The July winter school holidays are coming up, and if you’ve ever been tasked with looking after kids for more than five minutes, then you know the days can feel very long without a plan.
But don’t panic. Perth is unpacking a wonderful lineup of winter activities to keep the little ones entertained and (hopefully) a little worn out by the end of it. So, whether you’re planning on dodging the rain or chasing some fresh air, we’ve rounded up the best activities to keep the kids happy (and your sanity intact). No promises on not hearing the words, ‘I’m bored,’ but this list should keep it at a minimum.
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Kid-Friendly Dining Deals To Warm Up With This Winter
Kids Eat Free At Pirate Life (And You Get A Pint In Peace)
Image credit: Pirate Life | Supplied
Pirate Life is coming at you with a sweet deal this winter. Kids eat free with any main dish ordered at both the Backroom and the Main Bar Hall. This means you can grab a brew, tuck into something delicious, and let the littles ones go wild on the arcade games while you actually sit down for once. It’s a win-win.
Bottomless Winter Roast Are On (And The Kids Are Sorted Too)
Image credit: West Kitchenn & Bar | Supplied
If the words bottomless roast spark joy in your soul, West Kitchen & Bar are hosting a Bottomless Winter Roast on Saturdays with your name all over it. They’re dishing up 90 minutes of comfort goodness including WA prawns, roast meats, potatoes, creamy cauliflower cheese and nostalgic desserts. Kids under four eat free, with kids four to twelve eating for $40pp and adults for $79pp. Kids can stay entertained with colouring-in activities, while the adults indulge. One thing’s for sure: arrive hungry.
Family-Friendly Restaurants To Keep Everyone Happy
In need of a last minute dinner spot that won’t end in a meltdown? Check out this list of kid-friendly restaurants. Think of places that offer the coolest playgrounds, sandpits and kids' menus so that both old and young can settle in for a good time. Whether you’re chasing a cruisy pub lunch or a cafe with space for the little ones to run wild, these choices will keep both tiny humans and tired grown-ups happy.
The Ultimate Winter’s Day Out
From Coffee Date To Playground With Your Little Ones
Image credit: City of Vincent | Website
Picture this. You’ve woken up to a sunny winter’s day in the midst of a rainy week. Pop on your boots, jumpers and gloves and head out for a lowkey adventure that we are sure your mini-me will love. Head over to one of Perth’s best kid-friendly cafes, order yourself a warm cuppa (and a babychino for the little one), and let the day unfold. Think park wanders, playground pit stops and maybe even some puddles for jumping. Our go-to? Swing by Ginga in Mt Hawthorn, order your hot cuppa of choice and wander across the road to Brathwaite Park, a local fave where kids young and old can enjoy the two playgrounds and nature play areas.
Rain, Hail Or Shine, These Indoor Play Centres Will Save Your Sanity
Image credit: Vitaland | Instagram
Just because it’s pouring outside, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Perth is stacked with epic indoor play areas where the little ones can burn off energy (without destroying your living room). Top of our list? The dreamy new Vitaland, perfect for pocket-rockets aged 2-5. It’s giving pastel play paradise, with climbing zones, slides and more to explore. Plus, there’s a lovely cafe (with great coffee) for the adults to relax in while the kids go wild. Bookmark this for your next rainy-day rescue.
Funlab Is Bringing The Good Times These School Hols
Image credit: Hijinx Hotel | Supplied
If you’re a veteran of looking after kids, chances are you’ve already stumbled into the glorious chaos that is Funlab. This fun-family is home to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Holey Moley Golf Club, Strike Bowling and Hijinx Hotel, equipped with a crew that is professional at keeping the boredom at bay.
They’re rolling out epic school holiday family deals and fun passes. So, whether there’s a golf shark, wannabe pro bowler, or arcade game aficionado, ther’s something to keep them buzzing (and you off-duty). Check out the deals here for Holey Moley, Strike Bowling and Archie Brothers.
Embrace The Cold And Go Ice Skating
Image credit: Cockburn Ice Arena | Facebook
If it’s already cold, you might as well go all in and head to one of Perth's ice rinks. Cockburn Ice Arena offers school holiday sessions that bring so much more than their usual sessions. There's a bigger choice of session times, Learn to Skate demos and ice marshalls on the ice to help out those wobbly beginners. To make things even better, there's a DJ who plays games, hands out prizes, takes song requests and does birthday shout-outs! It’s basically a party on ice, and everyone's invited.
Museums, Dino Trails And Code Cracking
Image credit: WA Museum Boola Bardip | Instagram
Museums have evolved from the hush-hush, look-don’t-touch spots we remember. They’re now becoming full-blown adventure zones. Right now, the WA Museum Boola Bardip has a bunch of awesome adventures to take the kids on, such as the Dinosaur Trail, Terracotta Warriors and an epic Codebreakers Scavenger Hunt.
