The Buggbuddys guide to parks with shade in Perth! The ultimate guide to the best playgrounds and parks with shade 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, skate are FREE!
Why visit a playground or park with shade?
Why not be Sun Smart? Perth can have some extreme temperatures, and experiences high UV rating regularly. In addition to sun hats and sunscreen, shaded parks protect delicate childhood skin on hot or high UV days. Parks with natural shade or shade sails are perfect for keeping children safer in these conditions.
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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FEATUREDFeaturedThe Village East Playground at Whiteman Park is a bright, modern play space where toddlers can confidently explore while older children still find plenty of challenges. Shade sails cover much of the main structure, making it a comfortable spot to play even on sunny days. You’ll find the Playground in The Village at Whiteman Park, right across from the Village Cafe and immediately beside the Mini Water Playground, which operates during the warmer months (generally 10am–5pm – always check the Whiteman Park website for current seasonal dates and conditions). With toilets, BBQs and plenty of seating close by, it’s easy Read more…
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Ahoy sailors! Set within the Sienna Wood estate in Hilbert, Shipwreck Park is a fantastic nautical-themed destination Playground designed with families and inclusivity in mind. Located around 36km south-east of Perth, this big, bright, fully fenced space is ideal for toddlers through to tweens, with plenty to keep everyone busy for hours. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear the park has been thoughtfully planned for families. There’s a generous car park, unisex toilets and a parent room close by, and the entire Playground is fully fenced with multiple entry and exit points, including a push-button gate that’s perfect for Read more…
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Tucked within the Sienna Wood estate in Haynes, Explorer Park is a brilliant all‑rounder park that keeps toddlers, tweens, teens and even adults happily busy. It combines a huge landmark climbing tower, nature play, all‑abilities equipment and serious sports facilities, making it a true destination Playground rather than just a quick stop. The star of the park is the striking “Tree of Life” tower – an 8‑metre high climbing structure with two enclosed tunnel slides spiralling down from different levels. Little adventurers can reach the lower slide via straightforward stairs, which makes that first big climb far less intimidating. To Read more…
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Amberton Beach Lighthouse Park located 20km North of Joondalup. The 5 million dollar foreshore playground features an 8.5 metre tall lighthouse with twisting tunnel slides, a ship play structure, sand play, a rope maze, and basketball court – the kids will never want to go home! The bright red and white lighthouse is the centerpiece of the playground, it is only suitable for confident climbers as climbing nets are the only way up! Saying that my fearless 3 year olds were able to climb to the top unassisted. There are two twisting tunnel slides coming off the lighthouse at different 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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Keane’s Point Playground in Peppermint Grove is a gorgeous riverside spot that combines classic Playground fun with a real “day out” feel. Set right on the banks of the Swan River next to the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, it has that peaceful, leafy Peppermint Grove vibe, with water views and plenty of space for kids to roam and play. The Playground is split into two sand-based play areas, both shaded by large sails. One area is designed with younger children in mind, especially those aged five and under. Here you’ll find lower platforms, gentler slides and play equipment that’s Read more…
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Clarko Reserve is a coastal reserve located at Trigg Beach at the end of Karrinyup Road. The jewel colours of the verdant green grass and shimmering blue sea beyond the dunes is a feast for the eyes. At a sheltered end of the reserve, near the beach car park, is a good sized playground with equipment to suit a range of children. I feel toddlers through to six year olds would probably enjoy this one most. The playground has three slides, including a tall corkscrew slide, noughts and crosses blocks, a coloured ball abacus, and a fireman pole. Soft sand surrounds Read more…
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The playground at Vista Estate Park on Majorelle Way in Karnup is a fantastic spot for kids to let off steam or enjoy a picnic. It offers a variety of play equipment, including nature-themed and steel structures, catering to different play preferences. The playground is located prominently by the road without a fence, so it’s important to keep a close eye on active children. The play equipment features slides, swings, a musical xylophone, climbing logs, a mini climbing frame, and a sand/wet play table. In addition, there’s a spacious grassy area, a half basketball court, exercise equipment, picnic tables, barbecues, Read more…
