10 Things to do in Perth with Kids

Perth is a city with interactive spaces for children, and many experiences ideal for connecting with nature. Some of the activities you can explore are trekking, sightseeing cruises, scientific research at the Western Australian Aquarium and Segway tours at Kings Park.

You can also venture out on the best tours in Perth, where you can tour the city on foot or on a tour bus. Additionally, wildlife is very important in the region, there are areas where you can see kangaroos and quokkas.

If you want to share with your family and live a different experience, I suggest you to take one of the best cruises in Perth. First you will take a short trip in a comfortable vehicle to Hillarys Boat Harbor. Afterwards, you will take a boat to see a whale show that the kids will love.

Keep in mind that from May to November you are more likely to see whales, as they travel to Australia to give birth to their calves. Specifically, you may get to see humpback whales, minke whales, southern right whales and blue whales. Taking this cruise with professionals makes the transfer easier, as you can travel in an air-conditioned coach.

Usually, these cruises take you to see the whales during sunset. In addition, you have a window of free time to explore the area. Nearby there are cafes, restaurants and luxury stores. They cost approximately 43 €, the best thing is that they have specialized biologists.

Details of interest: the best months for this cruise correspond to the whale season, which runs from May to November.

Perth's maritime history is very interesting, as it is surrounded by bays that shelter ecosystems of fauna and flora. For example, in Northern Australia there is a variety of corals, which are marine animals that form colorful colonies.

I recommend visiting the Western Australian Aquarium, located at 91 Southside Street. Here there are activities for all ages. For example, adults can dine under the tubular pool, where marine animals are exhibited.

In addition, there are scientific exhibits of the largest coral reefs in the world. You can also learn about sharks, turtles and rays, while enjoying an informative talk. In addition, children can meet the rescued turtles, as well as walk through the underwater tunnel. Other activities with additional cost include:

• Diving or snorkeling with sharks: this is a controlled activity, where you will receive guidance from professionals.
• Children's programs: ideal to learn about the marine world. In addition, children who feel ready can try swimming with sharks.
• Scientific classes: children between six and twelve years old can learn more about the care of marine animals.

Details of interest: general admission is around 18 €. Guided experiences start at €20, which include a guided tour of the exhibits and the underwater tunnel, as well as parking fees.

The surrounding areas of Perth are ideal for trekking and hiking, offering clear trails with little traffic. These areas are ideal for hiking with children, as the trails are low intensity.

Perth Hill

Perth Hill is located forty minutes from Perth, it is a mountainous area where you can practice trekking in the forest. You can also camp, take dance therapy and yoga classes, as well as bathe in the waterfalls.

I recommend you take advantage of the tour to take the little ones to Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. It is a space for wildlife preservation, where there are different rescued species. The tours of the facilities include the history of animal rescue, and children can also enter the hospital area.

Details of interest: The entrance fee to Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is around 10 €, while the trekking is completely free.

John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is an open-air park located on the outskirts of Perth. It is recognized as the first trekking park in Western Australia. On the hike you can find kangaroos and other Australian animals.

There are trails for people of all ages, regardless of physical condition. If you go with children, I recommend taking the easy trail. It is known as the National Park Falls Trail, it is flat and you can complete it in about an hour. Note that the waterfalls are only available during spring and winter.

Details of interest: it is forty minutes from Perth, in the mountainous area of the city. There are several access gates, but to access the trails, you must go to the second entrance. The price is around 10 €.

Bell's Rapids Park

Bell's Rapids Park is a trekking area located in Swan Valley, thirty minutes from Perth. Here you can also practice kayaking, or just relax on the banks of the Swan River.

To live this experience with children it is preferable to take the easy trail, which takes about forty minutes. It is a marked trail, which allows you to explore the wildlife, without getting too far away from civilization.

Details of interest: it is located at the end of Cathedral Ave, so you can take advantage of visiting the valley of the swans. Perth's best vineyards are located here, where children can learn more about the production process.

Optus Stadium is one of the most important stadiums in Australia, used for various cultural and sporting purposes. This tour is ideal for people of all ages, especially to satisfy the curiosity of children. It is completely worth it, as there is a variety of activities. You can climb to the highest point of the stadium, known as the Vertigo lookout, and from there appreciate the Matagarup Bridge, as well as the best views of the city.

You can also learn more about an Australian Aboriginal community, which belongs to the Nyoongar people. There are tours of the stadium that insert you into their history, customs, language and values. These types of experiences are very complete and allow you to get to know the players' locker rooms and lounges.

Details of interest: you can find tours to know the facilities, from 18 €. The entrance to the Vertigo viewpoint is around 66 €, please note that it is necessary to be over ten years old for security reasons.

Kings Park is one of the most complete green spaces in Perth, offering the best views of the city. A park with a variety of spaces, such as botanical gardens, children's attractions, picnic and play areas.

