The Buggbuddys guide to non-sand based playgrounds in Perth! The ultimate guide to the best playgrounds and parks with no sand in Perth! Kids love burning off energy at parks and playgrounds, and Perth’s got some of the best in the world. Best of all, playgrounds are FREE!
What is great about non-sand playgrounds?
Not all kids love sand, just as not all parents and carers may not love it either. Sometimes it’s a sensory preference. Sometimes it’s that you don’t want your toddler constantly trying to eat the sand. And sometimes it’s just that you don’t want to feel like you’re cleaning half a sandpit out of your car or your kids shoes. 😛
In addition, we’ve added details of where playgrounds are close to local coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Therefore you can grab a bite to eat before or after your play, or grab a takeaway coffee on the way. Don’t forget your reusable coffee mug! 😉
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FEATUREDFeaturedPia’s Place at Whiteman Park is one of Perth’s most loved all-abilities nature play spaces. Set among mature trees at Mussel Pool East and opposite the dog park, this huge, fully fenced Playground has been designed so that children of all ages and abilities can play side-by-side. It’s also now recognised as Whiteman Park’s biggest Playground and a key family attraction within the park’s four play areas. The first thing kids notice is the striking red-and-white lighthouse rising above the trees. Created in memory of baby Pia Maeve Rudd, who tragically died from SIDS, the lighthouse is a beautiful symbol Read more…
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Located in Mandogalup’s new residential area, Apsley Park combines recreational facilities with open spaces. The park’s centrepiece is its pump track, where children can practice their bike and scooter skills on a circuit of curves and dips. For older kids, the skate park is a highlight, offering the perfect place to show off tricks and master new moves. Those who enjoy a challenge will find the tennis wall irresistible, whether they’re practising volleys or competing with friends to see who can keep the ball in play the longest. The grassed kickabout area is ideal for a friendly game of Read more…
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Tucked within Mirvac’s Iluma Private Estate in Bennett Springs, Luminous Park is a bright, modern community Playground that’s packed with things to do for a wide range of ages. Surrounded by mature trees and generous lawn areas, it feels like a sprawling neighbourhood hub where kids can easily spend hours exploring different zones of play without everything being crammed together. It’s worth noting up front that there are no toilets on site, so plan ahead before you arrive or pair your visit with a stop at nearby venues that do have facilities. The standout feature is the impressive blue climbing Read more…
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The Village at Wellard Playground is a leafy, community-focused play space that genuinely offers something for all ages. Set within The Village at Wellard and bordered by a skate park and BMX track, it’s the kind of spot where active kids can easily spend a couple of hours climbing, jumping, riding and exploring, while parents relax under the shade of the mature trees. The standout feature is the large rope climbing frame that forms the heart of the Playground. Kids can clamber up through the ropes, choosing to come down via the slide at the middle level or keep climbing Read more…
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Wow! If your kids are into riding bikes – whatever age they are, John Dunn Challenge Park in Kelmscott is amazing. There are four bike tracks, plus a trainer track, mini track, intermediate track and advanced track – meaning there is a level to suit everyone here. The bike challenge park caters for all things on two wheels – specifically mountain bikes and BMXs. If your kiddos love to ride their bike, be sure to bring them here. The John Dunn Challenge Park is ideal for little ones on balance bikes and training wheels, right up to experienced teens and Read more…
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Tucked into the north‑west corner of Leatherback Oval in Alkimos Beach, the Bike Safety Course is a fantastic little spot for kids to learn road rules in a fun, low‑pressure way. Designed as a miniature version of Perth’s streets, it’s perfect for children on bikes, balance bikes, trikes or scooters, and especially handy for kids who are just getting confident to ride beyond the backyard. The course is laid out as a realistic road network with a two‑way path, zebra crossings, roundabouts and plenty of signs, including Stop and Give Way, just like they’ll see on real roads. There are Read more…
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Enchantment Park in Indi Yanchep promises a truly enchanting experience for adventurous families. From the moment you arrive at the main arched entrance, it feels like stepping into a storybook world. Scan the first QR code, and you’re immediately transported into the Enchantment Park universe, complete with an interactive park book – perfect for families who love reading as much as exploring. The park is cleverly divided into themed zones, each offering unique experiences. In the Magic Meadow, little ones can run, jump, and play alongside Goran the gentle dragon. Fairy Cove is perfect for mini detectives, with hidden Read more…
