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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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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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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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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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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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…
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Mardalup Playground is a popular location in East Perth for family picnics as it’s 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. It’s great for older children. There’s lots of other Read more…
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Lincoln Road Reserve in Forrestfield is a great little neighbourhood park that’s 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 that’s 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 more…
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Tucked within the Piara Waters development, Explorer Park is a bright, compact and very active little Playground that’s ideal for families who love to be outdoors and on the move. Located at the opposite end of the reserve from the popular Madox Playground and Pump Track, this park works perfectly as part of a longer play outing, or as a handy local spot to burn off energy after school. The Playground itself may be small, but it’s cleverly designed and packed with things to climb, jump and bounce on. One of the standout features is the wavy climbing wall, which Read more…
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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. It’s 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 more…
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Rockingham has a fantastic reason for families to get outdoors and play: the Churchill Playground is a SEAsational destination for kids and parents alike. Designed to take little explorers on an adventure that flows from the forest to the sea, this much-loved space offers a mix of fun that keeps children entertained and grown-ups happy all year round. From the moment you step into the playground, it’s clear how much thought has gone into the design. Kids can rock, climb, slide, and spin to their hearts’ content, with equipment that sparks imagination and encourages plenty of active play. The forest-and-sea 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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On the hunt for a post-breakfast play spot in Wanneroo, I found myself spoilt for choice. Preferring to steer away from much-loved Rotary Park after a recent school holidays visit to Café Elixir, my toddler and I ended up at nearby Nyunda Park on Nannatee Way. The playground’s softfall was replaced in late 2022 and the play equipment is all relatively new. It’s well suited to younger children, with easy access on to the main play structure, which comprises several platforms, a wooden bridge, colourful noughts and crosses, and small slide. The firemen’s pole and climbing frame requires more experience 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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Tucked off Montreal Street, Booyeembara Park is one of those Fremantle gems that feels bigger once you’re actually inside it. It’s a wide, open stretch of parkland with bushy edges, walking circuits and a central man‑made lake that gives the whole space a calm, “exhale” vibe—great when you want to get the kids outdoors without committing to a full day trip. The Playground here is small but memorable, and it suits older kids best. The standout is the quirky five‑way swing set, designed for ages 6–12. It’s a fun, social piece of equipment that feels a bit different to your 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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Ashfield Reserve Play Space Ashfield Reserve Play Space in Perth’s eastern suburbs is a hidden gem. Sharing the parkland with Ashfield Oval, this spot has something for all ages. We dropped in for a play during school holidays to burn off some energy. This was a great spot for it, too! Miss 5 enjoyed that there is lots to climb at Ashfield Reserve Play Space. This playground is packed with climbing ropes, climbing walls and ladders. The rope web was a particular favourite. The playground also features a curly slide and two regular slides, a wobbly bridge, and a 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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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 Park’s sweeping lawns and towering Norfolk Island pines, it’s an easy place to base yourself for a few hours in Freo – 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 that’s also home to the Esplanade Youth Plaza skate park and the Fremantle Read more…
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Stretton Way Reserve, situated behind Kenwick Village and is one of the shadiest parks I have seen. Shade sails cover the climbing equipment as well as the BBQ area making it good for summer outings. The play equipment has an excellent variety of play equipment including three slides, monkey bars, balancing equipment, various levels of climbing structures, and a basketball hoop. The BBQ area has picnic tables and seats to go with the two free BBQs. It is very well shaded and sits alongside a grassed area perfect for kicking a ball or playing cricket. Unfortunately, there are no toilets Read more…
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Just off Ocean Reef Road, there’s a fantastic playground found at Edgewater Park in Edgewater! There’s many fun elements to this playground including a traditional play structure and a little nature play too. And good news if you’ve just cleaned your car… there’s no sand! Found next to the Edgewater Shopping Centre, there’s plenty of parking and facilities here. The IGA makes it handy to grab a drink or snack to enjoy in the park. The dual metal slide is perfect for racing a friend! It’s quite fast, surrounded by soft fall, making it easy to scramble up the slope Read more…
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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 “pockets” linked by pathways, so kids can wander from one activity to the next while adults keep an eye on them from nearby Read more…
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Seldon Street Playground is located in a small park on Eton Street, North Perth. The street is fairly quiet, with plenty of roadside parking available. The playground area is fenced with two Maglock gates, and the equipment is surrounded by rubbery softfall. Shade sails cover most of the playground, with shady trees outside the fence helping to increase the shaded area. The main play structure features a tall twisty slide, ladders and a bridge to climb, as well as a rope web and two different sized climbing walls. At one end is a fireman pole, monkey bars and a flying Read more…
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Now this is what we call a hidden gem! Sanctuary Park Playground in Ridgewood has officially become our favourite discovery of the week — and we’re already planning our return with friends and a pack of sausages for a BBQ catch-up! Located just 30 minutes north of Perth in a quiet suburb, this park is set on its own block with ample street parking all around. What immediately stood out? It’s fully shaded! Shade sails cover the entire play area — a total win for sunny days. There’s a little something for everyone here, making it ideal for kids of Read more…