It covers much of Perth, as it has four hectares of pure fun. Many people come to the viewpoints of the DNA Tower and the Lotterywest Federation Footbridge. On the walkway there are spaces to learn about local wildlife and indigenous culture. So children can play, run around and expend their energy in an outdoor green space.

Details of interest: entrance to the park and garden is free, but the activities in its facilities may have an extra cost. Additionally, the best time to visit the gardens is during September, when the annual Kings Park Festival is held.

Kings Park Segway Tour

Kings Park is too big to walk around, so I recommend taking a Segway tour. This experience will help you optimize your time, so it is ideal if you have a tight itinerary.

Details of interest: as additional information the Segway tour has an approximate price of 82 €. It includes the training of an expert guide, safety equipment and an intercom radio. You will have the opportunity to visit the pier and the Elizabeth bell tower.

The Video Game Console Museum is an interactive space where kids can learn and have fun. It is located in Northbridge and you can find retro consoles as well as games to share with the family.

There are consoles on display dating back to the 1970s, the latest collections are from the 2000s. Note that some are unplayable, but there are vintage video games that will take you back to your childhood. The most popular are the Mario Kart, Pac-Man and Space Invaders games.

Here you will be able to live new experiences, as well as discover the manufacturing process of the consoles. Undoubtedly, it is an ideal activity for the whole family.

Details of interest: The entrance to the museum is around 10 €, but you can find guided tours and access without queues from 14 €.

In the middle of the Swan River is Heirisson Island, an archipelago seven minutes from the city. You can access it on foot through the Causeway Bridge, to enjoy its meadows and lagoons. In this destination there are areas to share with the family, as well as playgrounds and picnic areas.

During your walk you may encounter colonies of the western gray kangaroo, an endangered animal. Remember that this is a wild species, so do not touch or feed them. Children can explore the local fauna, or simply enjoy a beach swim.

Details of interest: it is a completely free plan, to enjoy it to the fullest I recommend you bring mosquito repellent. Keep in mind that the southern area of the island is where most kangaroos can be spotted.

Perth is a dynamic city, with a variety of leisure options in the surrounding area. Boats sail daily to Rottnest Island, which was discovered in 1605 by Dutch sailors. It is a neighboring archipelago with few inhabitants, crystal clear waters, clear trails and salt lakes.

No cars are used on this island, except for some authorized transportation. It is a preserved area where you can go trekking or cycling. Its main attraction are the quokkas, small and friendly animals.

You can visit the island by different means of transport, to enjoy its green spaces with children, in a comfortable way.

Ferry and bicycle ride around Rottnest Island

If you are looking to tour the island at your own pace, you can book a guided tour that includes a ferry transfer. It's ideal because the adventure starts at Hillarys Boat Harbour, and also makes several stops that will allow you to get to know the coastline in depth.

When you arrive at Rottnest Island you will have a bike to ride with the family. It is the best way to tour the bays and roads, and it is a completely safe experience for children. In these areas you are likely to come across herds of quokkas, as there are more than 10,000 on the island. The younger ones will be able to approach from a safe distance, always under supervision.

Details of interest: this type of excursion is recommended if you have enough time to explore the island. You can find options from 80 €.

Rottnest Island ferry and tour bus tour

If what you want is a shorter ride, probably the best option is to discover Rottnest, alternating between a ferry and a coach. This experience is ideal for taking children, as the tour buses are authorized to travel on the roads.

Details of interest: the guide will take you to explore the roads, where quokkas can be seen. You can find this excursion from 83 €, it is a great option that usually includes the entrance to West End and the island.

The Perth Mint was founded in 1899, it is a historic building that allows you to interact with the history of Australian gold. It is a learning space, ideal for the little ones. Some of the activities you can enjoy include:

• Guided lectures: discover what the production process was like in Western Australia's golden age. Children will have a great time during this tour, as it takes you to see the protected vaults.
• The Gold Exhibition: here you can enjoy interactive presentations, which explain the process of finding gold.
• Record Breaking Coin: you can learn about the world's largest coin and see exhibits of millions in gold.

Details of interest: tours start at 15 €, usually including guides.

Some children do not enjoy walking so much, in that case you can opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Perth. The route is varied, taking you to the most popular attractions in the city.

The best thing is that during the trip you can enjoy a children's channel, read by Kev the Green Kangaroo. Some of the places where you can get off are:

• King's Park: it is an ideal park to take the kids, as there are playgrounds and green spaces.
• Optum Stadium: you can take tours of the stadium with the kids, including the changing rooms.
• Perth Mint.

Details of interest: this adventure is ideal for children, as the guide speaks Spanish. You can find options from 30 €.

• In Western Australia there are wild species, such as kangaroos and quokkas. In general, they are used to people and their habitat is safe for children. However, you should remember that they may be intimidated if you try to touch them.
• Sharks may be present in Perth's Swan River, so it is preferable to stay in the safe areas marked with flags.
• In Perth adults can drink tap water, however this type of water is not safe for children. It is preferable to buy bottled water for the little ones.