Things to do with kids in Perth these summer holidays

Travel & Touring| WA Things To Do

Last updated: 13 December 2024 By: Lisa Cook

Keep the kids entertained with a range of activities during the summer school holidays in Perth.

RELATED: 14 member discounts on school holiday activities »

1. Enjoy free fun all summer at WA museums

Not only do visitors get free access to museums in WA all summer long, but they also have a huge calendar packed with events kids will love.

Build a wildlife park in Minecraft, get up close with reptiles or experience the thrill of Mario racing car madness at Museum Boola Bardip.

At the WA Maritime Museum, little ones can get crafty with some French floral fun, create a blooming masterpiece or learn the secrets of animal illustration. There’s plenty to see and do at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, including exploring the new shipwreck, Xantho, with an interactive game of hide-and-seek through the galleries just for kids.

Dates: 6 - 31 January 2025 for school holiday activities.Location: Various.Cost: Free

2. Visit the Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair

Head into the heart of Perth’s CBD for a day of summer fun including thrilling carnival rides, street food, classic sideshow games and showbags. The celebrations continue at Elizabeth Quay on New Year’s Eve. Ring in the new year with fireworks and a range of family-friendly activities.

Dates: 6 December 2024 - 9 January 2025. Open from 11am to 5pm to late on selected dates. Closed Christmas Day and open on New Years Day.Location: Elizabeth Quay, The Landing, Geoffrey Bolton AvenueCost: Prices starting from $30.70.

3. Get playful in nature at Kings Park

There’s only one place in Perth where you can go on a Christmas treasure hunt, solve a mosquito sandwich mystery and build a nature cubby this summer – Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

To give kids the ultimate summer adventure, book them in for a day of fun and exploration on their summer day camps. They’ll roll up their sleeves to learn the basics of camping, play water games, build cubbies and enjoy a special animal encounter along the way. The drop off activity is perfect for children aged 8 to 14 years old and runs from 9am to 3pm.

Dates: Various dates from 13 December 2024 – 31 January 2025.Location: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, including Rio Tinto Naturescape.Cost: All events are free, excluding the Summer day camp which is $89 per person.

4. Sail into Mermaids Ahoy! at AQWA

There’s plenty of merry times to be had with mermaids and pirates at AQWA these holidays. Mermaids will impress the little ones with magical in-water acrobats and they’ll even have a chance to meet a mermaid and take a ‘shelfie’.

Test your pirate skills, follow the clues to complete their e-treasure trail, learn about the rock-pool creatures and gently touch them, plus explore more than 45 exhibits at the aquarium.

Dates: 8 January - 1 February 2025. Wednesday to Saturday.Location: AQWA, 91 Southside Drive, HillarysCost: Free with entry. RAC members get discounted entry to AQWA.

5. Be enchanted by fairies at Perth Zoo

The Perth Zoo’s rainforest has transformed into a mystical fairyland for summer. Little ones can delight in the chance to meet live fairies, hunt for fairy doors throughout the forest, and keep a watchful eye out for the dragon.

If you prefer to visit during cooler evenings, the zoo is open a little later until 7.30pm for their Summer Sundowners series on Saturdays in January, which includes live music on the lawn from 5pm.

Dates: 1-31 January 2025.Location: Perth Zoo, Cost: Free with general admission entry.

6. Catch a movie at an outdoor cinema

Several outdoor cinemas pop up during summer, including the Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park, Telethon Community Cinemas and Rooftop Movies in Northbridge.

Enjoy a Christmas classic like Home Alone or Love Actually in December, and blockbusters including Moana 2 and Wicked, from the comfort of a beanbag or chair under the stars.

Dates: Vary. See each website for details. Cost: Prices vary. Starting from $14.

7. See the magical puppet musical 'Hometown'

Awe-inspiring landscapes, extraordinary creatures and a story of a young girl’s epic adventure – that's what you can expect in this new puppet musical, Hometown.

Sit back and soak in the visually stunning tale, brought to life by an award-winning creative team at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, and one of Australia’s most successful graphic novelists.

Dates: 6-25 January 2025, 10am-11am dailyLocation: Ellie Eaton Theatre, Gate 1, Claremont Showgrounds, Claremont, WA 6010Cost: $29 per ticket

8. Run wild on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is the ultimate summer destination for families. The local voluntary guides have put together another exciting list of free school holiday activities. Children of all ages will enjoy exploring the island’s natural wonders, unique wildlife, and history.

One of the most popular activities on the list is the RVGA Family Quiz Night on 9 and 16 January. Make sure you book to secure your seat at the quiz table.

Dates: 5-24 January 2025. Each activity runs for one hour unless otherwise stated.Location: Various locations on Rottnest Island.Cost: Free. RAC member save on Rottnest ferry tickets.

9. Have stacks of fun at Swan Settlers Market

From bouncy castles and cuddling snakes to a ‘nuked nugget’ and chilli eating competition, the Swan Settlers Market has an impressive calendar of events running these school holidays.

During January, they have free face painting days and a petting zoo, plus their Family Fun Day event on Saturday 11 January from 11am to 1pm, with bouncy castle, foosball and colouring stations for kids, and even axe throwing for the adults.

Dates: Various dates between 7 December 2024 and 27 January 2025.Location: Swan Settlers Market, 124 Lennard Street, Herne HilCost: Most events are free

10. Go on a muddy family pottery adventure

Ready to get hands-on with your kids? Craft your own lolly jar from clay together while making long-last memories at a family pottery workshop with Terraform Studio.

Suitable for ages 5 up. Choose from morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Workshops run for two hours.

Dates: Fridays throughout January. Three sessions available each day. Location: 9A Smart Street Mall, MandurahCost: $149 for a parent + child, or $79 for an extra person.

12. Make a splash around South Perth

Nothing says summer more than one big water fight. Grab your water guns and get ready to get soaked at the Summer Splash. There will also be an inflatable obstacle course to test your skills on, a slippery water slide and a sausage sizzle.

Dates: 13 January 2025, 10am – 12.30pm.Location: Morris Mundy Reserve, Oxford St & Collins St, KensingtonCost: Free. Bookings are essential.

12. Adventure to the Swan Valley for a day camp

Searching for the ultimate activity to burn off some energy this summer? 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.

Dates: 6-30 January 2025Location: Swan Valley Adventure CentreCost: From $55 per child, includes lunch

Image credit: Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair