A free day out in Perth with kids
This is a free day in Perth with kids, with two outdoor stops and two small city museums. Kings Park and Matilda Bay Reserve are 2.9 and 4.6 km from the centre. The Museum of Perth and the Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre are 0.7 and 0.4 km out, both in the CBD. Every stop is free. It suits school-age kids best, with the museums listed for ages 5 to 17 and the parks for all ages.
Do the museums first, because the fire station heritage centre only opens on some days and closes at 2pm. Then head outdoors for the afternoon. Bring a picnic, a hat and water, and swimmers if the kids want a paddle at Matilda Bay. The whole plan only works Tuesday to Thursday, when all four stops are open.
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: Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre
- Late morning: Museum of Perth
- Afternoon: Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Late afternoon: Matilda Bay Reserve
Morning
Start at the Old Central Fire Station
Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre, Perth · Museum · Ages 5-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (160 reviews)
A free fire brigade heritage centre at 25 Murray Street, Perth, with vintage fire trucks and dress-ups. It is the shortest stop of the day and kids who like trucks will head straight for the engines. Dress-ups give younger kids something to do too.
Tip: Open Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am to 2pm, and some Saturdays. Closed other days.
Prices, hours and map for Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre
Late morning
Visit the Museum of Perth
Museum of Perth, Perth · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 5-17 · Free · 3.7 stars (335 reviews)
A free Perth CBD history museum at 410 Murray Street. It is listed for ages 5 to 17, so it suits school-age kids who like stories about the city. It is a calm, indoor stop before you head outside.
Tip: Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Sunday.
Afternoon
Play 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 2.9 km from the centre and works for kids of any age, from 0 to 17 on the listing.
Tip: Head for Naturescape if the kids want to climb and explore.
Late afternoon
Wind down at Matilda Bay
Matilda Bay Reserve, Crawley · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A grassy, shady riverside reserve on the Swan River in Crawley. Parks and Wildlife (DBCA) says the river here is sheltered and calm. There are free electric barbecues, and the Bayside Kitchen cafe sells meals and drinks.
Tip: No lifesaver patrols are listed. Avoid swimming for 3 days after heavy rain (more than 10 mm).
Before you go
- The Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre is open Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am to 2pm, and some Saturdays.
- The Museum of Perth is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and closed Sunday.
- Every stop on this plan is free, so the main cost is food.
- Matilda Bay Reserve has free electric barbecues and a cafe, Bayside Kitchen.
- Matilda Bay has no lifesaver patrols listed. Avoid swimming for 3 days after heavy rain.
Questions parents ask
What free things can you do in Perth with kids?
Kings Park and Botanic Garden and Matilda Bay Reserve are free outdoor spaces. The Museum of Perth and the Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre are free in the CBD. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is free too, with hands-on family exhibitions.
Is there a free place with fire trucks in Perth?
The Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre at 25 Murray Street has vintage fire trucks and dress-ups, and entry is free. It is open Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30am to 2pm, and some Saturdays, so check the listing before you go.
Can kids swim in Perth for free?
Matilda Bay Reserve is free, and Parks and Wildlife (DBCA) says the river there is sheltered, calm and good for a swim in summer. No lifesaver patrols are listed, and swimming is not advised for 3 days after heavy rain.
More days in Perth with kids
- Your first day in Perth with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- 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.
- 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