Tucked just inside the northern entrance of Perth Children’s Hospital, The Kids Research Institute Australia Discovery Centre – is a brilliant spot for curious kids who love to ask “why?”. It’s a bright, hands-on space where science, health and medical research are turned into games and interactive experiences kids can actually play with, rather than just read about.
From the moment you step inside, it feels more like a mini science museum than a hospital space. On your first visit, kids receive a colourful wristband that links to their profile. Once signed in, they can tap into different stations around the room and the games will track things like high scores and completed levels. It gives the whole visit a bit of a “mission” feel and encourages children to move around and try as many activities as possible.
The Discovery Centre is best suited to primary school-aged children, especially around 7 to 12 years old, but younger and older siblings are absolutely welcome. Even if little ones don’t fully understand the science behind each game, they tend to love pressing buttons, turning dials and seeing what happens. Many parents report that their toddlers are especially drawn to the imaging stations, where you can explore the human body using ultrasound, X-ray or MRI-style displays. There’s something very captivating about seeing “inside” a body on the screen, and volunteers are great at turning it into a simple, age-appropriate explanation.
One of the big drawcards is the chance to get up close with microscopes. Kids (and adults!) can examine hair, hands and supplied samples like feathers and even mouldy bread. It’s a fantastic way to see everyday things in a completely new way. Some microscopes can even connect to a mobile phone camera, which is a fun bonus if you’d like to capture a souvenir shot of your budding scientist’s discoveries.
The displays and games tie into real research happening at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Kids can investigate why researchers are so interested in “gross” things like snot, poo and dust mites, explore what’s going on in our immune system, and see how allergies, germs and chronic conditions are being studied. If you’ve got a child with food allergies or asthma, many of the activities around allergens and the immune system can help them understand what’s happening in their own body in a reassuring, science-based way.
There are plenty of interactive games where kids can work together, which makes this a good option for siblings or small groups. Families often love the stations where you “battle” germs or cancer cells, or where you zoom into the mouth, skin and other body systems to see what’s happening at a microscopic level. The whole experience is very much about discovery through play rather than feeling like a school lesson.
A huge part of what makes the Discovery Centre special is the volunteers. The space is run by trained volunteers from The Kids Research Institute Australia, and they’re fantastic with kids of all ages. They help children navigate the different games, ask gentle questions to get them thinking about what they’re seeing, and are happy to explain the science in simple, friendly language. This support means you don’t have to be a science expert yourself – you can enjoy exploring right alongside your child and probably learn a few new things too.
Most families find that around an hour is a good amount of time for a visit, though you could easily stay longer if your kids like to repeat favourite games or move at a slower pace. It’s an especially good option if you already have an appointment at Perth Children’s Hospital and want to make the trip less daunting for your child, or if you’re visiting a sibling and need something positive and engaging to break up a hospital day.
The Discovery Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm, and is closed on weekends, public holidays, for private events and school excursions, and during The Kids Research Institute Australia’s end-of-year shutdown in late December and early January. Because these shutdown dates can vary, it’s a good idea to double-check opening times by calling (08) 6319 1000 before you go, especially during holiday periods.
You’ll find the centre on the ground floor at the northern entrance of Perth Children’s Hospital, opposite the Family Resource Centre and Kulunga Moort Mia. Standard QEIIMC hospital parking is available nearby, and there’s public transport serving the hospital precinct if you’d prefer not to drive.
Entry to the Discovery Centre is free, as The Kids Research Institute Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, though donations are very welcome if you’d like to support their work. Children under 14 do need to be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times. The space itself is food-free, but you’re welcome to enjoy snacks or lunch in the Family Resource Centre just opposite, in the green space outside, or at the hospital café and food hall.
For schools and teachers, The Kids Research Institute Australia also offers a schools program where classes can visit the Discovery Centre, take part in hands-on science activities and get a guided look at a real working research lab. Families who love the centre can also explore extra activities and lesson ideas online through the Science Activities for Kids section on the Discovery Centre website, and sign up to the Discovery Club mailing list for news and ideas to try at home.
Whether you’re popping in after an appointment, making a special visit, or exploring the online activities from home, the Kids Discovery Centre is a fantastic way to spark an interest in science and health. It’s educational without ever feeling boring, full of “wow” moments, and just might inspire your child to imagine themselves as a future researcher or doctor.
Kids Discovery Centre
Open from 9am – 3pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on public holidays and between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Corner Winthrop Avenue and Monash Avenue. Parking is available at QEIIMC
https://discoverycentre.thekids.org.au/
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Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
