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!
-
Located on Pulchella Ramble is a perfect toddler friendly playground. It is fully fenced, which is perfect to stop the little ones escaping. There is a variety of play equipment for the little ones to crawl/walk over, rock on, slide down, swing on etc. As a mum of a 10 month old, my highlight was the bucket swing! There are shade sails above the playground as well as trees for plenty of shade. Located outside the gated area is two picnic tables and seating, as well as BBQs. The playground overlooks a large grassed area, perfect for kicking a ball Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Carine Open Space Playground remains a much‑loved local gem for families, dog walkers and young riders, with plenty of space to explore and play. Set within the broader Carine Open Space reserve on Davallia Road, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon, especially if you bring scooters, bikes and the family dog. A big drawcard is the network of paths that loop around the main Playground area and wetlands. The paved pedestrian path is smooth and flat, making it great for prams, scooters and little kids gaining confidence on their bikes. Read more…
-
Since the opening of Optus Stadium in 2018, the iconic Subiaco Oval, which originally opened in 1908, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a bustling hub for AFL games, it has now been reimagined into a vibrant community space. The Subiaco Oval area is a beautiful spot where families, sports lovers, and history enthusiasts can come together to relive old memories and create new ones. The newly revamped site offers a fantastic playground, perfect for younger children. The nature-based playground is fully sheltered and features a range of equipment, including seesaws, a shopfront, a cooking station, a small climbing structure, Read more…
-
Mardalup Playground is a popular location in East Perth for family picnics as it’s right on the banks of the Swan River, opposite Optus Stadium. Mardalup is a Nyungar term meaning ‘place of small marsupial’. The playground is on a soft fall surfaces, making it great for toddlers and kids of all ages, though with the river being so close, be mindful of toddlers playing in the area. The play area is only partially fenced. The main piece of equipment is a large metal structure which has a curvy slide with steps, ropes and ladders to climb. It’s great for older children. There’s lots of other Read more…
-
The newly redeveloped East Fremantle Oval area has been transformed into a fantastic family-friendly space, featuring a nature playground located in front of the Carnaby Cafe. The fort-style playground boasts multiple levels, a climbing rope, fireman poles, a slide, and a climbing wall. Children can also enjoy a wooden stepping stone and rope agility course. The playground features an all-abilities birdnest swing, free gas BBQs, seating, and water fountains, all under shade cloth for sun protection. Adjacent to the playground is a large grass area, perfect for picnics and ball games. Don’t forget to bring skateboards, scooters, bikes, and basketballs Read more…
-
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…
-
Birdwood Square in the City of Vincent has had a major upgrade, transforming it into an inner-city gem for families. The new playground, nestled beside the parkour area, offers an exciting mix of activities for kids of all ages. The play space boasts swings (including a basket swing), slides, climbing nets, a flying fox, a rock wall, and a timber-and-rope bridge. Other fun features include a fire pole, monkey bars, steppers, and talk tubes to keep little adventurers engaged for hours. The shade sails provide excellent cover, making it a go-to spot even on sunny days. Parents will love the Read more…
-
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…
-
Leafy Somerly Park in the northern suburb of Clarkson features a bright playground suitable for kids of all ages, including traditional play equipment mixed with some sensory play. On arriving and walking down the path and under a tall gazebo to the playground, the first things to grab Miss 4’s attention was the musical play equipment. A board with different shapes to drum on and chiming pipes of different heights and pitch stand at one end along with two spring rockers and a spinning toy. From here, she began exploring the main play structure, starting with the rubber swinging platforms. Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Colour Block Park, affectionately known as “The LEGO Park”, is a compact but seriously eye-catching neighbourhood Playground tucked into the coastal suburb of Golden Bay. The bright, block-inspired design gives it instant wow factor, and it makes a great stop-off if you’re exploring the southern beaches or visiting nearby Shipwreck Cove and other Golden Bay parks. The hero of the Playground is the colourful climbing structure built to look like giant building blocks. Kids can scramble up the “bricks” to reach a central platform, then choose between crossing a rope bridge or taking the ladder up to the enclosed tunnel Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Harbour View Park in Hillarys is a lovely local Playground that’s especially suited to toddlers and young children, with the bonus of exercise facilities for adults and free community tennis courts alongside. Tucked within the quiet suburban streets, it’s an easy park to visit for a quick play, a longer hang-out with friends, or a scooter ride around the surrounding paths. The main play area is boat-themed, which is always a winner with little ones who love to pretend they’re the captain at sea. The compact climbing frame includes small ladders that are easy for younger children to manage, a Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Germano Park is a peaceful, leafy park with a playground to suit most kids located in Wanneroo. If your kids love to climb, they’ll love this park. What struck me first when we arrived at Germano Park was how quiet and green it was. The park is full of trees and soft birdsong. The playground area is covered by shade sails with a sand base. This features climbing rope equipment in the form of a rope tunnel, a rope ladder, and ropes with plastic platforms to balance across. Miss 3 was very proud of herself for getting across the platforms! Read more…
-
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…
-
Gingin Outdoor Activity Space is a fantastic family-friendly destination in the heart of this small, historic township, offering a huge variety of play opportunities for children of all ages. Set in a picturesque, country-town setting, the Playground combines nature play, active play and community facilities, making it well worth the drive from Perth for a day out. The centrepiece of the space is the impressive Gingin Tower, a nature-inspired climbing structure that immediately catches the eye. Kids can climb up using rope ladders and bridges before choosing from two different slides to zoom back down. Surrounding the main tower are Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Tucked away on Bromley Street in Beckenham, Bee Park is a sweet little neighbourhood Playground that’s perfect for toddlers and young children. The entire space is designed around a bee and honeycomb theme, with hexagonal play zones and cute bee details that inquisitive kids will love. The main play area is set within a large hexagon and features a cheerful bee platform with a slide. Children can reach the platform via a wooden bridge or by tackling climbing ropes on either side, offering a bit of a challenge for confident toddlers and preschoolers while still feeling manageable for younger kids Read more…
-
Located in the peaceful and picturesque neighbourhood of Bletchley Park Estate in Southern River, Lane Gardens Park provides not one but two fantastic playgrounds to cater for children of all ages. Both sand-based playgrounds are situated beside each other, with one more suitable for children under 5, featuring a toddler-friendly play area, and the other a larger playground for older, adventurous children. Older kids will enjoy the adventurous playground, which stands higher in height, with the taller slide and more climbing elements. The play structure features a climbing hill that leads up to a ramp for the playground, and Read more…
-
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…
-
Beecroft Park is found opposite Empire Village Shopping Centre in City Beach and is popular with local families. The playground is sand fall based and naturally shaded by mature trees, as well as shade sails. The sand is littered with a lot of leaf and sticks, so little ones may prefer to keep their shoes on. There is a variety of steel framed play equipment for children of all ages. They will find slides, a fireman’s pole, flying fox, swings, see saw, climbing obstacles and more. Beyond the playground, you’ll find a basketball and netball court. There are footy goals too and lots of space to kick a ball, fly a Read more…
-
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…
-
Grenville Reserve is a hidden gem of a park located in the heart of Tuart Hill. It is located on the corner of Stoneham and Hector Streets, behind Tuart College. This park features a playground that would suit children of various ages and skill levels. It has a toddler swing and a regular swing, two slides, a small flying fox, a 4-way rocker, and a handful of climbing and balancing challenges. Most of the playground is covered by shade sails. The only thing not covered is the rocker, so best to check if it’s hot before little ones jump on Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Augustus Park located in Jane Brook is situated overlooking a beautiful lake. The main play area is mainly made up of ropes which is something different to the usual playground. So if your kids love climbing and hanging this is a park for them. The playground is based on sand and wood chips. Some of the rope equipment which is at the park is rope monkey bars, a wobbly wooden bridge, spider web climbing areas, rope bridges, and balance ropes. There are shade sails covering the playground for extra protection from the sun. There are tables overlooking the lake and Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
