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 include trekking, sightseeing cruises, scientific research at the Western Australian Aquarium and Segway tours at Kings Park.

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

If you want to share with your family and have a different experience, I suggest you 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'll take a boat to see a whale show that the kids will love.

Keep in mind that from May to November you're 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.

These cruises usually take you to see the whales at sunset. You also have a window of free time to explore the area. There are cafes, restaurants and luxury shops in the surrounding area. They cost approximately €43, the best part is that they have specialist biologists on board.

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

Perth's maritime history is very interesting as it is surrounded by bays that shelter wildlife ecosystems. For example, Northern Australia is home to a variety of corals, which are marine animals that form colourful colonies.

I recommend a visit to the Western Australian Aquarium, located at 91 Southside Street. There are activities for all ages. For example, adults can dine under the tube pool, where marine animals are on display.

In addition, there are scientific exhibits of the world's largest coral reefs. 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 at additional cost include:

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

Details of interest: General admission is around €18. You can find guided experiences from €20, which include a guided tour of the exhibits and underwater tunnel, as well as parking fees.

Perth's surrounding areas are ideal for trekking and hiking, offering uncrowded trails with little traffic. These areas are ideal for hiking with children, as they are low in intensity.

Perth Hill

Perth Hill is forty minutes from Perth and is a hilly area where you can go trekking in the forest. You can also camp, take dance therapy and yoga classes, as well as swim in the waterfalls.

I recommend you to take the little ones to Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. It is a wildlife preservation space, where there are different rescued species. Tours of the facility cover the history of animal rescue, and children can also enter the hospital area.

Details of interest: Admission to the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is around €10, while the trek is completely free.

John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is an open-air park on the outskirts of Perth. It is recognised as the first trekking park in Western Australia. On the hike you can encounter 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. Known as the National Park Falls Trail, it's flat and can be completed in about an hour. Please note that the waterfalls are only available during spring and winter.

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

Bell's Rapids Park

Bell's Rapids Park is a hiking area in the Swan Valley, 30 minutes from Perth. Here you can also go kayaking, or just relax on the banks of the Swan River.

For this experience with children it's best to take the easy trail, which takes about forty minutes. It's a marked trail, which allows you to explore the wildlife without getting too far from civilisation.

Details of interest: It's located at the end of Cathedral Ave, so you can take the opportunity to visit the Swan Valley. It's home to Perth's best vineyards, where kids can learn more about the production process.

Optus Stadium is one of Australia's most important stadiums, used for a variety of cultural and sporting purposes. This tour is ideal for people of all ages, especially to satisfy the curiosity of children, and it's totally worth it, as there are a variety of activities. You can climb to the highest point of the stadium, known as the Vertigo lookout, and from there you can see 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 immerse you in their history, customs, language and values. These types of experiences are very comprehensive and allow you to see the dressing rooms and players' lounges.

Details of interest: you can find tours to get to know the facilities, from €18. Admission to the Vertigo viewing platform is around €66, but be aware that you need to be over 10 years old for security reasons.

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

It covers much of Perth, with four hectares of pure fun. Many people come to the viewpoints at 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 activities in the park and garden may cost extra. Additionally, the best time to visit the gardens is during September for the annual Kings Park Festival.

Kings Park Segway Tour

Kings Park is too big to walk around, so I recommend taking a Segway tour. This experience will help you optimise your time, so it's ideal if you're on a tight schedule.

Interesting details: as an added bonus, the Segway tour costs approximately €82. It includes training from an expert guide, safety equipment and an intercom radio. You can also take the opportunity to visit the pier and Elizabeth Bell Tower.

The Video Game Console Museum is an interactive space where children 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 of them 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. Without a doubt, it is an ideal activity for the whole family.

Details of interest: Entrance to the museum costs around €10, but you can find guided tours and skip-the-line access from €14.

In the middle of the Swan River lies Heirisson Island, an archipelago seven minutes from the city. You can access it on foot via the Causeway Bridge to enjoy its meadows and lagoons. There are family-friendly areas, as well as playgrounds and picnic areas.

During your walk you may come across colonies of the endangered western grey kangaroo. Remember that they are a wild species, so don't touch or feed them. Children can explore the local wildlife, or simply enjoy a swim at the beach.

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

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

There are no cars on this island, except for some authorised transport. It is a preserved area where you can go trekking or cycling. Its main attraction are the quokkas, small friendly animals.

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

Rottnest Island ferry ride and bicycle tour

If you're 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 on Rottnest Island you'll have a bike for the family to ride. It's the best way to explore the bays and roads, and it's a completely safe experience for children. In these areas you are likely to come across herds of quokkas, as there are over 10,000 of them on the island. Younger children can approach them from a safe distance, always under supervision.

Details of interest: This type of tour is recommended if you have enough time to explore the island. You can find options starting at €80.

Rottnest Island Ferry and Tourist Bus Tour

If you're looking for a shorter ride, the best option is probably to discover Rottnest, alternating between a ferry and a coach. This experience is ideal for children, as tour buses are allowed on the roads.

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

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

• Guided lectures: discover what the production process was like in Western Australia's golden age. Kids will have a great time on this tour, as it takes you into 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 displays of millions in gold.

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

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

The best part 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: a great 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 English. You can find options from €30.

• In Western Australia there are wild species such as kangaroos and quokkas. They are generally used to people and their habitat is safe for children. However, remember that they can be intimidated if you try to touch them.
• Sharks may be present in Perth's Swan River, so it's best to stay in the safe areas marked with flags.
• Adults can drink tap water in Perth, but tap water is not safe for children. It's best to buy bottled water for younger children.