Wondering how to keep children engaged and off their screens during the summer holidays? We’ve got the perfect list of things to do with kids in Perth.
Six weeks is a long time to keep kids entertained. But don’t worry, there are plenty of fun things going on in Perth during these school holidays. Check out these excellent things to do with kids over the summer holidays and start planning your next family day out.
Keep your cool at Perth’s museums and indoor attractions
Don’t let the heat kill your holiday fun. Stay cool and head indoors to these air-conditioned museums and attractions. The kids will have so much fun while learning something new.
Scitech
Inspire the future scientist in your family with a trip to Scitech. No matter how old your children are, they will have fun discovering new ideas through the interactive displays designed to inspire curiosity in STEM subjects. Check the Scitech website for their school holiday programme of exhibitions and events.
AQWA
Explore 12,000 kilometres of WA’s underwater world without getting wet at AQWA. As you make your way around the themed zones and aquariums, be amazed by the incredible biodiversity of WA’s marine environment. Observe sharks, lobsters, octopus and more in aquariums that recreate their natural environment.
Kids will also have the chance to interact with marine life in the touch pool and turtle rescue pool. It’s an amazing opportunity to observe and interact with animals that are usually hidden beneath the depths of the ocean.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Conveniently located in Perth’s art precinct, the WA Museum Boola Bardip shares stories of the state’s culture and history through engaging exhibits and displays. They offer a fun range of inclusive school holiday activities so check the WA Museum website to see what’s on.
Fremantle
Home to some of WA’s oldest buildings, Fremantle is almost a museum itself. There’s plenty of history to uncover and museums to explore in the port city. Why not enjoy a scenic river cruise to Freo and make a day of it?
Hear tales of the WA’s early prisoners at the Fremantle Prison, explore WA’s oldest surviving building at the Fremantle Round House or delve into the treasures of the deep at the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Take your budding artist to an exhibition at the Fremantle Arts Centre or learn more about WA’s history on the ocean at the WA Maritime Museum.
Enjoy the great outdoors with these fun nature-based activities
Worried about too much screen time? Get your kids outdoors these holidays with these fun nature-based activities.
Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
Located just a 30-minute boat ride from Fremantle, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and exploring with the family. From riding around the island to observing the resident quokkas, there are stacks of activities to enjoy with kids on the island.
Take the SeaLink ferry from Fremantle or Perth for a fun day out exploring this amazing Class A reserve. Best of all, kids travel free on weekdays with a paying adult!
Animal encounters
If your kids are wild about wildlife, there are plenty of places they can view and interact with animals around Perth. Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley is home to a large collection of Australian native animals, birds and reptiles. At the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm, kids have the chance to handle and feed farm animals including adorable baby animals. Or take the ferry across the Swan River to get to know the exotic and native animals of the Perth Zoo.
Swan River cruise
Get out and about on the Swan River with the kids with a Swan River cruise. The kids can keep an eye out for the river’s wildlife and landmarks, while you sit back and enjoy the view. Book the Fremantle Explorer package to get off and explore the port city before your return cruise in the afternoon. It’s a perfect day out for everyone!
National Parks
Pack a picnic and let the kids roam at one of the national parks on Perth’s doorstep. John Forrest National Park is just 30 minutes from the city and offers the chance to spot an array of native birds including, red-tailed black cockatoos and Australian ringnecks. To the north of the city, Yanchep National Park is home to the Crystal Cave, where you can head underground to explore with a guided tour. Or head to Serpentine National Park for a swim at Serpentine Falls and a BBQ surrounded by wild kangaroos.
Penguin Island
Penguin Island, near Rockingham, is a great place to spend a day exploring and hopefully spot some of the cute seabirds that give the island its name. Summer is the best time to spot penguins in the wild as they stay ashore for 6 – 8 weeks while they grow new feathers. Take the ferry from Shoalwater to spend a few hours on the island snorkelling, wandering the boardwalks and spotting penguins. The island closes on days over 35 degrees so be sure to check the Penguin Island website before you head over.
Swim, splash, and slide at Perth’s water parks and pools
Cool off these summer holidays with these fun water activities.
Lake Leschenaultia
For a more relaxing day by the water, you can’t go past Lake Leschenaultia. This freshwater lake in Chidlow offers plenty of shade, picnic facilities and safe calm waters for swimming. Canoe and paddleboard hire is available and there are camping facilities if you want to stay overnight. It’s a tranquil oasis in 168 hectares of bushland, less than one hour drive from Perth.
City water playgrounds
Be sure to bring a change of clothes for the kids when you visit the city! Dotted around Perth are water playgrounds that offer kids a chance to play in the fountains. By the Swan River, kids can splash about in the water jets and mists of the Elizabeth Quay BHP Water Park. Closer to the train station, water playgrounds in Forrest Place and Yagan Square offer more places to play in the choreographed water jets.
Adventure World
For pure summer fun, nothing beats Adventure World. With over 25 exhilarating rides to enjoy, you’ll be dragging your kids home at the end of the day. There are waterslides (including the longest, tallest and steepest funnel waterslide in the world), rollercoasters, and adrenaline-pumping carnival rides. For the younger kids, there are tamer adventures as well as a pool, wildlife experiences, and a grand prix track. It’s a thrilling day out for kids of all ages!
Perth Outback Splash
Cool off and have fun at Perth Outback Splash! Kids will have a blast making their way up and down the 4 towering waterslides at this waterpark near Swan Valley. Hire one of their shady cabanas and chill out while the kids go wild on the slides.
Perth summer holiday events
Perth comes alive with family friendly events over the summer holidays. Add these events to your calendar for more fun with the kids.
Telethon Community Cinemas
Take advantage of Perth’s warm summer evenings with a movie under the stars and raise money for Telethon. Outdoor cinemas in Joondalup, Murdoch, Bassendean and Burswood are showing a range of kid-friendly films. Check the website for more information and session times.
Carols by candlelight
Bring your picnic blanket and your best singing voice to a carols by candlelight event near you. These family-friendly events occur all over Perth, so check here for your closest event.
Christmas Lights Trail
From 17 November – 2 January, the city is illuminated by 22 colourful light installations in celebration of Christmas. Enjoy free walking tours, entertainment and visits from Santa.
MBA Sports Coaching
MBA school holiday multi-sports camps are a great way to entertain the kids and get them involved in a range of sports. Camps take place at locations all around the city, including one on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. It’s an excellent chance for your kids to learn new skills, make friends and develop healthy habits.
Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair
Carnival comes to the city from 1 December – 6 January with the Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair. There’s plenty on offer to entertain the kids including rides, show bags, fireworks, food trucks and sideshow games.
Fremantle Elf on the Shelf
There are elves hiding all around Fremantle and Santa needs help from the children of Perth to find them! Every Thursday – Sunday from 2 – 19th December, follow the Christmas trail map to find the elves and give their names to Santa for the chance to win some great prizes. This is a free ticketed event so book early to avoid missing out.
Sleeping Beauty
Pantomimes are just about as Christmas as Santa himself. This year, the Regal Theatre is presenting Sleeping Beauty, the story of the beautiful princess placed under a sleeping spell by a wicked fairy. Matinees and early shows are available for this fun and engaging show.
SeaLink NYE Rottnest Island Family Fireworks
Ring in 2024 with a family-friendly NYE celebration on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Revel in the fun and entertainment for the whole family before the exciting fireworks spectacular at 8:00 pm.
