Top Things to do with Kids in Fremantle

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Fremantle? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re keen on a day filled with fascinating stories from WA’s past, or a tonne of family fun with exciting activities and Playgrounds, Fremantle has it all. We’ve refreshed our guide with classic favourites plus newer Buggybuddys‑reviewed spots, so your family day out in Freo is packed full of memories.

Playgrounds In Fremantle

Walyalup Koort Play Space

The vibrant Walyalup Koort Play Space in Fremantle’s heart is a must‑visit with kids. Set in the redeveloped Kings Square precinct, this inner‑city Playground has been inspired by the port city’s industrial history and close links with the ocean. Mini cranes, bridges, train tracks and shipping containers are woven together with trees, water elements and splashes of colour, creating a fun space for toddlers through to primary‑school‑aged children. It’s the perfect spot to run off some energy before or after visiting nearby museums, cafés or the library. See more in our blog.

The Esplanade Park Playground & Youth Plaza

The grassy Fremantle Esplanade is a spacious spot between Marine Terrace and Fishing Boat Harbour, shaded by towering Norfolk Island pines. The trusty children’s Playground is always worth a visit, whether you’ve got a toddler who loves to swing or bigger kids who want to climb to the top of the spider‑web ropes. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass or grab a snack from the kiosk. Older kids and teens will be drawn to the brilliant Esplanade Youth Plaza – a world‑class skate park where scooters, skateboards and bikes are all welcome. See more in our blog.

South Beach Playground, South Fremantle

South Beach Playground is perfect for little pirates in training! This boat‑themed Playground sits right on the South Fremantle foreshore and features a large climbing structure, double slide and swings. Kids can climb the mast, walk the plank and fire the “cannons” in their imaginative games. There’s also a hammock swing and a cute dolphin rocker for younger children. The Playground is on softfall, and shade sails are up during summer. With the beach, BBQs and plenty of grass nearby, it’s an easy spot to spend a few hours. See more in our blog.

Fremantle Museums

WA Maritime Museum

The brilliant Western Australian Maritime Museum, perched on Victoria Quay, dives into Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal city and busy port. From leisure boats to commercial pearl luggers and fishing vessels, this fascinating and interactive museum inspires visitors to discover WA’s deep connection to the sea. It’s also home to the iconic America’s Cup‑winning yacht Australia II and the Oberon‑class submarine HMAS Ovens, which you can board on a guided tour (best suited to older kids). Open daily, 9.30am–5pm, it’s a must‑do for families who love ships and sea stories. Find out more in our blog.

Fremantle Prison

WA’s only World Heritage‑listed building, Fremantle Prison, is a captivating (and sometimes spooky) piece of WA history. Step through the gatehouse and you’re transported back in time – it only closed as a working prison in the 1990s! Experienced guides share incredible tales of convict life, escapes and notorious prisoners across several themed tours. Families can choose options like the Convict Prison or Behind Bars tours during the day, or for braver teens, try a Torchlight Tour at night. Adventurous families can also take a Tunnels Tour through the labyrinth of passageways beneath the prison. See more in our blog.

WA Shipwrecks Museum (Shipwreck Galleries)

The WA Shipwrecks Museum is housed in a historic 1850s Commissariat building, right next to Fremantle Harbour. Steeped in history, its galleries hold hundreds of relics – and the stories behind them – from shipwrecks along WA’s wild coastline. Highlights include original timbers from the Batavia, wrecked in 1629, and artefacts from Dutch shipwrecks such as Zuytdorp, Zeewijk and Vergulde Draeck. Entry is free, with a suggested donation of $5, which is exceptional value for such a fascinating collection. Budding pirates and history buffs alike will love it. See more in our blog.

The Round House

Perched on Arthur Head above Bathers Beach, the Round House is WA’s oldest public building. Dating back to 1831, it was first used as a convict jail, later housing the Water Police, and is now preserved as a heritage site. A visit is short but memorable – allow around half an hour to step inside the tiny cells and soak up the sweeping views over Fremantle and the Indian Ocean. A gold coin donation is requested, and knowledgeable volunteers make the visit fun and informative for curious kids. See more in our blog.

The Army Museum of WA

The Army Museum of Western Australia, located in the historic Artillery Barracks, will appeal to families with older children who are interested in military history. The collection includes artefacts from both World Wars and conflicts such as Korea and South Vietnam, as well as displays depicting life in the trenches and the experiences of Prisoners of War. Out on the parade ground, you’ll find army vehicles, artillery and other military hardware, giving kids a real sense of the scale and reality of wartime.

Freo Fun

There are loads of fun things to do with kids in Fremantle beyond the parks and museums. In the heart of Freo you’ll find modern cinemas, escape rooms, mini golf and a massive arcade – perfect for school holidays or rainy days.

Fox in a Box Escape Rooms

If your kids love puzzles, Fox in a Box Escape Rooms Fremantle offers a unique school holiday adventure. Designed for families with children aged around 8 and up, these live‑action escape games see your team locked in a themed room where you must solve clues, crack codes and work together to “escape” before time is up. It’s heaps of fun and secretly builds teamwork, problem‑solving and communication skills at the same time. See more in our blog.

Explorasaurus

Dinosaur‑mad kids will go wild for Explorasaurus, Perth’s dinosaur‑themed adventure play centre in Fremantle. The five‑tier Playground is packed with slides, tunnels, rope walkways and flying foxes, all surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs and interactive exhibits. Kids can try touch‑screen painting, jigsaws, quizzes and even compare their strength to a T‑Rex. There’s also a special toddler zone with pint‑sized climbing and slides, plus dedicated party rooms, making it a great choice for birthday celebrations. See more in our blog.

Hoyts Millennium

For a classic movie outing, HOYTS Millennium in central Fremantle combines all the latest cinema comforts with the charm of the port city. Families can choose from standard screens, big‑format Xtremescreen sessions or reclining seats, with 3D options on select films. Mid‑week, “Prams at the Pix” sessions make it easier for parents with babies to see a film, and sensory screenings with softer sound and lighting are ideal for sensory‑sensitive kids.

Timezone, Holey Moley & More

Within Fremantle you’ll also find a brilliant, state‑of‑the‑art Timezone filled with arcade games and activities that appeal to all ages, plus a colourful new Holey Moley mini‑golf at the FOMO precinct. Add in other escape rooms dotted around town and you’ve got a long list of ways to keep tweens and teens entertained in all weather. See more in our blog.

The Fremantle Tourist Wheel

Meeting “under the wheel” in Esplanade Park is a Fremantle tradition, and the Fremantle Tourist Wheel gives families a fantastic bird’s‑eye view of the port city. Standing around 40–46 metres tall with comfortable gondolas seating up to six people, the ride lasts about 10–15 minutes, giving kids plenty of time to spot ships, landmarks and the sparkling coastline. At night, the wheel glows with colourful lights, making it a magical way to finish your Freo adventure. See more in our blog.

Fremantle Library

For some quieter fun, head to Fremantle Library at the Walyalup Civic Centre. The dedicated Children’s Library and Gaming Zone is full of colour, cosy nooks and even an indoor slide. Regular Storytime and Rhymetime sessions run during school terms, alongside LEGO Club, coding clubs and play sessions for little ones. It’s the perfect place to cool down on a hot day or take a breather between more energetic activities. More on our blog.

Fremantle Leisure Centre

Cool off at Fremantle Leisure Centre, where families can enjoy swimming year‑round thanks to a mix of indoor and outdoor heated pools. There’s an outdoor 50m pool for lap swimmers, an undercover 25m pool, a leisure pool with fun water features and a warm program/hydrotherapy pool. Accessibility features such as ramps and hoists are available, and as a Watch Around Water facility, there’s a strong focus on keeping kids safe while they splash. More on our blog.

