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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Set right on the Scarborough foreshore, Whale Playground is one of those parks where you can easily spend hours while the kids disappear into imaginative play. Inspired by Noongar culture and the form of a blue whale skeleton, this $1.4 million Lotterywest‑funded Playground is a real hero of the Scarborough Reserve redevelopment and a must‑do on a family day at the beach. The centrepiece is the giant whale structure. Little ones usually start at the whale’s head, which doubles as a small concrete slide – it’s perfectly sized for toddlers and younger children, but it is quite fast, so a Read more…
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If you’re looking for a Playground that combines open space, beautiful river views, adventure, movement, imaginative play and plenty of room for kids to explore, Mardalup Park in East Perth is well worth a visit. Located alongside the Swan River, close to Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, this recently upgraded Playground offers a fantastic setting for a family outing. The park is surrounded by scenic views, walking paths and wide-open grassed areas, making it a great spot for kids to run around and burn off some energy. The upgraded play space has a lovely nature-inspired design, with timber-look structures, soft Read more…
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Tucked away in the suburbs of Karrinyup, Jackson Wilding Reserve is a brilliant spot if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Playground. Set alongside Newborough Primary School, this reserve offers both a fantastic nature play space and a more traditional Playground, making it a great choice for families with children of different ages and interests. The nature play area is the star of the show and is a real contrast to the more sanitised Playgrounds many kids are used to. Built largely from recycled timber and old tree branches, some of which are painted in bright, Read more…
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Mojo Park in Cockburn Central is a brilliant suburban Playground and recreation space tucked within the colourful Mojo Urban Living estate. Despite being slightly hidden away in the estate, the park itself feels open and spacious, with a large grassed area, tall gum trees and a good mix of play equipment that suits a range of ages and abilities. The main Playground combines nature play elements with more traditional structures. Underfoot you’ll find a mix of soft fall, sand and wood chips, so kids can run, climb and explore with a bit of variety in textures. The large central play Read more…
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Clarko Reserve is a coastal reserve located at Trigg Beach at the end of Karrinyup Road. The jewel colours of the verdant green grass and shimmering blue sea beyond the dunes is a feast for the eyes. At a sheltered end of the reserve, near the beach car park, is a good sized playground with equipment to suit a range of children. I feel toddlers through to six year olds would probably enjoy this one most. The playground has three slides, including a tall corkscrew slide, noughts and crosses blocks, a coloured ball abacus, and a fireman pole. Soft sand surrounds Read more…
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Banks Reserve in Mount Lawley is a beautiful riverside park on Joel Terrace, right on the banks of the Swan River. The large, leafy reserve is built around magnificent mature trees, which provide plenty of natural shade and give the area a relaxed, bushy feel. It’s a popular spot for families looking for a Playground, open space and access to the river, all just minutes from the city. The standout feature of the Playground is the impressive treehouse. Built around one of the huge existing trees, it offers loads of climbing opportunities and a sense of adventure for confident kids. Read more…
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Situated on the site of the old quarantine station, on the hill above the Bicton Baths with an awesome view of the river, Bicton Quarantine Park is a picturesque spot for a family barbecue or picnic. Bicton Quarantine Park features a playground with a fence and shade sails. The main playground structure here has two slides of different sizes, climbing ladders, monkey bars, a tunnel, a rope bridge, and a climbing wall. Separate, there is a spring rocker, and two swings, a toddler swing and a regular swing. There are a number of paths running through the park and down Read more…
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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…
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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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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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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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Thomas Moore Park in Wilson is the kind of local gem that makes family outings feel easy. Just under 20 minutes south of Perth, this upgraded park (redeveloped in June 2021) combines a bright, modern Playground with great sports facilities and all the practical extras parents hope to find, all in one convenient place. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear how well set up this park is for families. There’s a dedicated car park so you’re not battling for verge space, a water fountain to refill bottles, and clean public toilets complete with soap – such a bonus when 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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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…
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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…
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Just around the corner from the Alexander Heights IGA, is Lemongrass Park, a lovely shaded playground with traditional equipment and some nature play elements. One of the main features that caught our eye was the rope equipment. The curved slide has a rope web to climb up instead of stairs, and there are various rope webs or swinging ropes with a balancing rope below to cross. Miss 3 enjoyed having a go on all of these. Attached the rope structure is a small rock climbing wall, shaped like a sail, to go up and over. Nearby in the sandpit is 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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Mandurah’s Eastern Foreshore has had a massive glow-up, and the Mandurah Eastern Foreshore Reserve Playground makes the most of that waterfront transformation. Sitting right on Mandurah Terrace, this fully fenced, partly shaded Playground is a brilliant all-abilities space where kids can burn energy while adults soak up those estuary views, grab a coffee, or wander the foreshore. The Playground has a strong nautical theme that celebrates Mandurah’s coastal and crabbing heritage. Little details like crab scoops, fishing lures and buoys are woven into the design, and families will be happy to see the much-loved yellow boat from the old Playground Read more…