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Tucked in among the high-rise apartments of Burswood, Promenade Park is a compact but well-equipped neighbourhood Playground that’s 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 more…
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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 more…
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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 more…
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The Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space is an amazing park purpose-built for all ages and abilities. Carefully built around and under existing trees, covering 10,000sqm with wheelchair access throughout, a sensory garden, flying fox, climbing obstacles, slides, swings, picnic areas, water play, toilet facilities and fully fenced… it certainly ticks all the boxes!!! The main wooden structure has ramp and stair access, decks, two slides, and a balancing beam. Underneath there is a cubby house with a shop window and fun coloured glass blocks. There is a nature play area that backs onto the wooden structure, it is step Read more…
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Previously known as Orange Grove Community Reserve, Boyle Lane All Abilities Playground is the NEWest playground that has received a $242,000 upgrade from the City of Gosnells in Orange Grove. Located at the intersection of Boyle Lane and Maddington Road, this fully fenced inclusive play space might be on the smaller scale, but it has all the sensory play elements and equipment for kids of all ages to enjoy and makes a good pit-stop to let the kids loose when you are around the area. The Boral Truck Rocker (kindly donated by Boral) was a huge hit among Read more…
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Tucked between the CBD and Northbridge, right opposite WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Perth Cultural Centre Playspace is a compact, quirky Playground that’s perfect for breaking up a day in the city. Set within the wider Perth Cultural Centre precinct – home to the Museum, Art Gallery, State Library and more – it’s an easy stop for families travelling by train or exploring on foot from Perth Station or the surrounding streets. The space has a strong sensory and nature play focus, making it a great option for kids who love to touch, balance, spin and explore. The playspace is Read more…
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Bayswater Riverside Gardens is a much‑loved riverside Playground and parkland that’s especially perfect for toddlers and young children. Stretching along both Milne Street and King William Street in Bayswater, it combines a fully fenced play space with big open lawns, river views and easy paths, making it a spot where families can comfortably spend a whole morning or afternoon. The Playground itself is designed with little ones in mind. It’s fully fenced and gated, with rubber soft fall underfoot and shade sails overhead in the warmer months, giving parents a bit more peace of mind. Inside the fence you’ll find Read more…
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Len Packham Park in Coolbellup is home to a fantastic nature adventure Playground, set amongst towering mature trees that provide welcome shade for much of the day. Tucked in behind Coolbellup Public Library and right alongside the Coolbellup Skate Park, it’s an easy spot to make a full morning or afternoon of play, especially for families with mixed ages and interests. The hero of the Playground is the impressive timber treehouse structure. Kids can climb a rope ladder up to a mid-level platform, then scramble through a rope tunnel to reach the top “house” before zooming back down via a Read more…
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Honeycomb Park in Brabham is a buzzing community Playground that lives up to its name. Tucked within Peet’s Brabham Estate, not far from the Swan Valley and just around the corner from the much-loved Jungle Park, this 1.4 hectare green space is packed with play opportunities for kids of all ages, plus plenty to keep parents comfortable too. The first thing you notice is the huge yellow and black honeycomb tower rising out of the park. The bespoke honeycomb play structure is designed for confident climbers, roughly 4 years and up, with ladders and platforms leading kids up through Read more…
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Cracknell Park in Rivervale is a compact neighbourhood park that makes the most of its beautiful riverside setting. Tucked along Riversdale Road, it combines upgraded play equipment with brilliant Swan River views, making it a lovely spot for families to stop, play and unwind. The main Playground area features a modern play structure with plenty to keep kids of different ages busy. There are monkey bars for little monkeys to test their strength, two slides including a smaller slide that’s great for younger children, and a tunnel slide that proves especially popular with older kids. A flying fox adds a Read more…
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Leafy Somerly Park in the northern suburb of Clarkson features a bright playground suitable for kids of all ages, including traditional play equipment mixed with some sensory play. On arriving and walking down the path and under a tall gazebo to the playground, the first things to grab Miss 4’s attention was the musical play equipment. A board with different shapes to drum on and chiming pipes of different heights and pitch stand at one end along with two spring rockers and a spinning toy. From here, she began exploring the main play structure, starting with the rubber swinging platforms. 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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Hillcrest Park in Bayswater is a great spot for families looking for a fresh, non-sand Playground with loads of space to run and play. Set along Coode Street between the Jamison-Frame Pavilion and the cricket practice nets, the newer Playground sits on the edge of the oval and is an easy after-school stop if you’re coming from Hillcrest Primary nearby. One of the first things families will appreciate is that the main play area is not sand based, which is ideal if you’re not keen on taking half the park home in your car. The main multi-level climbing structure offers Read more…
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Cilantro Park, nestled in Stockland’s Calleya Estate in Banjup, is a fantastic local Playground that offers a good mix of active play, nature play and space to run around. Previously known as Calleya Playground, this park continues to be a popular spot with families thanks to its variety of equipment and large open grassed area. The main play structure features two slides: a very high twisty slide that will appeal to more adventurous kids, and a smaller hill slide ideal for younger ones or those still building confidence. Kids can climb, explore and race each other down the different slide Read more…
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Calista Bike Skills Track Playground is a brilliant spot for scooter and bike-mad kids, purpose-built to help little riders learn road rules in a fun, low-stress way. Opened in 2023 and set amongst shady trees at Calista Oval, the track sits right next to Kwinana Adventure Playground and The Edge Skate Park, making this area a fantastic all-day destination for families. The bike skills track is laid out like a mini road network with smooth flat paths. Kids can follow roundabouts, negotiate speed bumps, stop at traffic lights and stop signs, and practise giving way at pedestrian crossings. There are 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…