But don’t stop there. WA Museum Boola Bardip might be the first museum that comes to mind when thinking up things to do with kids in Perth, but it’s not the only one. For more history-meets-adventure vibes, hit up the WA Maritime Museum, explore the eerie cells in the Fremantle Prison, or swing by the Perth Mint to see real gold pouring demos. Who said learning can’t be fun?
Science Meets Play At Scitech
Image credit: Scitech | Facebook
If you’re well acquainted with the words ‘why?’, ‘how?’, and ‘can we go again?’, then Scitech is your go-to. This winter they’re going all out with a lineup of brainy fun that will keep little minds (and hands) busy for hours. We’re talking an explosive science show all about the elements, a trip to the moon in the epic planetarium, and puppet shows that even the grown-ups might enjoy. Be sure to check out the full list here.
Capture Little Imaginations With The Biggest Creatures
Image credit: Dinos Alive | Supplied
If you've got a pint-sized paleontologist, this one is going to guarantee you're the favourite parent. We're talking more than 80 life-size, interactive dino installations that your little one can meet and greet. That's right, Dinos Alive is headed to Perth this school holidays. The global success immersive exhibition is a chance to step back in time 140 million years or so, and get up close and personal with the creatures that used to roam our land. Fun and educational? You've just hit the parenting motherload. The exhibition even includes a virtual aquarium for a close-up look at marine predators, and interactive zones where the kids can search for fossils (and fun). Secure your tickets to this once-in-140-million-years opportunity now.
This Bold Art Exhibition Is Reigniting The Joy Of Play
Image credit: The Art Gallery Of WA | Website
Running from 5 July to 2 February, this brand-new, totally free exhibition is a sensory call to unplug, reconnect and just play. Re-PLAY is a technicolour, hands-on wonderland for kids (and let's be honest, adults too). Expect immersive installations, interactive play zones, tactile experiences and all the joyful chaos of creative expression. It's about celebrating connection, pushing back on screen-time overload and re-awakening the power of imagination. In need of some zen? Swing by Re-PLAY during the quiet hour from 3pm to 4pm for soft sounds, slow movement and a lower-sensory environment.
Explore The City With This Free Cultural Passport Trail
Looking for an activity that's fun, free and secretely educational? The Perth Cultural Centre Passport Trail is back with On the Way to Nana's, a self-guided journey that'll have the kids collecting stickers and uncovering creative treasures at 10 iconic stops across the precinct. From WA Museum Boola Bardip and The AGWA to theatres and local cafes, every location brings something new. Expect hand's on activities, cultural surprises and beautifully illustrated moments inspired by the book On the Way to Nana's. Pick up your free passport from any participating venue and get ready to explore, discover and celebrate Perth's cultural gems, one sticker at a time.
Magical Shows & Fun Winter Events
Glowing Ballet Shows To Mesmerise The Little Ones
Image credit: Ballet of Lights | Website
If you’ve got a ballet lover or fairy tale fanatic at home, this one better go straight to the top of your list. A spellbinding mix of classical ballet and modern tech is coming to Perth this year and it is not one to miss. Little fans of Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty can witness the stories unfold through beautiful dance, stunning choreography and gorgeous glow-in-the-dark costumes. Just a head’s up, kids must be over five years old to enjoy the spectacle. Score your tix here for the Peter Pan show and here for the Sleeping Beauty show before they twirl away.
A Luminous World From A Bug’s Eye
Image credit: Lightscape | Website
Lightscape is back and better than before, offering your little ones a dazzling twist to last year’s phenomenon: the chance to see the world from a bug’s eye. The colourful lights, sparkling tunnels and large flowers backed by an immersive soundtrack are transforming Kings Park into a magical lit-up wonderland that is pure magic for the littlies (and let’s be real, you too). Rug up and head down in the evening to get the most of the experience, and then settle into some warm drinks and toasted marshmallows afterwards.
An Indoor Winter Wonderland
Image credit: School's Out Winter Fest | Supplied
If you’re hunting for the ultimate indoor winter wonderland these school hols, then you’re in luck. School’s Out Winter Fest has returned to the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre for 17 activity-packed days and is leveling up with two exciting new attractions: a Snowball Showdown where you can throw snowballs to your heart's content and a Sub Zero Silent Disco within a glowing igloo. You can expect the usual: ice skating, carnival rides and a free adult entry for those supervising. If you’ve got teens in tow, Winter Fest Nights is also returning for the older kids, taking place on three Saturdays evenings with a cosy indoor bar (for those 18+ of course).
Mandurah’s Ice Skating Wonderland Is Back And Bigger Than Ever
Image credit: Skating in Mandurah | Supplied
Winter by the water is looking extra magical this July as Skating in Mandurah returns to transform the Eastern Foreshore into a frosty, festival playground. Glide across real ice under the open sky, then warm up with pop-up rides, amusements and toasty treats that’ll keep the whole fam smiling. Whether you’re a total beginner or skating pro, there’s plenty of space to do your thing. Sensory-friendly sessions with capped numbers and soft lighting are also available.
