20 family-friendly activities to do in Perth

If you’re travelling to Perth with your little ones in tow, you’re in luck.

What Perth lacks in size it more than makes up for with family-friendliness. From camping, snorkelling and seeing quokkas, to museums, aquariums and zoos, Perth has got you covered. Here are 20 great family-friendly things to do in Perth your kids will love.

1. Visit Perth’s markets

the entrance to Fremantle Markets — Go shopping with the kids at Fremantle Markets. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

A great family-friendly activity is to visit one of Perth’s many markets. This is where you’ll find locals doing their weekly shop, farmers showcasing their produce, makers selling their wares, and neighbourhood food trucks pulled up to feed hungry visitors – as well as typically having loads of activities to keep the kids entertained. Freo Farmers Market, Scarborough Sunset Market, Vic Park Market and Subi Farmers Market are especially great for kids.

2. Play at Kings Park

a family standing atop Kings Park Perth while admiring nature views — Kings Park boasts stunning natural scenery. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Perth’s iconic Kings Park is a great place for families and kids. One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, it offers stunning views of the Swan River and Perth skyline, has safe footpaths for little ones on scooters, trikes or rollerblades, and has several nature playgrounds for kids. The Rio Tinto Naturescape Playground and Ivey Watson Playground are especially great.

3. Take a trip to Rottnest

The Basin, Rottnest Island — Set foot on the white sand or snorkel in the clear waters at The Basin. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

If your kids want to get up close and personal with WA’s cutest furry creatures, hop on the ferry to Rottnest and see some quokkas. The Rottnest Ferry conveniently leaves from the heart of Perth at the Barrack Street Jetty in Elizabeth Quay. It’s a 90-minute ferry ride (but if your little ones are prone to seasickness, consider leaving from Fremantle which is only a 30-minute trip.) Take the kids swimming at one of Rottnest’s many beaches and bays, cycle safely around the car-free island and when you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Hotel Rottnest for lunch which has a dedicated kids menu.

4. Explore Elizabeth Quay

cyclists at Elizabeth Quay, Perth — Pop over to Perth City’s glistening waterfront precinct. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Elizabeth Quay is Perth City’s glistening waterfront precinct and is an extremely family-friendly spot with most of it being car-free. Take the kids for a stroll around the pedestrian-friendly zone, grab them an ice cream at Gusto Gelato, cross the Elizabeth Quay footbridge for a great view back over the city and admire the various sculptures and public art scattered across the quay – the giant bird in a boat sculpture, designed by local Aboriginal artist Laurel Nannup, is awe-inspiring.

5. Visit WA Museum Boola Bardip

visitors exploring inside WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth — Be in awe of interactive displays inside the state-of-the-art WA Museum Boola Bardip. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Spending the day at Perth’s recently rebuilt WA Museum Boola Bardip is maybe the city’s ultimate family-friendly activity. The $400-million state-of-the-art museum has a mix of permanent exhibitions, special exhibits, interactive displays and educational programs that are a complete hit with young ones. Kids love the hooting and whooping of the interactive Frog Zone, looking for hidden creatures in the Augmented Reality display I-Spy Spinifex, wandering around the underwater wonderland exhibition and seeing a 24-metre blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.

6. Go strawberry picking

a hand picking a ripe strawberry — Strawberry season typically begins in September. (Image: Getty/Michelle Sha)

If you’re looking for a wholesome family activity, take the kids strawberry picking. Thanks to Perth’s warm, dry climate with mild winters, the city is home to some of the country’s best strawberry-picking spots. Strawberry picking season in Perth typically runs from September to December – however, it’s a highly seasonal business, with most farms not having set opening times, and instead leaving it dependent on weather, conditions and growth. So with most farms, check their Facebook pages to see when they are definitely open for picking.

7. Unplug with a camping trip

a couple sitting outside their tent, Perth — Go off the grid with your family. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Thanks to Perth being the most isolated capital city in the world, it’s filled with some of the country’s most bountiful landscapes – many of which are accessible a short drive from the city centre. There are plenty of free and low-cost camping spots near Perth to unwind, unplug and get amongst the great outdoors with your family.

8. Swim and snorkel at the beaches

an aerial view of the City Beach, Perth — Experience the vibrant beach culture of Perth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It’s not hard to find a beautiful beach in Perth – what is hard however is deciding which one to visit. Unfurling from either side of Perth city is an 80-kilometre-long stretch of pristine coastline, with blinding white sand, turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see, and seemingly endless beach options. Some of the best beaches in Perth for little ones include Mettam’s Pool for its shallow protected waters and great snorkelling opportunities, Port Beach, Leighton Beach and South Beach in Fremantle for calm and flat conditions, and City Beach and Floreat Beach for their great playgrounds and grassy foreshores.

9. Get sunset fish and chips

fish and chips at Cottesloe Beach — Enjoy takeaway fish and chips on the foreshore. (Image: Getty/Sol Stock)

You simply cannot visit Perth and not enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. Anywhere along the coast will give you a great view, but a particularly family-friendly way of doing it is to get fish and chips down at Cottesloe Beach and park up on the grassy foreshore – it’s terraced, so nobody can obstruct your view, and the ample grassy area and wide stretch of sand is perfect for energetic kids to run around post-dinner.

10. Catch an outdoor movie

people reclining in deck chairs while watching at the Northbridge Rooftop Movies — Enjoy a film under the stars.

