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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Curtis Park in Girrawheen is a lovely, naturally shaded neighbourhood park tucked between Curtis Way and Hatfield Way, just off Marangaroo Drive. With its mix of play equipment, climbing challenges, scooter-friendly paths and unique, life-sized maths board games, it’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy and sneak in some learning at the same time. The main Playground is bright and inviting, with three different slides to suit a range of ages and confidence levels – a straight slide, a curved slide and a fun corkscrew slide. The structure is spread over several levels and linked by ladders Read more…
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The town of Williams is a good place to stop if you are on a road trip heading to/from Denmark or Albany. We recently stopped here on the way back from Denmark and found the quick park stop really helped to burn some energy and break up the journey. Williams Lions Park is nestled on the banks of the Williams River alongside the Albany Hwy and Williams Sports and Recreation area. The park has toilets, bbq and picnic tables, benches, a nature play area, a long flying fox, large numbat sculpture and parking. If you don’t have a picnic or Read more…
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The City of Gosnells has unveiled its latest inclusive play space at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale. This exciting development marks the first completed project of the Sutherlands Park Master Plan, with a Youth Entertainment Space still to come. The playground is one of ten all-abilities playgrounds being developed by the City of Gosnells to create more inclusive play spaces throughout the community. This thoughtfully designed, fully-fenced playground features an array of accessible equipment including trampolines, swings, a carousel, and charming pretend play areas complete with a shopfront and petrol kiosk. Built on soft-fall rubber surfacing, the playground offers generous spacing Read more…
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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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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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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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Perry Lakes Rope Playground is located on Perry Lakes Drive, near the corner of Meager Drive. The playground is fully fenced and gated, and I feel it would be more suited to children aged three years and older who have more strength to climb and balance. Perry Lakes Rope playground is made up of many ladders, rubber platforms and balancing ropes. My miss 3 particularly loved the rope suspension bridge. She had several climbs across this one. It was great for building on her balancing skills. She also liked the rubber hammock section attached to a series of rope nets, 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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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. It’s 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 more…
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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, it’s been very thoughtfully designed, with varied equipment and a fantastic, open grassed area that’s perfect for energetic kids. The Playground is built over two terraced levels, which adds a fun sense of exploration. In the upper play area you’ll find a fantastic double cubby house structure, linked by a rope bridge that’s ideal for little climbers building confidence and balance. Ladders on either side provide different ways to access the cubbies, and nearby Read more…
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Enchantment Park in Indi Yanchep promises a truly enchanting experience for adventurous families. From the moment you arrive at the main arched entrance, it feels like stepping into a storybook world. Scan the first QR code, and you’re immediately transported into the Enchantment Park universe, complete with an interactive park book – perfect for families who love reading as much as exploring. The park is cleverly divided into themed zones, each offering unique experiences. In the Magic Meadow, little ones can run, jump, and play alongside Goran the gentle dragon. Fairy Cove is perfect for mini detectives, with hidden Read more…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Little train lovers can now enjoy a train-themed all-abilities playground at Gosnells Oval that comes with its own train station, locomotives and the resemblance of a railway roundhouse! Located on the eastern side of the Gosnells Oval’s ground at Stalker Road, this steam train-themed playground pays homage to Gosnell’s history and heritage and complements the railway that runs in close proximity (you can also find the Gosnells Railway Markets nearby). Being one of the 10 new All-Abilities playgrounds that the City of Gosnells has committed to delivering to the local community to make play more accessible, children are sure to Read more…
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The new Tomato Lake all-abilities playground has opened and it appears to be a big hit as it was very busy when we visited. The playground is in front between the cafe and the bbq picnic area. The bbq area has also been refreshed with new picnic tables. The playground has been designed to suit toddlers through to older kids, including those with disabilities. It is bright and colourful with soft fall base The playground features an inclusive seesaw, which is the only one of its kind in WA. There are a number of bench seats along the car park Read more…
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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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We have been excitedly watching the brand new Halesworth Park in Butler near completion for weeks and today we finally got the chance to explore this brilliant new addition to Perth’s far northern suburbs! Halesworth Park is a family-friendly spot for all kinds of activities. With 2 huge multi-sports ovals, netball and tennis courts, a dual-use footpath and more, Halesworth Park is the perfect place for your next family outing. The Halesworth Park playground is shaded and features lots of nature play, including logs for climbing, teepees for adventures and a water feature. There is also a table tennis table, Read more…
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Anchors away! Windjammer Park in the coastal suburb of Jindalee, around 45 minutes north of Perth, is a fantastic family playground that captures a true coastal vibe. As part of the City of Wanneroo’s 19/20 Asset Renewal Program, the park was given a major refresh — and the result is a vibrant, ocean-inspired play space that perfectly fits its seaside location. The playground features high-quality equipment from Tip Tip Tap, designed with a nautical twist that instantly sparks kids’ imaginations. The standout piece is a large pirate ship play structure, complete with climbing walls, slides, and a fire pole — Read more…
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Lake Leschenaultia, found close to Mundaring, is a top day out in the Perth Hills for families. There’s swimming, bike riding, bushwalking, picnicking and now there’s even more reason to visit. The tired old metal boat play equipment has gone – replaced by a beautifully crafted timber train playground! Found next to the campsite office, the new playground (opened December 2023) features a train and slide, as well as many nature play elements, like stepping logs. The lake was constructed over a century ago to provide water for the passing steam trains. It’s lovely to see a train, station and 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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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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Grado Park is one of those local parks that doesn’t try to be flashy, but once you’ve experienced it, you’ll keep coming back. Nestled on the corner of Piazza Link and Grado Way, this hilltop park offers a peaceful, nature-rich space that’s ideal for families with older kids, sunset chasers, and anyone needing a breather from the daily grind. The park is built around a natural rise, and while it’s not a steep mountain, you’ll definitely feel the gentle uphill walk, whether you choose the ramps or stone stairs, it adds a little adventure to the visit. Natural mulch, mature Read more…