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Maniana Park is a huge destination Playground in Queens Park, perfect for hours of family fun. You’ll find it on the corner of Whitlock and Gibbs Streets, tucked behind the Sam Kerr Soccer Stadium. Playground highlights A large main play structure with three slides, varied climbing challenges, multi-level platforms, and a bridge connecting zones. Underneath, kids will love the cute role-play café. A great mix of nature play, water play, swings, monkey bars and climbing equipment—something for all ages. A dedicated toddler zone with a small slide and crawl tunnel. Nature play elements including a teepee, balancing and climbing rocks, Read more…
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Glen Iris Estate Playground in Jandakot is a lovely nature-inspired spot for families, set where the old Glen Iris golf course once was. Tucked just off Dean Road in the new Glen Iris housing estate, the Playground is framed by beautifully landscaped gardens, leafy trees and plenty of open grass, making it feel like a green retreat in the middle of suburbia. There’s loads of room for kids to kick a ball, run around or for families to roll out a picnic rug and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. The main play area has a strong nature-play feel, with timber elements Read more…
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Gibbon Park, Mosman Park Gibbon Park is the latest nature playground in Mosman Park. This park includes a mix of nature play elements and traditional play equipment that’s sure to satisfy active children! On arriving Miss 6 raced straight for the traditional play equipment first. What kid can resist a slide? This part of the playground is covered with shade sails, has a soft fall rubber base and is surrounded by grass. Great if you’re not a fan of sand. This playground appears to have been installed in 2012. It features climbing ropes, climbing walls, a tunnel and slide, Read more…
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Tucked into the Saw Avenue Picnic Area on the Subiaco side of Kings Park, Variety Place Playground is a brilliant all-ages nature Playground where kids can climb, balance, crawl and explore for hours. The space has been redeveloped with the support of Variety WA and the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, with a strong focus on nature play and inclusive design so that children of all abilities can play side by side. Set amongst mature trees and open lawns, it’s a fantastic spot to let the kids burn off energy before enjoying a relaxed family picnic. The Playground is packed Read more…
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Set within the newly developing Alkimos Trinity Estate, Habsburg Park is a fantastic find for active families, teens, and anyone who loves to work out in the fresh air. With much of the surrounding land still under development and many homes yet to be built, the park already feels like a destination in its own right – thoughtfully designed around movement, inclusivity, and outdoor fitness rather than just traditional play. The standout feature of this space is the impressive Proludic Acti’Fun equipment, which takes it well beyond a standard suburban Playground. The Acti’Ninja course is all about agility, balance, and Read more…
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Did you know that the May Drive Parklands located in Kings Park and Botanic Garden was the very first environmental playground and community area of its kind in Australia? Previously known as the Synergy Parklands, this fun spot with golf course green-worthy lawns, is still a BIG hit with families in Perth. The park is fondly known as “The Dinosaur Playground”, since it’s home to many climbable dinosaur sculptures. May Drive Parklands features a 75m-long elevated walkway, a two-tiered island fort, life sized replicas of dinosaurs and extinct Australian Fauna (like the giant croc!), a timber boardwalk and an interactive Read more…
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Whitfords Nodes Ninja Warrior Course is a brilliant spot for active kids, teens and adults who love a challenge. Set within the Whitfords Nodes Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hillarys, this coastal park combines a serious ninja-style obstacle course with running tracks, outdoor gym equipment, Playgrounds and beach access, making it easy to turn a quick play into a full family day out. The ninja course itself feels like stepping onto the set of an obstacle TV show. You’ll spot familiar elements like the quintuple steps right at the starting line, followed by obstacles such as the spin cycle, cargo Read more…
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The new Tomato Lake all-abilities playground has opened and it appears to be a big hit as it was very busy when we visited. The playground is in front between the cafe and the bbq picnic area. The bbq area has also been refreshed with new picnic tables. The playground has been designed to suit toddlers through to older kids, including those with disabilities. It is bright and colourful with soft fall base The playground features an inclusive seesaw, which is the only one of its kind in WA. There are a number of bench seats along the car park Read more…