Fishing Boat Harbour

Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is another essential stop for families. Home to hundreds of fishing boats, it’s surrounded by boardwalks, restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment. Kids will love watching the daily activity of the working harbour – spotting trawlers, seabirds and maybe even a seal – while parents can soak up the views. It’s also one of the best spots in WA to enjoy classic fish and chips or a post‑dinner ice cream by the water.

Things to do with Kids in Fremantle – Shopping

Fremantle Markets

The historic Fremantle Markets are a must‑visit for families. Open Friday through Sunday (and some public holidays), the heritage‑listed building houses a colourful mix of stalls selling toys, gifts, handmade wares and local art. The fresh food and street‑food sections tempt with delicious aromas from around the world, making it an easy place to grab lunch or snacks on the go. Buskers and performers add to the lively, bustling atmosphere that kids love. See more in our blog.

E Shed Markets

Down on Victoria Quay, E Shed Markets offer another family‑friendly market experience, but this time with spectacular harbour views. Set in a historic waterfront shed, the markets combine shopping, food and a front‑row seat to Fremantle Port’s busy shipping activity. It’s mostly under cover, so it’s a handy option in any weather. 

The Pickled Fairy and Other Myths

This Freo favourite has been delighting little ones for decades. The Pickled Fairy and Other Myths is a whimsical gift shop and an Aladdin’s cave for fairy fans, crammed with dress‑ups, wings, wands and sparkling trinkets. Many children are absolutely thrilled to meet a fairy in person – it’s a truly magical stop in the heart of Fremantle. See more in our blog.

Paper Bird Books

Paper Bird Books is an independent children’s bookstore that’s as charming as they come. Focused on quality children’s literature, particularly by Australian authors and illustrators, it’s a wonderful place to curl up with a story or pick out a special book to remember your trip by. Families who value reading will definitely want to pop in with their little bookworms. See more in our blog.

Family-Friendly Eats and Hidden Gems Around Fremantle

Gage Roads

Located in Fremantle’s historic A‑shed on the harbour, Gage Roads is a family‑friendly brewery and restaurant that manages to keep both kids and adults happy. Out in the “backyard” you’ll find a multi‑level Playground made from a converted car and boat, kids‑sized picnic tables and shade sails. Inside, there’s air hockey and plenty of space to relax. With a kids’ menu and regular family evenings where little ones can eat free, it’s a great place to refuel after a big day of exploring. See more in our blog.

The Old Court House

Just behind Fremantle Markets, The Old Court House has transformed a beautifully restored historic courthouse into a family‑friendly restaurant and bar. Kids are well catered for with a sandpit, fenced grassy play area and shaded outdoor dining space. Parents can enjoy a meal and soak up the atmosphere while the children play nearby, and the fun nods to local history – like the original dock and “rogue’s gallery” photo wall – add a quirky touch. See more in our blog.

Moore & Moore Café

Moore & Moore Café in the West End is a long‑time favourite with Fremantle families. Set in a beautiful heritage building, it blends great coffee and tasty food with a relaxed, artsy vibe. The rear courtyard and indoor nooks make it easy for families to spread out, and there are dedicated kids’ play areas to keep little ones busy while you enjoy your meal. It’s a top spot for a lazy brunch or a mid‑morning cake stop between exploring nearby galleries and shops. See more in our blog.

The Left Bank

The Left Bank, perched right on the banks of the Swan River in East Fremantle, is another much‑loved family venue. Parents can soak up impressive river views while the kids tuck into the children’s menu and enjoy the casual, friendly atmosphere. On Thursdays, The Left Bank hosts a popular Kids Night with face painting, colouring and activities, plus a handy “kids eat free” deal with every full‑priced adult main. It’s a great pick for an easy family dinner where everyone leaves happy. See more in our blog.

Want to know even more kid‑friendly places to eat in Fremantle? Be sure to check out our dedicated guide to family‑friendly restaurants and cafés in Fremantle for extra ideas.

Fremantle Visitor Centre

Address: Walyalup Koort, 155 High Street, Fremantle WA 6160
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–4pm; Sunday and public holidays 10am–4pm; closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Website: Visit Fremantle – Fremantle Visitor Centre