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Lawler Park is a green, leafy park in Floreat with a playground suitable for toddlers and upwards. There are lots of play opportunities here to keep the kids busy. The larger playground structure includes two slides of different sizes, ring-shaped monkey bars, swinging platforms to climb across, some climbing ropes, and a tricky balancing beam with vertical bars to up the difficulty level. It has a miniature climbing wall on one side and a clock for practising setting the time. Miss almost 3 particularly enjoyed the balancing beam. Standing separately, there is a train shaped spring rocker, a spinning pole, Read more…
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South Beach Playground in South Fremantle is a brilliant spot for little pirates to run wild, with the bonus of being right on one of Perth’s most family‑friendly beaches. Set on the foreshore of South Beach Reserve, the Playground combines a fun, boat‑themed play space with a huge grassed area, barbecues and easy access to the sand and cafe, making it an easy full‑morning or full‑day outing for families. The main drawcard is the large pirate‑style boat structure. Kids can clamber up to the “deck”, scale ladders and platforms, and take on the role of captain as they climb the 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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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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Port Coogee Parkside Retreat is a fantastic little neighbourhood Playground tucked away in the Parkside Retreat estate, just a short five-minute walk from Ngarkal Beach and the Port Coogee water park. Its coastal location makes it perfect for combining a park visit with a beach or marina wander, and it has a great community feel despite being a local pocket park. The standout feature of the Playground is the large slide attached to an up-ended sea container. Kids can choose from two different climbing routes to reach the top – either heading around the back to scale the outside up Read more…
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Frye Park or Pirate Park in Kelmscott is a great park which features a large pirate ship but also has a fenced toddler playground and picnic tables in the same area. The toddler area and picnic tables are covered with shade sails in summer. The pirate ship has plenty to do with three slides, climbing challenges and treasure hunts. The pirate ship has seats underneath and the area is high enough that my Miss 3.5 could walk around with no problem. She liked the idea of having her snacks where the pirates have lunch. Up on top deck is quite Read more…
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Situated on the site of the old quarantine station, on the hill above the Bicton Baths with an awesome view of the river, Bicton Quarantine Park is a picturesque spot for a family barbecue or picnic. Bicton Quarantine Park features a playground with a fence and shade sails. The main playground structure here has two slides of different sizes, climbing ladders, monkey bars, a tunnel, a rope bridge, and a climbing wall. Separate, there is a spring rocker, and two swings, a toddler swing and a regular swing. There are a number of paths running through the park and down Read more…
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The newly redeveloped East Fremantle Oval area has been transformed into a fantastic family-friendly space, featuring a nature playground located in front of the Carnaby Cafe. The fort-style playground boasts multiple levels, a climbing rope, fireman poles, a slide, and a climbing wall. Children can also enjoy a wooden stepping stone and rope agility course. The playground features an all-abilities birdnest swing, free gas BBQs, seating, and water fountains, all under shade cloth for sun protection. Adjacent to the playground is a large grass area, perfect for picnics and ball games. Don’t forget to bring skateboards, scooters, bikes, and basketballs 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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Brown Park is a grassy park with shady trees and a playground covered by shade sails set among the leafy streets of Mosman Park. It’s a spot that’s sure to have something to appeal to everyone. The main play structure has lots to offer, with monkey bars, two slides of different sizes and a tunnel to crawl through. There’s a steering wheel and two different climbing walls. One plastic, one wooden. One of Miss almost three’s favourite parts was the wobbly wooden bridge. Smaller children will need to hold on to the ropes to get across, which adds to the Read more…
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Tucked along the western end of Wordsworth Avenue, Yokine Reserve Playground is a brilliant all‑rounder for families, with something to suit toddlers through to tweens. The fully fenced, double‑gated play space feels safe and contained, making it ideal for busy little explorers and a popular choice for birthday parties and weekend catch‑ups. The Playground combines traditional equipment with nature and sensory play. As you enter from the main car park, kids are usually drawn straight to the big, flat roundabout – perfect for spinning while standing, sitting or running around the edge. Nearby, a smaller roundabout wrapped in rope netting 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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Rossiter Pavilion and Playing Fields in Piara Waters is a compact but very thoughtfully designed community Playground, wrapped around a large sports oval and pavilion. Tucked within the Holland Park Estate, the play space combines nature play, messy play and classic Playground favourites, making it a handy local park for toddlers through to early primary-aged kids. As you walk into the Playground, the first thing many kids spot are the three in-ground trampolines set into the soft fall. These are a real drawcard for energetic children who love to bounce, and they’re spread out enough that a few kids can Read more…