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The City of Gosnells has unveiled its latest inclusive play space at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale. This exciting development marks the first completed project of the Sutherlands Park Master Plan, with a Youth Entertainment Space still to come. The playground is one of ten all-abilities playgrounds being developed by the City of Gosnells to create more inclusive play spaces throughout the community. This thoughtfully designed, fully-fenced playground features an array of accessible equipment including trampolines, swings, a carousel, and charming pretend play areas complete with a shopfront and petrol kiosk. Built on soft-fall rubber surfacing, the playground offers generous spacing Read more…
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Mariala Vista Park is located in Jindowie, Yanchep. So many of the new parks that have been built recently have a problem with serious lack of shade, where the developer has planted trees but they won’t provide any shade until they mature in years to come. Mariala Vista Park is distinctly different. The park has been developed in an area packed full of mature beautiful tall trees that provide a large amount of shade over the whole play area. Mariala Vista Park caters for both older and younger children. There is a large enclosed twisting slide that looks like great Read more…
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Nestled within the beautifully revitalised Elizabeth Baillie Park in East Victoria Park, the Mildred Creak Playground is fast becoming one of Perth’s most beloved family destinations. Named in honour of Mildred Creak — a pioneering child psychiatrist whose groundbreaking work helped shape early diagnostic criteria for autism — this Playground has been thoughtfully designed with inclusivity, creativity and community at its heart. It offers a genuinely welcoming space where children of all abilities can come together to play, explore and connect. The Playground sits at the centre of the park’s impressive $8.1 million transformation, which was delivered by the Town Read more…
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Karda Way Nature Playspace at OneOneFive Hamilton Hill is a fantastic blend of nature play, history and thoughtful design, set on the former Hamilton Hill Senior High School site. The redevelopment has transformed the area into a family‑friendly precinct with walking paths through native landscaping, layered play opportunities and a strong focus on accessibility. The hero of the playspace is the impressive three‑tower fort, cleverly constructed from repurposed materials salvaged from the old high school. Kids can climb timber steps, tackle a mini climbing wall, test their nerve on hand and foot holds, cross the connecting bridge and whiz down Read more…
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Set right in the middle of the new, vibrant dining and entertainment precinct at Westfield Whitford City is a beautifully unique play area for children. Overlooked by many of the restaurants and sheltered underneath shade sails, the play area is unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Forgoing traditional play equipment, which tends to be age specific, the mix of wooden stepping stones, ceramic arches and decorative metal poles appeared to appeal to children of all ages. Throughout the evening I saw all age groups from toddlers to preteens climbing and jumping and running, all thoroughly engaged and having plenty of Read more…
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Tucked within Ariella Estate in Brabham, Ariella Adventure Park is a fantastic destination for kids who love to climb, explore and play outdoors. The star of the park is the bright dragonfly-themed play structure, which instantly grabs little ones’ attention as you arrive. The dragonfly’s body is made up of two large rope climbing frames joined by a bridge, leading to a tall enclosed slide that offers a good, speedy ride down. Confident climbers will love making their way right up to the top, traversing across the ropes and then racing each other down the slide again and again. Around Read more…
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Sometimes small parks deliver a big play and this is the case at Copley Reserve Belmont. We recently stumbled across this small park which is located near the shops on Kooyong Rd Belmont. Copley Reserve Belmont is very much part of the community as the park has a small community garden at the edge and the pathways lead through housing to further grassed areas and benches. The park features a nature playground that has been set up using a lovely fig tree as natural shade. Most of the playground is woodchip style base except for the sand area with two Read more…
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Treetop Park is a gorgeous neighbourhood Playground tucked away amongst the trees in the Bushmead estate, in Perth’s foothills. Opened in late 2023, this compact but thoughtfully designed park is perfect for kids who love to climb, explore and feel like they’re playing up in the canopy. Set amongst mature trees, it has a lovely natural feel and plenty of shade, making it a great spot for a relaxed playdate or a low-key weekend adventure. The hero of the Playground is the impressive 6‑metre timber tower, complete with bridge walk and enclosed tube slide, designed to give kids the thrill Read more…
