Your first day in Perth with kids
This first day in Perth mixes green space, animals and the big state museums. It suits kids from toddlers to about 12. Kings Park, Perth Zoo and Matilda Bay Reserve sit 2.7 to 4.6 km from the centre. The Art Gallery of Western Australia and WA Museum Boola Bardip are in the Perth Cultural Centre, under 0.5 km out. The parks and the gallery are free, the museum is free for ages 15 and under, and the zoo is ticketed.
Treat this as a menu rather than one full day. The zoo can fill an afternoon on its own, so pick three or four stops. Start outdoors, then keep the gallery or museum for the end of the day or for a hot patch. Pack hats, water and swimmers if you plan to paddle at Matilda Bay. The zoo, gallery and museum list daily hours, but check each listing before you leave.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Late morning: Matilda Bay Reserve
- Afternoon: Perth Zoo
- Late afternoon: The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA
- Late afternoon: WA Museum Boola Bardip
Morning
Start at Kings Park
Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.8 stars (27779 reviews)
A free inner-city park with bushland trails, the WA Botanic Garden, family play areas and the Naturescape nature-play area. It is a good first stop because kids can burn off energy before the day gets quieter. The listing covers ages 0 to 17, so it works whatever mix of ages you have.
Tip: Entry is free. Head for the Naturescape nature-play area if you have younger kids.
Late morning
Picnic at Matilda Bay Reserve
Matilda Bay Reserve, Crawley · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A grassy, shady reserve on the Swan River in Crawley with views to the city. Parks and Wildlife (DBCA) describes the river here as sheltered and calm, good for a paddle or a cooling swim in summer. Free electric barbecues are provided, and the Bayside Kitchen cafe sells meals and drinks.
Tip: No lifesaver patrols are listed here, and the Department of Health says to avoid swimming for 3 days after heavy rain (more than 10 mm).
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo, South Perth · Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums · Ages 2-17 · From $0 · 4.4 stars (11416 reviews)
The state zoo in South Perth has keeper talks and a playground. It is open daily 9am to 5pm. Child entry (ages 4 to 15) is $20 and under 4s are free, so it suits a mixed-age family. It is the one ticketed stop on this plan.
Tip: A mini group ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is $105.40. Check the listing for current prices.
Late afternoon
Try the hands-on gallery
The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA, Perth · Museum · Ages 3-17 · Free · 4.4 stars (2842 reviews)
A free state art gallery in the Perth Cultural Centre, open 10am to 5pm daily. Gallery 09 has hands-on family exhibitions, which is the part to aim for with kids. It is only 0.2 km from the centre, so it is an easy indoor stop if the weather turns.
Tip: Check the listing for what is on in Gallery 09 during your visit.
Prices, hours and map for The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA
Late afternoon
Or pick WA Museum Boola Bardip
WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 3-12 · From $0 · 4.5 stars (5077 reviews)
The state museum in the Perth Cultural Centre has WA history and nature exhibitions and under-5s programs. It is open daily 9:30am to 5pm and sits 0.3 km from the centre, close to the gallery. You could do either the gallery or the museum, or both if the kids are keen.
Tip: Ages 15 and under are free. Adults pay $15 and concession is $10.
Where to eat
Maylands Golf Course, Maylands. The Hangar cafe at Maylands Golf Course, 4.0 km from the centre in Maylands, has kids under 12 eating free on Saturdays. Worth a look if you are doing this day on a Saturday.
Kids Eat Free deals change. See every current deal in Perth.
Before you go
- Perth Zoo, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and WA Museum Boola Bardip all list daily hours, so this plan works any day of the week.
- Kings Park and Matilda Bay Reserve are free, and so is the gallery. The museum is free for ages 15 and under.
- Perth Zoo: child (4 to 15) $20, under 4s free.
- Matilda Bay Reserve has no lifesaver patrols listed. Avoid swimming for 3 days after heavy rain.
- Kids under 12 eat free at The Hangar cafe, Maylands Golf Course, on Saturdays.
Questions parents ask
What is a good first day in Perth with kids?
Start at Kings Park and Botanic Garden for free play and bushland trails, have a picnic at Matilda Bay Reserve, then spend the afternoon at Perth Zoo. If you still have energy, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and WA Museum Boola Bardip are indoors in the Perth Cultural Centre.
Are there free things to do with kids in Perth?
Yes. Kings Park and Botanic Garden and Matilda Bay Reserve are free, and so is the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which has hands-on family exhibitions in Gallery 09. WA Museum Boola Bardip is free for ages 15 and under, though adults pay $15.
How much does Perth Zoo cost for kids?
The listing shows child entry (4 to 15) at $20, under 4s free, adults (16+) $40, and a mini group ticket for 2 adults and 2 children at $105.40. The zoo is open daily 9am to 5pm. Check the listing for current prices before you go.
More days in Perth with kids
- A rainy day in Perth with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Perth with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- A free day out in Perth with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Perth with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Perth with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Perth with kids: all guides