10 scenic places to get active with your kids in Perth
Tree top walks, riverside pathways, stunning beach foreshores and adventures through inner city forests. These are just some of the many fun outdoor activities Perth has to offer young families.
We love getting active and exploring Perth on the weekends with our boys. It tires them out for bedtime, it doesn’t have to cost anything and we feel that if our boys see us leading an active lifestyle, then they are sure to follow.
The following 10 activities are our favourite ways so far, to get active with our boys, while exploring Perth.
1. Take a tree top walk on the unique Lotterywest Federation Walkway at beautiful Kings Park.
You will enjoy spectacular views of Perth City and the Swan River from this innovative walkway, which includes a stunning arched bridge with glass walls. It took us approximately 15 minutes to walk to this bridge from the main carpark. At the foot of the walkway you can either turn left to continue through the Botanic Garden or turn right to return to where you started, via the Water Garden and Banksia Garden. If you are walking with young children, we would recommend turning back at this point towards the main carpark. The walkway is accessible by wheelchair and is pram friendly.
2. Climb the 101 steps of the spiral DNA tower in Kings Park to get spectacular views of Perth City.
My boys bounded up the 15m high spiral staircase, however if your kids need a rest there are platforms to stop at along the way. When you reach the top you are at the highest viewing point in Kings Park, overlooking Perth City. The paving and wall surrounding the DNA tower has important significance as it was constructed using stones from 11 towns and 80 shires within Western Australia. A fun activity to do with your kids whilst exploring Kings Park.
3. Soak up all that iconic Cottesloe Beach has to offer by taking a walk or cycle along the foreshore.
Start your adventure at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach Pavilion and walk or cycle along the foreshore pathway. If you head north, away from the groyne there is a playground to stop at along the way. It is also well worthwhile taking a walk out on to the groyne with your little ones, where you can enjoy spectacular views across the Indian Ocean and back towards Cottesloe Beach. Finish off with a coffee, a bite to eat or like us, indulge in a yummy gelato or frozen yoghurt at Red Spoon (opposite the Cottesloe Beach Pavilion).
4. Get up close to the spectacular Swan River and Perth CBD by taking a walk around Elizabeth Quay.
You can start your walk at the popular ‘Spanda’ sculpture and then walk towards the Bell Tower, up to the island where there is an awesome playground and then continue over the striking footbridge to complete your circuit. There are a few cafes to stop for a drink or a bite to eat afterwards. You can always continue your walk into the CBD to explore some more if you and your little ones are up to it! Check out our blog ‘Free things to do in Perth City with kids’ for other fun places of interest which are within 10 minutes walk of Elizabeth Quay.
5. Visit the birdlife and take a walk or cycle at Lake Monger, a large urban wetland in suburban Perth.
At beautiful Lake Monger there is a 3.1km pathway which runs around the entire lake, perfect for cycling, walking, rollerblading or scooters. We like to park at the most eastern point of Lake Monger where there is a great fenced playground, loads of grass to kick a footy or throw a frisbee and a basketball court to shoot some hoops.
6. Enjoy the amazing ocean views and beach vibes as you walk the City Beach boardwalk.
This pram and wheelchair friendly boardwalk is perfectly summed up by its name Mum-boy-yet Jinnung meaning “Looking out to where the sea meets the sky”. It is built over the dunes and there are informative signs along the way about the plant and animal life that may be found in the dunes. The boardwalk runs from Floreat Beach carpark to City Beach and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk one way with young children. There are playgrounds, toilet facilities and cafes at both ends of the boardwalk.
7. Admire the amazing Perth City skyline and Swan River views while walking or cycling along the beautiful South Perth foreshore.
There are many points at which you can start your adventure along the South Perth foreshore pathway. It is well signposted with distances to the next point of interest, playground, cafe etc. We like to start at Mends St Jetty and walk along the river for approximately 10 minutes where you will come across a great playground. There is a viewing platform to stop at along the way to take in the Perth City skyline.
8. Bond with nature at the beautiful inner city parkland, John Oldham Park.
Park your car at the designated car park and begin your adventure by looking for birdlife in the lake as your enter the park. There is a lush forrest to walk through with a waterfall to stop and admire. Venture up hill and you will find the longest slide ever in the middle of the bushland, which is great fun for everyone! There is also a playground and plenty of grass to kick a footy or throw a frisbee, all within close proximity to Perth CBD.
9. Take a walk around stunning Point Heathcote Reserve and enjoy the panoramic views of the Swan River and Perth City.
There is a short circular pathway which runs from the carpark up towards the river and then around to the magnificent iconic Pirate playground. If you have older children who can walk a greater distance there are steps and other pathways which lead down towards the Swan River. After a walk there is plenty of grass, a cafe and all the facilities you need to settle in for a few hours with your little ones.
10. Kick a footy or fly a kite at the scenic Nedlands Rugby Union Football Club field.
Located right beside the Swan River this footy field is a beautiful spot to get active with your kids. It can get windy so it is the ideal open field to fly a kite. There is a pathway beside the Swan River where you can take a walk whilst watching the birdlife and enjoying the beautiful view.
