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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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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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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Hidden in Aveley is a scenic park, wondering footpaths, an adventure playground and a café just metres away. Aveley Central Park and Vale Adventure Playground, located just off Gnangara Road, is a beautiful park that offers a stunning walk around its picturesque water features. Offering an adventure playground, dog park, and small skate park will please all members of the family. The Adventure playground features play spaces for varying abilities, including a flying fox, slides, swings, climbing pieces, stepping stumps, and many other nature-themed items. There are plenty of shade sails and seating for parents to sit and watch. It 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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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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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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Gibbon Park, Mosman Park Gibbon Park is the latest nature playground in Mosman Park. This park includes a mix of nature play elements and traditional play equipment that’s sure to satisfy active children! On arriving Miss 6 raced straight for the traditional play equipment first. What kid can resist a slide? This part of the playground is covered with shade sails, has a soft fall rubber base and is surrounded by grass. Great if you’re not a fan of sand. This playground appears to have been installed in 2012. It features climbing ropes, climbing walls, a tunnel and slide, Read more…
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Tucked away in a quiet residential pocket of Alkimos, Fairgrounds Park is a charming little spot for a low-key playdate or a relaxed morning out with the kids. It’s very much a “neighbourhood gem” style park – small, peaceful and ideal for families with younger children who prefer a slower pace over big, busy Playgrounds. The play area is set entirely within a generous sandpit, so it’s perfect for barefoot play and sandcastle building. Be sure to bring along buckets, spades and other sand toys, as they really help stretch out your visit. The play equipment is simple but engaging: Read more…
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On a recent road trip, we took a detour through Northam, the detour was originally to check out the Northam Suspension Bridge, which is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Australia. After crossing the bridge, which was well worth the visit (until the kids thought it was fun to make it sway), we discovered Bernard Park which features two fully fenced play areas, a water playground, sculptures, amphitheatre, picnic and BBQ facilities and public toilets. The water playground was by far the highlight for the kids, even though we were completely unprepared for water play! The playground is activated Read more…
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Alston Park is tucked away in a relaxed, leafy pocket of Butler. This beautifully designed neighbourhood playspace combines nature-inspired aesthetics with plenty of fun for kids of all ages. As part of the City of Wanneroo’s 2019/2020 Playground Renewal Program, the park received a thoughtful upgrade that blends seamlessly into its tranquil, tree-lined surrounds, creating a welcoming community space for local families. The entire play area is set on sand, providing a soft, natural base that’s ideal for climbing and jumping. Shade sails cover much of the Playground, helping to keep the equipment cooler on warmer days, and there are 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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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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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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Wyong Reserve in Bentley is a great little park with a lot going on. The playground is fully fenced and has a pathway running around it that is designed as a road to ride scooters and bikes along. There a few large speed humps, and we said next time we come we will have to bring the scooter. There are benches around the playground and an undercover area with BBQs and picnic benches. There is also a drink fountain and bins. It was nice that they kept some of the big trees in the development of the playground and fitted Read more…
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Found by the Mandurah Ocean Marina Keith Holmes Reserve is a popular spot for families in Mandurah. Whether you’re here for the day, or a local of this coastal town, it’s a leafy spot for a picnic or BBQ. Throw in the man-made Lido beach and the markets and cafes of Dolphin Quay, and you’ve got yourself a fun day out! Kids will love pretending to be a pirate in the boat play structure. I can imagine this would be great for a child’s pirate-themed birthday party. There’s also a small shady playground. There’s enough equipment to keep most Read more…
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Tucked away on Bromley Street in Beckenham, Bee Park is a sweet little neighbourhood Playground that’s perfect for toddlers and young children. The entire space is designed around a bee and honeycomb theme, with hexagonal play zones and cute bee details that inquisitive kids will love. The main play area is set within a large hexagon and features a cheerful bee platform with a slide. Children can reach the platform via a wooden bridge or by tackling climbing ropes on either side, offering a bit of a challenge for confident toddlers and preschoolers while still feeling manageable for younger kids 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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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 suburban Balcatta, Grindleford Reserve is a lovely option if you’re looking for a quieter, neighbourhood-style Playground with plenty of space to run and play. The park enjoys a mix of natural shade from mature trees and shade sails over the sandpit, making it a good choice for warmer days. The Playground offers modern equipment and clean white sand, and is set well back from the road. A small car park sits between the street and the play area, adding an extra buffer for little wanderers. Families will find a mix of equipment that caters to both younger 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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The Perry Lakes Reserve is a 200 acre nature reserve found on the eastern edge of the larger Bold Park reserve in Floreat. There are two playgrounds here, set amongst beautiful trees, large grassed areas and two lakes. The