14 Things To Do In Perth With Kids
In Western Australia on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Perth is a great place for a family vacation during the school holidays. There are so many things to do in Perth with kids, that you will have to plan your itinerary carefully so you can get to it all.
Perth City has a lot of attractions for the whole family from Swan River at Kings Park to the Perth Zoo. In fact, all of Western Australia is rife with things to do with kids no matter how old they are. For example, your crew can get a look at some real treasures at the Perth Mint.
You will be spoiled for choice from all the attractions that you can do in Perth with kids. Western Australia's features include several dozen beaches on the Indian Ocean as well as Swan Lake, mini-golf everywhere, great places to try street food, and the Perth Observatory, Western Australia's oldest observatory.
In east Perth, cool off at the Hyde Park Water Playground or visit the Bell Tower where you can impressive views of the city Art Gallery of Western Australia. No matter what time of year their school holidays are, Perth will be waiting.
If you are interested in supporting budding local talent, from artists to crafters, visit the Fremantle Markets in Perth CBD. But first, drop off your backpacks and heavy bags at a Perth luggage storage locker so you don't have to drag them around.
Adventure World
In South Perth next to the shores of Bibra Lake, you will find a fabulous dinosaur-themed playground called Adventure World that is fun for the whole family. This is a theme park that everyone loves from toddlers to teens with 36 attractions including 16 water rides and two coasters.
For the young thrill-seekers, try Dragon's Kingdom with several water play areas and rides, especially for kids under 12. The teens and adults are going to head straight for Abyss, Australia's favorite coaster for the park. It races over 50 miles per hour and has a 100-foot lift, rollovers, cobra roll, and vertical drop.
Caversham Wildlife Park
Western Australia's only wildlife park and one of the best wildlife parks in the country, Caversham Wildlife Park has over 2,000 animals of over 200 different species. Located in Whiteman Park, it is home to a vast array of Australian wildlife like wombats, dingos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils.
If you and the kids want to get up close and personal, try the meet & greet with the koalas and feed the kangaroos. There is also a farmyard with fun activities for the little ones. See trainers milking cows, shearing sheep, and training sheepdogs.
Scitech Discovery Centre
West Perth City boasts many delights to entertain the family including the Scitech Discovery Centre. This is one of the fun things to do in Perth with kids in Elizabeth Quay and is the only science center in Western Australia.
Besides all the fun experiments and interactive exhibits, the most popular attraction is the Planetarium, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll also find a puppet theater, science theater, and much more.
Perth Zoo
Head to Perth Station, transfer to a bus and go to the zoo! One of the best things to do in Perth with kids is the zoo in Western Australia and it is another place to see native Australian wildlife. It has been open since 1898 and has over 40 acres with more than 1,250 animals to see. The park has three zones, including the African Savannah, Asian Rainforest, and the Australian Walkabout.
In Africa, you can see giraffes, hyenas, and zebras as well as baboons, lions, and even some rhinos. The rainforest has many threatened species including Sumatran tigers, red pandas, and Asian elephants. And the walkabout features koalas, quokkas, and dingos as well as Tasmanian devils, wombats, and of course, kangaroos.
Swan Valley
Swan Valley is another great place to bring the kids where you can enjoy Whiteman Park Children's Forest, climb Jacob's Ladder, or go see the Lesmurdie Falls. Besides all that, you will find Kings Park and Swan River in Swan Valley. The facilities include barbecue pits, picnic tables, and a children's playground.
Besides Swan River and its water activities, Kings Park has a plethora of attractions for everyone. Explore and enjoy the great outdoors on the walking trails and see the botanic garden with thousands of flora and a wide array of fauna as well.
Aquarium of Western Australia
See a variety of the state's spectacular marine life at this huge aquarium at Hillarys boat harbour only a short walk from the BHP Water Park. First, anyone over the age of 12 can go scuba diving to see the vibrantly colored coral reef on weekends from October through April.
Then, an awesome underwater adventure awaits along the coastline of Western Australia. You will be surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and thousands of other water creatures in the largest underwater tunnel in Australia. The little kids will see over 40 exhibits including a touch pool.
Serpentine National Park
Just an hour's drive south of Perth CBD, Serpentine Falls National Park is a favorite of the locals as well as visitors. Besides all the stunning waterfalls throughout the park, the 11,000-acre park is named for the many falls here in the Serpentine River, but there is much more to do.
