You don’t have to drive far from home to enjoy a full day of adventure with the kids. Perth is packed with family-friendly destinations where you can swim, explore nature, discover history, and enjoy great food. Here’s a guide to some of the best kid-friendly day trips in and around Perth.
Day Trips North of the River
Hillarys Boat Harbour is a classic full-day destination for families. Kids can splash in the calm, sheltered harbour beach, which is ideal for toddlers and younger swimmers, while older children will love jumping and sliding off the pontoon in warmer months. Along the boardwalk you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants and ice-creameries, so snacks, coffee and meals are all covered. A highlight is a visit to AQWA, where children can walk through underwater tunnels, watch sharks and rays glide overhead, and learn more about Western Australia’s marine life. See our guide to Hillarys Boat Harbour
Scarborough has evolved into a brilliant all-round family beach day. The wide stretch of sand is perfect for sandcastle building and beach games, and the redeveloped foreshore offers shady lawns, BBQ facilities and plenty of space for picnics. Families can cool off in the ocean or head to the oceanside pool, which provides a more sheltered swimming option. The younger crowd will love the Whale Mega Playground, with its impressive climbing and water-play elements, while tweens and teens can hit the skate park or take scooters along the long coastal paths. With a big choice of eateries across the foreshore, including The Lookout, which even features a bowling alley, it’s easy to extend a visit from breakfast through to dinner. See our kid-friendly guide to Scarborough.
Yanchep National Park is a brilliant family day out if you’re craving fresh air and wildlife without a long drive. Just 40 minutes from Perth, the park is packed with things to do – from exploring Crystal Cave on a guided tour and tackling the high ropes and ziplines at Treetops Adventure, to wandering easy bush trails past wetlands, tuart forest and limestone formations. Kids will love spotting koalas along the dedicated boardwalk and watching kangaroos grazing on the open lawns, while bird lovers can keep an eye out for swans, pelicans and colourful parrots around Loch McNess. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake or fire up one of the free BBQs, or treat yourselves to handmade chocolates and light bites at Chocolate Drops Tearooms. For a pub lunch with a view, the historic Yanchep Inn overlooks the water and gardens, and if one day isn’t enough, you can book a campsite at Henry White Oval and wake up in the heart of the park. Read our kid friendly guide to Yanchep National Park.
Day Trips East and in the Perth Hills
Kalamunda and the Bickley Valley make a fantastic hills escape without travelling too far. Start the day in the Kalamunda town centre at a cosy café for breakfast or brunch, and if you’re there on a Sunday, wander through the popular farmers markets for fresh produce and treats. Families can then explore the Kalamunda History Village, where kids get a real feel for early life in the Perth Hills as they wander through old buildings, railway displays and hands-on exhibits. If your family enjoys the outdoors, a short walk at Lesmurdie Falls rewards you with stunning views over the city. From Kalamunda it’s an easy drive into the Bickley Valley, where winding roads lead past wineries, orchards and cideries. Many venues here are family friendly, with lawns, play areas and relaxed dining – places like Mistelle and Core Cider House are particularly popular. You can round out the day with a game of mini golf at Masonmill and a scenic drive down the Zig Zag, which is especially beautiful in the late afternoon. Read our kid friendly guide to Kalamunda.
The Swan Valley remains one of Perth’s best-loved family day trip regions, thanks to its mix of food, attractions and open space. A great way to start is with breakfast or morning tea at a kid-friendly café such as Maison Saint Honore, where crepes and pastries are on the menu and there’s room for children to roam and play. Many venues in the valley now feature substantial Playgrounds and lawns, so grown-ups can enjoy a coffee or wine tasting while the kids are entertained. Families can take on a round of Supa Golf or mini golf, visit local animal and farm attractions, or sample chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. On weekends, the Swan Settlers Market adds even more options, with food stalls, local products and casual eats. To make the most of your visit, consider starting at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford and picking up one of the themed family trails, like the Sweet Temptations or Fresh Produce trails, which link together kid-friendly stops and experiences. Read our kid-friendly guide to the Swan Valley.
