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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FEATUREDThe 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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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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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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Located in Mandogalup’s new residential area, Apsley Park combines recreational facilities with open spaces. The park’s centrepiece is its pump track, where children can practice their bike and scooter skills on a circuit of curves and dips. For older kids, the skate park is a highlight, offering the perfect place to show off tricks and master new moves. Those who enjoy a challenge will find the tennis wall irresistible, whether they’re practising volleys or competing with friends to see who can keep the ball in play the longest. The grassed kickabout area is ideal for a friendly game of Read more…
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Tucked away in the suburbs of Karrinyup, Jackson Wilding Reserve is a brilliant spot if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Playground. Set alongside Newborough Primary School, this reserve offers both a fantastic nature play space and a more traditional Playground, making it a great choice for families with children of different ages and interests. The nature play area is the star of the show and is a real contrast to the more sanitised Playgrounds many kids are used to. Built largely from recycled timber and old tree branches, some of which are painted in bright, Read more…
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If you’re looking for a Playground that combines open space, beautiful river views, adventure, movement, imaginative play and plenty of room for kids to explore, Mardalup Park in East Perth is well worth a visit. Located alongside the Swan River, close to Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, this recently upgraded Playground offers a fantastic setting for a family outing. The park is surrounded by scenic views, walking paths and wide-open grassed areas, making it a great spot for kids to run around and burn off some energy. The upgraded play space has a lovely nature-inspired design, with timber-look structures, soft Read more…
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The new Shelley Beach playground is a great playground to visit. It’s right on the river, and around the enclosed playground is plenty of grass to kick a ball on, BBQs and gazebos and, of course, the beautiful river. My 10-year-old was impressed with the park, especially the X-park obstacle course. The course is set up with a starting point and different obstacles throughout, including climbing, balancing and swinging. Many of the older kids seemed to enjoy the challenge of this part of the playground. As we entered the playground, we saw a mini trampoline and a swing set with 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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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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Augustus Park located in Jane Brook is situated overlooking a beautiful lake. The main play area is mainly made up of ropes which is something different to the usual playground. So if your kids love climbing and hanging this is a park for them. The playground is based on sand and wood chips. Some of the rope equipment which is at the park is rope monkey bars, a wobbly wooden bridge, spider web climbing areas, rope bridges, and balance ropes. There are shade sails covering the playground for extra protection from the sun. There are tables overlooking the lake and 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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Situated close by to Subiaco Train Station and Domain Stadium is the pretty and peaceful Market Square Park. We discovered the park after a visit to a nearby cafe, and Miss almost 3 loved it! It was quiet and leafy, full of birdsong with the sound of the occasional train going by. Market Square Park has a small playground covered with shade sails and with thick rubber soft fall matting as a base. The main part Miss loved was the curly slide, climbing it and sliding down repeatedly. There are also climbing ladders, a small chain ladder, a steering wheel 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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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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If you’re looking for a new spot to let the kids burn off some energy while soaking up stunning estuary views, the South East Dawesville Foreshore Playground is well worth a visit. This beautifully designed, fully fenced nature play area is perfect for all ages and abilities, with something to keep everyone entertained. There’s a dedicated wooden climbing structure for the older kids featuring climbing nets, a slide and a fireman’s pole. And a smaller version for the little ones too! South East Dawesville Foreshore Playground includes all types of swings, including a toddler, parent/child, traditional and even a harness Read more…
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Fragola Park Playground, next to the big open grass field of Fragola Park in Landsdale, is a lovely little local spot that’s well worth a visit – especially if you’re based in Perth’s northern suburbs. Arriving is straightforward, with a designated parking area right by the Playground. While the play space isn’t fully fenced, it is semi closed off from the parking zone, which offers some reassurance while you supervise. There are no toilets on site, so it’s definitely one of those parks where a bathroom stop before you arrive is a must. A drink fountain is available, which is 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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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…
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Marlinspike Park in Jindalee is a bright, modern coastal Playground that’s popular with local families and visitors exploring the northern suburbs. Set beside the primary school playing fields, the park feels open and airy, with ocean breezes and plenty of space for kids to run around, kick a ball or enjoy a picnic. The Playground’s design has a contemporary, almost industrial feel, with lots of rope structures and climbing frames that encourage kids to scramble, balance and swing. Children who love to climb will be in heaven here – there are rope nets, tunnels and fortress-style structures that are perfect Read more…
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Birdwood Square in the City of Vincent has had a major upgrade, transforming it into an inner-city gem for families. The new playground, nestled beside the parkour area, offers an exciting mix of activities for kids of all ages. The play space boasts swings (including a basket swing), slides, climbing nets, a flying fox, a rock wall, and a timber-and-rope bridge. Other fun features include a fire pole, monkey bars, steppers, and talk tubes to keep little adventurers engaged for hours. The shade sails provide excellent cover, making it a go-to spot even on sunny days. Parents will love the 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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Mullaloo Beach Pirate Playground is a brilliant little spot for seaside play, especially for younger kids who love to imagine they’re sailing the high seas. Set on the Mullaloo Beach foreshore along Mullaloo Drive, just south of the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club and Mullaloo Beach Hotel, this sand-based Playground combines ocean views with plenty of shade and space to run around. The star of the show is the timber pirate ship and wooden boat, both set in soft sand. Kids can scramble aboard, “sail” out to sea, walk the plank, and create endless pirate adventures. There’s a bit of Read more…
