
You’ll be amazed how many fun and inexpensive activities are available throughout the city for families, that are perfect for a hot summers day. To help finish off the summer holidays with a bang, we’ve set about finding interesting ways to keep little hands and minds busy, without denting your finances.
Splish n’ Splash
Anything involving water is a popular choice amongst the kid crew, especially when the days are bright and sunny. While pools and beaches are the obvious choices there are some great spots around the City that offer just as much relief from the heat.
Toddlers to tweens will love the BHP Water Park at Elizabeth Quay where interactive water jets and lighting features combine in an exciting choreography (change rooms on site). Carers can keep a lookout from the tiered decking while taking in the bustling surrounds of the Quay or refuelling with something from V Burger.
Smack bang in the middle of the Murray Street Mall springs the Forrest Place Water Labyrinth. Technically a sculpture, the jets spray upwards to create several square ‘rooms’ which, in our opinion, clearly outstrip a run through the sprinklers on a prickle-filled lawn!
Similarly central is the beautiful granite sculpted Yagan Square Playscape which features a water play area and stunning views over the square (and bathrooms on site). The thought put into the design of this space is clear with terrain suited to toddlers and more challenging areas for older kids. Fun fact, it also tells the stories of local animals once found in the area like black swans and gilgies. Grab an iced coffee or snack from one of businesses in Market Hall while the kids cool off.
And don’t forget, if you are planning a visit to Kings Park, the Rio Tinto Naturescape playground has some cute little areas of water that are suitable for wading in, no swimming or sitting, but perfect for cooling hot little feet.
Splish n’ Splash
Anything involving water is a popular choice amongst the kid crew, especially when the days are bright and sunny. While pools and beaches are the obvious choices there are some great spots around the City that offer just as much relief from the heat.
Toddlers to tweens will love the BHP Water Park at Elizabeth Quay where interactive water jets and lighting features combine in an exciting choreography (change rooms on site). Carers can keep a lookout from the tiered decking while taking in the bustling surrounds of the Quay or refuelling with something from V Burger.
Smack bang in the middle of the Murray Street Mall springs the Forrest Place Water Labyrinth. Technically a sculpture, the jets spray upwards to create several square ‘rooms’ which, in our opinion, clearly outstrip a run through the sprinklers on a prickle-filled lawn!
Similarly central is the beautiful granite sculpted Yagan Square Playscape which features a water play area and stunning views over the square (and bathrooms on site). The thought put into the design of this space is clear with terrain suited to toddlers and more challenging areas for older kids. Fun fact, it also tells the stories of local animals once found in the area like black swans and gilgies. Grab an iced coffee or snack from one of businesses in Market Hall while the kids cool off.
And don’t forget, if you are planning a visit to Kings Park, the Rio Tinto Naturescape playground has some cute little areas of water that are suitable for wading in, no swimming or sitting, but perfect for cooling hot little feet.
Playgrounds
East PerthThe biggest park in the East of Perth city is Chevron Parkland. Situated on the Swan River foreshore alongside Optus Stadium, the Chevron Parkland includes 2.6 hectares of rehabilitated parklands and nature-based playgrounds. There are six nature play areas within the Chevron Parkland, all designed to encourage children to explore and participate in unstructured play. Each play space is inspired by the Noongar six seasons. Among the play areas, the most popular is Optus Stadium Sensory Playground. Featuring many musical instruments, a flying fox, trampolines, a round-about, sand pits with diggers and basketball court - they’ve got it all for little kids and big kids too! That’s not all, there’s also a huge grass area with plenty of shade and benches, along with BBQs and toilets.
West Perth
You can’t go past the king of all parks when you’re in the West end of Perth. Kings Park Botanic Garden is home to over six play areas for kids including Synergy Parkland (Dinosaur Playground), Ivey Watson Playground, Lotterywest Family Area, Rio Tinto Naturescape, DNA Tower, Saw Avenue Picnic Area and Variety Place to name a few. You’ll also find many cafes, BBQ areas, toilets and change facilities available across the park. You can also keep an eye on the many education programs Kings Park offers for kids of all age ranges.
Northbridge
Located across from the WA Museum Boola Bardip is the Perth Cultural Centre Playspace, a quirky little play space which has a heavy focus on sensory play. Perth Cultural Centre Playspace incorporates art and nature with interesting items the kids can touch and explore like wood carvings and spinning wheels. It’s beautifully designed with natural colours and surfaces and really gives off a tranquil feeling right in the middle of the city.
For more great ideas and activities check out our blog page.