When you’re in one of the sunniest spots in the country, it makes sense to watch films outside. Perth is home to several great outdoor cinemas, but the most kid and family-friendly one is the Telethon Community Cinemas in Burswood, Murdoch, Joondalup and Bassendean – flicks often include the likes of Trolls, Finding Nemo and Home Alone.

11. See the animals at Perth Zoo

a Perth zoo staff petting a turtle — Let your kids explore the wonders of wildlife at Perth Zoo.

Perth Zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world. There’s a mix of native Australian animals in the Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands exhibits – but The African Savannah and Asian Rainforest exhibits are particularly popular with kids, showcasing animals in naturalistic habitats.

The zoo also offers daily keeper talks and animal feeding sessions, providing educational and interactive experiences for young ones.

12. Explore Scitech

Scitech is Perth’s interactive science museum that features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and live science shows. Kids can explore various scientific concepts through play, from physics and chemistry to space and technology, and the planetarium offers immersive shows that take visitors on a journey through the universe.

13. Visit Mandoon in the Swan Valley

lush greenery at Mandoon Estate, Perth — Be surrounded by lush vineyards at Mandoon Estate. (Image: Tourism Australia)

If you thought kids and wineries didn’t mix, think again. Mandoon Estate in Perth’s Swan Valley – which has the enviable title of being WA’s most awarded boutique winery – is a huge venue encompassing not just a working winery and cellar door, but a sprawling grassed area aptly named ‘The Llawn’. Throw down a picnic blanket, order good wine and some woodfired pizzas from the food trucks, and listen to live music while the kid amuck on the grass. There’s also a creek nearby that older kids love exploring and ‘boat racing’ leaves from the lush trees overhead.

14. Dive into AQWA

AQWA – the Aquarium of WA – in the northern coastal suburb of Hillarys takes you on an underwater journey along Western Australia’s coastline. Kids can explore the underwater tunnel, touch pools and marine exhibits that include the chance to see sharks, rays and turtles up close. The aquarium also offers special experiences like glass-bottom boat rides and behind-the-scenes tours.

15. Spend the day in Fremantle

a biker cycling around High St Fremantle — Admire the heritage buildings in Fremantle. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The vibrant city of Fremantle is a truly unique destination and great for families. Take the kids to see the rainbow shipping containers, stroll down the cappuccino strip, have a splash at Bathers Beach, get lunch at Fishing Boat Harbour and then pay a visit to Paper Bird, Perth’s most magical children’s bookshop. It’s Perth’s only specialist children’s bookshop and is a whimsical, imaginative space for little ones to explore. Hot tip: if you head to Freo on a Sunday, end the day with a trip to Freo Arts Centre where they have free live music and BYO picnics in the afternoons. It’s a very popular activity with local families.

16. Visit Caversham Wildlife Park

a little girl touching a koala at Caversham Wildlife Park — Meet adorable koalas. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Perth’s Caversham Wildlife Park gives kids the chance to feed kangaroos, meet koalas and enjoy farm shows. The park also features a variety of native animals, including wombats, possums, and Tasmanian devils. It’s a fantastic place for children to learn about and interact with wildlife in a safe environment. (Plus it’s only 15 minutes from the historic town of Guildford, so once you’re done head there for lunch – Alfred’s burger bar is a very popular local institution.)

17. SUP or swim at Matilda Bay

Matilda Bay Boathouse in Perth at sunrise — Matilda Bay Boathouse is an idyllic spot to watch the sunrise. (Image: Getty/Sara Winter)

The picturesque spot along the Swan River is known for its serene waters and stunning views of the city skyline. If your kids are a bit older, the SUP Central hires boards and offers lessons for older; and if they’re younger, the bay is an incredibly safe spot for them to have a splash around with no risk of waves. There’s also a long stretch of grass to run around on, or have a post-water-play picnic.

18. Ride the bridges

a luxury boat passing by the Swan River under h the Narrows Bridge — Tackle the Narrows Bridge on a scenic bike ride. (Image: Zambezi Shark)

If your kids are happy to be popped in a children’s seat on the back of your bike, take them for a picturesque bike ride. ‘The bridges’ route in Perth is a 10km pedestrian and cycle-friendly loop that runs between the Narrows Bridge and the Causeway bridge, offering beautiful views of the Swan River, the city and lush South Perth. If you’re in the CBD, jump on the ferry and cross the river to South Perth, hire a bike from South Perth Cycles , and get peddling.

19. Get dinner in Chinatown

a canopy of red plastic lanterns in Chinatown, Perth — Savour the flavours of Asia in the heart of Perth’s Chinatown. (Image: City of Perth)

In the heart of Northbridge is Perth’s small but vibrant Chinatown, an iconic precinct for locals looking for a good feed at a great price – which is particularly helpful if you have a few small mouths to feed. Look for the red and green pagoda archway on Roe Street with the lion statues on either side. Kids are mesmerised by the red plastic lanterns that dangle from above, and nobody minds if the plastic tables and chairs get a bit grubby from small hands. Particularly good family-friendly spots are Billy Lees and Uncle Billy’s.

20. Catch a game at Optus Stadium

an aerial view of the Optus Stadium — The state-of-the-art stadium has more than 1,000 TV screens throughout the venue. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@a_rich_visual)

If you have a family of sports fanatics, take them for a game at Optus Stadium . It’s been recognised as Australia’s best stadium multiple times, and was 2022’s International Venue of the Year. The state-of-the-art stadium was built with a ‘fans first’ approach – as such, every seat has an exceptional view and there are more than 1,000 TV screens throughout the venue ensuring you never miss any of the action – including two of the largest super screens in Australia, each measuring 340 square metres.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.