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Tucked behind the Victoria Park Library, John MacMillan Park is a brilliant little green hub that combines nature play, community events and plenty of open space. The park offers a welcoming mix of shady trees, clever play zones and amenities that make it easy for families to linger. The nature Playground blends beautifully with the mature trees, using mostly wooden structures with both natural shade and shade sails overhead. The play areas are broken up into smaller “pockets” linked by pathways, so kids can wander from one activity to the next while adults keep an eye on them from nearby 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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Shorehaven’s Treasure Island Adventure Playground in Alkimos is one of those rare parks where the theming is so good that it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped onto a storybook pirate island. Perched above the coast and looking out towards the Alkimos shipwreck, this large, ocean‑themed Playground combines big, exciting play equipment with an imaginative treasure hunt that keeps kids exploring long after they’ve tired themselves out on the slides. The star attraction is the deconstructed “shipwreck” play structure. Kids can scramble up the 8‑metre climbing frame, weave through rope nets and platforms, and then whoosh back down via a long Read more…
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Riverlinks All Abilities Playground in Clarkson is an innovative playground featuring an impressive array of inclusive play equipment and activities for children of all abilities and age groups. Play Areas Western Zone (Older Children) Large climbing structure with rope climb and rock wall Exciting whirly slide for adventurous kids Thoughtfully placed toddler slide nearby, allowing families to stay together Advanced climbing equipment Eastern Zone (Toddlers) Pirate-themed boat playground with soft flooring Ground-level activities perfect for new walkers: Hammocks Interactive games Binoculars Steering wheel Musical elements Upper deck features: Toddler-friendly climbing stairs Spyglass Safe sliding options Additional Features Activity Zones Read more…
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Maylands Waterland is WA’s premier outdoor water playground, beautifully situated on the Maylands Peninsula overlooking the Swan River. This FREE family-friendly facility operates seasonally from September until April, with water features running daily from 9am to 5pm. The park features a water feature stream flowing into a variable depth splash pool, nature playgrounds, and extensive grassed areas perfect for picnics. Facilities include free accessible BBQs, picnic shelters, toilet and shower amenities, and a dedicated party space with kitchenette available for hire. While the water features are seasonal, the parklands, playground, BBQs, toilets, and picnic areas remain open year-round during daylight Read more…
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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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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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Located in the peaceful and picturesque neighbourhood of Bletchley Park Estate in Southern River, Lane Gardens Park provides not one but two fantastic playgrounds to cater for children of all ages. Both sand-based playgrounds are situated beside each other, with one more suitable for children under 5, featuring a toddler-friendly play area, and the other a larger playground for older, adventurous children. Older kids will enjoy the adventurous playground, which stands higher in height, with the taller slide and more climbing elements. The play structure features a climbing hill that leads up to a ramp for the playground, and 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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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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Lake Treeby Adventure Playground has settled in as one of the go-to adventure Playgrounds south of the river. Set in the scenic suburb of Treeby, it offers a mix of nature play, big climbing structures and lakeside paths the whole family can enjoy. Parking is available along Torwood Avenue. As the name suggests, this playground is situated beside a beautiful man made lake and surrounded by large shady trees which are perfect as we enter the warmer months! The playground has many exciting areas, there are two slides, one tall slide for the big kids and a smaller slide Read more…
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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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Coogee Beach Playground is a relaxed, family‑friendly spot where a simple day at the beach easily turns into hours of play. Set along the beautiful Coogee foreshore on Powell Road, it combines a classic coastal Playground with a wide grassy reserve and direct access to the sheltered waters of Coogee Beach. The first thing you notice is the generous strip of lush grass running alongside the sand. It’s ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket, kicking a footy, playing cricket or just letting the kids run laps. Little ones will happily turn it into their own “race track”, while parents Read more…
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Britannia Reserve Pump Track Britannia Reserve Pump Track is a 1.2km pump track and nature bike trail in Leederville. Close to the city, it’s a great spot to take active kids of all ages out riding. Britannia Reserve Pump Track was originally installed as part of a Pop-Up Play initiative in April 2019. It has quickly become a permanent fixture. Britannia Reserve is one of City of Vincent’s largest open parklands. The pump track was created using natural materials. It is a space for children of all ages to meet their friends, ride their bikes and enjoy the outdoors. 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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Do your kids watch ninja warrior shows and tell you that they want to challenge one? Then you have to bring them down to Radiata Park at Aubin Grove to give them a taste of the ninja warrior-style obstacle course! Not only that, Radiata Park has a pump track, skate park, and even a toddler-friendly playground! This smallish pump track inside the park is great for beginners. The girls had no trouble looping around it with their bicycle and scooter. I like that the trees around it provided some shade onto the track. Next to it is a 3-3 basketball Read more…
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The Manning Community Hub in Manning is a fantastic family destination, combining great Playgrounds, wide open spaces and handy community facilities in one spot. Located beside James Miller Oval on Bradshaw Crescent, it’s an easy place to spend a whole morning playing, exploring and even popping into the library. The Hub features two separate Playgrounds positioned on opposite sides of the oval, so kids get the best of both worlds. The first, larger Playground is best suited to children around three and over. Here you’ll find a big climbing structure with ropes, climbing walls and monkey bars, plus two slides Read more…