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Wandi Playing Fields Playground is a brilliant community space that really suits a whole day out with the kids. Tucked alongside the playing fields and opposite Honeywood Primary School, this modern Playground combines big open spaces, nature play, water play and active zones for older kids. It’s one of those parks where families can easily spend hours, with enough variety to keep toddlers, primary schoolers and tweens all happy. The first thing that grabs kids’ attention is the impressive 30-metre double flying fox. One cable has a standard pommel seat and the other features an all-abilities harness seat, making it Read more…
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Tucked into the New Junction redevelopment in the heart of Midland, Weeip Park has quickly grown from a “new” Playground into a much-loved community hub. Just a short stroll from Midland Gate Shopping Centre and the Cale Street café strip, this large public open space combines a nature-inspired Playground, youth zone, kick-about oval and public art celebrating local history and culture, all in one spot. The park is named in honour of Weeip, the traditional leader of the Boora clan (Boya Ngura people), who was responsible for much of the City of Swan area during early European settlement. In 1834 Read more…
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Yanchep Golf Estate Playground is a brilliant little neighbourhood gem tucked between new homes and the rolling fairways of the golf course. Designed as a shipwreck-themed adventure space, it’s ideal for toddlers and primary-aged kids and works really well as a stop on a Yanchep day out or as your local “pop down for a play” park if you live nearby. The first thing that tends to grab kids’ attention is the flying fox. It’s a single cable rather than a dual racing style, but children still love taking turns and seeing who can launch the fastest. Because it runs Read more…
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The UFO-inspired Bob Gordon Reserve Play Space is out-of-this-world fun! The fully fenced playground features everything from UFOs, swings, flying foxes, slides, and water play to all the essentials like toilets, BBQs, picnic shelters, shade and ample parking. The main feature and the inspiration for the playground is the replica of the old Leach Highway Spaceship, Futuro House, which I’m sure parents and grandparents from the 70s and 80s will remember fondly! The new Futuro features a small slide, fireman pole and is fully wheelchair accessible. Inside, you’ll find control panels, speaking tubes, finger mazes, and alien noughts and crosses. Read more…
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Tucked within Calleya Estate in Treeby, Allure North Park is a brilliant combo of junior BMX pump track and adventure Playground, making it a top spot for kids who love to ride, climb and explore. Located on Sapphire Drive, this community park is designed with active families in mind, with plenty to keep both confident riders and younger children entertained. The standout feature at Allure North Park is the junior BMX pump track. This smooth bitumen circuit is popular with BMX riders, kids on regular bikes, skateboarders and scooter riders. The track includes gentle rollers and curved walls that allow Read more…
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Taarak Park in Allara Estate, Eglinton, is a much-loved local favourite for northern suburbs families, especially those with energetic kids who love to climb and explore. Set within a growing residential area, the park has a modern, vibrant feel and plenty of equipment to keep a mix of ages entertained, all wrapped around a striking central play tower. The star of the park is that tall play tower, which immediately grabs kids’ attention. It’s packed with fun elements such as bridges, tunnels, climbing nets and ropes, and the all-important slides that send children zooming back down to the ground. The Read more…
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My kids think the Catalina Beach Park in Mindarie is AWESOME! The first thing the kids did when we arrived was climb to the top of the 8-metre tall tower, before racing down ‘the steepest slide they have ever seen’! As they raced down one by one they let out terrifying screams… then immediately raced back to the top to go down again and again! The climb to the top of the tower is an easy and safe climb for confident kids. To reach the first platform there is a steel or rope ladder. On this level there is a Read more…
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If you love finding parks that genuinely cater to a mix of ages, Giger Park in Alkimos is well worth adding to your list. It may look fairly modest at first glance, but once the kids start exploring, it quickly becomes clear that this Playground packs a lot into a smaller space. It has that lovely hidden-gem feel, with enough variety to keep toddlers busy while still offering plenty to tempt bigger, more adventurous kids. One of the best things about Giger Park is how well it balances play for different age groups. Little ones are well catered for with Read more…
