Perth City is a fantastic Playground for families, offering a vibrant mix of world-class parks, interactive museums, and scenic waterfront adventures. Whether you are looking to explore the heights of Kings Park, discover the wonders of science at Scitech, or enjoy a relaxing ferry ride across the Swan River, the CBD is packed with activities that cater to all ages. This guide highlights the best family-friendly spots in the heart of the city, making it easy to plan a memorable day out with the kids.
Old Central Fire Station (DFES Education and Heritage Centre)
Step back in time at the Old Central Fire Station, a beautifully preserved heritage building that now serves as an education and heritage centre. Kids will love exploring the vintage fire engines, learning about firefighting history, and hearing stories of bravery from Perth’s past. Best of all, entry is free, and it’s a quick, engaging stop that pairs perfectly with nearby attractions like the Royal Perth Hospital Museum. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Old Central Fire Station here.
FREE
Address: Corner Murray and Irwin Streets, Perth WA 6000
Website: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/oldcentral
Kings Park
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and an absolute must-visit for families. With sprawling Playgrounds like the Rio Tinto Naturescape, May Drive Parkland, and Ivey Watson Playground, there’s no shortage of climbing, sliding, and exploring to be done. Add in the Botanic Gardens, walking trails, picnic spots, and cafes like Zamia Café, and you’ve got a full day of outdoor fun with stunning city and river views. Read the Buggybuddys review of Kings Park here.
FREE
Address: Fraser Avenue, Perth WA 6005
Website: https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park
The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is one of Perth’s most iconic landmarks, offering families a unique mix of history, hands-on fun, and breathtaking views. Kids can try their hand at bell chiming, explore interactive exhibits, and head up to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, and the city skyline. It’s a short, engaging visit that’s perfect for curious minds. Read the Buggybuddys review of The Bell Tower here.
Address: Barrack Square, Riverside Drive, Perth WA 6000
Website: https://www.thebelltower.com.au
Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is an easy, all-in-one CBD outing for families: wander the boardwalks and bridge for river and skyline views, let the kids loose at the maritime-themed Island Playground, cool off at the very popular BHP Billiton Water Park, and add a little extra fun with the Venetian Carousel. There are plenty of family-friendly food stops too, plus you can hop on the TransPerth Ferry from the inlet for a low-cost “mini cruise” across to South Perth. Read the Buggybuddys review of Elizabeth Quay here.
FREE
Address: The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000
Website: https://visitperth.com/see-and-do/public-spaces/venues/elizabeth-quay
Scitech
Scitech is an interactive science museum that makes learning feel like pure fun. With hands-on exhibits covering everything from space exploration to WA’s unique environment, plus a dedicated Discoverland area for under-6s, there’s something to spark curiosity at every age. Live science shows, the Planetarium, and rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, and there’s a cafe on-site for refuelling between experiments. Read the Buggybuddys review of Scitech here.
Address: City West Centre, Corner Railway Street & Sutherland Street, West Perth WA 6005
Website: https://www.scitech.org.au
Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is a family favourite and one of the best places in the city to get up close with wildlife from around the world. From the African Savannah to the Asian Rainforest, kids will love spotting giraffes, orangutans, meerkats, and more. There’s also a fantastic Playground, plus cafes and picnic areas for a full day out. Special programs like ‘Close Encounter‘ and ‘Wild Explorers‘ add extra excitement for animal-loving kids. Read the Buggybuddys review of Perth Zoo here.
Address: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth WA 6151
Website: https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint offers a fascinating glimpse into Western Australia’s gold rush history with exhibits, demonstrations, and even the chance to see a real gold pour. Kids will be mesmerised by the shiny displays and the stories of fortune seekers, and there’s a gift shop full of gold-themed treasures. It’s an educational and entertaining stop that’s perfect for a quick city visit. Read the Buggybuddys review of Perth Mint here.
