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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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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If you’ve explored your fair share of shopping centre playgrounds, you’ll know they can often feel a little repetitive. Ocean Keys Shopping Centre in Clarkson has taken a completely different approach — creating a space that is intentional, inclusive and genuinely engaging for children and their caregivers. This isn’t just somewhere to pass the time. It’s a place where children can move, explore, regulate and connect — and where parents and caregivers can actually enjoy the experience too. Inspired by WA’s Coastline The design is one of the first things that stands out. Inspired by the Western Australian coastline and 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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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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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 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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Dyoondalup Point Walter Playground, set along the stunning Swan River foreshore and next to Walter’s River Café, has been transformed with a beautiful new play space that celebrates Noongar culture and the natural landscape. The centrepiece of the Playground is a striking tower structure, designed in collaboration with Noongar artist Sharyn Egan. It reflects stories of Djunda, a tall female spirit with long flowing white hair, and honours Dyoondalup (Point Walter) as a “place of white sand.” The result is a thoughtfully designed, culturally rich Playground that offers much more than just a run-of-the-mill play experience. This is a very 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Located just around Harrisdale Nature Reserve, Harrisdale Green Sensory Park is the all-new interactive sensory park for children of all abilities at the new Harrisdale Green Estate. When we first drove past, this cute playground caught our attention with its vibrant colours. The scale of this playground is smallish and more suited for younger toddlers. Older kids might find that there is limited play equipment for them here, but don’t worry, there is another bigger playground located at Green Link Park, which is just a few minutes walk away. The highlight of this playground has to be the sensory play Read more…
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Pioneer Park in Gosnells is one of those parks that feels like a little “secret” the first time you visit. It sits close to the Canning River and, because much of the play and picnic area is tucked below street level, you can arrive nearby and still not immediately see the hub of activity. That hidden-away feeling is part of the charm, and it makes the park feel calmer and more sheltered than you’d expect so close to the town centre. One of the standout features here is the approach. Centennial Pioneer Park has an extensive pathway network and a 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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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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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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Coventry Village in Morley is home to a bright, modern outdoor Playground that’s 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, it’s an easy add‑on to a family meal or quick shopping trip. The Playground is fully fenced with a solid metal barrier and a mag‑lock gate, providing peace of mind with the nearby car park and road. Inside, the ground is covered in rubber softfall, Read more…
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Nestled in the heart of Illyarrie Estate in Sinagra, Lillypilly Park is a refreshing blend of nature play, adventure, and peaceful vibes. You’ll find it conveniently located right next to the Sales and Information Centre (yes, you can park there!), making your visit super easy. Spread out over a sloping block, the park is cleverly tiered: the top level is where the main playground action happens, the middle tier has benches perfect for a mum catch-up or solo book session, and the lower section is still being finished, with native planting and bushland vibes. Now, let’s talk about that 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…
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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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Leisure Park Playground near Yanchep Lagoon is a fantastic spot for families who enjoy a relaxed, coastal day out with plenty of play opportunities. It’s 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 you’ll 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 more…
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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 you’ve pulled into the small paid car park and wandered over the footbridge, you’re suddenly surrounded by tall trees, birdsong and water views – it’s 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 more…
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Tucked away in Trinity Estate, Alkimos, Fontana Park is a compact yet exciting neighbourhood Playground that’s perfect for a quick play or a relaxed picnic stop. It has a modern coastal feel and rewards families who seek it out with a mix of fun equipment and lovely views from the higher level of the park. The standout feature is the big log swing, which is wide enough for multiple kids to share and tends to be the first thing they run to. Nearby, a rock climbing wall leads adventurous kids up to an impressive slide. The slide is fast and 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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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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Currambine Central Shopping Centre has unveiled an exciting new playground! This vibrant play area is covered by shade sails and features soft-fall surfacing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to have a blast. From the captivating honeycomb slide to the thrilling busy bee flying fox, there’s a wide range of entertaining attractions to keep the little ones engaged. Young adventurers can also take on the challenge of climbing the giant watermelon, adding an extra element of excitement to their playtime. Adding to the charm, the playground includes two adorable rockers named Lily the Ladybug and Betsy the Bumblebee. 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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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 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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Avondale Park in Mindarie is one of those quietly excellent Playgrounds that’s been doing its job well for years. It may not be the flashiest or most high-tech play space, but if you value shade, space, and practical family-friendly design, this park definitely deserves a spot on your list. Located in a coastal suburb, Avondale Park is easy to combine with a bigger day out. You can start with a play at the park, then head to the nearby beach, or finish off with a coffee or meal at Sistas Mindarie at the Mindarie Marina, just a few minutes’ drive 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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Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Bassendean, Palmerston Square Playground is a charming neighbourhood park that’s 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, it’s 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 more…
