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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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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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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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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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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Robert Thompson Reserve is a large grassy park located opposite the Noranda Village Shopping Centre. In the centre of this lovely park is a playground with equipment to suit most children. The ground surrounding the play equipment is a mix of sand and rubbery soft-fall. There are shade sails up in the warmer months, and there are a few small trees shading parts of the playground. At one end of the playground, there is a fenced toddler area with two magnetic gates. The main feature in here is a bus-shaped climbing frame. The bottom level is decked out with seats Read more…
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Abbeville Park, in the northern coastal suburb of Mindarie, is a bright, energetic Playground set within a large active reserve. This is very much a “run, climb and burn off energy” kind of park – ideal for active kids who love to scramble, swing, and explore, while still offering enough quieter corners and sensory elements to keep younger children engaged. Where Abbeville Park really stands out is its range of climbing and physical play options. Kids can challenge themselves on steppers, a mini zipline, rope bridges, a rope spider web, rope tunnels, vertical climbing tubes, a climbing wall, and more Read more…
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We have been excitedly watching the brand new Halesworth Park in Butler near completion for weeks and today we finally got the chance to explore this brilliant new addition to Perth’s far northern suburbs! Halesworth Park is a family-friendly spot for all kinds of activities. With 2 huge multi-sports ovals, netball and tennis courts, a dual-use footpath and more, Halesworth Park is the perfect place for your next family outing. The Halesworth Park playground is shaded and features lots of nature play, including logs for climbing, teepees for adventures and a water feature. There is also a table tennis table, 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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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 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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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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Located on the beautiful South Perth foreshore is Hurlingham Rd Park a playground designed for able bodied and less able bodied children. The main play structure can be accessed by a wheelchair ramp. This area is sand based and covered by shade sails in summer. This play structure can also be accessed by different steps, ladders and climbing walls, depending on the ability of your child. There are two slides. One is a standard straight slide, the other is a slightly curved enclosed slide. The play structure has plenty more of room for little ones to play underneath and has 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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Lake Monger (now officially Galup Reserve) has long been a favourite spot for Perth families to walk, scoot and enjoy the open space, and the South West Playground adds a big dose of adventure especially for older kids. Designed with children aged 5 and over in mind, this is a brilliant option if your bigger kids have outgrown the toddler Playgrounds elsewhere around the lake and are ready for more of a challenge. As you arrive, the striking ninja-style rope obstacle course immediately grabs attention. My five-year-old couldn’t wait to jump on and declared it a real-life “Roblox obby”. The 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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Set in the heart of Manjimup, around three hours’ drive south of Perth, Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park is an absolute must‑visit for families exploring the Southern Forests. Spread over 12 hectares of landscaped parkland and natural bush, it combines one of WA’s most impressive regional adventure Playgrounds with museums, heritage buildings and tranquil picnic spots, making it very easy to spend a whole day here. The adventure Playground is the big drawcard and it truly offers something for all ages. Little ones are well catered for with a shaded toddler and pre‑school area featuring a small climbing structure and Read more…
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Now this is what we call a hidden gem! Sanctuary Park Playground in Ridgewood has officially become our favourite discovery of the week — and we’re already planning our return with friends and a pack of sausages for a BBQ catch-up! Located just 30 minutes north of Perth in a quiet suburb, this park is set on its own block with ample street parking all around. What immediately stood out? It’s fully shaded! Shade sails cover the entire play area — a total win for sunny days. There’s a little something for everyone here, making it ideal for kids of 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…
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Perth is now home to an epic new seven‑kilometre “Long Park” that runs beneath the elevated Metronet Armadale train line from Carlisle Station through to Beckenham. What was once an underused corridor has been transformed into 14 vibrant community spaces, linking four new Playgrounds, a nature play area, youth plazas, skate and scooter zones, fitness equipment, courts, dog parks, BBQ spots and picnic areas, all connected by walking and cycling paths and Perth’s longest public art trail. It’s a brilliant spot for families to explore in stages or tackle in one big adventure, and it feels like something new to 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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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…
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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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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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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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Anchors away! Windjammer Park in the coastal suburb of Jindalee, around 45 minutes north of Perth, is a fantastic family playground that captures a true coastal vibe. As part of the City of Wanneroo’s 19/20 Asset Renewal Program, the park was given a major refresh — and the result is a vibrant, ocean-inspired play space that perfectly fits its seaside location. The playground features high-quality equipment from Tip Tip Tap, designed with a nautical twist that instantly sparks kids’ imaginations. The standout piece is a large pirate ship play structure, complete with climbing walls, slides, and a fire pole — Read more…
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Joseph Banks Gardens in Banksia Grove is a huge, nature-inspired park that offers something for every little adventurer. Whether you’re here for a morning play or making a full day of it with a stop at nearby Pitstop Playground, this spot is definitely worth your time—especially if your kids love space to run, ride, and climb. This park is spread over gentle hills and dips, with bike paths weaving throughout, so don’t forget the bikes or scooters! There are benches placed all around for resting or watching the kids, and shaded picnic tables for snack time. A water fountain is Read more…
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Playtime at Walter Padbury Park is wonderfully inclusive, with an all-abilities Playground set within the large district reserve in the heart of Thornlie. The reserve itself features three expansive sporting ovals catering for soccer, cricket and AFL, complete with practice cricket nets and club facilities, making it a brilliant destination for both active kids and families who want space to spread out. The fully fenced all-abilities Playground sits on soft-fall rubber flooring, creating a safe, comfortable surface for wheels and little feet. A standout feature is the ground-level, seated flying fox, designed so that children of all abilities can join Read more…
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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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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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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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Tucked along the western end of Wordsworth Avenue, Yokine Reserve Playground is a brilliant all‑rounder for families, with something to suit toddlers through to tweens. The fully fenced, double‑gated play space feels safe and contained, making it ideal for busy little explorers and a popular choice for birthday parties and weekend catch‑ups. The Playground combines traditional equipment with nature and sensory play. As you enter from the main car park, kids are usually drawn straight to the big, flat roundabout – perfect for spinning while standing, sitting or running around the edge. Nearby, a smaller roundabout wrapped in rope netting Read more…
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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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I don’t know about you but I am hanging out for these summer days to arrive and take advantage of the long warm days! However, as a family, it can be hard to find a spot which ticks all the boxes for everyone, so look no further than this hidden little gem located in Mandurah. Named McLennan Park, it is a 15-minute car ride from Mandurah located in the suburb of Madora Bay, which also has the added bonus of having a bus stop right at the park if you will be arriving by public transport. Located one side of 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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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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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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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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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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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…