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Tucked just off Charles Riley Road beside the North Beach Community Centre and sports fields, Charles Riley Reserve is a welcoming, leafy spot for a relaxed play. Manicured lawns and landscaped gardens surround a small war memorial, and behind this you’ll find the sand-based Playground, shaded by blue shade sails and bordered by young trees and garden beds. It has a friendly, local feel and is especially popular with toddlers and grandparents on weekday mornings. The Playground surface is mostly clean white sand with some purple soft-fall areas, so it’s ideal for little ones who are still finding their feet. Read more…
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Thomas Moore Park in Wilson is the kind of local gem that makes family outings feel easy. Just under 20 minutes south of Perth, this upgraded park (redeveloped in June 2021) combines a bright, modern Playground with great sports facilities and all the practical extras parents hope to find, all in one convenient place. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear how well set up this park is for families. There’s a dedicated car park so you’re not battling for verge space, a water fountain to refill bottles, and clean public toilets complete with soap – such a bonus when 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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I don’t know about you but I am hanging out for these summer days to arrive and take advantage of the long warm days! However, as a family, it can be hard to find a spot which ticks all the boxes for everyone, so look no further than this hidden little gem located in Mandurah. Named McLennan Park, it is a 15-minute car ride from Mandurah located in the suburb of Madora Bay, which also has the added bonus of having a bus stop right at the park if you will be arriving by public transport. Located one side of Read more…
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Mojo Park in Cockburn Central is a brilliant suburban Playground and recreation space tucked within the colourful Mojo Urban Living estate. Despite being slightly hidden away in the estate, the park itself feels open and spacious, with a large grassed area, tall gum trees and a good mix of play equipment that suits a range of ages and abilities. The main Playground combines nature play elements with more traditional structures. Underfoot you’ll find a mix of soft fall, sand and wood chips, so kids can run, climb and explore with a bit of variety in textures. The large central play Read more…
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Mandurah’s Eastern Foreshore has had a massive glow-up, and the Mandurah Eastern Foreshore Reserve Playground makes the most of that waterfront transformation. Sitting right on Mandurah Terrace, this fully fenced, partly shaded Playground is a brilliant all-abilities space where kids can burn energy while adults soak up those estuary views, grab a coffee, or wander the foreshore. The Playground has a strong nautical theme that celebrates Mandurah’s coastal and crabbing heritage. Little details like crab scoops, fishing lures and buoys are woven into the design, and families will be happy to see the much-loved yellow boat from the old Playground Read more…
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Set right on the Scarborough foreshore, Whale Playground is one of those parks where you can easily spend hours while the kids disappear into imaginative play. Inspired by Noongar culture and the form of a blue whale skeleton, this $1.4 million Lotterywest‑funded Playground is a real hero of the Scarborough Reserve redevelopment and a must‑do on a family day at the beach. The centrepiece is the giant whale structure. Little ones usually start at the whale’s head, which doubles as a small concrete slide – it’s perfectly sized for toddlers and younger children, but it is quite fast, so a Read more…
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Colour Block Park, affectionately known as “The LEGO Park”, is a compact but seriously eye-catching neighbourhood Playground tucked into the coastal suburb of Golden Bay. The bright, block-inspired design gives it instant wow factor, and it makes a great stop-off if you’re exploring the southern beaches or visiting nearby Shipwreck Cove and other Golden Bay parks. The hero of the Playground is the colourful climbing structure built to look like giant building blocks. Kids can scramble up the “bricks” to reach a central platform, then choose between crossing a rope bridge or taking the ladder up to the enclosed tunnel 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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If you’re looking for a peaceful playground surrounded by trees and birds singing, then playground at Ian Robbins Park is for you. Situated at the centre of the park is a great playground, which has recently been upgraded with new equipment and fresh white sand. This is covered with shade sails for much of day and has a few bench seats located close by. The play structure is suitable for toddlers and upwards, though young children may require some assistance with some of the equipment. This is a great playground for kids who love to climb. The top of the Read more…
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If you have a little one obsessed with wheels, you need to pack the car and head to Hossack Playground. This park has recently leveled up with a fantastic bike park that feels like a miniature city, with a new playground as well, this spot ticks all the boxes for a fun day out. The bike park is the star of the show. It features a fresh asphalt track complete with roundabouts, give way signs, stop signs and pedestrian crossings. It’s the perfect environment for kids to practice their steering and learn road awareness. My son loved the little details Read more…
