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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My kids think the Catalina Beach Park in Mindarie is AWESOME! The first thing the kids did when we arrived was climb to the top of the 8-metre tall tower, before racing down ‘the steepest slide they have ever seen’! As they raced down one by one they let out terrifying screams… then immediately raced back to the top to go down again and again! The climb to the top of the tower is an easy and safe climb for confident kids. To reach the first platform there is a steel or rope ladder. On this level there is a 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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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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Robinson Reserve in Tuart Hill is a brilliant all-round community park, offering something for everyone from toddlers through to tweens and teens. Tucked alongside a big green sports oval and Osborne Park Library, the main Playground is fully fenced and shaded, making it a relaxed choice for local families and a handy stop if you’re in the area. The central Playground is set over soft white sand and fresh turf, with generous shade sails overhead. Younger kids are drawn straight to the wooden “shop” cubby, perfect for imaginative games of cafés, ice-cream stands or even a pretend jail. The sand 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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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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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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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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Wandi Playing Fields Playground is a brilliant community space that really suits a whole day out with the kids. Tucked alongside the playing fields and opposite Honeywood Primary School, this modern Playground combines big open spaces, nature play, water play and active zones for older kids. It’s one of those parks where families can easily spend hours, with enough variety to keep toddlers, primary schoolers and tweens all happy. The first thing that grabs kids’ attention is the impressive 30-metre double flying fox. One cable has a standard pommel seat and the other features an all-abilities harness seat, making it 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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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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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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Tucked within the Kingsford estate in Bullsbrook, Brookbank Park is an impressive community Playground blends nature play with more traditional equipment to create a brilliant all‑ages destination. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a tree‑lined brook, it’s the sort of park where you can easily settle in for a few hours while the kids explore, climb, splash and play. If you have an aeroplane-loving child, this playground is absolutely worth adding to your list. Planes regularly fly overhead throughout the day, and the aeroplane-themed rocker rides scattered through the playground make the whole space even more exciting for 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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Opportunity Playspace at Rotary Park has long been one of Wanneroo’s most loved playgrounds, and after visiting again following the Stage One upgrade completed in July 2024, it’s easy to see why this space continues to draw families back year after year. Originally opened in 1979, the park still carries a sense of history and character, yet it remains well-maintained and thoughtfully updated by the City of Wanneroo. The biggest change is the replacement of the original wooden fort, now a large mostly-metal play structure with some timber elements. While the materials mean it can get warm on hot days, Read more…
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Marlinspike Park in Jindalee is a bright, modern coastal Playground that’s popular with local families and visitors exploring the northern suburbs. Set beside the primary school playing fields, the park feels open and airy, with ocean breezes and plenty of space for kids to run around, kick a ball or enjoy a picnic. The Playground’s design has a contemporary, almost industrial feel, with lots of rope structures and climbing frames that encourage kids to scramble, balance and swing. Children who love to climb will be in heaven here – there are rope nets, tunnels and fortress-style structures that are perfect Read more…
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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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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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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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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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A fresh new play space has opened in the heart of Subiaco, and 1909 Subi East Play Space is already proving to be a lovely spot for families to explore. Built within the former Princess Margaret Hospital precinct, this thoughtfully designed Playground is part of the wider Subi East redevelopment, bringing together play, public art, green space and a lovely nod to the area’s history. The precinct is still evolving, with future apartments and restoration works continuing around the site, but the public open spaces are now open and ready to enjoy. It already feels like a welcoming family destination, Read more…
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Centenary Park in Belmont is a lovely spot for families, combining a fully fenced toddler-friendly Playground with a scenic lakeside walk, big open sports fields and plenty of facilities for longer visits. Tucked on the Daly Street side of the park near Centenary Park Community Centre and the oval, it’s easy to make a whole morning or afternoon of your visit here, especially with a handy McDonald’s nearby for a takeaway coffee on the way. The fenced Playground has been designed with younger children in mind and features a mix of soft fall and sand, so there’s room for both Read more…
