Perth’s leisure centres are perfect for families who want the best of both worlds – safe, shallow outdoor splash pads for play, plus pools and facilities for proper swimming. These centres all feature dedicated water Playgrounds or zero‑depth splash zones with fountains, spray jets, tipping buckets and shaded seating, making them ideal for toddlers, preschoolers and primary‑aged kids who just want to run, cool off and have fun. With lifeguards on duty, nearby change rooms and extras like BBQs, Playgrounds and cafés at many locations, they’re an easy, low‑stress option for sunny days when you’d rather avoid the beach but still want a full day of water play.
Claremont Aquatic Centre
Claremont Aquatic Centre is a fully outdoor, family‑friendly complex with a fantastic water Playground and splash pad that’s perfect for sunny days. Little ones will love the shallow, ankle‑deep channels where they can safely sit and splash, while bigger kids can experiment with pumps, water wheels and screw features to control the flow. The fenced splash pad area includes a 1000‑litre tipping bucket, squirting jets, showers and misters, all under plenty of shade so families can comfortably stay and play longer. Read the Buggybuddys review of Claremont Aquatic Centre.
12 Davies Road, Claremont
https://www.claremont.wa.gov.au/Claremont-Aquatic-Centre
Wanneroo Aquamotion
Wanneroo Aquamotion is a fantastic all‑weather destination for families, with a Treasure Island‑themed splash pad that’s a huge hit in the warmer months. Little ones can enjoy fountains, spray arches, sprayers, water cannons, a water slide and a big tipping bucket, all set on soft-fall flooring and shaded by large cloths, with nearby picnic tables and grass for families to spread out. With the splash pad open through summer alongside indoor heated pools, a leisure pool with beach-style entry and a fenced outdoor deep pool, it’s an easy full day out for water‑loving kids. Read the Buggybuddys review of Wanneroo Aquamotion.
19 Civic Drive, Wanneroo WA 6065
https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/wannerooaquamotion
Craigie Leisure Centre
Craigie Leisure Centre is a top pick for water play, with both indoor and outdoor options to keep kids busy for hours. Indoors, the leisure pool has a gentle beach-style entry and small fountains perfect for toddlers, while deeper sections and a tall tower with tipping water buckets add extra excitement for older children. Outside, the aqua splash pad water Playground is a highlight, offering a mix of fountains, sprays, spouts and tipping buckets that little ones can dash through, jump over and control with push buttons, all mostly shaded by sails and safely set apart from the main lap pool. Read the Buggybuddys review of Craigie Leisure Centre.
Craigie Leisure Centre, Whitfords Avenue, Craigie (City of Joondalup)
https://joondalup-leisure.com.au/
Leisurepark Balga
Leisurepark Balga is a welcoming local swim centre with a fun outdoor splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off in summer. The splash area features ground jets, an archway to run through with spraying water, and a tree‑like structure with tipping buckets that randomly dump water on anyone waiting beneath – guaranteed giggles for little ones who love a surprise soak. Indoors, families can enjoy the heated leisure pool with beach‑style entry, toddler paddling pool and turbo channel ride, making it easy to cater for different ages and confidence levels in the water. Read the Buggybuddys review of Leisurepark Balga.
Leisurepark Balga, Princess Road, Balga (near the corner of Balga Avenue)
https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/recreation-and-leisure/facilities-and-venues/leisure-centres/leisurepark-balga
Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre
Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre is a great all‑round choice for families, with a dedicated outdoor water Playground and zero‑depth splash pad that’s perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers building water confidence. The heated interactive area features fun water play installations, fountains and sprays in a shaded zone, so little ones can safely run, splash and cool off during the warmer months (November to March), while older kids can move on to the leisure and lap pools or tackle the inflatable obstacle course. Read the Buggybuddys review of Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
60 Champion Drive, Seville Grove WA 6112
https://www.armadale.wa.gov.au/armadale-fitness-and-aquatic-centre-aquatics
Cannington Leisureplex Aquatic Centre
Cannington Leisureplex Aquatic Centre is a brilliant all‑round spot for families, with heaps of options for splashing, swimming and playing in all seasons. Outside, the shaded “Splash Jungle” zero‑depth water Playground is a big hit on warm days, featuring tipping buckets, a giraffe shower, water cannons, low fountains and a fun fountain archway that lets little ones enjoy all the excitement of water play without deep water. Indoors, families can move between the beach‑style entry pool, the three‑lane leisure pool with fountain centrepiece and the main lap pool, making it easy to cater for toddlers, beginners and confident swimmers in one visit. Read the Buggybuddys review of Cannington Leisureplex Aquatic Centre.
Corner Wharf Street & Sevenoaks Street, Cannington WA 6107
https://www.canning.wa.gov.au/community/facilities-and-venues/leisureplexes/swimming-and-aquatics
Melville Aquatic Leisure Complex
Melville Aquatic Leisure Complex is a popular family hub just moments from Garden City, with a fantastic outdoor sprayground to complement its indoor pools. The shaded sprayground features a water slide, dumping water buckets, spray jets and a spray tunnel, giving kids plenty of ways to run, dodge and get soaked while carers relax on nearby chairs and keep a close eye on the fun. Combined with the warm indoor leisure pool with beach access and on‑site Flippa Swim School, it’s a great choice for both casual splash time and regular lessons. Read the Buggybuddys review of Melville Aquatic Leisure Complex, LeisureFit Booragoon.
LeisureFit Booragoon, Marmion Street, Booragoon
https://www.melvillecity.com.au/things-to-do/leisurefit-recreation-centres
If you’re chasing even more ways to cool off without spending much, it’s also worth checking out Perth’s many free council‑run water Playgrounds and splash pads. These are dotted all over the metro area in local parks and foreshore reserves, and often include extra Playgrounds, picnic spots and BBQs alongside the water play. For ideas on where to go, take a look at our round‑up of Perth’s Best Free Water Playgrounds.
Whether you’re planning a quick after‑school splash or a full family day out, Perth’s leisure centres with outdoor splash pads make it easy to keep everyone happy. With shallow, interactive water play for little ones and full aquatic facilities for older kids and adults, they’re a reliable option right through the warmer months. Pack the bathers, towels and snacks (or fire up the on‑site BBQs and cafés where available), and you’ll have a sun‑smart, fun‑filled way to cool off without the hassle of heading to the beach.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
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.