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Tucked in among the high-rise apartments of Burswood, Promenade Park is a compact but well-equipped neighbourhood Playground that’s ideal for younger children. It offers a good mix of physical play, sensory experiences and quieter activities, all against a lovely backdrop of city and stadium views. The main Playground area is built on soft fall, making it a safer space for little ones to explore. There are two main structures. The smaller one is perfect for toddlers, featuring a noughts-and-crosses game, a rainmaker, a music maker and a small tunnel to crawl through. The larger structure caters to more confident climbers, Read more…
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Tucked away in Trinity Estate, Alkimos, Fontana Park is a compact yet exciting neighbourhood Playground that’s perfect for a quick play or a relaxed picnic stop. It has a modern coastal feel and rewards families who seek it out with a mix of fun equipment and lovely views from the higher level of the park. The standout feature is the big log swing, which is wide enough for multiple kids to share and tends to be the first thing they run to. Nearby, a rock climbing wall leads adventurous kids up to an impressive slide. The slide is fast and 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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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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On a recent road trip, we took a detour through Northam, the detour was originally to check out the Northam Suspension Bridge, which is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Australia. After crossing the bridge, which was well worth the visit (until the kids thought it was fun to make it sway), we discovered Bernard Park which features two fully fenced play areas, a water playground, sculptures, amphitheatre, picnic and BBQ facilities and public toilets. The water playground was by far the highlight for the kids, even though we were completely unprepared for water play! The playground is activated Read more…
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Atwell Reserve Playground on Brenchley Drive in Atwell is a much‑loved local spot for families, set right alongside the large green sports oval. It’s a great option for kids who enjoy climbing, swinging and having plenty of room to run, making it a handy go‑to for both quick after‑school visits and longer weekend play. The main feature is a large spider‑web climbing frame that offers a fun challenge for confident climbers. Kids can test their balance and coordination as they weave their way up and across the ropes. Nearby there’s a smaller spider‑web frame that’s ideal for younger children or Read more…
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Coventry Village in Morley is home to a bright, modern outdoor Playground that’s perfect for kids who love to climb, balance and burn off energy while you grab a coffee or tackle the grocery shop. Set just outside Coventry Village Shopping Centre and close to the cafes and restaurants at the front of the complex, it’s an easy add‑on to a family meal or quick shopping trip. The Playground is fully fenced with a solid metal barrier and a mag‑lock gate, providing peace of mind with the nearby car park and road. Inside, the ground is covered in rubber softfall, Read more…
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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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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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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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If you have a little one obsessed with wheels, you need to pack the car and head to Hossack Playground. This park has recently leveled up with a fantastic bike park that feels like a miniature city, with a new playground as well, this spot ticks all the boxes for a fun day out. The bike park is the star of the show. It features a fresh asphalt track complete with roundabouts, give way signs, stop signs and pedestrian crossings. It’s the perfect environment for kids to practice their steering and learn road awareness. My son loved the little details Read more…
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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…
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Wanneroo Showgrounds Playground is a lovely little spot tucked inside the secure grounds of Wanneroo Showgrounds, making it a great option if you’ve got speedy little runners who like to explore. Accessed via Ariti Avenue, the Playground shares the space with the long-established skate park and community tennis courts, so there’s plenty here to keep a mix of ages entertained. The Playground itself is compact but engaging, with a fun green and purple colour scheme and equipment that suits younger children. Kids will love zooming down the curved slide, having a go on the swings or climbing aboard the rowboat 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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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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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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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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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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Britannia Reserve Pump Track Britannia Reserve Pump Track is a 1.2km pump track and nature bike trail in Leederville. Close to the city, it’s a great spot to take active kids of all ages out riding. Britannia Reserve Pump Track was originally installed as part of a Pop-Up Play initiative in April 2019. It has quickly become a permanent fixture. Britannia Reserve is one of City of Vincent’s largest open parklands. The pump track was created using natural materials. It is a space for children of all ages to meet their friends, ride their bikes and enjoy the outdoors. Read more…
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Avon Park in York, also known locally as Pioneer Avon Park, has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the Avon Valley’s standout family Playground destinations. Set along the banks of the Avon River on Lowe Street, it combines a big, grassy riverside park with a brilliant nature play space, skate park and plenty of facilities, making it an ideal stop on a York day trip or overnighter. The nature-based Playground uses lots of timber, stone and natural elements, and there’s a good amount of shade from both trees and shelters. Families will find multiple sheltered picnic tables, free Read more…
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If you’re looking for a peaceful playground surrounded by trees and birds singing, then playground at Ian Robbins Park is for you. Situated at the centre of the park is a great playground, which has recently been upgraded with new equipment and fresh white sand. This is covered with shade sails for much of day and has a few bench seats located close by. The play structure is suitable for toddlers and upwards, though young children may require some assistance with some of the equipment. This is a great playground for kids who love to climb. The top of the 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…
