The Buggbuddys guide to parks with shade in Perth! The ultimate guide to the best playgrounds and parks with shade in Perth! Kids love burning off energy at parks and playgrounds, and Perth’s got some of the best in the world. Best of all, skate are FREE!
Why visit a playground or park with shade?
Why not be Sun Smart? Perth can have some extreme temperatures, and experiences high UV rating regularly. In addition to sun hats and sunscreen, shaded parks protect delicate childhood skin on hot or high UV days. Parks with natural shade or shade sails are perfect for keeping children safer in these conditions.
In addition, we’ve added details of where playgrounds are close to local coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Therefore you can grab a bite to eat before or after your play, or grab a takeaway coffee on the way. Don’t forget your reusable coffee mug!
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Tucked away in the heart of Gosnells, amongst 22 hectares of wetlands at Mary Carroll Park, you’ll find an amazing all-abilities playground. This gem of a playground blends nature and learning, offering kids a fun and educational space to connect with the outdoors. Street parking and a small car park are available along Eudoria Street in Gosnells. The playground is fully fenced (a must if you have an escape artist like I do) with 2 entry/exit gates at either end. Toilets are located next to the carpark just outside of the fence, a good idea to make sure everyone goes Read more…
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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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Situated in the Shorehaven Estate is Shorehaven Boulevard Playground – a lovely, partially fenced playground that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Shorehaven Boulevard Playground features some play equipment we hadn’t come across before, and Miss 3 had a great time exploring. In the sand area, we found lots of colourful wood and plastic based play equipment. The lowest parts are made up of interconnected stations and feature some sensory play. One part has different knobs, balls and a spinning bullseye you can move around, and a cute owl on top that twirls. Another adjoining section was like a little Read more…
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Keane’s Point Playground in Peppermint Grove is a gorgeous riverside spot that combines classic Playground fun with a real “day out” feel. Set right on the banks of the Swan River next to the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, it has that peaceful, leafy Peppermint Grove vibe, with water views and plenty of space for kids to roam and play. The Playground is split into two sand-based play areas, both shaded by large sails. One area is designed with younger children in mind, especially those aged five and under. Here you’ll find lower platforms, gentler slides and play equipment that’s Read more…
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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…
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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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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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Don’t let the size fool you—Jack Barlow Park may be on the smaller side, but it still packs in plenty to keep the kids happy. This is the kind of easy, no-fuss local park that works well for a casual play, a quick stop with the kids, or a laid-back catch-up with friends while little ones burn off some energy. One of the best things about Jack Barlow Park is its compact layout. Everything is close together, so it’s especially handy if you’ve got younger children and want to keep them within easy sight without having to follow them from 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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Yanchep Golf Estate Playground is a brilliant little neighbourhood gem tucked between new homes and the rolling fairways of the golf course. Designed as a shipwreck-themed adventure space, it’s ideal for toddlers and primary-aged kids and works really well as a stop on a Yanchep day out or as your local “pop down for a play” park if you live nearby. The first thing that tends to grab kids’ attention is the flying fox. It’s a single cable rather than a dual racing style, but children still love taking turns and seeing who can launch the fastest. Because it runs Read more…
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Dunnell Park is a great little neighbourhood Playground that really ticks the boxes for younger kids and families looking for a shaded, low‑mess place to play. Tucked within a residential area, it feels safe, contained and very family-friendly, making it a handy option for a quick play after school or a relaxed weekend visit. One of the standout features is the excellent shade. Large shade sails cover the main play structure, helping to keep equipment cool and protecting little ones from the harsh sun. The entire Playground sits on soft-fall rubber rather than sand, which is a big plus if Read more…
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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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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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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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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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Tucked into a cosy little dip in Alkimos Aura, Kaiser Park is the perfect hideaway for young families. When we stumbled across it 8 months ago, it didn’t even have a name. Now, it proudly sports its shiny nameplate—but trust us, it’s more than just a name. What sets Kaiser Park apart? For starters, the sand here is so clean you’d think it had been personally sifted by angels. If you’ve ever worried about where to let your crawler roam free, this sand is the game changer you didn’t know you needed. My almost one-year-old happily crawls around like 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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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…
