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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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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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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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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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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Wanneroo Showgrounds Playground is a lovely little spot tucked inside the secure grounds of Wanneroo Showgrounds, making it a great option if you’ve got speedy little runners who like to explore. Accessed via Ariti Avenue, the Playground shares the space with the long-established skate park and community tennis courts, so there’s plenty here to keep a mix of ages entertained. The Playground itself is compact but engaging, with a fun green and purple colour scheme and equipment that suits younger children. Kids will love zooming down the curved slide, having a go on the swings or climbing aboard the rowboat Read more…
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Faulkner Park, better known to most families as “Volcano Park”, is one of those destination Playgrounds that kids remember for years. The centrepiece is a huge man‑made volcano, surrounded by jungle‑style gardens, animal sculptures and plenty of different play zones that cater for toddlers through to confident climbers. The entire main Playground is fully fenced with self‑locking gates at both entrances, which makes it much easier to relax while the kids explore. The volcano itself is where most children will head first. A wide, gently sloping path spirals all the way to the top, with steps part of the way 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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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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Bathers Park at Alkimos Beach has fast become a real destination Playground in Perth’s north. Set on around 2.5 hectares at the ocean end of Leatherback Boulevard, this $2.8 million foreshore park combines big-ticket play equipment with a stunning coastal backdrop and plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and play. The hero of the park is the surf rescue-themed play tower that soars an impressive seven metres into the air. Kids can climb up via a broad staircase or tackle the more challenging rope “wormhole” to reach the higher decks. From the top platforms there are Read more…
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Tucked away among mature trees beside the Swan River at Minim Cove, Russell Brown Adventure Park is one of Perth’s most immersive nature Playgrounds. Built as a community project in partnership with the Town of Mosman Park and local groups including the Mosman Park Rotary Club, it’s designed to feel like an extension of the bush rather than a traditional suburban park, with logs, boulders, ropes and creeks inviting kids to climb, balance, splash and explore. The main adventure area sits on the river flats below McCabe Street, within Minim Cove Park. Most families park at the Mosman Park Tennis 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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Pirate Playground in Ellenbrook is a compact, fully fenced neighbourhood park that packs in a lot of fun for young children, especially pirate-loving toddlers and preschoolers. Located just off Verbana Drive near Cashman Avenue, this themed Playground is designed for imaginative play, with plenty of soft fall and sand underfoot to cushion little tumbles. While the fencing gives parents peace of mind, there are a few gaps under sections of the fence where determined little escape artists could squeeze through, so it’s still worth keeping a close eye on very young children. The centrepiece of the Playground is the impressive 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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Calleya Grandis Playground in Treeby is an exciting neighbourhood park that packs a lot into its compact space, making it a great destination for families with children of all ages. Tucked inside the Calleya Estate on Hydrangea Road, this cleverly designed Playground caters for little climbers, budding ninjas, sand play enthusiasts and even active teens and adults who want to squeeze in a workout or a hit of tennis. The most eye‑catching feature as you arrive is the giant tower and ropes course. The extensive climbing rope structure is perfect for a “ninja course” or classic “Floor is Lava” challenge, Read more…
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Hawaiian’s Mezz in Mount Hawthorn features a welcoming outdoor Playground that makes shopping with kids much easier. Tucked within the shopping centre’s open-air courtyard, the space has a relaxed community feel, with greenery, shade and nearby cafes creating a comfortable spot for families to pause, play and refuel. The main attraction is the wooden nature play structure, designed to appeal to a broad age range from toddlers through to tweens. Kids can climb up ladders, zip down the slide, or test their bravery on the fireman’s pole. Part of the structure is sheltered under a small roof, which naturally lends Read more…
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Capilano Park is a lovely little neighbourhood park tucked within the Vertex Estate in Yanchep. While it’s compact, it’s thoughtfully designed and ideal for younger children who love to climb, dig and explore in a relaxed setting away from busy roads and large crowds. The main feature is a large wooden climbing frame that offers plenty of ways for kids to test their skills and confidence. Children can choose from a rock-climbing wall, wooden steps and rope elements to make their way to the top platform. Once up high, the fireman’s pole is always a hit for those who enjoy Read more…