Mundaring offers a lovely mix of nature and history in the hills. A good first stop is Sculpture Park, where children can burn energy on a large Playground featuring nature play elements, climbing structures and open space. Just a short walk away, you’ll find family-friendly cafes such as Café Mojo, which offers a relaxed garden setting and outdoor areas for kids. From there it’s a scenic drive to Mundaring Weir, where families can stroll along the dam wall, spot local birdlife and take in the impressive engineering and bush surrounds. The CY O’Connor Hub Playground near the weir provides another chance for kids to climb and play, and it’s easy to combine this with a picnic. Many families choose to end the day at the historic Mundaring Weir Hotel, which offers hearty meals, a casual beer garden atmosphere and a kids’ Playground. On certain days, there are often live music or special events, making it feel like a mini getaway. Read our kid-friendly guide to Mundaring.
John Forrest National Park is perfect for families who love a classic Australian bush experience. As Western Australia’s first national park, it’s rich with walking trails, picnic spots and opportunities to see kangaroos and birdlife. Families can choose from shorter, child-friendly walks to longer hikes more suited to older kids and teens. One of the most popular options for bigger kids is the Swan View Tunnel walk, a roughly 5km return adventure that takes you along an old railway formation to a historic tunnel. Pack a picnic or use the BBQ facilities, and let the children explore the rocky outcrops and creeks under your supervision. Entry is by a standard national park vehicle fee, and it’s worth planning a full half or full day to enjoy it properly. Read our kid friendly guide to John Forrest National Park.
Lake Leschenaultia is another wonderful, outdoorsy day trip for families. The man-made lake has sandy beach areas and calm, shallow water that is ideal for young children to paddle in under close supervision. Older kids can enjoy swimming out to pontoons when available or exploring the shoreline. The lake is surrounded by bushwalk tracks ranging from short strolls to longer circuits, making it easy to choose a walk that suits your family’s age and energy levels. The area is popular for picnics, with plenty of shaded spots and BBQs, and there is a café on site for drinks and simple meals. A small Playground gives children an extra activity option if they tire of the water. Read our kid-friendly guide to Lake Leschenaultia.
Roleystone and the surrounding hills offer a beautiful, leafy escape, especially during the cooler months and seasonal change. Araluen Botanic Park is a major drawcard, with expansive gardens, streams, bridges and lawns – it’s delightful for kids to explore and run around, and there is plenty of shade in summer. In autumn and spring, nearby Raeburn Orchards becomes a photographer’s and family favourite, with colourful foliage or blossoms that create a magical backdrop for walks and family photos. Roleystone also has several kid-friendly dining options. Venues like Roleys on the Ridge are popular for family dinners with a view, while Naked Apple Cider House offers a large outdoor space, nature-style Playground and kids’ menu, making it easy to linger for a long lunch while the children play. Read our kid-friendly guide to Roleystone.
The Avon Valley is perfect for a relaxed family road trip, with the historic towns of York, Northam and Toodyay all offering something different for kids. In York, families can stock up on picnic goodies at local producers, play on the brilliant adventure Playground at Pioneer Avon Park, and explore the main street’s old-fashioned lolly shop, ice creamery and the impressive York Motor Museum. Northam is home to the famous Avon Descent start line, a photogenic suspension bridge and the excellent Bilya Koort Boodja Cultural Centre, where children can learn about Noongar culture through hands-on, interactive displays. Toodyay’s charming Stirling Terrace is packed with quirky shops, including the magical Christmas 360 store, and little train lovers will adore riding the Toodyay Miniature Railway on operating Sundays. With welcoming country bakeries, classic pubs, farm stays, caravan parks and even glamping and tiny cabins to choose from, the Avon Valley makes it easy to turn a simple drive into a memorable family adventure. Read the kid-friendly guide to the Avon Valley.
