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!
-
Amberton Beach Lighthouse Park located 20km North of Joondalup. The 5 million dollar foreshore playground features an 8.5 metre tall lighthouse with twisting tunnel slides, a ship play structure, sand play, a rope maze, and basketball court – the kids will never want to go home! The bright red and white lighthouse is the centerpiece of the playground, it is only suitable for confident climbers as climbing nets are the only way up! Saying that my fearless 3 year olds were able to climb to the top unassisted. There are two twisting tunnel slides coming off the lighthouse at different Read more…
-
We have been excitedly watching the brand new Halesworth Park in Butler near completion for weeks and today we finally got the chance to explore this brilliant new addition to Perth’s far northern suburbs! Halesworth Park is a family-friendly spot for all kinds of activities. With 2 huge multi-sports ovals, netball and tennis courts, a dual-use footpath and more, Halesworth Park is the perfect place for your next family outing. The Halesworth Park playground is shaded and features lots of nature play, including logs for climbing, teepees for adventures and a water feature. There is also a table tennis table, Read more…
-
The UFO-inspired Bob Gordon Reserve Play Space is out-of-this-world fun! The fully fenced playground features everything from UFOs, swings, flying foxes, slides, and water play to all the essentials like toilets, BBQs, picnic shelters, shade and ample parking. The main feature and the inspiration for the playground is the replica of the old Leach Highway Spaceship, Futuro House, which I’m sure parents and grandparents from the 70s and 80s will remember fondly! The new Futuro features a small slide, fireman pole and is fully wheelchair accessible. Inside, you’ll find control panels, speaking tubes, finger mazes, and alien noughts and crosses. Read more…
-
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…
-
Tucked within Princess Wallington Reserve, Bina Parkland is a vibrant neighbourhood Playground that offers a good mix of traditional equipment and nature play, with plenty to keep energetic kids busy. The space feels open and welcoming, with large mature trees providing natural shade and the play elements spread out so families don’t feel crowded. The main drawcard is the impressive rope climbing structure. Rope ladders lead up to a series of birds nest pods at different heights, connected by ladders and a rope bridge that feeds onto a slide. Confident climbers will love scrambling up high and testing their balance, 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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Dayton Neighbourhood Park on Arthur Street is a brilliant community Playground that caters for a wide range of ages and abilities, making it a great option for families with mixed-age kids. Set back from the road with a large grassed area, it has plenty of space to play, run and relax. The main Playground is split across two primary structures. The first is geared more towards older or more confident children who love to climb. This structure is built around rope elements, with rope bridges and monkey bars encouraging kids to test their strength, balance and coordination. There’s a tunnel 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…
-
Anthony Waring Park in Clarkson is a brilliant all‑rounder for families needing to “just get everybody out of the house” – fur babies included. Set in a quiet pocket of Somerly, the park combines loads of open space, a much‑loved bike track and two separate play areas that suit both younger and older children, all framed by tall eucalypts that give the whole reserve a calm, bushy feel. Locals often head straight for the bike track, which loops through the trees and makes a fun circuit for confident riders. The surface is quite crumbly and well‑worn, which kids tend to Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Bathers Park at Alkimos Beach has fast become a real destination Playground in Perth’s north. Set on around 2.5 hectares at the ocean end of Leatherback Boulevard, this $2.8 million foreshore park combines big-ticket play equipment with a stunning coastal backdrop and plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and play. The hero of the park is the surf rescue-themed play tower that soars an impressive seven metres into the air. Kids can climb up via a broad staircase or tackle the more challenging rope “wormhole” to reach the higher decks. From the top platforms there are Read more…
-
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…
-
Rossiter Pavilion and Playing Fields in Piara Waters is a compact but very thoughtfully designed community Playground, wrapped around a large sports oval and pavilion. Tucked within the Holland Park Estate, the play space combines nature play, messy play and classic Playground favourites, making it a handy local park for toddlers through to early primary-aged kids. As you walk into the Playground, the first thing many kids spot are the three in-ground trampolines set into the soft fall. These are a real drawcard for energetic children who love to bounce, and they’re spread out enough that a few kids can Read more…
-
Tucked within the Kingsford estate in Bullsbrook, this 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. The hero of the Playground is the striking stacked crate‑style climbing tower. Confident climbers will love tackling the different rope and ladder obstacles to reach the top before choosing one of the two large tunnel slides for a speedy trip back down. Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Lake Monger (now officially Galup Reserve) has long been a favourite spot for Perth families to walk, scoot and enjoy the open space, and the South West Playground adds a big dose of adventure especially for older kids. Designed with children aged 5 and over in mind, this is a brilliant option if your bigger kids have outgrown the toddler Playgrounds elsewhere around the lake and are ready for more of a challenge. As you arrive, the striking ninja-style rope obstacle course immediately grabs attention. My five-year-old couldn’t wait to jump on and declared it a real-life “Roblox obby”. The Read more…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
William Henry Oval Caversham is situated nearby to Caversham Community Centre, and close to Suffolk Street before Colorino Avenue. The oval itself hosts a lot of community sports and also has two playgrounds that are worth a visit. The first play area is suitable for older children, ages 3 and up, depending on your child’s climbing ability. The play area is sand-based, featuring a variety of equipment for the children to use. There are rock climbing walls, slides, assorted monkey bars, fireman pole, ladders, spider web climbing frame and balancing poles. The second playground is connected to the community centre. Read more…
-
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…
-
Pat O’Hara Reserve in Morley is a fantastic local park that caters well for a wide age range, combining a large nature play area, a more traditional Playground, multi‑sports court and a big open oval. Tucked between Walter Road West and Magini Street, it’s the kind of spot where you can easily spend a couple of hours while the kids run off energy. The first thing that grabs kids’ attention is the nature play zone. Set on woodchips (great if you’re trying to avoid taking half the sandpit home in your shoes), this area is built mostly from timber and Read more…
-
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…
-
Dianella BMX Track at Dianella Regional Open Space is a brilliant spot for kids and teens to burn off energy on their bikes and scooters. The track sits among tall trees and natural bushland, offering plenty of shade and a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe. It’s the kind of place where kids can really have an adventure, rather than a perfectly polished, “sanitised” play space. The track is essentially split into two distinct sections, catering for a wide range of ages and confidence levels. One side is a compacted limestone dirt track with rock climbs, balance beams and drop‑offs. It’s deliberately rough 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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Jackadder Lake Playground is a picturesque park just north west of the city. This lovely lakeside spot features a shaded children’s playground, exercise equipment and paths perfect for bikes and scooters. As of the beginning of August 2023, the playground has been refreshed with new climbing equipment, a new and improved juniors area, and new picnic facilities. Miss 9 was excited to check out the new play equipment. Gone is the crumbling soft fall rubber, and in place there is soft white sand. In place of the old stained slide, there is now a longer colourful tube slide. There are Read more…
-
Harborne Ruislip Playground, Wembley Harborne Ruislip Playground is a neat fenced park in Wembley. It may be small, but it’s packed with features kids will enjoy! The first thing that grabbed Miss 8’s attention was the wooden play structure. The main feature of the playground, it has a baby swing and a birds nest style swing. There’s a climbing wall and stairs made of logs of various heights. There’s a bridge to cross over, and a slide or fireman pole to come down. In the sandpit, there is a recycled tree stump. The stump has been set into the Read more…
