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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Need to do groceries? Kids need a play? Combine them both at Forrestfield Forum. The Junction is the new community space at Forrestfield Forum and includes a nature playground and alfresco area. The play area is under shade sale and partly fenced along the side that is close to the car park. The whole area is on soft fall rubber. There are benches around the area. There are a number of play areas including balancing logs, climbing frame and a fort with fireman’s pole and slide. There is also a bouncy rabbit and a spinning top. You could grab a 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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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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Hinckley Park in Hocking is one of those Playground-and-park combos that can easily fill an entire morning, especially if your kids are the kind who like to keep moving. Set across a big neighbourhood reserve, it’s been designed as a true “destination park” with multiple zones rather than just one main play structure. The standout is how much space there is to spread out, so it works just as well for a relaxed picnic as it does for a high-energy playdate. If you only remember one thing before you go, make it this: bring wheels. The children’s bike circuit is 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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…
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Heading to Collie to checkout the AMAZING Wellington Dam wall mural? Well, you may also find yourself in the town itself, looking for a bite to eat, or place for the kids to play. Collie’s Central Park and Water Play Space is a fab spot for children to roam and explore the many mini blue hills and bumps. The playground features both soft fall and nature play areas – packing a lot into a relatively small area. There are spinners, rope bridges, a nest swing, and more, with much of the equipment found under shade sails. And there’s also this 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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Located in the heart of the new community at Mandogalup, Florence Estate Park is A playground that beautifully incorporates wooden beams for its play equipment. This spacious playground is nested beside rows of mature trees, providing scenic greenery, and playing in the park feels like you’re right next to nature. My girls headed straight to the main play area, where the big slide is. The tall climbing structure features various climbing wall panels for kids to use. Missy 6 had no trouble climbing onto all of them, but younger toddlers might find the tallest one daunting. The flooring of this Read more…
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Coode St Jetty playground is on the South Perth foreshore. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic, BBQ or just a play as it’s got parking available has plenty of open space, BBQ facilities, shaded picnic tables, is close to the Boatshed Cafe for lunch or coffee and has toilets nearby. The playground is sand based and is fully covered by shade sails in summer months. It is a good playground for different ages as it has separate play equipment for younger children and older children. In a little separate area, there is a set of four swings – two 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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Hillcrest Park in Bayswater is a great spot for families looking for a fresh, non-sand Playground with loads of space to run and play. Set along Coode Street between the Jamison-Frame Pavilion and the cricket practice nets, the newer Playground sits on the edge of the oval and is an easy after-school stop if you’re coming from Hillcrest Primary nearby. One of the first things families will appreciate is that the main play area is not sand based, which is ideal if you’re not keen on taking half the park home in your car. The main multi-level climbing structure offers Read more…
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Amberton Beach Toddler Playground in Eglinton is a gorgeous little coastal spot, purpose‑built for younger children and perfectly positioned to make the most of those Indian Ocean views. Set right next to Amberton Beach Bar & Kitchen on the beach side of the Amberton Estate, it’s an easy place to stop for a play before or after a meal or drink at the Beach Bar. The Playground has been designed with toddlers in mind and is mostly fenced, which is a big plus for parents with speedy little runners. While it’s not fully enclosed, the only open section is a 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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William Henry Oval Caversham is situated nearby to Caversham Community Centre, and close to Suffolk Street before Colorino Avenue. The oval itself hosts a lot of community sports and also has two playgrounds that are worth a visit. The first play area is suitable for older children, ages 3 and up, depending on your child’s climbing ability. The play area is sand-based, featuring a variety of equipment for the children to use. There are rock climbing walls, slides, assorted monkey bars, fireman pole, ladders, spider web climbing frame and balancing poles. The second playground is connected to the community centre. 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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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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Nestled in the heart of Dianella is the lovely Wake Pola Reserve. This parkland has a good sized playground with shade sails and natural shading. The playground features a large play structure with two slides, a noughts and crosses game, shop front, fireman pole and flying fox. There are stairs to climb, a tunnel to crawl through and an arched bridge to cross. Separately, there are swings, both toddler and regular, and some spring rockers, including a 4-way see-saw rocker. These are mostly under shade, but depending on the time of day, may see some sun. So worth checking before Read more…
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Partridge Way Reserve in Thornlie boasts some excellent equipment. This park is suited to kids aged 3 and up as the climbing frames are quite large. There is an obstacle course for older kids to try out their strength and coordination. If you like to play sports then there is a basketball hoop, cricket pitch and plenty of lawn area to set up on. For the younger children, an under shade area with climbing ropes and a slide will keep them active. The nets are quite big so smaller kids will struggle. There are no BBQ facilities but there are 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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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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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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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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Avon Park in York, also known locally as Pioneer Avon Park, has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the Avon Valley’s standout family Playground destinations. Set along the banks of the Avon River on Lowe Street, it combines a big, grassy riverside park with a brilliant nature play space, skate park and plenty of facilities, making it an ideal stop on a York day trip or overnighter. The nature-based Playground uses lots of timber, stone and natural elements, and there’s a good amount of shade from both trees and shelters. Families will find multiple sheltered picnic tables, free Read more…
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Rickman Delawney Reserve in leafy Balcatta is a brilliant all‑rounder for families, with something to suit toddlers through to sporty teens. The park sits within a large green reserve with mature trees and wide open spaces. It is an accessible Playground with sail‑shaded play areas, picnic shelters and public toilets, making it an easy choice for a relaxed morning or afternoon out with kids of different ages and abilities. The star attraction is the impressive rope tower and tube slide. Children climb a web of ropes up to a high, covered pod, then cross a rope bridge to reach the 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Joondalup Square Playground is a small but very handy fenced play space set within Joondalup Square shopping complex on the corner of Joondalup Drive and Sundew Rise. Tucked opposite the large Bunnings Warehouse and surrounded by casual eateries, it’s a super convenient stop for families needing a coffee break, a bite to eat or a quick play while running errands. The Playground is fully fenced and gated, with two separate gates. One opens to a pram-friendly ramp with railings, and the other has a couple of steps down, as the play area itself is slightly sunken. This layout helps keep Read more…