The entire park is teeming with wildlife, boasting 1,846 species that include 15 different mammals and 142 birds. The most popular is the Western grey kangaroo, which you can find hopping all over the park. Some others include flying foxes, quokka, and echidnas. Stop and enjoy a BBQ along the water's edge at one of the picnic areas.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
If you and the kids want to spend the day chilling out at the beach, do it at Shoalwater Islands. Not only can you enjoy the beach on your own but you can also take a cruise to see the penguins, dolphins, and sea lions. The park has a total of 16.2 thousand acres to explore.
For more family fun, get closer to the animals, The Perth Wildlife Australian animal encounters offer you the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins and other marine creatures. Or just go snorkeling to see the shipwrecks where many of the fish and other animals live.
Penguin Island
Jump on a ferry to go see the penguins in their own habitat on Penguin Island. Just off the Shoalwater Coast, the island has the largest population of penguins in Western Australia with about 250 Little Penguins. These are the smallest penguins in the world at only 13 inches high, which makes them undeniably adorable.
Do the kids like to hike and walk? Outside the Penguin Discovery Center, you can also take a walk on the boardwalk that loops all around the island. It is just under a mile long and has several lookout spots to see other animals like whales, dolphins, and pelicans. You can even find some sea caves and natural bridges.
Glowing Rooms
If the weather is not cooperating, spend the day indoors having fun at the Glowing Rooms 3D Mini Golf. Not only is it a great way to have a blast with the family but it is also just a fraction of the price of most of the other attractions in Perth.
Located in Fremantle, the Glowing Rooms has two different 18-whole courses that are painted with glow-in-the-dark artwork so everything glows as you play. They also have other kids' activities to enjoy. Don't forget to get your 3-D glasses before you start.
Escape Hunt Experience
Speaking of rooms, why not take the family to an escape room to test your teamworking and clue-solving skills while you visit Perth? Located in Fremantle near the Fremantle Markets in Central Perth, the Escape Hunt Experience is fun for the whole gang.
Take a trip through Alice in Puzzleland or try to find Aladdin and the Magic Vault. Another fun adventure is the Young Wizard's Quest. The Wild Western Jail Break where you all try to escape the jail after a bank robbery. For outside fun, try the Magic Portal or Operation Mindfall.
Perth Cultural Centre
Situated in the center of the city, the Perth Cultural Centre is the home of several of the best cultural institutions including the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the State Theatre Centre, and the Library of Western Australia as well as the Western Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Besides all that, you can also catch a show at the Blue Room Theatre or State Theatre Center or explore Yagan Square filled with eateries and shops. But right in the middle is where all the fun is. The Perth Cultural Centre Play Space where the kids can just be kids.
Elizabeth Quay
Where else can you get a gondola ride on the Swan River, take a ride on a merry-go-round, and play at a waterpark in one area? Elizabeth Quay was built for bringing the river and the city together with entertainment and it doesn't disappoint anyone.
There is even an Island Playground with exciting equipment to enjoy. While you are there, stop in at the Perth Mint where you can see gold being melted, and get souvenirs at their elegantly appointed retail shop. Next door, climb the Bell Tower to get a stellar view of the Swan River and Perth's northern suburbs.
Splash Island Water Park
Speaking of water parks, Splash Island at Swan Valley is packed with water slides, playgrounds, and even a few rides to give everyone a turn in the water. Australia can get pretty hot during January and February, so why not cool off here?
The 32-foot-high Plummet is one of the most popular with kids over 12 or the Blackout, which is pitch dark inside with natural light effects. And Octopus Bay is great for everyone from toddlers to teens. After, grab a bite at the Snack Shack or get an adult beverage at the Gage Roads Brew Co.
What are the best family activities in Perth?
We think kids are going to love Splash Island. What's not to like about the water and sun? But if it's raining, Escape Hunt Experience is sure to be a hit. Penguin Island is terrific if the kids are ready for a real adventure, and if you are looking for something quiet to do for a short while, try Scitech Discovery Centre where the gang can learn and explore.
Perth Playgrounds and More
The rest of Perth Western Australia is also a pleasure to visit if you have time. Visiting Perth is a great idea for the school holidays when the kids are bored. Get them off the internet and into nature in the Perth Hills, Yanchep National Park, or take the whole family to spend the day at Elizabeth Quay.
If you cannot decide on one place to go, head to Latitude Perth. They have everything from climbing walls to mini-golf courses. Fun can also be had on a day trip to Jarrahdale Equestrian Center about an hour's drive south of the city. Be sure to stop at the Fremantle fishing boat harbour to get some food and souvenirs before going home.