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Picasso Park in Alkimos Vista is a striking, art-inspired Playground that really stands out in Perth’s northern corridor. Spread over 2.5 hectares of green space, the park has been thoughtfully designed so families of all ages can play, explore and relax together. Magenta slides, bold structures and shady spaces tie into Alkimos Vista’s colourful streetscape and make the whole area feel vibrant and modern. The hero of the park is the impressive two-storey undercover play structure. Its fully roofed design means kids can play here in the heat of summer or on drizzly winter days, and the top level sits Read more…
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Set in the heart of beautiful Perth Hills spot, Roleystone, Borrello Park has something for kids of all ages. Recently, the play area at the much-loved park was replaced. This park is only 15 minutes’ drive from Armadale town center, and yet it feels like you’ve travelled hours down south. It’s close to Araluen Botanic Park too. The leafy park is particularly special during late autumn (May), when the golden leaves of the deciduous tree park begin to fall. The new play structures include an easily accessed walkway, fort and slides. The wood-chip based area is partially shaded by sails. Read more…
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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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A park for big and little kids, with shade sails, soft flooring, multiple ways to play, and a fully fenced area, sounds perfect. Bracadale Park, All Abilities Playground in Canning Vale, is just that. It is designed so that all kids of varying abilities can enjoy and play. The standout for me is that this park is fully fenced. Even with just one kid you feel like you can never look away, with two kids or even more, it’s impossible trying to find a playground trip relaxing. The park is secure and large enough that you can easily spend a Read more…
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Tucked away among mature trees beside the Swan River at Minim Cove, Russell Brown Adventure Park is one of Perth’s most immersive nature Playgrounds. Built as a community project in partnership with the Town of Mosman Park and local groups including the Mosman Park Rotary Club, it’s designed to feel like an extension of the bush rather than a traditional suburban park, with logs, boulders, ropes and creeks inviting kids to climb, balance, splash and explore. The main adventure area sits on the river flats below McCabe Street, within Minim Cove Park. Most families park at the Mosman Park Tennis Read more…
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JH Abrahams Reserve in Crawley is a beautiful, riverside Playground and picnic spot that’s ideal for families looking to spend a few relaxed hours outdoors. Overlooking the Swan River and close to Matilda Bay, it combines a shaded play area, big grassy spaces and great facilities, making it an easy option for a play, ride and picnic. Shaded with sail shades and tall mature trees, this playground is on a woodchip play area. Children of all ages can enjoy climbing on the main wooden climbing structure. With different climbing elements on it, even the little ones can find it easy 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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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…
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Currambine Central Shopping Centre has unveiled an exciting new playground! This vibrant play area is covered by shade sails and features soft-fall surfacing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to have a blast. From the captivating honeycomb slide to the thrilling busy bee flying fox, there’s a wide range of entertaining attractions to keep the little ones engaged. Young adventurers can also take on the challenge of climbing the giant watermelon, adding an extra element of excitement to their playtime. Adding to the charm, the playground includes two adorable rockers named Lily the Ladybug and Betsy the Bumblebee. Read more…
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Jubilee Reserve, Eden Hill Jubilee Reserve is a multi-use reserve with a great playground located in Eden Hill. With play equipment suitable for toddlers to tweens, this shaded, sand-free playground is sure to be a hit. On arrival, Miss 4.5 bolted straight for the climbing ropes. A large arched climbing structure with rope ladders, a climbing wall and rubbery platforms with a huge winner with my Miss and a 7 year old girl. A metal ladder also runs up the side of this structure, connecting it to a second climbing structure. This second structure features swinging ropes, a rope web, and Read more…
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Garvey Park is a great local park just at the end of Fauntleroy Avenue on the river’s edge in Ascot. The kids love the playground as it has something to suit both my sensible 5 year old and my adventurous almost 3 year old! The play equipment is all on sand with a large sail shade over most of the equipment which is great in the warmer months. There’s a toddler section with a small slide, lots for the bigger kids to climb on and the large spinning wheel is always a hit! We’ve had a few picnics here over the 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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Tucked between Mulberry Way and Viridian Boulevard in Eglinton, about 38 minutes north of Perth, Viridian Park is a vibrant, family-friendly space that’s worth discovering. While the park is officially signed as Viridian Park, it shows up on maps as Mulberry Park — so keep that in mind when navigating there. This elevated park offers partial ocean views and a glimpse of the iconic lighthouse from the nearby Amberton Beach Lighthouse Park. It’s an ideal spot for relaxed weekends, casual meet-ups, or energetic family catch-ups. The playground is compact yet engaging. It features a rope climbing structure that leads up 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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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 inside Kings Park’s Poolgarla Family Area, Ivey Watson Playground is purpose‑built for little ones, with play equipment designed specifically for children aged six and under Poolgarla Family Area – Kings Park. The Playground is set within a large fenced precinct, but there are a couple of open entry points and access via the café, so it’s very much a “shoes on, eyes open” kind of outing if you have speedy toddlers or mini escape artists. Access is via Kings Park Road, opposite Outram Street, with plenty of parking in the Poolgarla Family Area carpark and along Kulunga Grove. Pram‑friendly 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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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…
