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 Perthโs 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. ๐
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. Donโt forget your reusable coffee mug! ๐
-
FeaturedPiaโs Place at Whiteman Park is one of Perthโs 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. Itโs also now recognised as Whiteman Parkโs biggest Playground and a key family attraction within the parkโs 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 moreโฆ
-
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 theyโre 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 moreโฆ
-
Tucked within Mirvacโs Iluma Private Estate in Bennett Springs, Luminous Park is a bright, modern community Playground thatโs 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. Itโs 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 moreโฆ
-
The Malabar Park BMX & Community Facility in Bibra Lake is home to the Cockburn BMX Club. This $8.9m redevelopment project is set to welcome national-level BMX events for all local and interstate riders with its new Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) accredited track! Whether you have a BMX enthusiast or beginners looking for a new place to try some BMX racing and training, Malabar Park BMX & Community Facility is the exciting place for the whole family to have a ball in community riding while enjoying the other fantastic facilities like the pump track, playground, clubhouse and BBQ facilities. Riders Read moreโฆ
-
In amongst all theย shinyย office buildings in West Perth is Totterdell Park. Theย leafyย inner city park is made up of a โฏsoft fall play area with aโฏlarge metalโฏ playย frameโฏthat features two slides,ย โshopโ window,ย climbingโฏ nets,ย ramps, monkey bars, aโฏ climbing wall and more.โฏ There is also a see-saw and fun nest swing too. Thisโฏplayโฏarea isnโt covered by shade sails, though the park is surrounded by mature trees, giving a little afternoon shade.โฏย The quietโฏ park is not fenced and runs alongside Thomas Street, so youโll want to keep an eye on little escape artistsย if you choose to take younger children.ย There is ample space Read moreโฆ
-
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 thatโs 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 moreโฆ
-
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, itโs 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 โ a straight slide, a curved slide and a fun corkscrew slide. The structure is spread over several levels and linked by ladders Read moreโฆ
-
Tucked in among the high-rise apartments of Burswood, Promenade Park is a compact but well-equipped neighbourhood Playground thatโs ideal for younger children. It offers a good mix of physical play, sensory experiences and quieter activities, all against a lovely backdrop of city and stadium views. The main Playground area is built on soft fall, making it a safer space for little ones to explore. There are two main structures. The smaller one is perfect for toddlers, featuring a noughts-and-crosses game, a rainmaker, a music maker and a small tunnel to crawl through. The larger structure caters to more confident climbers, Read moreโฆ
-
Lincoln Road Reserve in Forrestfield is a great little neighbourhood park thatโs well set up for active kids. The reserve combines traditional play equipment with nature play, a ninja-style obstacle course and a double flying fox, all beside a large open grassed area thatโs perfect for running and ball games. The double flying fox is a big highlight for many families. One of the lines has a supportive seat with a harness, which is ideal for younger children or those who need a bit of extra security, while the other has a disc-style seat for more confident riders. The cable Read moreโฆ
-
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 moreโฆ
-
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 moreโฆ
-
Leisure Park Playground near Yanchep Lagoon is a fantastic spot for families who enjoy a relaxed, coastal day out with plenty of play opportunities. Itโs easy to combine a visit with a swim at the lagoon or a beach walk, making it well worth the drive for a full family day trip. The Playground itself has a laid-back, open layout that feels welcoming while still offering lots to do. It is not fenced, so youโll need to keep a close eye on younger children, especially with nearby roads and the general openness of the area. Shade sails cover sections of Read moreโฆ
-
Russell Square Playground features a free-standing birds-nest swing, two slides of different sizes, monkey bars, a balancing bridge, and a climbing. There is plenty to climb and bridges to run across,… as well as some grassed area next to the playground. The base is rubbery soft fall decorated with cute ladybugs. The playground isn’t fully fenced but it’s fenced enough to keep kids away from the busy Northbridge Streets. Based on the equipment, this playground would probably best suit toddlers and onwards. There isn’t a lot of shade over the playground. Depending on the time of day it may get Read moreโฆ
-
Tucked away in the heart of old Baldivis, Peckham Boulevard Playground is a lovely little surprise for families. While the play space itself is fairly small, itโs been very thoughtfully designed, with varied equipment and a fantastic, open grassed area thatโs perfect for energetic kids. The Playground is built over two terraced levels, which adds a fun sense of exploration. In the upper play area youโll find a fantastic double cubby house structure, linked by a rope bridge thatโs ideal for little climbers building confidence and balance. Ladders on either side provide different ways to access the cubbies, and nearby Read moreโฆ
-
