Holidays are coming in hot and for parents that means one thing. Bored kids begging to hit up theme parks, trampoline parks, and other exciting yet pricey adventures.
If multiple trips to Adventure World just aren’t in the budget this summer, we hear you. The good news is that there is plenty of excitement to be found in Perth without spending a dollar—as long as you know where to look.
Here are the best free things to do in Perth that will entertain your kids over the holidays.
Hit Up One Of Bunnings' Free DIY Workshops For Kids
Did you know Bunnings offers free kids workshops every weekend? Yep, you can get the kids hooked on DIY (and sausage sizzles) early with so many creative classes covering gardening, woodworking, mosaics and more. Just head to your local store to see what's coming up and book your little ones in. Suitable for kids over five.
Go Hunting For Giants In Mandurah
Pack a picnic and spend the day adventuring through Mandurah's best natural sights as you and the kids use clues to hunt down larger-than-life timber giants. The free large-scale sculpture trail was developed by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo and celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world.
Get Those Creative Juices Flowing At AGWA
The Art Gallery Of Western Australia (AGWA) has exciting exhibitions and creative workshops that will inspire both you and your kids all year round. During the January school holidays, they run free guided tours for families, specifically designed for growing creative minds. Be sure to book your place.
Hit Up One Of Perth's Best Playgrounds
If you need a quick and easy activity to do with the kids, playgrounds are your best friend. Obviously there are hundreds of playgrounds all over Perth but if you’re looking for something new a few of our favourites include the Dutch Inn Playground in South Cott, the Jo Wheatly All Abilities Play Space in Nedlands, the Ivey Watson Playground in Kings Park which was designed with younger kids in mind, the Whale Playground in Scarborough, the Lighthouse Adventure Park in Eglinton, the Eden Beach Foreshore Playground in Jindalee, Mueller Playground at Kitchener Park Subiaco and the Chevron Parklands and Optus Stadium Sensory Playground in Burswood—to name just a few!
Hit Up A Kid-Friendly Beach
Another fairly obvious one, but living in Perth means beach days are plentiful and they’re a great way to entertain the kids. Pack up your beach umbrella, sunscreen, snacks, and water and head to some of Perth’s calmer beaches. Mettam’s Pool and Yanchep Lagoon are particularly great for snorkelling, or if you feel like making a day of it, you could always pop over to Penguin Island or Rottnest.
Lock In Some Riverside Hangs
If your kids don’t love the waves, the river might be more their vibe. There are plenty of tiny hidden beaches if you venture down the paths as you walk along the river in North Fremantle and Mosman Park. If you don’t have the time or patience to explore, head straight to the foreshore at Matilda Bay, Freshwater Bay, South Perth, Bicton or Maylands, to name just a few of our faves.
Shop And Play At A Local Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a great way to keep the kids entertained while you simply enjoy coffee and a bite to eat. Or, if you’re feeling more ambitious, you might even be able to knock off your weekly shopping while the kids dance to live music, play with friendly pooches and make new friends. Here are a few of our favourite farmers markets in Perth.
Explore Your Local Library
Most libraries have regular (and free) story times throughout the week and if you’re lucky, your local might even have a coffee shop attached. Grab a coffee, park your kid in front of the superstar running story time and you can zone out while someone else entertains your kid. Check the website of your local library or give them a call to find out what’s on.
Go For A Kid-Friendly Hike Or Pram-Friendly Walk
Whether your kids are old enough to hit the trails with you or are comfier in the pram, there are plenty of walks and hikes around Perth that accommodate all ages. From stepless, wide-pathed strolls suitable for even the chunkiest stroller, to picturesque trails your kids will love to investigate, check out our rundown on the best hiking trails to hit up with kids and Perth's most pram-friendly walks.
Cool Down At These Free Water Playgrounds
If you’re not after a full day at the beach or the river but your kids love getting wet, hunt down some of Perth’s free water playgrounds. You’ll find them at Elizabeth Quay, Forrest Place, Hyde Park, Ellenbrook and Whiteman Park to name a few.
Now cap of the day with a feed at one of Perth's best kid-friendly pubs.
Image credit: Tessa Gallagher