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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FEATUREDPia’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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Harbour View Park in Hillarys is a lovely local Playground that’s especially suited to toddlers and young children, with the bonus of exercise facilities for adults and free community tennis courts alongside. Tucked within the quiet suburban streets, it’s an easy park to visit for a quick play, a longer hang-out with friends, or a scooter ride around the surrounding paths. The main play area is boat-themed, which is always a winner with little ones who love to pretend they’re the captain at sea. The compact climbing frame includes small ladders that are easy for younger children to manage, a Read more…
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Maylands Waterland is WA’s premier outdoor water playground, beautifully situated on the Maylands Peninsula overlooking the Swan River. This FREE family-friendly facility operates seasonally from September until April, with water features running daily from 9am to 5pm. The park features a water feature stream flowing into a variable depth splash pool, nature playgrounds, and extensive grassed areas perfect for picnics. Facilities include free accessible BBQs, picnic shelters, toilet and shower amenities, and a dedicated party space with kitchenette available for hire. While the water features are seasonal, the parklands, playground, BBQs, toilets, and picnic areas remain open year-round during daylight 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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Tucked into Iluma Estate in Bennett Springs, Dazzle Park is a bright, modern community hub that really lives up to its name. The colourful Playground is wrapped in a living hedge maze, so even the walk in feels like a little adventure. As the hedges have grown, the maze has become an attraction in itself, adding a fun “find your way in and out” element to every visit. The standout feature in the centre of the maze is the impressive climbing structure. Confident climbers will love scrambling up the large climbing wall to reach the high, bright yellow slide. Read more…
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Tucked within Princess Wallington Reserve, Bina Parkland is a vibrant neighbourhood Playground that offers a good mix of traditional equipment and nature play, with plenty to keep energetic kids busy. The space feels open and welcoming, with large mature trees providing natural shade and the play elements spread out so families don’t feel crowded. The main drawcard is the impressive rope climbing structure. Rope ladders lead up to a series of birds nest pods at different heights, connected by ladders and a rope bridge that feeds onto a slide. Confident climbers will love scrambling up high and testing their balance, 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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Avon Park in York, also known locally as Pioneer Avon Park, has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the Avon Valley’s 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 there’s a good amount of shade from both trees and shelters. Families will find multiple sheltered picnic tables, free 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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Joseph Banks Gardens in Banksia Grove is a huge, nature-inspired park that offers something for every little adventurer. Whether you’re here for a morning play or making a full day of it with a stop at nearby Pitstop Playground, this spot is definitely worth your time—especially if your kids love space to run, ride, and climb. This park is spread over gentle hills and dips, with bike paths weaving throughout, so don’t forget the bikes or scooters! There are benches placed all around for resting or watching the kids, and shaded picnic tables for snack time. A water fountain is 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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Alkimos Beach has a thrilling new addition—the Leatherback Plaza Ninja Warrior Course, the third of its kind in Western Australia! Located right next to the Leatherback Pavilion, this obstacle course is designed for teens and adults (ages 12 and up) looking to test their agility, strength, and speed in a fun and challenging way. The course kicks off with the classic Quintuple Steps, challenging your coordination right from the start. Next, you navigate the Rock Hop, requiring balance and precision, before tackling the Inside Out Bars, a true test of upper body strength. From there, you climb an elevated cargo 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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If you’ve ducked into Woolies at the Banksia Grove Shopping Centre recently, you’ll 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 friend’s 12 year old daughter helped her and made sure 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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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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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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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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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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Shirley Strickland Reserve in Ardross is a fantastic family-friendly spot that combines a nature-inspired Playground with a large, dog-friendly sporting reserve. The space brings together a Sport and Community Pavilion, fitness equipment and a shared walking and cycling path around the ovals, making it a great destination for active kids and parents alike. The hero of the Playground is the huge multilevel wooden climbing structure, topped with a bright lime green slide that kids spot as soon as they arrive. Confident climbers can head up via various ladders and climbing elements, then race each other across the bridge before zooming Read more…
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Karragarup Play Space in Australind is a brilliant family stop-off on the drive down south, and a destination in its own right if you’re 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. “Karragarup” comes from the local Wardandi Noongar language and means “place of the crabs”, a nod to the bay’s famed blue swimmer crab population, and that theme runs strongly throughout the play space. The hero of the Playground is the enormous Read more…