The Esplanade Playground in Fremantle is a much-loved family stop, perfectly positioned on Marine Terrace opposite the Esplanade Hotel and only a short stroll from Fishing Boat Harbour and the Cappuccino Strip. Set within Esplanade Parkโs sweeping lawns and towering Norfolk Island pines, itโs an easy place to base yourself for a few hours in Freo โ kids can burn off energy while parents relax in the shade or grab a takeaway coffee nearby. The Playground sits in the middle of Esplanade Park, a large public reserve thatโs also home to the Esplanade Youth Plaza skate park and the Fremantle Read moreโฆ
-
Karragarup Play Space in Australind is a brilliant family stop-off on the drive down south, and a destination in its own right if youโre holidaying in the Harvey Region. Located on the Ridley Place Foreshore, the Playground overlooks the calm waters of the Leschenault Estuary and has a distinctly coastal Australian feel, celebrating its setting and local Noongar culture. โKarragarupโ comes from the local Wardandi Noongar language and means โplace of the crabsโ, a nod to the bayโs famed blue swimmer crab population, and that theme runs strongly throughout the play space. The hero of the Playground is the enormous Read moreโฆ
-
Mardalup Playground is a popular location in East Perth for family picnics as itโs right on the banks of the Swan River, opposite Optus Stadium. Mardalup is a Nyungar term meaning ‘place of small marsupial’. The playground is on a soft fall surfaces, making it great for toddlers and kids of all ages, though with the river being so close, be mindful of toddlers playing in the area. The play area is only partially fenced. The main piece of equipment is a large metal structure which has a curvy slide with steps, ropes and ladders to climb. Itโs great for older children. Thereโs lots of other Read moreโฆ
-
Banks Reserve in Mount Lawley is a beautiful riverside park on Joel Terrace, right on the banks of the Swan River. The large, leafy reserve is built around magnificent mature trees, which provide plenty of natural shade and give the area a relaxed, bushy feel. Itโs a popular spot for families looking for a Playground, open space and access to the river, all just minutes from the city. The standout feature of the Playground is the impressive treehouse. Built around one of the huge existing trees, it offers loads of climbing opportunities and a sense of adventure for confident kids. Read moreโฆ
-
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 moreโฆ
-
Tucked within the Lakelands development on Dragonfly Boulevard, Lakelands Park is a lovely little nature play space thatโs perfect for a morning tea stop, after school play or a quick run around on the way to or from Mandurah. Itโs around a sixโminute drive from Lakelands Shopping Centre and Lakelands Library on Mandurah Road, making it easy to pair with a coffee stop or errands. The Playground is nestled between mature trees and an open grassy area, giving it a peaceful bushy feel despite being in a new estate. Being close to Paganoni Reserve, you may even be lucky enough Read moreโฆ
-
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. Thereโs 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 moreโฆ
-
Margaret River Skate Park and Youth Precinct is a must-visit stop for families holidaying in the South West, especially if your kids love anything with wheels. Tucked just off Walcliffe Road, this modern, multi-million dollar facility brings together skating, scooting, BMX, parkour and nature play in one big, buzzing community space. Itโs completely free to use, making it an easy add-on to any day exploring Margaret River. The concrete skate park is impressive, catering for everyone from wobbly beginners to confident, advanced riders. There are plenty of banks, steps, ramps and rails spread across the park so kids can gradually Read moreโฆ
-
Located within the Beachside precinct of Capricorn Yanchep, Campground Adventure Park is a hillside Playground with a real โholiday parkโ 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 youโll 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 moreโฆ
-
If youโve ducked into Woolies at the Banksia Grove Shopping Centre recently, youโll have probably noticed a new play area near the entrance. The bright and colourful play space has something to amuse most kids. The first thing we noticed was the slide. The ladder for this is built inside what looks like colourful metal crates. There is a rope net in the bottom and mid-level to climb over to get to the ladder. Littler children may need some assistance to climb up, as we found Miss 3.5 did. Our friendโs 12 year old daughter helped her and made sure Read moreโฆ
-
Manning Park in Spearwood is the perfect spot to take the kids out for a picnic and play in the park. The reserve is huge with four car parks in total and plenty of wide open grassed areas. The playground itself is quite amazing, plenty for all ages, stages and abilities. There are shade sails over each section and plenty of trees to pull up under too. The day we went it was 40 degrees but the shade and grass definitely brought the temp down. The only negative I would have is the placement of the drinking fountain which was Read moreโฆ
-
John Oldham Park is one of those Perth spots that surprises you every time you visit. Hidden between the freeway and the Swan River off Mounts Bay Road, it feels a world away from the city traffic just metres above. Once youโve pulled into the small paid car park and wandered over the footbridge, youโre suddenly surrounded by tall trees, birdsong and water views โ itโs a real little bush escape on the edge of the CBD. The main Playground sits right by the bridge and is ideal for a relaxed play while you set up a picnic. The equipment Read moreโฆ
-
Dunnell Park is a great little neighbourhood Playground that really ticks the boxes for younger kids and families looking for a shaded, lowโmess 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 moreโฆ
-
