For over 40 years, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre has been a creative icon in the heart of Fremantle, inspiring young minds and entertaining generations of children. Their much-loved Puppet Playtime sessions are no exception.
Designed especially for young children, these sessions blend storytelling, creativity, and play into an experience that goes far beyond a typical show.
The theatre is located in Pioneer Park, directly opposite Fremantle Train Station, making it easily accessible for those using public transport. Paid parking is also located around the perimeter.
The park itself is well shaded and provides a great spot for kids to enjoy a snack before heading into the 60-minute session. There’s even a striking bronze sculpture of a Chimera—a fire-breathing creature from Greek mythology—that often captures children’s attention while they wait.
Doors typically open right at the scheduled start time, with sessions running every two hours from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The welcome is warm and relaxed, with no need for printed tickets—guests can simply check in using their name or booking confirmation.
Upon arrival, both children and carers receive name stickers. Children are also invited to place a balloon on a wellbeing board, choosing from different emojis to reflect how they’re feeling. This thoughtful check-in helps the puppeteers gauge emotions and tailor their approach to better support each child throughout the session.
Puppet Playtime is designed for children aged three to five, offering a gentle introduction to live performance. Rather than sitting quietly, children are encouraged to participate and engage. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and full of curiosity—ideal for little ones experiencing theatre for the first time, with no pressure to sit still.
Each session centres around a children’s story, brought vividly to life through puppetry, expressive storytelling, and playful interaction. The experience is thoughtfully structured into three parts:
- Storytelling: A performer shares a story using puppets, voice, and movement to capture young imaginations.
- Making: Children and their caregivers create simple crafts inspired by the story.
- Playing: The session concludes with music, movement, and hands-on exploration, encouraging creative freedom.
While full of fun, the sessions also support early learning. Through storytelling and craft, children develop language skills, coordination, and confidence. The shared experience between adults and children strengthens connection, making it a meaningful bonding opportunity.
For adults, there’s also the chance to appreciate the artistry and engineering behind the puppets. Children can even get up close to puppets from past productions, adding to the immersive and interactive nature of the experience.
One of the standout features of Puppet Playtime is its variety. The program changes regularly, introducing new stories and themes that keep families coming back. Whether it’s a classic tale or a modern favourite, each visit offers something fresh to discover.
Puppet Playtime currently runs across five days each month until the end of the year, with tickets priced at $12. It’s worth checking the theatre’s website to see which picture book will be brought to life each month.
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Puppet Playtime at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
1 Short St, Fremantle WA 6160
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Scott Bignell is a proud dad and uncle who’s passionate about exploring Perth with his kids and creating meaningful family adventures. From beach days and nature trails to urban discoveries and local events, Scott is always on the lookout for the best family-friendly spots that Perth has to offer. He captures their adventures on his Instagram page @thatdadgram, sharing hiking trails, WA’s hidden gems and the odd DIY project in the hope of inspiring other dads, mums and guardians to explore, play, and create lasting memories with their kids.