Day Trips South of the River
Fremantle (Freo) remains one of Perth’s most vibrant family day trip destinations. Families can dive into history at the WA Maritime Museum or take an older-kids tour of Fremantle Prison, learning stories of convicts, escape attempts and life behind bars. The Fremantle Markets are a must-visit on market days, packed with fresh produce, international foods and unique gifts, and there is always something to see or taste that appeals to kids. Outside, the Esplanade Reserve offers the Fremantle Youth Precinct, where children and teens can scooter, skate and play, as well as a large Playground shaded by mature trees. Food-wise, Fremantle is exceptionally family-friendly, with many casual eateries, fish and chip shops at the Fishing Boat Harbour, and venues like Little Creatures offering relaxed dining, a buzzing atmosphere and space for prams and kids. You can easily stroll between attractions, making it a great option if you’d prefer to park the car and explore on foot. Read our kid-friendly guide to Fremantle.
Mandurah is a fantastic family day trip or short-break spot, with a relaxed holiday vibe that feels miles from Perth even though it’s only about an hour away. Kids will love spotting dolphins in the estuary or joining a dolphin cruise to see them up close, and there are plenty of calm swimming beaches, foreshore Playgrounds and grassy picnic areas along the waterfront. The wide pathways are perfect for scooters and bikes, and you can break up your wander with ice creams or fish and chips from one of the many cafes and eateries overlooking the water. Families can hire boats, pedalos or kayaks to explore the canals, where you’ll often see impressive waterfront homes and Christmas lights in season, or head slightly out of town to attractions like Amaze Miniature Park and local adventure Playgrounds. With its mix of nature, water fun and easy dining, Mandurah makes it simple to fill a whole day at kid pace.
Rockingham is a fantastic coastal day trip option with a laid-back holiday feel. The Rockingham foreshore has been steadily upgraded, with wide paths, grassy lawns, shaded areas and numerous Playgrounds. The Pirate Playground in particular is a big hit with kids, featuring imaginative play equipment and plenty of room to run. Families can make use of the BBQ facilities for a sausage sizzle or visit one of the many cafes along the foreshore for coffee, lunch or ice cream. For wildlife lovers, Penguin Island, accessible by ferry from nearby Shoalwater Bay, is often a highlight. Once on the island, families can enjoy beaches, boardwalks and the chance to spot penguins, seabirds and sometimes dolphins or sea lions from the shore or boat. It’s important to check current ferry timetables and seasonal opening times before you go, and always follow local wildlife and safety guidelines while exploring.
If You Don’t Want to Drive Far
Rottnest Island offers a unique kind of day trip, where the car is left behind on the mainland. After driving only as far as your chosen ferry departure point, you can settle in for a scenic boat ride to the island and then explore at a slower pace. Many families hire bikes and cycle between bays, while others opt for the island’s hop-on, hop-off bus to reach different beaches and attractions without too much walking. The main settlement area has cafes, shops, Playgrounds and sheltered swimming spots that suit young children, while more adventurous families might visit the West End to look for fur seals, snorkel at one of the many reefs, or discover WWII and lighthouse sites. Quokkas are always a highlight for kids, and there are plenty of opportunities for those famous selfies – just remember to respect the animals by not feeding or touching them. With its combination of history, stunning beaches and relaxed holiday atmosphere, Rottnest can feel like a mini-vacation in a single day. Read our kid-friendly guide to Rottnest.
A day out from Perth can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you make it, and there are so many options that work brilliantly with kids in tow. From coastal classics like Hillarys, Scarborough, Fremantle and Mandurah, to nature-rich escapes in the Perth Hills, Swan Valley, Yanchep and the Avon Valley, each destination offers its own mix of Playgrounds, wildlife, walks, history and family-friendly eats. Many of these spots are close enough for an easy day trip, yet feel like a mini holiday once you arrive, especially when you throw in a dolphin cruise, a treetop adventure, a bushwalk or a ferry ride to Rottnest. With a little planning around opening times, seasons and weather, you can keep discovering new corners of WA without a long drive or big budget. Wherever you choose to go first, Perth’s kid-friendly day trips make it simple to build special family memories, one weekend at a time.
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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.
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