Scitech’s Winter Toddlerfest 2025 is back — transforming Perth’s favourite science hub into a wonder-filled playground for little explorers aged 0–5.
Running from 26 July to 3 August, Toddlerfest invites budding scientists and their families to dive into a week of hands-on discovery, playful learning and interactive fun — and yes, even the youngest visitors under 2 can join for free.
As a mum and teacher, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the mix of play-based learning, hands-on activities and opportunities for discovery. My toddler Kai was immersed from the moment we arrived — and didn’t stop exploring until he was asleep in the car on the way home.
What Is Toddlerfest?
Toddlerfest is a biannual, week-long, centre-wide science festival designed especially for children aged 0–5. From hands-on science stations and live shows to craft zones and imaginative play spaces, every corner of Scitech is reimagined to support early learning through hands-on discovery.
This isn’t a ‘sit and watch’ event — it’s all about getting involved. And yes, you’ll likely find yourself cutting cardboard, racing cars, playing pretend and pointing out planets too.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday 26 July – Sunday 3 August 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Scitech, City West, Perth
Pricing:
- Free: Under 2s
- $17: Child (2+ years)
- $26: Adult (18+)
- $18: Concession
- Free: Scitech Members and children under 4
We recommend booking online in advance as Toddlerfest can get busy — especially in the mornings.
Highlights & Activities
Bubble Trouble (Chevron Science Theatre)
A fun, fast-paced show where Professor Pop and Toot explore the science of bubbles through comedy and clever tricks. Bubbles of all shapes and sizes fill the stage — and the final surprise had my toddler Kai wide-eyed with wonder. Bonus: Exits at both sides of the theatre make it easy to slip out if your little one gets restless.
A Little Space (Scitech Planetarium)
A toddler-friendly 10-minute journey through space, where we counted down for lift-off, identified colourful stars, spotted the emu constellation and even waved to the Voyager spacecraft. Kai was mesmerised — and proudly joined the countdown. This was a clear favourite.
Make and Create
Get crafty by adding to a giant cardboard snake’s habitat suspended overhead — using crayons, scissors, and clever kid-safe tools like the Makedo Safe Saw and Scru Driver. This collaborative and creative activity is fantastic for developing fine motor skills. Adult help may be needed for cutting and attaching your child’s cardboard creation to the habitat below.
Curiosity Corner
Hands-on exhibits designed for early learners — from drums made of different materials (sound exploration) to racing cars across different surfaces (hello, friction!). It’s perfect for open-ended problem solving and child-caregiver play, sparking discovery and conversation.
Follow the Footprints
Track animal footprints across the centre and discover which creature made them. Explore minibeast habitats with magnifying glasses and have fun moving frogs around using magnetic wands.
Imagination Station
Wooden trees, a tent, pretend campfires and a black cockatoo puppet create a magical bushland scene for imaginative role play. Kai loved flying a puppet bird through the trees and playing hide and seek in the tent. It’s a beautiful space that encourages storytelling and creative expression.
Pop-Up Science
Mini science demonstrations pop up throughout the day — perfect for inquisitive minds. We watched a fun lava lamp experiment using everyday household ingredients and can’t wait to try it at home. Occasionally, children from the audience are invited to assist and adults are always welcome to join their little ones up front for support.
Baby Sensory (Puppet Theatre)
A walk-in, 20-minute session designed for babies aged 0–18 months, featuring textures, lights, sounds and music. Facilitated by Baby Sensory Australia, these sessions are based on child development research and encourage sensory learning, wonder and exploration. Plus, attendees receive an exclusive Toddlerfest Special discount code to use on any Term 3 Baby Sensory booking.
Extra Experiences
- Zippy Coasters: Ride-on rollercoaster fun for children 0-5. A hit with children looking for more active play between activities.
- Soft Baby Play Zone: A quiet, tucked-away room designed as a safe space for the littlest explorers and pre-walkers (0-18 months). It features soft play equipment and a large screen displaying calming underwater scenes, including vibrant coral reefs and fish swimming by. It’s the ideal chill-out zone for the tiniest explorers.
- Little Explorers Passport: On arrival, your child will be given a ‘Little Explorers Passport’ to stamp at each activity station. There’s even a spot at the back to draw their favourite part of the day – a keepsake from their adventure.
- Discoverland: A favourite for many. This long-standing early learning zone is built around the Australian Early Childhood Framework and encourages collaborative exploration. Don’t be surprised if your child wants to stay here all day.
- Feature Exhibition – Destination Mars: While not a Toddlerfest-specific activity, older siblings (and adults!) can explore Destination Mars, the centre’s current feature exhibition. Interactive and immersive, it’s great if you’ve got mixed-age children.
Tips for Visiting
- Afternoons are usually quieter than mornings — ideal for those who prefer a calmer space.
- There’s pram parking, baby change rooms and microwaves
- Packed lunches are welcome or you can grab coffee and snacks from the in-centre coffee cart or nearby Forklore or Splitting Beans (both within City West).
- Sensory Backpacks are available free of charge for visitors with sensory needs.
- Includes ear defenders, communication cards, a fidget toy, a magnifying glass and a social story to help guide your visit.
- Ask at the front desk upon arrival.
- Loaned on a first-come, first-served basis with photo ID required.
- Lunch Nearby? Phat Brew has you covered. Just a 3-minute walk from Scitech, they offer a Scitech visitor and member lunch deal: Chicken or halloumi burger + a kids’ meal for $35.
- Family-friendly with a shaded play area, highchairs and a change station.
- Show proof of your visit or membership to claim the offer.
- Extend the Day: Nearby Playground
- If the winter sunshine is out, make a detour to Harold Boas Gardens — just a five-minute walk or three-minute drive from Scitech.
- The newly upgraded playground is perfect for adventurous little ones who love to climb.
- Set in peaceful surrounds, it’s an ideal spot for a post-Scitech picnic or final play before heading home.
Getting There
By car:
- 2 hours free parking via the machines in the undercover car park (enter license plate).
- $5 for 5 hours if you need longer (we definitely stayed longer than two hours — no way could I have convinced Kai to leave before doing everything on offer!) — pay via machines inside City West or Scitech.
By train:
- Located directly opposite City West Station on the Fremantle Line.
- SmartRider holders ride free on Sundays.
Final Thoughts
Toddlerfest is one of Perth’s best early childhood science events — a thoughtfully designed experience that blends science, technology, engineering, creativity and play to genuinely engage young children. Whether your toddler contributes to the snake habitat, blasts off in the planetarium or dances in a sea of bubbles, they’ll leave inspired (and likely exhausted).
Kai tried everything and left happy, tired and full of stories to tell — fast asleep by the time we pulled out of the carpark.
Plan ahead, pack snacks and prepare to be amazed. This is one event you won’t want to miss.
For Perth families, events like this make Scitech truly special. We’ll be back again and again.
Scitech Toddlerfest
https://www.scitech.org.au/event/toddlerfest/
- About the Author
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Adriana Turk is a Melbourne-born mum raising her adventurous two-year-old in Perth, her new home. A teacher with a passion for play-based learning, Adriana shares her journey through Perth Toddler Adventures, an Instagram account dedicated to budget-friendly outings, natural playgrounds, and hands-on activities for little ones. With a focus on creating magical everyday moments and connecting with Perth parents, Adriana blends her teaching expertise and love for adventure to inspire families to embrace learning through play and discovery.