older playground on the western side of the reserve is shaded by trees, it also has the extra sun protection of shade sails throughout. A lot of the traditional metal play equipment is accessible for people in wheelchairs and less able bodied people, as there are ramps throughout the main structure and also a disability swing. There are two large metal 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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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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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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Set in the heart of family-friendly Landsdale, Hardcastle Park is a welcoming neighbourhood Playground that offers a lovely mix of traditional and nature play. With a big open grass area, sand play, climbing equipment and a peaceful suburban setting, it’s an easy spot for local families to burn off energy, enjoy a casual catch up and let the kids play for ages. One of the first things you notice on arrival is the large grassed space that sweeps out beside the play equipment. It’s ideal for laying out a picnic rug, kicking a footy or soccer ball, or letting the Read more…
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If you’re looking for a new park to explore with the kids, Napoli Park in Catalina Beach, Mindarie is well worth a visit. Located at the end of Portofino Promenade, this 1.62-hectare park is a beautifully designed space with plenty to offer for families. With a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, it’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy while parents unwind. The playground is packed with fun and interactive elements. A multi-level play tower sits at the heart of the space, complete with climbing nets and a fireman’s pole for little daredevils. Nearby, two smaller 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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Just around the corner from the Alexander Heights IGA, is Lemongrass Park, a lovely shaded playground with traditional equipment and some nature play elements. One of the main features that caught our eye was the rope equipment. The curved slide has a rope web to climb up instead of stairs, and there are various rope webs or swinging ropes with a balancing rope below to cross. Miss 3 enjoyed having a go on all of these. Attached the rope structure is a small rock climbing wall, shaped like a sail, to go up and over. Nearby in the sandpit is Read more…
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Tucked away in inner city suburb is Mabel Talbot Park. The absolute gem of a park has not just one, but two playgrounds! Mabel Talbot Park is fairly compact, but my word a lot is packed into this wonderful space built around a small lake! The main sand-fall playground is shaded and located close to the south side of the lake. It is fenced on the sides that are closest to the playground. This pirate themed playground fantastic for younger children, as there are lots of things to do at ground level (like a swan bouncer) as well as baby Read more…
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Grenville Reserve is a hidden gem of a park located in the heart of Tuart Hill. It is located on the corner of Stoneham and Hector Streets, behind Tuart College. This park features a playground that would suit children of various ages and skill levels. It has a toddler swing and a regular swing, two slides, a small flying fox, a 4-way rocker, and a handful of climbing and balancing challenges. Most of the playground is covered by shade sails. The only thing not covered is the rocker, so best to check if it’s hot before little ones jump on Read more…
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Dayton Neighbourhood Park on Arthur Street is a brilliant community Playground that caters for a wide range of ages and abilities, making it a great option for families with mixed-age kids. Set back from the road with a large grassed area, it has plenty of space to play, run and relax. The main Playground is split across two primary structures. The first is geared more towards older or more confident children who love to climb. This structure is built around rope elements, with rope bridges and monkey bars encouraging kids to test their strength, balance and coordination. There’s a tunnel 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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Pat O’Hara Reserve in Morley is a fantastic local park that caters well for a wide age range, combining a large nature play area, a more traditional Playground, multi‑sports court and a big open oval. Tucked between Walter Road West and Magini Street, it’s the kind of spot where you can easily spend a couple of hours while the kids run off energy. The first thing that grabs kids’ attention is the nature play zone. Set on woodchips (great if you’re trying to avoid taking half the sandpit home in your shoes), this area is built mostly from timber and 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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Situated in the Shorehaven Estate is Shorehaven Boulevard Playground – a lovely, partially fenced playground that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Shorehaven Boulevard Playground features some play equipment we hadn’t come across before, and Miss 3 had a great time exploring. In the sand area, we found lots of colourful wood and plastic based play equipment. The lowest parts are made up of interconnected stations and feature some sensory play. One part has different knobs, balls and a spinning bullseye you can move around, and a cute owl on top that twirls. Another adjoining section was like a little Read more…
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Cantwell Park in Pinjarra is a brilliant stop on a road trip to WA’s south west. The massive park is right in the heart of the town, on the banks of the Murray River. We usually grab some freshly baked treats from the yummy Pinjarra Bakery and eat them at the park. You may have passed Cantwell Park and not noticed, as you drove over the South West Highway bridge. Many mature trees provide lots of natural cover from the sun, with plenty of shade sails protecting the main playground. The park has a lot of big features – a Read more…
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If you love a walk or ride along the Swan River like we do, be sure to add the Scented Gardens Playground on the South Perth foreshore to your list of places to stop. The Scented Gardens are found Sir James Mitchell Park, about half way between the Mends Street Jetty and Coode Street Jetty. The manicured gardens themselves are a delight for the senses to walk around, featuring fragrant plants like lavender and rosemary – my guess is that kids will make a dash for the playground found right next to it! The large, shaded playground has equipment for Read more…
