Family-friendly things to do in Perth

Perth, where the Swan River meets the Southwest coast, is a destination of remarkable beauty and unforgettable family experiences. Famous for its sun-kissed beaches, sprawling parks, and unique wildlife encounters, it's a bucket list destination for a family campervan holiday.

Image: Tourism Western Australia 

Why you should put Perth on your road trip itinerary

The city of Perth is brimming with fantastic family experiences, from immersive cultural excursions to exciting water activities. When you explore Perth in an Apollo campervan, these adventures transform into shared family memories that last a lifetime. With a campervan, you're free to enjoy life's unplanned moments. Whether it's making new friends at a nearby campground or pulling over to soak in an unexpected sunset, it's all part of the fun. Plus, travelling by campervan means you can stretch your budget further. You don’t have to worry about expensive accommodation and you can cook your own yummy meals in the onboard kitchen. It's like having a small piece of home with you, wherever you go.

The best 10 things to do in Perth with kids

From ice skating to science experiments, Perth is packed with family-friendly attractions. Here's our list of the top 10 activities that are sure to keep your kids entertained and engaged during your Perth family road trip.

Unleash your inner monkey at Treetops Adventure

Just 45 minutes’ drive from central Perth, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Yanchep National Park, you'll find Treetops Adventure. This outdoor playground is perfect for families seeking a dash of adrenaline amid the natural beauty of Western Australia. Kids and grown-ups alike will love traversing the towering trees through a network of rope swings, ziplines, cargo nets, and flying foxes.

With different circuits tailored to various age groups and skill levels, everyone can take part in the fun. Younger family members can safely explore the junior tracks, while older kids and adults can challenge themselves on the higher, more complex courses. This fun activity encourages not only physical activity but also teamwork and courage, making for a great family bonding experience. 

Explore the Perth Zoo

Located in South Perth, just a short drive from the city centre, Perth Zoo offers families an unforgettable encounter with the world's most incredible wildlife. This renowned conservation centre is home to more than 1400 animals and 169 different species.

A day at Perth Zoo is more than just fun; it's an educational experience that nurtures respect for wildlife and understanding of conservation. 

Wander through the zoo's carefully designed habitats, including the African Savannah, Asian Rainforest, and of course, Australian Bushland. Kids will be thrilled at the opportunity to feed kangaroos, meet the giraffes, and watch the antics of playful orangutans. There are also special interactive zones where children can learn more about the animals and their habitats.

Spend the day at Perth's Outback Splash

Situated on the outskirts of Perth is the vibrant and action-packed Perth's Outback Splash. This all-ages water park is the ultimate family-friendly destination to cool off and have fun.

The park's top attractions include Splash Island, Octopus Bay, and – for the truly adventurous – The Wedgie. But the fun doesn't stop at the water's edge. On dry land, there's also mini golf, a multitude of mazes, and even the opportunity to see a cuddly koala. With a variety of food and drink options available on-site, it's easy to recharge before diving back into the fun. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Head to Glowing Rooms for a game of mini golf

Glowing Rooms, located in the suburb of Hamilton Hill, is just a short drive from Perth's city centre. This isn't your typical mini-golf experience. The whole place comes alive with 3D glow-in-the-dark artwork, transforming the game into a fantastical journey.

Families can enjoy an 18-hole game in a luminous wonderland. The rooms are themed, featuring an underwater world, superheroes, and even a journey into outer space. 

If you need a break from the neon lights, there's also a cosy café serving tasty snacks and refreshing drinks to keep everyone energised.

Get curious at Scitech

Ignite your family’s curiosity with a visit to Scitech, an exciting science and technology centre nestled in the heart of West Perth.

Scitech offers an array of interactive exhibits and exciting shows, all designed to encourage hands-on learning. Kids will be enthralled by the swirling galaxies in the Planetarium and captivated by daily science demonstrations. Budding scientists can take the opportunity to experiment in the Scitech Lab. There’s even a dedicated area for the littlest explorers to crawl, play, and discover. 

Soak up the views on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway

Enjoy elevated views of Perth by taking a walk along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, located in the heart of Kings Park. This treetop walk spans just over half a kilometre through a canopy of diverse Australian flora. 

Take your time to soak in the panoramic views of the city, Swan River, and the Marri woodland forest. Don’t forget to grab some family photos while you’re here.

Along the way, informative displays share stories about biodiversity, Indigenous culture, and European history. Whether you're a family of nature enthusiasts, history buffs, or simply love a good view, you’re sure to love this stunning destination. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia 

Get your skates on at Cockburn Ice Arena

About 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre, in Birbra Lake, is the Cockburn Ice Arena. The arena is Western Australia’s largest dedicated ice hockey venue and offers public skating sessions for families. Its two Olympic-sized ice rinks ensure ample space for everyone, whether you're a first-time skater or a confident ice dancer. Don’t worry if you don’t have skates, there are hire skates available in all sizes, so the whole family can join in.

When tummies start rumbling, there's an onsite café serving tasty refreshments, and for the adults, a licensed bar. Don’t forget to check out the upstairs viewing area, where you can watch others glide gracefully (or not so gracefully) on the ice. 

Make a splash at Lake Leschenaultia

Fringed by white sandy beaches and surrounded by 168 hectares of lush bushland, Lake Leschenaultia offers loads for adventurous families. The lake's calm waters are ideal for kids to safely splash about in, and there's a floating pontoon for the older ones to dive off. 

Keen explorers can set off on the 3 km walk trail around the lake. It's an easy stroll, with plenty of chances to spot local wildlife. If you prefer, hire a canoe and paddle around the lake's perimeter, or simply kick back on the beach with a picnic.

With barbecues, picnic tables and a playground all conveniently located nearby, it's an ideal spot for families to relax and create lasting memories.

Admire the stars at Perth Observatory

Perched in the serene Bickley Valley hills, a 30-minute drive from central Perth, is the Perth Observatory - Western Australia's oldest observatory. 

The observatory invites visitors to embark on a cosmic journey. Night sky tours reveal twinkling stars, bright planets, and even distant galaxies. During school holidays, the observatory hosts special kid-friendly sessions, which are both fun and educational.

The expert guides at the Perth Observatory will leave you starry-eyed with their astronomical knowledge. They'll help you spot constellations, explain how telescopes work, and share fascinating stories about our universe. 

Don't forget to wrap up warm, especially during the cooler months. After a night under the stars, you'll be thankful to retreat to the cosy haven of your Apollo campervan!

Visit the Aquarium of Western Australia

Situated in Hillarys, the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is one of the top things to do in Perth. It's a chance for your family to delve into the mysteries of the deep without getting their feet wet.

Families can come face-to-face with sharks, rays, and hundreds of stunning fish. It's not only an awe-inspiring spectacle but a valuable lesson in marine conservation for young ones.

Interactive exhibits allow children to get hands-on with starfish and other marine life in the touch pool. Daily talks and feeding demonstrations keep the day entertaining and educational. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel with the sharks – if you're brave enough!

Ready to explore Perth with Apollo?

As you can see, Perth offers a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions and activities. From starfish to stargazing, each experience creates lifelong memories, with Perth's beautiful scenery as your backdrop. 

So, why wait? Turn your family's dream holiday into reality today. Book an Apollo campervan online and pick it up from any one of our 10 nationwide branches.