Fremantle, just 30 minutes south of Perth, is a great place to take kids. The vibrant city offers plenty of open space and unique ways for children to express their creativity. From skate parks to music workshops, kids of all ages will find something they love to do in Fremantle.
Whether you’re heading to Fremantle for a day trip or spending a few days, check out these fun family-friendly things to do in the city.
Inspire your mini-artist with family-friendly creative activities
Fremantle is known for its creative vibe, with colourful street art adorning the streets throughout the city. Encourage the young artist, performer or musician in your family with these creative activities for kids in Fremantle.
1. Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
There’s plenty to get the kids involved at Australia’s premier puppet theatre, Spare Parts in Fremantle. The Puppet Playtime program brings storytelling to life through performances of popular children’s books for kids aged 3 – 5 years. Workshops on crafting and performing with puppets are available for ages 4 and above. And a seasonal calendar of performances will entertain adults and kids alike.
2. Circus WA
If there’s a class clown in your family, channel their energy into flipping and flying with Circus WA. On offer are a range of circus workshops for kids of all ages. From acrobatics and tightrope walking to spinning tops and juggling, your child will learn a collection of circus skills from trained professionals in a fun and encouraging environment.
3. Fremantle Arts Centre
Housed in one of Fremantle’s most impressive heritage buildings, the Fremantle Arts Centre is the city’s hub for all things arty. The centre hosts a range of free exhibitions, outdoor music concerts and special events. For the kids, they often offer art classes, school holiday programs, and child-focussed exhibitions. Check their website to see what’s on.
Don’t spend a dollar with free things to do with kids in Fremantle
The best things in life are free – including Fremantle’s parks and playgrounds. These free activities for kids will keep them entertained and your budget in check.
4. Walyalup Koort Play Space
Located right in the heart of Fremantle, the Walyalup Koort Play Space is a vibrant new playground that’s perfect for toddlers and young children. The port-themed playground offers a bunch of fun elements for climbing, swinging, bouncing and playing. Sit back and relax as your children burn their energy on the monkey bars, in-ground trampoline, stepping logs and much more.
5. Skate park
Down by the Fremantle Esplanade, you’ll find a top-notch skate park designed to accommodate skaters of various skill levels. The park features a lengthy continuous street run and includes elements such as stair sets, rails, hubbas, and gaps, for an exciting experience for skaters, BMX and scooter enthusiasts.
Take in the natural beauty of Fremantle’s waterways
6. Swan River Cruise
Embark on a delightful Swan River cruise with your kids, where they can eagerly spot the river's wildlife and landmarks. Relax and take in the scenic views while they enjoy the adventure.
The one-way cruises from Fremantle to Perth offers the chance hop off in Perth and explore the city. It’s the perfect option to head to one of the city’s top museums or historical attractions. Or enjoy the return cruise from Fremantle for a leisurely 2-hours and 45-minutes trip along the Swan River. It promises to be a perfect day out for the whole family!
7. Best Fremantle beaches for kids
Fremantle boasts a collection of beaches that are perfect for families seeking sun-soaked adventures. Among the top choices for kids is Bathers Beach, known for its calm waters and soft sands. This idyllic spot provides an ideal setting for sandcastle building and shallow wading, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the little ones.
Further down the coast, the gentle waves at South Beach make it suitable for young swimmers. The beach also offers a well-maintained playground and grassy areas for picnics. If you want the peace of mind offered by patrolled beaches, head north to Leighton Beach and Port Beach.
Let loose with these fun things to do with kids in Fremantle
From classic arcade games to a round of zany mini golf, here are some of the best fun things to do with kids in Fremantle.
8. Timezone
Get ready for plenty of fun and excitement at Timezone! The amusement arcade offers stacks of thrilling games and activities suitable for kids of all ages (including young-at-heart adults). Enjoy everything from classic car races and basketball shooters to new VR games. Then collect your prizes at the end. Everyone’s a winner!
9. Holey Moley
Forget worn astro-turf and broken obstacles. Holey Moley shows us how fun mini golf can be with 18 whacky holes across two courses. Kids are welcome with an adult from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
10. Escape rooms
Can you solve the puzzles in time? Fremantle’s escape rooms provide an exciting environment for problem solving, creative thinking and teamwork. With themes ranging from Prison Break to Zombie Lab, escape rooms offer a fun challenge for older kids and adults. Head to Fox in a Box for a wide range of themes or Escape Hunt Experience to solve a Fremantle themed mystery!
Best things to do in Fremantle with toddlers
Keep the youngest members of your family entertained with these fun things to do in Fremantle for toddlers.
11. Penny Lane’s Music Workshop
Whether you fancy your toddler as a musical prodigy waiting to be discovered or simply hope to encourage their love of music, Baby Lala is a fantastic opportunity to get your child involved in music. The drop-in classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings encourage creativity and expression through music for children aged under 4 years.
12. Story time at Paperbird Books
Paperbird Books is a wonderful store dedicated entirely to children’s books. Browse their extensive selection of quality children’s books, including many by Australian writers and illustrators. On Sundays at 9:30 am, join Story Time where the team read some of their favourite children’s stories. The event is suited to children under six years old and is completely free!
Keep cool with indoor activities for kids in Fremantle
Whether you’re beating the heat or escaping the rain, Fremantle’s museums offer the perfect opportunity to head inside and uncover WA’s fascinating history.
13. WA Maritime Museum
Explore WA’s maritime history through exhibitions and displays at the WA Maritime Museum. The museum houses a number of important vessels including America’s Cup winner the Australia II and an Oberon class submarine. Kids will be entertained by interactive displays including an opportunity to participate in a virtual yacht race. And kids under 15 years are free!
14. Shipwrecks Museum
Housed inside one of Fremantle’s historic Commissariat Buildings, the Shipwrecks Museum offers the chance to view relics and artefacts from WA’s maritime history. A highlight is the hull from the 400-year-old wreck of the Batavia. Entry is free.
15. Fremantle Prison
Built in 1855 and used until 1991, Fremantle Prison carries a long history of housing some of WA’s most notorious convicts and criminals. The engaging guides bring stories from the prison’s history to life through a range of tours. Children of all ages are welcome on the True Crime and Behind Bars tours, while minimum ages apply to the Torches (over 10 years) and Tunnels (over 12 years).
Find something special at the best shops for children in Fremantle
Whether you’re picking up a unique gift or letting the kids loose with their pocket money, these family-friendly stores are sure to have what you’re searching for.
16. The Pickled Fairy and Other Myths
Home to all things mystical and fantastical, the Pickled Fairy and Other Myths has been charming and entertaining young children for decades. Peruse their magical shop for a huge range of mythical themed gifts and treasures, from dress-ups to story books.
17. Fremantle Markets
Children young and old are sure to find something unique at the Fremantle Markets. The historical markets are packed with independent traders offering everything from handmade jigsaw puzzles to plush toys. There are stacks of food stalls, even the fussiest eaters can find something to eat.