A Dino Day Out
Looking to win best-parent-ever thus winter? BrewDog has your back. The crew at BrewDog always have something up their sleeve for the school holidays. Their family fun day kicks off later in June with a Dino Day where the little ones can embrace their inner paleontologist, explore the sandpit and meet Fluffy the baby dino. Parents can sit back with a glass and enjoy the live music while their little ones are running around.
Family-Friendly Christmas In July
The Vic Park Hotel is cranking up the winter cheer with Christmas in July celebrations every Sunday, and Santa is making a weekly appearance! Bring the kids down for festive ham and turkey roasts, face painting and jolly vibes all around. Santa will be swinging by from 1pm to 3pm, so don't forget your camera. Roasts are available until sold out, so get in early!
Adventureland School Holiday Series Winter Edition
The Bassendean's Adventureland series is bringing free themed fun to Fridays this July, and your little ones are going to love it. Each week comes a new vibe, from Winter Wonderland visits with Elsa and Anna, to action hero adventures and circus skills workshops. Expect balloon twisting, bubbles, face painting, animal farms and even silent discos to keep the chaos contained and the smiles big.
Scented Workshop For The Littlies
Image credit: The Prospect Project | Website
If your little legends are fans of arts n crafts, this perfume and candle-making class is one to mark your calendar for. For $30, The Prospect Project is letting kids aged five and over choose whether they want to become a scent scientist or a wax wizard for the day. They’ll mix, pour and decorate their own natural, alcohol-free fragrance or mini candle using all-vegan kid-safe ingredients. Scents to choose from include bubblegum, fairy floss, coconut, vanilla and so many more. Plus, there’s eco-friendly and biodegradable glitter available to add a little sparkle if they wish. These workshops sell quickly, so book the kids in asap.
Life Of A Marine Scientist
Image credit: AQWA | Facebook
This Marine Program is sure to excite all the ocean-loving kids in the family. This program at AQWA mixes animal experiences with hands-on science fun, with a focus on sharks! Explore biology basics, fascinating fossils during a half-day of fun ocean-themed activities. The three-hour program includes lunch, a glass-bottom boat ride, guided tours, basic biology lessons, shark artefacts and fossil exploration, as well as an art & design activity. Plus, at the end of it, they get their very own course completion certificate. This program is suitable for kids aged six to twelve, and runs from 8.45am to 12pm, with bookings essential. There are lots of other programs that AQWA holds during the holidays, find out more here.
Kids Cooking For A Cause
Image credit: OzHarvest | Supplied
OzHarvest is bringing their Kids Cooking for a Cause experience to Perth this July, and it's as wholesome as it is delicious. In this hands-on session, kids aged eight and over can team up with a parent or guardian to whip up tasty meals using rescued ingredients. Along the way, you'll learn zero-waste cooking skills and help provide meals to people in need.
It's the perfect mix of fun, purpose and school holiday magic. Spots will fill up fast, so click here to secure your spot.
Bundle Up And Take A Wander Through These Winter Markets
Perth has its fair share of markets that pop up throughout the year, but there are a handful of gems you can find that make the journey worth it when the temperatures drop. If you’re in need of some inspo, check out the list here.
Take A Wander Through The Heart Of Freo
Image credit: Fremantle Markets | Instagram
Maybe it’s the heritage-listed charm, the live tunes echoing through the halls or the constant whiff of something delicious wafting your way. This iconic spot has been winning hearts since 1897 and it’s still one of the best ways to kill a few hours with the kids in tow. It’s busy, it’s loud and it can be chaotic (but so are your kids so really it’s a match made in heaven). If you’re making a day out of it and sticking around for dinner, here’s a guide to the best places to wind down from the market-madness.
A Sunset Market To Snuggle Up For
Image credit: Scarborough Sunset Markets | Instagram
Rug up the family and head down to one of the best coastal markets you’ll find in WA. Every Saturday evening from 3pm until 8pm throughout winter, up to 50 food trucks and market stalls wrap around the Scarborough Clocktower and stretch up the promenade for Scarborough Sunset Market's Winter Edition. Expect winter warmers from a smorgasbord of global cuisines, including spicy soups, fragrant curries, smoky meats and crispy potatoes. To really amp those cosy vibes up, check out their custom-made fire pits with marshmallows provided for roasting. It’s perfect for snuggling up and making the most of those chilly winter evenings. Don't miss it.
You might also like:
- Perth's Best Kid-Friendly Cafes
- Perth's Best Family Friendly Restaurants
- Perth's Best Kid Friendly Beaches
Looking for more ways to keep busy with kids? Check out:
- Perth's Best Kid-Friendly Bush Walks
- Perth's Best Kid-Friendly Pubs
- Free Things To Do With Kids In Perth
Main image credit: School's Out Winter Fest | Supplied
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