Get out - Best spots to spend family time outdoors this summer

East Perth

Perth is blessed with the stunning Swan River and a summer spent with the family near the water is a summer well spent. Burn some energy and hire a bike at About Bike Hire in East Perth. There are family friendly options including children’s bikes, trailer bikes, caboose trailers and family quadcycles. It’s a 2.6km ride to Elizabeth Quay where you can pit stop for lunch (V Burger Bar, The Island or Amberjacks), ice cream (Gusto Gelato) or a cool off at the Water Park before riding back to East Perth.

Lake Jualbup, Subiaco

The Sunset@Subi concert series will roll into January 2021. Take the opportunity to get together with family, friends and neighbours and enjoy locally grown musical talents. Throw down a picnic blanket and farewell the sun for the day. With a new act every week, there is no better way to spend your Sunday than with us. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes and best singing voice from 5pm to 7pm. Add in free weekend parking in the City of Subiaco carparks, who could say no?

Banks Reserve

Banks Reserve in Mount Lawley is an ideal spot for a family picnic or barbeque in summer. Situated right on the Swan River, it offers plenty of shady grassed areas, picnic tables and barbeques, or you can just enjoy a leisurely family stroll or bike ride around the river.

The newly developed nature playground features a treehouse with a spiral slide and climbing net, nestled under the shade of the playground’s pre-existing trees. There’s also fun to be had for older kids, who can shoot some hoops or try and pull off the perfect ollie at the Reserve’s basketball/netball court and skateboard park.

Your four-legged, furry family members are not forgotten either, with a dog exercise area providing the perfect spot for pet pooches to enjoy some time off-lead or a splash in the river to cool down.

Burswood Park, Burswood

Based in the vibrant Burswood Peninsula, with sprawling views and just a hop, skip and a jump from key transport links, it’s easy to see how Burswood Park earnt its reputation as one of Perth's favourite spots to have fun in the sun with friends and family.

Full days can be spent enjoying all Burswood Park has to offer. From tots to teenagers (and even their grown-ups), there’s something for everyone this summer.

Grab a rug and settle under the trees for a relaxing family picnic. Or you can pick up an ice cream or coffee from Unicone, while your little ones have adventures in the nearby playground.

Inject some culture into the school holidays by journeying through the park’s heritage sculpture trail. While you’re walking don’t forget to check out the unique public artworks scattered around the park.

For fit families there’s a variety of walking and cycling trails to check out also. 

Neil McDougall Park, Como

This park has it all – outdoor exercise equipment, nature play, a lake, winding footpaths, plenty of shade and the added bonus of a fantastic coffee van, The Botanical Bean. It’s an easy place to spend a whole afternoon with the family, with convenient facilities including BBQs, toilets and play equipment suited to different age groups.

Neil McDougal Park is a shady oasis that attracts diverse wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watching. Children will love a visit to McDougall Farm Community Garden located on the Clydesdale Street side of the park, a flourishing little garden where volunteers are busy at work most weekends.

Neil McDougall Park is located at the corner of Ley Street and Henley Street in Como.

Kings Park

Make the most of the balmy summer nights with a family movie night under the stars. Moonlight Cinema, located in the May Drive Parkland in the beautiful Kings Park, regularly show family movies. Pack a blanket, all the kids favourite picnic snacks (perhaps a little BYO wine for the adults…) and settle in for a great night. There are food trucks available on site for dinner as well as all the classic movie snacks. If the kids need a little pre-movie tiring out, the May Drive Parkland has a particularly epic playground (for children over six) complete with island fort. A fun summer night out to remember!

Market Square, Subiaco

Within the inner-city Subiaco scene, you will find parks perfect for your summer picnic. You won’t struggle to find a spot for your picnic blanket underneath the trees at the likes of Market Square Park or Subiaco Common. The choice is yours; get sizzling with a barbecue or pack a picnic and a blanket for an afternoon well-spent and finish off with an ice cold treat. Venture to Verde Brio for frozen yoghurt or wander to Whisk Creamery for Japanese Taiyaki or their dessert hybrid; a cronut sandwich.

Britannia Reserve Pump Track

For those looking for a bit more of an outdoor adventure close to home, check out Leederville’s Britannia Reserve Pump Track. This nature bike trail and pump track was originally installed in 2019 as part of a Pop Up Play initiative and has now become a permanent fixture.

Using natural materials, the pump track extends 1.2 kilometres and provides a great place for summer holiday adventures where children of all ages can connect with their friends, ride their bikes and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lathlain Zone 2x

This newly refurbished park has become one of Vic Park’s fast favourites thanks to all its family friendly offerings. Lively little ones can spend hours enjoying the nature play and shaded playground, while the bigger kids show off their skills on the skate and bike ramps. Or you can get the whole gang moving by teaming up for a family game of tennis on the free to use courts.

There’s even something for your four legged friends to do, with two dog exercise and agility areas for the whole family to enjoy.

After a day of energetic fun in the sun, grab some sausages and enjoy a family BBQ in the park.

Perth City

For something completely different, why not try a Family Scavenger Hunt with Two Feet and A Heartbeat. The 2.5-hour hunt, perfect for tweens and teens, is about teamwork, analytical thinking and above all – FUN! The hunt is self-guided in small teams utilising written clues, pre-existing knowledge and digital technology to achieve goals or find clues. The more tasks completed, the more points earned. Not only is this a unique family activity, it’s a great way to explore the city!

Hyde Park

The well-known and well-loved Hyde Park is the perfect place to enjoy a family summer picnic, barbeque, bike ride or casual walk around its two lakes. Those looking to get fit after the festive season can also utilise the park’s free fitness equipment, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

On those searing hot days, the kids can cool down in the park’s water playground, which is open every day from 8am to 8pm, while the adults can recharge with a coffee from one of the park’s coffee carts or nearby cafes, including Chu Bakery, BOOtoo, Sayers Sister, and Miller and Baker.

Mueller Park, Subiaco

Take a trip to Mueller Park Playground for some fun with the kids this summer. Bring your bike down and ride along the pathways. With a fenced off playground, you won’t have to worry about your little ones running astray. This is not your standard playground as it has musical activity stations to make full use of that incredible imagination and creativity!