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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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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Tucked just off Charles Riley Road beside the North Beach Community Centre and sports fields, Charles Riley Reserve is a welcoming, leafy spot for a relaxed play. Manicured lawns and landscaped gardens surround a small war memorial, and behind this you’ll find the sand-based Playground, shaded by blue shade sails and bordered by young trees and garden beds. It has a friendly, local feel and is especially popular with toddlers and grandparents on weekday mornings. The Playground surface is mostly clean white sand with some purple soft-fall areas, so it’s ideal for little ones who are still finding their feet. Read more…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Ahoy, Mateys! It is time to set sail for Roebuck Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Eglinton! This shipwreck-themed playground offers a modest yet enchanting escape for families in search of outdoor adventure. At the heart of Roebuck Park stands the towering lookout, commanding a bird’s eye view of the playground and its surroundings. It’s the perfect perch for young buccaneers to survey their surroundings before plunging down two thrilling tunnel slides, accessible by stairs or cargo net. But the real treasure lies in the wooden shipwreck, igniting imaginations and sparking epic adventures. Who knows? You might Read more…
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Mills Park in Beckenham has long been a favourite with Perth families, and the newer all-abilities Playground has made it an even better spot for kids of all ages and needs. Tucked beside the BBQs and grassed picnic areas and only a short stroll from the main nature play space and skate plaza, this fenced Playground is a great “base camp” for families who want a safer, more contained area without missing out on all the action. The all-abilities Playground is fully fenced and double gated, which is especially reassuring for families with toddlers, runners or children who need 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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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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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 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…
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Hillarys Beach Park at Whitfords Nodes has grown into one of the northern suburbs’ best all‑round coastal parks – a big, shady picnic spot with a great all‑abilities Playground, direct beach access and the added bonus of the famous exercise stairway and ninja warrior‑style fitness course just a short walk away. The Playground itself is large and thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of traditional and nature play spread through soft white sand and rubber softfall. Younger children are drawn straight to the main climbing structure, which you can access via a gentle ramp. Along the way there are musical 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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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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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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At our weekly shop on Saturday we were very excited to see that Floreat Forum shopping centre has just opened a new playground in the outdoor area by the cafes/restaurants. Previously there had just been a couple of small things for toddlers to play on but now there is a proper playground complete with shade sails. Features of Floreat Forum playground include a little ‘café’ with a table and chairs and a counter, complete with prices on a board at the front. There are a couple of noughts and crosses games build in and the playground comes with a wobbly Read more…
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If you’re looking for a playground that truly caters to everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—Ballajura Intergenerational Playspace – Weitj Park is a must-visit. This $6.5 million playspace on Oxleigh Drive, Ballajura, is thoughtfully designed to encourage active play, creativity and social connection across all generations. With three distinct play areas—Parkland, Industrial Vibe and Nature Play—Weitj Park offers shared play experiences that set it apart from other Perth playgrounds. Whether it’s grandparents swinging their grandkids, parents and children racing through the ninja course or toddlers making new friends while building a cubby, this space brings families and the community together in a 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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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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Floreat Beach Playspace is a brilliant coastal Playground for families, set just behind the dunes at beautiful Floreat Beach. The nature-inspired playspace makes the most of its seaside setting, with plenty to climb, swing on and splash in before or after a dip in the ocean. The star of the show is the impressive “Kraken” – a giant wooden, cephalopod-style sea creature that wraps around the centre of the Playground. Kids can scramble up, over and through the structure, tackling different climbing challenges before whooshing back down the slide. There’s space to hide in the “belly of the beast”, perfect Read more…
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Tucked into the Village precinct of Whiteman Park, Village West Playground is a fantastic, family-friendly play space that’s ideal for a full day out. The Playground sits just a short stroll (around 200 metres) from the Visitor Information Centre, with the closest parking in Car Park 6, though it’s easily reached from anywhere in the Village area of the park. The Playground is fully fenced, with a single entrance beside the picnic tables. This layout makes it easy to keep track of little ones, even when the Playground is busy. Almost the entire space is shaded by sails and mature 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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Brown Park is a grassy park with shady trees and a playground covered by shade sails set among the leafy streets of Mosman Park. It’s a spot that’s sure to have something to appeal to everyone. The main play structure has lots to offer, with monkey bars, two slides of different sizes and a tunnel to crawl through. There’s a steering wheel and two different climbing walls. One plastic, one wooden. One of Miss almost three’s favourite parts was the wobbly wooden bridge. Smaller children will need to hold on to the ropes to get across, which adds to the Read more…
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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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Tucked away in the heart of Gosnells, amongst 22 hectares of wetlands at Mary Carroll Park, you’ll find an amazing all-abilities playground. This gem of a playground blends nature and learning, offering kids a fun and educational space to connect with the outdoors. Street parking and a small car park are available along Eudoria Street in Gosnells. The playground is fully fenced (a must if you have an escape artist like I do) with 2 entry/exit gates at either end. Toilets are located next to the carpark just outside of the fence, a good idea to make sure everyone goes Read more…
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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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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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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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Shipwreck Cove in Golden Bay is a brilliant seaside Playground and recreation space that makes the most of its stunning foreshore location. Set along the grassy reserve beside the Indian Ocean, this coastal-themed park combines nature play, bike and scooter fun, and plenty of family-friendly facilities, making it an easy all‑day destination. The first thing many kids will spot is the pump track. This looping circuit of rollers and banked turns is popular with confident riders on BMXs, scooters and skateboards. It’s generously sized and thoughtfully designed, giving riders space to spread out and try different lines, with features that Read more…
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Strive Park, Girrawheen Strive Park is a small park located in the Blackmore Park Estate, in Girrawheen. The playground here features nature play elements, some traditional play elements, and a bike and scooter track. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids! Miss 6 loved the traditional part of the playground first. She headed straight for the swings and climbing equipment. There are three swings available. Two regular swings and a birds nest swing. Adjacent to the swing are wooden climbing poles with foot hold pegs. These are quite tall and great for kids who enjoy climbing. On 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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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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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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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 alongside the Canning River foreshore, Homestead Park in Thornlie is a lovely neighbourhood park that balances nature play, traditional Playground fun and local history. Set within a reserve shaded by mature native trees, it’s the kind of place you can stop at for a quick play or settle in for a full morning with the family. The main Playground is a rustic, mostly wooden adventure space. At its heart is a timber fort with a slide, rope ladder, climbing wall and wooden ladder, giving kids a few different ways to scramble up and whoosh back down. Underneath, little ones Read more…
