Perth with Kids: A Family Guide to the Best Activities
By Matt Cuckston, Founder & Travel Technology Expert at TixLayer
Travelling with kids is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a family, and the Perth travel guide you never knew you needed starts right here. Western Australia's sun-soaked capital is packed with experiences that genuinely work for children of all ages, from toddlers who need shade and snacks every twenty minutes to teenagers who want something with a bit of edge to it. The good news? You really can keep everyone happy here.
Here is a rundown of the best family-friendly activities in and around Perth, with age guidance and practical tips to make the whole trip feel easy.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Best for: Ages 3 and up
Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and it is genuinely brilliant for families. Wide paved paths make it fully stroller-friendly, and there are dedicated playgrounds, open grassy areas, and shaded picnic spots throughout. The DNA Tower is a favourite with older kids, offering a spiral walkway up through the treetops.
If you want to get more out of your visit, the Kings Park and Botanical Garden Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour guided experience that brings the park to life. Guides are great with families and the pace is relaxed enough that even younger children can enjoy it. It also doubles as a brilliant nap spot for toddlers in the pram once they tire out.
Practical tip: Arrive early in summer. By mid-morning, the exposed areas get very hot. There are cafes on-site with kid-friendly menus, and the park has clean public bathrooms throughout.
Rottnest Island
Best for: Ages 4 and up
No family trip to this part of Australia is complete without a day on Rottnest Island. The ferry ride itself is exciting for kids, and once you arrive, the star attraction is obvious: quokkas. These small, friendly marsupials are found all over the island and are completely used to human company. Children absolutely love meeting them.
The easiest way to get there is via the SEALINK Rottnest Island Ferry from Western Australia, which runs from Fremantle and is a smooth, comfortable crossing. For families with older kids aged 8 and up who want a more active day, the Rottnest Island Full-Day Bike and Ferry Trip is a fantastic option. You cycle around the island at your own pace, stopping at bays and beaches along the way.
Practical tip: Hire a bike trailer or tag-along bike for younger children if you plan to cycle. The island has a general store, cafes, and ice cream, so you will not go hungry. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the rock pools.
Penguin Island Wildlife Cruise
Best for: Ages 3 and up
This one is a genuine crowd-pleaser for families. The Penguin Island Wildlife Cruise takes you out to Penguin Island, home to Australia's largest colony of little penguins. You will also spot dolphins and sea lions along the way, which tends to cause a lot of excited shrieking from the back seats of the boat.
The cruise is seasonal, so check dates before you book. The island itself has a Discovery Centre where kids can learn about the penguins and, during feeding sessions, watch them up close. It is educational without feeling like a school trip.
Practical tip: Younger children may need a lap to sit on during the boat ride if it gets choppy. Bring a light jacket even in summer as it can be breezy on the water.
Dolphin Watching Cruise from Mandurah
Best for: Ages 4 and up
About an hour south of Perth, Mandurah offers some of the best dolphin watching in Western Australia. The Mandurah Dolphin and Views Cruise is a relaxed, scenic experience through the town's waterways, with resident dolphins regularly appearing alongside the boat. The commentary is engaging and easy for children to follow.
Mandurah itself is worth spending a few hours in after the cruise. The foreshore has a great playground, gelato shops, and flat walking paths that work well with strollers.
Practical tip: Book the morning cruise if you can. Dolphins are more active earlier in the day, and the light is better for photos.
Forest Adventures High Ropes Course
Best for: Ages 4 and up (varies by course level)
For families with kids who want to burn off some energy, the Forest Adventures High Ropes Course and West Park Entry is a brilliant option. Set among the trees, the course has multiple levels of difficulty so younger children and older kids can all find something that suits them. Parents can participate too, which makes it a genuinely shared experience rather than a spectator sport.
Practical tip: Closed-toe shoes are required. Allow at least two hours and bring a change of clothes because kids will work up a sweat.
Fremantle Markets and the Waterfront
Best for: All ages
Fremantle is a short train ride from the city centre and is one of the most enjoyable half-day trips for families. The Fremantle Markets are stroller-friendly, covered, and full of food stalls that cater to picky eaters. The nearby fishing boat harbour has fish and chips with waterfront views, which is always a winner with children.
The Western Australian Maritime Museum is free for children under 15 and has a submarine you can walk through, which tends to go down extremely well with kids aged 6 and up.
Practical tip: The train from Perth to Fremantle is a fun experience in itself for younger kids. It runs frequently and takes about 30 minutes.
Optus Stadium VERTIGO Rooftop Tour
Best for: Ages 8 and up
For older children and teenagers who are after something a bit more thrilling, the Optus Stadium VERTIGO Rooftop Tour delivers. You climb to the roof of one of Australia's most impressive stadiums for panoramic views across the city and the Swan River. The 90-minute tour is guided and the commentary covers both the architecture and the history of sport in Western Australia.
Practical tip: This one is not suitable for children who are afraid of heights, and there is a minimum age requirement, so check the booking details before you go. It is a great option for a family with a mix of ages when you split up for a few hours.
Cottesloe Beach
Best for: All ages
No family visit is complete without a day at the beach, and Cottesloe is the easiest and most family-friendly option close to the city. The water is calm inside the reef, the sand is soft, and there are grassed areas with shade right next to the beach. The Indiana Tea House on the foreshore does a solid kids' menu and has tables with direct ocean views.
Practical tip: Swim between the flags and check the patrol times before you arrive. The beach has changing rooms, showers, and plenty of parking.
Practical Family Tips for Perth
- Getting around: The city's train and bus network is easy to navigate with a stroller. The CAT buses in the city centre are free and cover most of the main attractions.
- Nap strategy: Kings Park and Cottesloe Beach are your best bets for a pram nap. Both have smooth paths and enough movement to send younger children off.
- Eating with kids: Perth has a strong cafe culture and most venues are genuinely welcoming to families. Ask for a high chair early and most places will sort you out without any fuss.
- Sun safety: The UV index here is no joke, even in winter. Hats, sunscreen, and a rashie for swimming are non-negotiable.
- Best time to visit: September to November is ideal. The weather is warm but not extreme, the beaches are not yet crowded, and the wildflowers in Kings Park are spectacular.
Perth rewards families who take their time with it. There is no need to rush between attractions or over-schedule your days. Pick a few things each day, leave room for ice cream and spontaneous playground stops, and you will have a trip that everyone remembers for the right reasons.