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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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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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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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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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The beautiful Lake Jualbup playground is located in the leafy suburb of Shenton Park, and is surrounded by a lovely well-kept park with rolling green lawns. “Jualbup” is an aboriginal term meaning ‘a place where water rises in the season of spring’. The lake can dry up during the summer months, but when we visited it was full and had a variety of pretty birdlife including Black Swans and assorted ducks. Under the trees, there is an older small playground that is suitable for toddlers, as well as two sets of conventional swings. But the most exciting part of Lake Read more…
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Partridge Way Reserve in Thornlie boasts some excellent equipment. This park is suited to kids aged 3 and up as the climbing frames are quite large. There is an obstacle course for older kids to try out their strength and coordination. If you like to play sports then there is a basketball hoop, cricket pitch and plenty of lawn area to set up on. For the younger children, an under shade area with climbing ropes and a slide will keep them active. The nets are quite big so smaller kids will struggle. There are no BBQ facilities but there are Read more…
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The $ 6.7 million Youth Entertainment Space (YES) at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale, and it has quickly become one of the top hotspots for local teens to hang out! This state-of-the-art facility that’s fully sheltered (the first of its kind in Perth Metro area!) is designed closely with local young people to ensure the space is inclusive and inviting, and is the perfect one-stop recreational hub for everyone in the community to enjoy all year round! What we love: Vibrant urban play area with hangout zone that features social swings and platform seatings. Challenging climbing walls and a huge roll-runner 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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Nestled at the corner of Mason Road and Doryanthes Avenue, Newhaven Robot Park is a must-visit destination for families in Perth. This vibrant and imaginative park offers something for everyone, with its standout robot-themed playground and a variety of engaging activities for kids of all ages. Robot-Themed Playground: The park’s centrepiece is a giant fallen robot, designed to spark creativity and adventure. The robot’s head and body are a climber’s paradise, featuring rock climbing walls, ramps, a twisty slide, and a large climbing net. A fun ‘hamster wheel’ adds an extra element of excitement. The robot’s ‘feet’ house 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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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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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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Port Coogee Parkside Retreat is a fantastic little neighbourhood Playground tucked away in the Parkside Retreat estate, just a short five-minute walk from Ngarkal Beach and the Port Coogee water park. Its coastal location makes it perfect for combining a park visit with a beach or marina wander, and it has a great community feel despite being a local pocket park. The standout feature of the Playground is the large slide attached to an up-ended sea container. Kids can choose from two different climbing routes to reach the top – either heading around the back to scale the outside up 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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Tucked away in inner city suburb is Mabel Talbot Park. The absolute gem of a park has not just one, but two playgrounds! Mabel Talbot Park is fairly compact, but my word a lot is packed into this wonderful space built around a small lake! The main sand-fall playground is shaded and located close to the south side of the lake. It is fenced on the sides that are closest to the playground. This pirate themed playground fantastic for younger children, as there are lots of things to do at ground level (like a swan bouncer) as well as baby Read more…
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We all know shopping with kids isn’t easy, but the kids will be begging to go to Mandurah Forum’s beach-inspired playground! The state-of-the-art playground is part of the $350 million redevelopment, completed in March 2018 the two fully enclosed play areas are the perfect place to take a break while the kids burn off some energy. The main feature is an 8-metre high climbing structure in the shape of a cray pot with internal climbing nets and two twisting tunnel slides, it is great for adventurous kids who are confident climbers. Dotted on the softfall are different sea creatures to Read more…
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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…
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Taarak Park in Allara Estate, Eglinton, is a much-loved local favourite for northern suburbs families, especially those with energetic kids who love to climb and explore. Set within a growing residential area, the park has a modern, vibrant feel and plenty of equipment to keep a mix of ages entertained, all wrapped around a striking central play tower. The star of the park is that tall play tower, which immediately grabs kids’ attention. It’s packed with fun elements such as bridges, tunnels, climbing nets and ropes, and the all-important slides that send children zooming back down to the ground. The Read more…
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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…
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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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Tucked away in suburban Balcatta, Grindleford Reserve is a lovely option if you’re looking for a quieter, neighbourhood-style Playground with plenty of space to run and play. The park enjoys a mix of natural shade from mature trees and shade sails over the sandpit, making it a good choice for warmer days. The Playground offers modern equipment and clean white sand, and is set well back from the road. A small car park sits between the street and the play area, adding an extra buffer for little wanderers. Families will find a mix of equipment that caters to both younger Read more…
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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…
