Inspiration to keep the kids entertained this September-October school holidays in Perth.
RELATED ARTICLE: Member benefit discounts on spring school holiday activities
1. Take a day trip to York for The York Festival
The annual York Festival is on in the first week of the school holidays. Immerse the kids in arts and crafts, theatre, dance, music, culture, and more. Activities include masquerade mask and magnet-making workshops through to umbrella painting.
Plus, guided walking tours, including learning bush skills or a torchlight river safari. Stay the weekend for the interactive all-ages light event - the Glowzone. It’s also the perfect time of year to visit York with the start of wildflower season.
Dates: 20 – 29 September 2024
Location: York, ~90-minute drive from Perth
Cost: Events ticketed separately, day passes are also available
RELATED ARTICLE: Ultimate guide to York
2. Head into the city for the AWESOME Arts Festival
The annual AWESOME International Arts Festival hosts a whole range of events for kids up to age 12. The extensive program features theatre, dance, music, film, literature, visual arts and more. Free events include Little Red Riding Hood and The Lost Little Llama at the State Theatre Centre of WA. Plus, daily bubble performances, sensory play spaces, and all sorts of creative activities.
There are a range of free and low-cost events and most you will need to pre-book. Check the individual events for details on age suitability, cost, times and specific locations.
Dates: 24 – 28 September 2024
Location: Perth Cultural Centre, Yagan Square, Mandurah, Bunbury, and Wiluna
Cost: Check individual events
3. Celebrate basketball and its culture at HoopsFest
Australia’s first national basketball festival, HoopsFest, is being held in Perth. This multi-day extravaganza will have your family immersed in the world of basketball. Be prepared for a fusion of culture, entertainment, and style.
Kids can cheer on their favourite teams then meet their heroes at the fan zone at Forrest Place. Sneakerland, the rare sneakers and streetwear exhibition, will take over RAC Arena on Sept 21-22.
RAC members save 10% off all ticket types to all HoopsFest events at RAC Arena. You can also get half priced water and access to the RAC Local Lounge before main doors open.
Date: 19 – 22 September 2024
Location: RAC Arena, Forrest Place, Bendat Basketball Centre, and HBF Stadium
Cost: Family tickets (2 adults, 2 juniors) start from $69 (silver) and $89 (gold), Sneakerland tickets sold separately.
4. Follow the Yellow Brick Road at the Perth Royal Show
The Perth Royal Show is back and kids under 15 get free entry. This year, the show boasts over 101 free things to see and do - so make sure to check the program before you go. There are hundreds of entertainers and performances to watch. Stay for the nightly 3D drone show and fireworks display too.
For your little agricultural enthusiast, the Yellow Brick Road trail is back. It’s designed for adventurers aged 5-12 with hands-on experiences and collectable keepsakes. Yellow Brick Road tickets are available as a $15 add-on when booking your show tickets.
Dates: 21 – 28 September 2024
Location: Claremont Showground
Cost: Adult tickets $22, Concession $12.50, FREE tickets for children aged 15 and under
5. Adventure to the Swan Valley for a day camp
Searching for the ultimate activity to get the kids to burn off some energy? Book a day camp with the Swan Valley Adventure Centre. There’s a huge range of adrenaline-filled outdoor activities on the agenda including archery, climbing, bubble soccer, canoeing and a commando course.
Available for children aged 4 to 14 years old.
Date: 25 September – 2 October 2024
Location: Swan Valley Adventure Centre
Cost: From $55 per child, includes lunch
6. Strike gold on the Perth Mint’s treasure hunt
The historic Perth Mint is holding a special school holiday scavenger hunt to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Embark on a self-guided quest to find the clues hidden around the building, solve the puzzle and crack the code. This activity is suited to children under the age of 15 years. Bookings are essential.
Date: 25 September – 4 October 2024
Location: The Perth Mint
Cost: $10
7. Make magic moments at the WA Shipwrecks Museum
Open the fairy door to a magical new world at the WA Shipwrecks Museum these school holidays. Follow the enchanted trail through the galleries, craft your own sea fairy or water wizard and design your own fairy door to take home. The fun doesn’t stop there, as Neptune’s Playground will come alive with mythical creatures and a playful troll.
Date: 21 September – 5 October 2024
Location: WA Shipwrecks Museum, Fremantle
Cost: Free activities, $5 for the Fairy Doors workshop
8. Play in nature at Kings Park
Entertain your little ones for hours at Kings Park and Botanic Garden with their impressive list of school holiday activities. Kids can make their own cubby creations at the Loose Parts Bush camp, paint a rock pet or play a game of nature naughts and crosses. They also have a chance to weave bush treasures into take-home art and find the hidden Botanic Garden favourites on a family-friendly walking trail.
Date: 21 September – 6 October 2024
Location: Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park
Cost: Free
9. Marvel at the models at Bricktober LEGO® Exhibition
Bricktober is back this October, showcasing incredible LEGO® models by local Perth builders. The event includes competitions and an interactive zone suitable for all ages. Sessions are available between 10am to 4pm across the weekend.
Low sensory sessions with reduced lighting and sounds are also available only from 8:30am – 9:30am. You’ll need to book tickets online before you go as entries are staggered to avoid queues.
Date: 5 - 6 October 2024
Location: Curtin Stadium, Curtin University
Cost: $15 single ticket, $45 family ticket (valid for 4 people)
10.Watch a new movie release
When you're ready for some quiet time, the cinema is the place to be. Choose from the family-friendly line-up of new school holiday movie releases, grab a box of popcorn and get comfy.
The list includes Walt Disney’s Colombian family tale, Encanto: Reo Maori, heartfelt and hilarious Australian family movie, RUNT, and the story of a young boy's magical mission in Harold & The Purple Crayon.
Blockbusters Transformers One and The Wild Robot will also hit the screens for the holidays. Save on movie tickets with your RAC membership.
Banner image credit: Richard Watson
Save on kids' holidays adventures Visit the RAC online shop via your myRAC account to view the full range of discounts and buy vouchers for the school holidays.