Carlindie Park is a fairly new park snuggled in between Glenburg Drive and Carlindie Parkway, Golden Bay. There are plenty of open spaces and nature for your little ones to discover. It is the perfect after school hangout for kids! There are two undercover seating areas with one containing a free use BBQ. Artistically designed play features include: Swing Seesaw Balancing boards For the sports fan there are AFL goals to practice your kicking and a half basketball court. For those who love to ride their bike or scooter, there is plenty of paving all around the park to have Read moreโฆ
-
Coventry Village in Morley is home to a bright, modern outdoor Playground thatโs perfect for kids who love to climb, balance and burn off energy while you grab a coffee or tackle the grocery shop. Set just outside Coventry Village Shopping Centre and close to the cafes and restaurants at the front of the complex, itโs an easy addโon to a family meal or quick shopping trip. The Playground is fully fenced with a solid metal barrier and a magโlock gate, providing peace of mind with the nearby car park and road. Inside, the ground is covered in rubber softfall, Read moreโฆ
-
Tucked behind the Victoria Park Library, John MacMillan Park is a brilliant little green hub that combines nature play, community events and plenty of open space. The park offers a welcoming mix of shady trees, clever play zones and amenities that make it easy for families to linger. The nature Playground blends beautifully with the mature trees, using mostly wooden structures with both natural shade and shade sails overhead. The play areas are broken up into smaller โpocketsโ linked by pathways, so kids can wander from one activity to the next while adults keep an eye on them from nearby Read moreโฆ
-
Birdwood Square in the City of Vincent has had a major upgrade, transforming it into an inner-city gem for families. The new playground, nestled beside the parkour area, offers an exciting mix of activities for kids of all ages. The play space boasts swings (including a basket swing), slides, climbing nets, a flying fox, a rock wall, and a timber-and-rope bridge. Other fun features include a fire pole, monkey bars, steppers, and talk tubes to keep little adventurers engaged for hours. The shade sails provide excellent cover, making it a go-to spot even on sunny days. Parents will love the Read moreโฆ
-
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 โcafรฉโ 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 moreโฆ
-
Marri Park is a great little spot to take the kids to burn off some extra energy. This park is also dog-friendly, so you could even bring your fur baby along. There is a large grass oval with soccer goals at the top end of the park, so don’t forget your ball for a kick around. There are footpaths that run around the outside, as well as through the middle of the playground. Miss 4 loved riding her bike around with her friends. One thing I do appreciate when going to a park, is having toilets available. Nothing worse than Read moreโฆ
-
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 onesโ attention as you arrive. The dragonflyโs 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 moreโฆ
-
Avon Park in York, also known locally as Pioneer Avon Park, has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the Avon Valleyโs standout family Playground destinations. Set along the banks of the Avon River on Lowe Street, it combines a big, grassy riverside park with a brilliant nature play space, skate park and plenty of facilities, making it an ideal stop on a York day trip or overnighter. The nature-based Playground uses lots of timber, stone and natural elements, and thereโs a good amount of shade from both trees and shelters. Families will find multiple sheltered picnic tables, free Read moreโฆ
-
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 familyโfriendly precinct with walking paths through native landscaping, layered play opportunities and a strong focus on accessibility. The hero of the playspace is the impressive threeโtower 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 moreโฆ
-
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 moreโฆ
-
Located in the heart of the new community at Mandogalup, Florence Estate Park is A playground that beautifully incorporates wooden beams for its play equipment. This spacious playground is nested beside rows of mature trees, providing scenic greenery, and playing in the park feels like youโre right next to nature. My girls headed straight to the main play area, where the big slide is. The tall climbing structure features various climbing wall panels for kids to use. Missy 6 had no trouble climbing onto all of them, but younger toddlers might find the tallest one daunting. The flooring of this Read moreโฆ
-
Noahโs Playground in South Guildford is a standout neighbourhood park set within the leafy Rosehill Waters estate, just a few minutes from historic Guildford and the Swan Valley. Inspired by the story of Noahโs Ark, it blends imaginative animal-themed details with big, adventurous structures, making it especially appealing for school-aged kids while still offering plenty for confident toddlers and preschoolers. Planes regularly flying overhead add an extra bit of excitement for little plane spotters, and the estateโs peaceful, green setting gives the whole visit a relaxed, โweekend awayโ feel even though youโre only about 15 minutes from the CBD. The Read moreโฆ
-
Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Bassendean, Palmerston Square Playground is a charming neighbourhood park thatโs been transformed with beautiful wooden play equipment and loads of natural charm. Surrounded by a lovely green outlook and shaded by a mix of new plantings and established trees, itโs the kind of local Playground that invites you to linger while the kids explore. The main play area is set on wood chips and has been thoughtfully designed with different zones for active and imaginative play. Kids can test their balance on low balancing logs, a wobbly balancing log and a timber balancing Read moreโฆ















































