Top Family Activities in Perth, Australia

Family beaches and coastal adventures

Perth’s coastline is one of its biggest drawcards, offering calm bays for little ones and surf beaches better suited to confident swimmers and teens. Many family‑friendly beaches have playgrounds, barbecues and cafés nearby, making them ideal for relaxed, low‑cost days out.

Swim in the sheltered waters at Hillarys Boat Harbour, where children can paddle safely, jump off pontoons and then visit AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia to walk through the underwater tunnel and see sharks, rays and turtles.
Enjoy a classic Aussie beach day at Mullaloo Beach, which is patrolled in summer and backed by grassy areas, barbecues and a great playground overlooking the ocean.
Try gentle snorkelling with older children at Mettam’s Pool or Yanchep Lagoon, where shallow reef‑protected water is usually calmer and full of marine life.

Family tip: Aim for early mornings or late afternoons in summer to avoid the harshest heat, and always swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.

Wildlife encounters and nature days out

Perth gives children the chance to see many of Australia’s most iconic animals up close, which is especially exciting if you have just moved from overseas. These outings are also a great way to get everyone outdoors and start building positive associations with your new home.

Visit Perth Zoo in South Perth to see animals from around the world, join keeper talks and take part in close‑up experiences that help kids learn about conservation.
Spend a day in Yanchep National Park, spotting kangaroos on the lawns, wandering along the koala boardwalk and joining a guided tour of the Crystal Cave underground.
Meet Australia’s native wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park, where children can hand‑feed kangaroos, see wombats and enjoy interactive farm shows.
Head south to Rockingham for dolphin‑watching cruises and seasonal wild dolphin swims, then take the short ferry to Penguin Island to see little penguins and seabirds in their coastal environment.

Parks, playgrounds and the Swan River

Perth’s parks and riverside areas are part of everyday family life for locals, giving you lots of ways to get outside without spending much. They are also helpful for newly arrived families who want to explore different neighbourhoods while keeping children entertained.

Wander through Kings Park & Botanic Garden, one of the world’s largest inner‑city parks, and let kids burn off energy at Synergy Parkland with its dinosaur statues, island fort and water play.
Elizabeth Quay offers modern water playgrounds, climbing frames, interactive fountains, grassy lawns for picnics and stunning Swan River views – a lively spot where kids can splash around while you enjoy riverside cafés.
Take in Swan River views at Heathcote Reserve in Applecross, where a huge pirate‑ship playground and nearby café keep both children and adults happy.
Visit Faulkner “Volcano” Park in Belmont, a colourful, volcano‑themed playground that’s especially popular with younger children.
Escape to Lake Leschenaultia in the Perth Hills for a day of swimming, canoeing, walking or even camping by the water.

Along the Swan River, spots like Matilda Bay and Point Walter offer calm water for paddling, long sandbars, shaded grass and cafés, plus seasonal kayak and stand‑up paddleboard hire for older kids and teens.

Swan Valley: farms, food and mini‑golf

The Swan Valley is only a short drive from the city but feels wonderfully rural, with vineyards, farms and family attractions all close together. It is perfect for easy weekend outings, especially when you are still getting to know Perth and want to keep drives short.

Visit Cuddly Animal Farm, where younger children can bottle‑feed lambs, cuddle rabbits and guinea pigs, and ride a tractor around the property.
Play a round at Supa Golf & Adventure Putt, a fun, oversized version of golf that works for a wide age range and is ideal for mixed‑ability groups.
Stop at one of the Swan Valley’s many family‑friendly wineries and cafés, where you will often find playgrounds or lawns for children, and then treat everyone to chocolate or ice cream at places like the Margaret River Chocolate Company.

Museums, science and rainy‑day idea

Perth’s indoor attractions are invaluable on very hot days, during winter or when you simply want something structured and educational to do with the kids. Many offer family tickets or free entry for children, making them good value if you plan ahead.

Spend a few hours at Scitech, a hands‑on science centre in West Perth with rotating exhibitions, live science shows, a planetarium and a dedicated early‑years space.
Explore WA Museum Boola Bardip, the state museum in the Perth Cultural Centre, which combines natural history, First Nations stories and Western Australian history in engaging, interactive galleries.
Head to Fremantle for the WA Maritime Museum and WA Shipwrecks Museum, which dive into the state’s maritime past with ships, artefacts and stories that appeal to older children and teens.

Theme parks, water parks and nights under the stars

When you want a big‑ticket day out or somewhere to celebrate a birthday or end of term, Perth’s theme and water parks are hard to beat. Booking ahead, especially in school holidays, will usually save time and sometimes money.

Spend the day at Adventure World in Bibra Lake, Perth’s flagship theme park, which is open seasonally from spring to autumn and offers major water slides, roller coasters and plenty of gentler rides for younger children.
Cool off at Outback Splash in Bullsbrook, with water slides, splash zones, mazes, mini‑golf and native animals, particularly popular in the warmer months.
For a nostalgic evening, drive to the Galaxy Drive‑In Theatre in Kingsley, where you can watch family films from your car under the stars with pillows, blankets and a picnic.

Practical tips for families moving to Perth

Perth regularly ranks among Australia’s most liveable cities, with strong schooling options, family‑friendly suburbs and excellent access to green space. Making use of these family attractions early – even while you are still in temporary accommodation – can help children process the move, ease homesickness and start to build positive associations with their new city.

As you progress from initial exploration to everyday life, these beaches, parks, wildlife experiences and cultural venues will shift from “places to visit” to “our regular spots”, forming the backdrop of your family’s new chapter in Perth.

Australia, Moving with children