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On the eastern side of Hyde Park, near the corner of Glendower Street and William Street, you’ll find the upgraded Hyde Park East Playground – a compact but exciting play space built around a ninja-style rope course. This modern setup is designed to test strength, balance, climbing and jumping skills, and is suitable for a wide age range – from confident toddlers right through to older kids and even adults who want to join in. The main feature of the Playground is the intricate rope course set over soft-fall rubber flooring, providing extra safety and comfort underfoot. The structure includes Read more…
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JH Abrahams Reserve in Crawley is a beautiful, riverside Playground and picnic spot that’s ideal for families looking to spend a few relaxed hours outdoors. Overlooking the Swan River and close to Matilda Bay, it combines a shaded play area, big grassy spaces and great facilities, making it an easy option for a play, ride and picnic. Shaded with sail shades and tall mature trees, this playground is on a woodchip play area. Children of all ages can enjoy climbing on the main wooden climbing structure. With different climbing elements on it, even the little ones can find it easy 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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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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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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Strive Park, Girrawheen Strive Park is a small park located in the Blackmore Park Estate, in Girrawheen. The playground here features nature play elements, some traditional play elements, and a bike and scooter track. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids! Miss 6 loved the traditional part of the playground first. She headed straight for the swings and climbing equipment. There are three swings available. Two regular swings and a birds nest swing. Adjacent to the swing are wooden climbing poles with foot hold pegs. These are quite tall and great for kids who enjoy climbing. On Read more…
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Perched high above the Indian Ocean at the western end of Reflection Boulevard, Eden Beach Lookout and Play Space in Jindalee is made for older kids who love to move. This modern coastal park combines parkour-style equipment, scooter and skate ramps, and a half basketball court with sweeping ocean views, making it a brilliant spot for active families to hang out, especially later in the day when the sun begins to set. The heart of the space is the concrete scooter and skate area. Here you’ll find low and medium ramps and banks that are perfect for scooters, skateboards and Read more…
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Revolution Park -previously Kinkuna Adventure Playground, sits at the heart of Allara Estate in Eglinton, forming part of the broader Revolution Park precinct. It’s a big, modern “super park” that blends adventure play, nature play and a fantastic seasonal water play area, making it an easy full‑day outing for families in Perth’s northern suburbs. The main drawcard is the impressive timber fort in the centre of the park. A series of large wooden towers are linked by ladders, climbing ropes, tunnels and rope bridges, with two slides of different sizes shooting off the structure. There are climbing walls and rope Read more…
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Tucked within the Lakelands development on Dragonfly Boulevard, Lakelands Park is a lovely little nature play space that’s perfect for a morning tea stop, after school play or a quick run around on the way to or from Mandurah. It’s around a six‑minute 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 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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We all know shopping with kids isn’t easy, but the kids will be begging to go to Mandurah Forum’s beach-inspired playground! The state-of-the-art playground is part of the $350 million redevelopment, completed in March 2018 the two fully enclosed play areas are the perfect place to take a break while the kids burn off some energy. The main feature is an 8-metre high climbing structure in the shape of a cray pot with internal climbing nets and two twisting tunnel slides, it is great for adventurous kids who are confident climbers. Dotted on the softfall are different sea creatures to Read more…
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Walyalup Koort Play Space is a vibrant inner-city Playground in the very heart of Fremantle, set within the redeveloped Kings Square precinct now known as Walyalup Koort. Inspired by Freo’s industrial and maritime history, the design cleverly weaves in miniature cranes, bridges, railway tracks and shipping containers, softened with trees, water elements and plenty of colour. It’s a fun, busy space that suits toddlers through to primary school-aged children, and makes a brilliant stop on a family day out in Fremantle. The main crane-themed fort is the first thing most kids run to. It features climbing opportunities, platforms to explore 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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At the new Clementine Estate, in Upper Swan, there’s a new playground to explore. It’s worth a little look, if you happen to be near the northern end of the Swan Valley. Found on Citrus Road, the small but mighty playground is decked out in vibrant citrus colours. There’s a huge lush lawn too, to run about, kick a ball and even take a roll down the hilly embankment. The wood chipped based play area has a distinct nature play feel, with the majority of the equipment being climbing orientated. There’s stepping logs, colourful climbing walls, as well as giant Read more…
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Found besides the waters of Lake Claremont is a small, but lovely nature playground. The play area has been designed for primary school aged kids, though little ones will love the sand play! The main fort structure is suitable for older kids, as it is made up of wooden steps and rope to climb up to the top. Once you’re at the top, the “floor” is also made out of rope, so there’s no solid surface to stand and play on. There’s a large concrete sand-play table, with a tyre to scoop up the course red sand, attached to a 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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Tuckfield Oval is a brilliant spot for families looking for a Playground with a view. Perched high above the Swan River and Fremantle’s busy port, this hillside park in East Fremantle combines big climbing challenges with natural play elements and wide‑open grass – plus you’re just a short stroll from the famous rainbow shipping containers and the George Street café strip. The main drawcard is the huge rope climbing structure, which immediately appeals to confident climbers and school‑aged kids. It’s the kind of piece that invites them to scramble, hang, balance and test their limits, and the elevated position means Read more…
