Winter is a time when many people across the globe rug up at home under layers of quilts and hardly move from the sofa - but not here in Perth!
With the weather this year often being jacket-optional, and the kids primed and ready for adventure, it's time to enjoy a winter escape Perth-style! From fab staycation ideas to countryside getaways just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy - mums, dads, and grandparents included!
Fremantle Adventure
For a barrel of quirky, unique fun without even leaving the train line, Freo's the way to go! There's endless attractions for members of the family of all ages - coffee shops for you, pastries for the kids; gourmet cuisine from around the world for an international flavour adventure (and of course, kids' menus for the fussy eaters!)
Go vintage clothes shopping and pick up great, sustainable finds for the crew without breaking the bank at The Fremantle Markets, stroll along the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour (wearing those stylin' jackets you just bought - the harbour gets a bit windy!), and learn about Fremantle's fascinating artistic culture at Kidogo Arthouse and the Fremantle Arts Centre.
If your kids (and/or you!) are avid history buffs, you're in for a treat at the WA Maritime Museum! Their fascinating Ancient Rome: Epic Innovators and Engineers exhibition is here until October, where you can travel back in time and discover the determination, machines and genius that carved the great Roman Empire.
Freo is relatively close to Perth City, but with so much to see and experience, you could even consider a stay-cation - we have a great list of accomodation options in Fremantle here.
Explore Perth
Whether you're visiting from regional WA or the suburbs, Perth City is a winter escape destination in its own right! Start with the Perth Cultural Centre, where you'll find the Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) - a fascinating visit at any time for your budding art appreciators. The Perth Cultural Centre also has an awesome Play Space where the kids can burn off that extra energy, and houses the State Library of Western Australia which has a dedicated zone for your smaller family members to read, play and make new friends.
Cross over the train station to Yagan Square, another great place both to dine and play. The Yagan Square Playscape offers play areas for toddlers, challenging terrain for older kids and a water play feature. Downstairs, there's food options galore, including curry naasties (naan toasties), healthy poke bowls, and much more - check out their official eateries list for more info. During the winter school holidays Yagan Square celebrates the Noongar season of Makuru with music, dance, kids workshops and more.
Northbridge is another great location for international travel via the tastebuds, including Perth's Chinatown. If the kids are adventurous, dim sum will go down a treat! Whilst you're in Northbridge, for a blast from the past the whole family will love, check out the Nostalgia Box Video Game Console Museum to play some of your childhood faves, and introduce the kids to gaming 70s-00s style! The museum contains more than 100 consoles, representing the evolution—and sometimes revolution— during that period, with a ton of classic video games available for you to relive your childhood and hook the kids on old-school gaming.
If you're after a day full of fun, then Kings Park is the perfect place for you. Full of exciting areas to explore, beautiful scenery and delightful gardens, it's an absolute must! Connect with our amazing environment at the Rio Tinto Naturescape, make friends with friendly critters in the Lotterywest Family Area, and even discover some forgotten ancient wonders in May Drive Parkland. Choc-full of amazing play areas and beautiful open gardens - you can climb to new heights, explore undiscovered tunnels, and maybe even stumble across some dinosaurs, all in a day at Kings Park!
Kings Park is both beautiful and botanically fascinating; guided walks are currently suspended, but with the help of self-guided walking trails and Google Lens, the kids can get back to nature and learn at the same time. Want to turn your Perth exploration into a staycation? Check out some great accommodation options in Perth City here.
Countryside Getaway
You don't have to head far out of Perth to enjoy the charms of countryside hospitality and unspoiled nature: the Avon Valley is at our doorstep! An hour and a half inland from Perth City, you'll find lovely vintage towns like Toodyay, York and Beverley, and monastic town New Norcia, only thirty minutes' drive from each other. Kids will love picnicking beside the beautiful Avon River, enjoying the scenic walk trails, and much more.
Enter real-life fairytales at the Toodyay Fairytale Farm, and have fun roaming the streets of Toodyay checking out all the bits and bobs in the antique stores and museums (including the Cola Cafe and Museum - a real blast from the past!)
Nearby York is also a great place to take the kids, with its stunning examples of colonial architecture and its renowned heritage precinct, and plenty of historical and modern activities to enjoy. Head into the York Visitor Centre for great tips from the locals!
We hope we've sparked your interest and imagination! If you're looking for more family-friendly Perth fun, check out our post on 10 Fun Things To Do With Kids Under 5, top familiy activities in the school holidays and 6 kids activities in the winter holidays.