Address: 310 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004
Website: https://www.perthmint.com
WA Museum Boola Bardip
The WA Museum Boola Bardip is a world-class museum that brings Western Australia’s stories to life through stunning exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive experiences. From dinosaurs and megafauna to Aboriginal culture and the state’s natural wonders, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. The museum is spacious, modern, and thoughtfully designed with kids in mind, making it an ideal rainy-day activity or cultural pit stop in the city. Read the Buggybuddys review of WA Museum Boola Bardip here.
Address: Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Website: https://museum.wa.gov.au
Art Gallery of Western Australia
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a beautiful space to introduce kids to art, culture, and creativity. With a mix of contemporary and historical works, including a strong focus on Indigenous Australian art, the gallery offers free entry and family-friendly programs throughout the year. It’s a calm, inspiring stop that pairs well with a visit to the nearby WA Museum or a stroll through the Perth Cultural Centre. Read the Buggybuddys review of AGWA here.
FREE
Address: Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Website: https://artgallery.wa.gov.au
Royal Perth Hospital Museum
A brilliant “hidden gem” for curious kids (especially school-aged children), the Royal Perth Hospital Museum takes families on a journey through WA’s medical history inside the Royal Perth Hospital Heritage Precinct. Expect fascinating displays of historical pharmacy items, surgical and diagnostic equipment, old nursing uniforms, and stories that bring the past to life, including an Iron Lung machine and a look at how medicine has evolved from the 1800s to today. It’s free to visit, a great add-on to the nearby Old Central Fire Station, and an easy way to sneak in some learning while you’re exploring the CBD. Read the Buggybuddys review of Royal Perth Hospital Museum here.
FREE
Address: Level 2, M Block, Murray Street, Perth WA 6000
Website: https://rph.health.wa.gov.au/About-us/Museum
The Nostalgia Box
The Nostalgia Box is a must-visit for little gamers and big kids at heart. Tucked away in West Perth, just across from City West, Australia’s only video game console museum combines a fascinating walk-through display of 100+ consoles from the 1970s onwards with a super fun hands-on gaming zone. Grown-ups will love the trip down memory lane with Atari, Sega and early Nintendo favourites, while kids can battle it out on classics like Space Invaders, Super Mario Bros, Pac-Man and Crash Bandicoot. There are helpful instructions at each station, braille labels on the displays, and even a cosy corner with board games and books when everyone needs a screen break. The Nostalgia Box also hosts kids’ birthday parties, has snacks and drinks available, and is an easy add-on to a day at Scitech or in the CBD. Read the Buggybuddys review of The Nostalgia Box here.
Address: 69 Plaistowe Mews, West Perth WA 6005
Website: https://thenostalgiabox.com.au/
Escape This
Escape This is a brilliant pick for families with tweens and teens who love a challenge and a good laugh. Hidden beneath Kmart in the Hay Street Mall, this centrally located escape room venue is easy to reach by train, bus or city parking and makes a great add-on to a day in the CBD. Inside, you’ll find 13 themed escape rooms plus a dedicated quiz room, with creative storylines ranging from pirates and pharaohs to wizard worlds, Aussie dunny humour and wild west jailbreaks. Rooms are best suited to kids aged 9+ and are designed so everyone can get involved, with non-linear puzzles, immersive sets, sound effects and a friendly Gamesmaster on hand if you need a hint. There are lockers for your belongings, toilets onsite, a vending machine for snacks and comfy lounges to relax on before or after your game, making it an easy, weather-proof city outing. Read the Buggybuddys review of Escape This here.
Address: 712–720 Hay Street Mall, Perth WA 6000 (under Kmart)
Website: https://escapethisperth.com/
Perth City truly has it all when it comes to family-friendly fun. From nature and wildlife to science, history, and waterfront adventures, there’s something to suit every interest and energy level. Whether you’re planning a full day out or just a quick stop between errands, these top spots make it easy to create lasting memories with the kids right in the heart of the city. So pack the sunscreen, grab the stroller, and get ready to explore all that Perth has to offer.
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