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Dunnell Park is a great little neighbourhood Playground that really ticks the boxes for younger kids and families looking for a shaded, low‑mess place to play. Tucked within a residential area, it feels safe, contained and very family-friendly, making it a handy option for a quick play after school or a relaxed weekend visit. One of the standout features is the excellent shade. Large shade sails cover the main play structure, helping to keep equipment cool and protecting little ones from the harsh sun. The entire Playground sits on soft-fall rubber rather than sand, which is a big plus if Read more…
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A fresh new play space has opened in the heart of Subiaco, and 1909 Subi East Play Space is already proving to be a lovely spot for families to explore. Built within the former Princess Margaret Hospital precinct, this thoughtfully designed Playground is part of the wider Subi East redevelopment, bringing together play, public art, green space and a lovely nod to the area’s history. The precinct is still evolving, with future apartments and restoration works continuing around the site, but the public open spaces are now open and ready to enjoy. It already feels like a welcoming family destination, Read more…
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At our weekly shop on Saturday we were very excited to see that Floreat Forum shopping centre has just opened a new playground in the outdoor area by the cafes/restaurants. Previously there had just been a couple of small things for toddlers to play on but now there is a proper playground complete with shade sails. Features of Floreat Forum playground include a little ‘café’ with a table and chairs and a counter, complete with prices on a board at the front. There are a couple of noughts and crosses games build in and the playground comes with a wobbly Read more…
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In amongst all the shiny office buildings in West Perth is Totterdell Park. The leafy inner city park is made up of a soft fall play area with a large metal play frame that features two slides, “shop” window, climbing nets, ramps, monkey bars, a climbing wall and more. There is also a see-saw and fun nest swing too. This play area isn’t covered by shade sails, though the park is surrounded by mature trees, giving a little afternoon shade. The quiet park is not fenced and runs alongside Thomas Street, so you’ll want to keep an eye on little escape artists if you choose to take younger children. There is ample space Read more…
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Tucked away in the heart of Gosnells, amongst 22 hectares of wetlands at Mary Carroll Park, you’ll find an amazing all-abilities playground. This gem of a playground blends nature and learning, offering kids a fun and educational space to connect with the outdoors. Street parking and a small car park are available along Eudoria Street in Gosnells. The playground is fully fenced (a must if you have an escape artist like I do) with 2 entry/exit gates at either end. Toilets are located next to the carpark just outside of the fence, a good idea to make sure everyone goes Read more…
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The $ 6.7 million Youth Entertainment Space (YES) at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale, and it has quickly become one of the top hotspots for local teens to hang out! This state-of-the-art facility that’s fully sheltered (the first of its kind in Perth Metro area!) is designed closely with local young people to ensure the space is inclusive and inviting, and is the perfect one-stop recreational hub for everyone in the community to enjoy all year round! What we love: Vibrant urban play area with hangout zone that features social swings and platform seatings. Challenging climbing walls and a huge roll-runner Read more…
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South Beach Playground in South Fremantle is a brilliant spot for little pirates to run wild, with the bonus of being right on one of Perth’s most family‑friendly beaches. Set on the foreshore of South Beach Reserve, the Playground combines a fun, boat‑themed play space with a huge grassed area, barbecues and easy access to the sand and cafe, making it an easy full‑morning or full‑day outing for families. The main drawcard is the large pirate‑style boat structure. Kids can clamber up to the “deck”, scale ladders and platforms, and take on the role of captain as they climb the Read more…
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Tucked within the leafy Byford on the Scarp estate, Ridge Park Byford stretches over 1.7 hectares and feels wonderfully “bushy” despite being in the suburbs. Mature trees, big open lawns and two separate Playground areas make this a great destination for families with kids of different ages, especially if you’ve got both little toddlers and more adventurous big kids to keep happy. The lower Playground, accessed from Military Pass, is ideal for younger children. The centrepiece is an adorable train-themed play structure made up of several “carriages”, each with its own style of imaginative play. Toddlers can “drive” the train Read more…
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Tucked between Mulberry Way and Viridian Boulevard in Eglinton, about 38 minutes north of Perth, Viridian Park is a vibrant, family-friendly space that’s worth discovering. While the park is officially signed as Viridian Park, it shows up on maps as Mulberry Park — so keep that in mind when navigating there. This elevated park offers partial ocean views and a glimpse of the iconic lighthouse from the nearby Amberton Beach Lighthouse Park. It’s an ideal spot for relaxed weekends, casual meet-ups, or energetic family catch-ups. The playground is compact yet engaging. It features a rope climbing structure that leads up Read more…
