list. Instead of just watching planes take off at the airport, your young aviation fan can actually sit in the captain’s seat of a Boeing 737 simulator and “fly” the aircraft themselves – under the watchful eye of a real commercial pilot.
The simulator is a full-sized replica of a Boeing 737 cockpit, complete with all the buttons, switches and screens you’d expect to see on the real flight deck. Once you step inside and the visuals fire up, it feels incredibly realistic. You’ll see the runway out front, the city or coastline below you and moving weather outside the windows. It doesn’t go anywhere, of course, but the sense of movement and immersion is so convincing that parents prone to motion sickness might want to take it easy if they’ve got a particularly enthusiastic junior pilot at the controls!
Experiences are tailored especially for young flyers, so your child doesn’t need any previous knowledge to enjoy it. The instructors are brilliant at pitching things at the right level – whether your kid already knows every aircraft type by heart or has simply decided they’d like to “try flying a plane” these school holidays.
For kids aged around 10 to 12, the 20-minute Junior Jets 737 Experience is a fantastic introduction. There’s no long briefing; they head straight into the cockpit, get settled in the captain’s seat and are soon pushing the throttles forward for take-off. They’ll complete one circuit of their chosen airport – think a scenic loop around somewhere exciting or meaningful to your family – before lining up for landing. It’s short, punchy and perfect for kids who like action straight away. At the end, they receive a personalised flight certificate to take home and proudly show off.
Older kids and young teens, roughly 12 to 14 years old, might prefer the 30-minute Intro Level 737 Experience. This option includes a simple pre-flight briefing where the pilot walks them through the controls, basic procedures and what will happen once they’re in the air. Then it’s into the captain’s seat for a more in‑depth session involving two approaches and a landing, again at an airport of their choice. It’s still very much hands-on and fun, but with a bit more focus on how pilots actually fly a large jet liner. Budding aviators who love detail will be in heaven.
There’s room in the cockpit for two additional seats, so parents can sit in, watch all the action up close and grab plenty of photos and videos. If your child is a bit nervous, sitting right beside them can be reassuring, and the team can dial the difficulty up or down to suit. If they’re very small for their age, cushions are available to help them see and reach the controls more easily. The whole experience is designed to build confidence – many kids step out beaming, with a real sense of achievement at having “flown” a big jet.
Flight Experience Perth is also a great option for special occasions. It makes a memorable birthday or Christmas present for kids who are obsessed with all things aviation, and there are group options and event packages available – ideal for parties or school holiday mates’ outings. Because the sessions are one-on-one with an instructor and very popular during holidays, advance bookings are strongly recommended. If you’re unsure which experience is right for your child, the friendly Perth team are happy to chat and guide you.
Located in Northbridge, Flight Experience is easy to combine with a family day out in the city – think lunch, a Playground stop and then a “flight” to finish things off. With a unique mix of excitement, education and wow-factor, it’s a school holiday activity that kids will talk about long after they’ve landed.
Flight Experience Perth
Address: 355 Newcastle Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Opening hours: Check the website or contact Flight Experience Perth for current session times and availability
Website: https://perth.flightexperience.com
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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.