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Heathcote Reserve in Applecross is one of Perth’s original “super Playgrounds” and it still feels like a proper day-out destination rather than just a quick local park stop. Perched high above the Swan River, it offers sweeping views across to the city skyline, big lawns for picnics and play, and loads of space for kids to burn energy while adults actually relax for a moment. Being part of the broader Goolugatup Heathcote cultural precinct means there’s more to explore here than “just” a Playground, so it’s a spot that works well for repeat visits and for impressing out-of-town visitors. The 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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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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Set in the heart of Manjimup, around three hours’ drive south of Perth, Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park is an absolute must‑visit for families exploring the Southern Forests. Spread over 12 hectares of landscaped parkland and natural bush, it combines one of WA’s most impressive regional adventure Playgrounds with museums, heritage buildings and tranquil picnic spots, making it very easy to spend a whole day here. The adventure Playground is the big drawcard and it truly offers something for all ages. Little ones are well catered for with a shaded toddler and pre‑school area featuring a small climbing structure and Read more…
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Coodanup Foreshore Park, tucked along Peel Parade to the south east of Mandurah town centre, is a lovely estuary-side spot that has been steadily evolving thanks to major upgrades from the City of Mandurah. The reserve stretches along the northern edge of the Peel‑Harvey Estuary, offering families a mix of traditional Playground equipment, nature play, open space and shallow water access, all with that relaxed “by the water” Mandurah feel. The foreshore features two distinct Playground areas. One is designed with younger children in mind, with equipment suited to toddlers and early primary-aged kids. The second focuses more on climbing Read more…
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Robinson Reserve in Tuart Hill is a brilliant all-round community park, offering something for everyone from toddlers through to tweens and teens. Tucked alongside a big green sports oval and Osborne Park Library, the main Playground is fully fenced and shaded, making it a relaxed choice for local families and a handy stop if you’re in the area. The central Playground is set over soft white sand and fresh turf, with generous shade sails overhead. Younger kids are drawn straight to the wooden “shop” cubby, perfect for imaginative games of cafés, ice-cream stands or even a pretend jail. The sand Read more…
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Stirling Civic Gardens Stirling Civic Gardens is a hidden gem. Concealed from the road, it is a lovely park with manicured gardens and plenty of shade provided by the large trees. The playground area has recently undergone an upgrade, and there is now more play equipment than ever for your children to enjoy. The park features small lakes and water features, home to ducks and other water birds. There are paved paths winding their way through the gardens. These are perfect for gentle walks and help make the park more pram and wheelchair friendly. On the other hand, Stirling 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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Dianella BMX Track at Dianella Regional Open Space is a brilliant spot for kids and teens to burn off energy on their bikes and scooters. The track sits among tall trees and natural bushland, offering plenty of shade and a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe. It’s the kind of place where kids can really have an adventure, rather than a perfectly polished, “sanitised” play space. The track is essentially split into two distinct sections, catering for a wide range of ages and confidence levels. One side is a compacted limestone dirt track with rock climbs, balance beams and drop‑offs. It’s deliberately rough 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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South Perth Esplanade Playground is set within the Sir James Mitchell Park and is a short walk from the Mends Street Jetty making this an ideal playground to visit on public transport. The playground is sand based and covered with shade sails. South Perth Esplanade Playground overlooks the River Swan and is surrounded by mature trees, large grassy areas, a cycle path, picnic shelters and BBQs. Making this a great playground and park for birthday parties, picnics and playdates. There is a great selection of play equipment for toddlers including this fun bus. There are also lots of climbing nets, 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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Anthony Waring Park in Clarkson is a brilliant all‑rounder for families needing to “just get everybody out of the house” – fur babies included. Set in a quiet pocket of Somerly, the park combines loads of open space, a much‑loved bike track and two separate play areas that suit both younger and older children, all framed by tall eucalypts that give the whole reserve a calm, bushy feel. Locals often head straight for the bike track, which loops through the trees and makes a fun circuit for confident riders. The surface is quite crumbly and well‑worn, which kids tend to Read more…
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Joe Saunders Park in Champion Lakes is a great place to take the kids with plenty on offer for all ages. Set amongst the backdrop of the very impressive purpose built/man-made lake and close to the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre – which hosts rowing, canoeing, dragon boating and triathlon events throughout the year. The playground itself is set on white sand with plenty of wooden structures including a great climbing fort with slides. swing setplay kitchenbalancing and climbing logs and rocksrope bridge and shade sails for warmer days. It does get hot and the UV seems to be high any time Read more…