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Mills Park in Beckenham has long been a favourite with Perth families, and the newer all-abilities Playground has made it an even better spot for kids of all ages and needs. Tucked beside the BBQs and grassed picnic areas and only a short stroll from the main nature play space and skate plaza, this fenced Playground is a great “base camp” for families who want a safer, more contained area without missing out on all the action. The all-abilities Playground is fully fenced and double gated, which is especially reassuring for families with toddlers, runners or children who need a Read more…
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Lake Treeby Adventure Playground has settled in as one of the go-to adventure Playgrounds south of the river. Set in the scenic suburb of Treeby, it offers a mix of nature play, big climbing structures and lakeside paths the whole family can enjoy. Parking is available along Torwood Avenue. As the name suggests, this playground is situated beside a beautiful man made lake and surrounded by large shady trees which are perfect as we enter the warmer months! The playground has many exciting areas, there are two slides, one tall slide for the big kids and a smaller slide Read more…
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Curtis Park in Girrawheen is a lovely, naturally shaded neighbourhood park tucked between Curtis Way and Hatfield Way, just off Marangaroo Drive. With its mix of play equipment, climbing challenges, scooter-friendly paths and unique, life-sized maths board games, it’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy and sneak in some learning at the same time. The main Playground is bright and inviting, with three different slides to suit a range of ages and confidence levels – a straight slide, a curved slide and a fun corkscrew slide. The structure is spread over several levels and linked by ladders Read more…
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Thomas Moore Park in Wilson is the kind of local gem that makes family outings feel easy. Just under 20 minutes south of Perth, this upgraded park (redeveloped in June 2021) combines a bright, modern Playground with great sports facilities and all the practical extras parents hope to find, all in one convenient place. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear how well set up this park is for families. There’s a dedicated car park so you’re not battling for verge space, a water fountain to refill bottles, and clean public toilets complete with soap – such a bonus when Read more…
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Burswood Park is located on the river near the Crown Hotel complex. You access it from Glenn Place and there is parking provided. If the small parking area near the park is full, there is other parking available within easy walking distance. It is a lovely park with manicured gardens, lots of open space and great views. The playground is fully fenced and has good shade cover from the beautiful old tree in the middle of the playground and the surrounding trees. There are three entry points to the playground, the gates are not self-latching and easily opened by my Read more…
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Brown Park is a grassy park with shady trees and a playground covered by shade sails set among the leafy streets of Mosman Park. It’s a spot that’s sure to have something to appeal to everyone. The main play structure has lots to offer, with monkey bars, two slides of different sizes and a tunnel to crawl through. There’s a steering wheel and two different climbing walls. One plastic, one wooden. One of Miss almost three’s favourite parts was the wobbly wooden bridge. Smaller children will need to hold on to the ropes to get across, which adds to the Read more…
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Did you know that there’s a nature play area in the Perth foothills suburb of Bushmead. While it’s much smaller than the estate’s “Giant Park”, the simple Ridge Hill Green Nature Playground can provide plenty of entertainment for children that love to be in the great outdoors and love to climb. The beautifully made timber play structure features a double slide – perfect for kids to race siblings or friends. Image: Bushmead Estate Very small children may have trouble reaching this, as there’s a flat net to climb to get to it, as well as big logs to climb. On Read more…
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Located within the Beachside precinct of Capricorn Yanchep, Campground Adventure Park is a hillside Playground with a real “holiday park” feel. Set on the former Club Capricorn Resort camping ground, it makes the most of the natural slope and mature trees, and has been cleverly designed with nostalgic touches that parents will appreciate as much as the kids. The first thing you’ll notice is the retro caravan theme. A large picnic shelter shaped like an old-school caravan sits near the main play area, giving the park a fun, quirky character. In the toddler zone, a smaller open caravan structure continues Read more…