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Jubilee Reserve, Eden Hill Jubilee Reserve is a multi-use reserve with a great playground located in Eden Hill. With play equipment suitable for toddlers to tweens, this shaded, sand-free playground is sure to be a hit. On arrival, Miss 4.5 bolted straight for the climbing ropes. A large arched climbing structure with rope ladders, a climbing wall and rubbery platforms with a huge winner with my Miss and a 7 year old girl. A metal ladder also runs up the side of this structure, connecting it to a second climbing structure. This second structure features swinging ropes, a rope web, and Read more…
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Playtime at Walter Padbury Park is wonderfully inclusive, with an all-abilities Playground set within the large district reserve in the heart of Thornlie. The reserve itself features three expansive sporting ovals catering for soccer, cricket and AFL, complete with practice cricket nets and club facilities, making it a brilliant destination for both active kids and families who want space to spread out. The fully fenced all-abilities Playground sits on soft-fall rubber flooring, creating a safe, comfortable surface for wheels and little feet. A standout feature is the ground-level, seated flying fox, designed so that children of all abilities can join Read more…
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Aviary Creek Park in Aveley is a standout destination Playground set within a beautiful green corridor of lakes and wetlands. Designed as a multi-generational community space, the park stretches around two interconnected lakes and offers a mix of adventurous play areas for kids, fitness and walking paths, and quieter “zen” zones for adults to relax by the water. Inspired by a nearby historic water mill, the centrepiece is a huge three-storey waterwheel climbing structure with bright blue and yellow tube slides that kids spot long before you pull up along Egerton Drive. The giant waterwheel is split across two climbing Read more…
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The Busselton Foreshore Toddler Playground is a charming, low-key play space designed especially for little ones right on the Busselton Jetty foreshore. Tucked on the opposite side of the Busselton Foreshore Adventure “Sea Play on the Bay” Playground, is perfectly placed for families to enjoy a relaxed play with beautiful ocean views and easy access to cafés and the jetty precinct. This is a sand-based nature Playground with shade sails over parts of the play area, making it more comfortable on warm days. Soft sand underfoot invites barefoot play, digging and pottering, while the surrounding grassy areas are ideal for Read more…
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Located in Eglinton, about 38 minutes north of Perth, Leeward Park is a hidden gem tucked within a peaceful residential area. With no direct street parking, the most convenient place to park is along Charleston Road. This nature-based playground features a gentle grassy hill or dip that’s perfect for picnics, games of chase, or simply rolling around with laughter. It’s a great spot to bring a picnic rug and let the kids enjoy free, open play. The play space itself is thoughtfully designed. It includes a dome-shaped rope climbing structure with colourful attachments, each offering a different level of challenge Read more…
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The $ 6.7 million Youth Entertainment Space (YES) at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale, and it has quickly become one of the top hotspots for local teens to hang out! This state-of-the-art facility that’s fully sheltered (the first of its kind in Perth Metro area!) is designed closely with local young people to ensure the space is inclusive and inviting, and is the perfect one-stop recreational hub for everyone in the community to enjoy all year round! What we love: Vibrant urban play area with hangout zone that features social swings and platform seatings. Challenging climbing walls and a huge roll-runner Read more…
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Mt Henry Bridge Reserve, Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Bridge Reserve is a multi-use recreation area on the river in Mount Pleasant. It is situated in the shadow of the Mt Henry Bridge, and has a great kids playground and an on-site cafe. The first thing we did on arriving was grab some lunch at the Kerbside Cafe. This is a food van which is permanently located at the park. They sell hot and cold drinks, ice cream and delicious toasties. You pick your fillings and the friendly staff make them up on the spot. The price of toasties ranges between Read more…
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Set on the sheltered beach at the vibrant Hillarys Boat Harbour is this lovely playground. With a nautical theme including its very own rocking boat, there are steps and ladders, bridges and even a double slide to race down. The equipment is well designed for younger children with toddlers confidently navigating their way around. The boat is very popular and has a few seats and steering wheel for the captain and, unlike others I’ve seen before, it has some open sides so younger children can also climb up and down themselves. The main structure has plenty to do including a sand Read more…
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Set in the heart of beautiful Perth Hills spot, Roleystone, Borrello Park has something for kids of all ages. Recently, the play area at the much-loved park was replaced. This park is only 15 minutes’ drive from Armadale town center, and yet it feels like you’ve travelled hours down south. It’s close to Araluen Botanic Park too. The leafy park is particularly special during late autumn (May), when the golden leaves of the deciduous tree park begin to fall. The new play structures include an easily accessed walkway, fort and slides. The wood-chip based area is partially shaded by sails. Read more…
