Entry to Kings Park and Botanic Garden is free, though some experiences within it may charge. Check the listing for what is included.

Can we picnic in Kings Park?

Families commonly picnic on the lawns, but check the park's rules about where and what you can bring. Signs in the park show where rugs and picnics are welcome.

What is Ranger Red's Zoo?

It is a zoo and conservation park at Pinjarra where children can see native animals. Check the listing for details, entry and what is available.

What keeps a restless child busy at Kings Park?

Give them a job, like counting black swans on the Hyde Park lakes or finding five leaf shapes. Between jobs, let them run down a lawn, and head home while they are still happy.

Chilled days: gardens, parklands and picnics in Perth

Perth's best slow day starts with one place: Kings Park and Botanic Garden. It sits on a hill above the city, with lawns, big old trees, lookouts over the river and a botanic garden full of native plants. In spring, the wildflowers bring a show that costs nothing, and the views at sunset are as good as any in the country. A family can wander here for an entire day. Outside the city, Ranger Red's Zoo and Conservation Park at Pinjarra gives a gentler, rural outing where children can meet native animals. Check the listing for details. Hyde Park in the city has lakes, shade and a wide lawn, and it works well for a picnic when you do not want to go far. These days suit families who need a slower pace. A parent with a pram, a grandparent who wants a bench with a view and a child who just needs to run all fit in here. Bring a rug and something to eat, and let the afternoon run itself. Summer in Perth is hot, so go early and find shade. Winter days can be crisp and bright, ideal for a long picnic with a thermos. Spring is the best time for flowers. Whatever the season, give the children a job: counting black swans on a lake or finding the biggest gum nut can keep them busy for ages.

Our picks

Kings Park and Botanic Garden Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Fraser Avenue, Perth, is a large inner-city park with bushland walk trails, the Western Australian Botanic Garden, cafés and several…

★ 4.8 (27,779)
Balga Soccer Club Balga
Balga Soccer Club is a community football club in the City of Stirling, running since 1971, with junior, senior, women's, amateur and masters teams.

★ 4.2 (43)
Swan Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club Stratton
Swan Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club was established in 2012 and runs junior and senior rugby teams for all ages and abilities.

Before you go

Best for which ages

Babies and toddlers are happiest on the lawns under the big old trees. Preschoolers love ducks, black swans and bugs. Primary children enjoy scavenger hunts, and teenagers may like photography or a walk to the lookout. Grandparents are happy anywhere with a bench and a view.

What to bring

Bring a rug, water and a hat that stays on in the wind. Pack sunscreen and insect repellent, and a light layer for the evening breeze. Binoculars suit the lookouts and the lakes, and a small bag collects gum nuts. Pack a book for yourself for the moment the children settle.

Parking and facilities

Kings Park has parking and facilities, though weekends and wildflower season bring crowds. Rural outings such as Pinjarra require a drive. Kings Park has more facilities than the rural and club-based places on our list, so check the listing before heading to those. Weekday mornings are easy for parking at the larger parks, and a shaded bench is rarely far from a toilet block.

Best time of year

Spring is the best for wildflowers and mild days. Autumn and winter give crisp, clear picnics. Summer works early in the morning or in the evening, because the middle of the day is hot and bright. Black swans and ducks on the lakes are often easiest to watch in the soft light of morning.

Prams and accessibility

Kings Park has wide paths that suit prams and wheelchairs, though some areas are hilly. Rural parks may have rougher tracks. Sealed paths near the main entrances suit prams best. Gentle slopes are common near entrances, while wilder corners may be rougher, so check the listing or ask a ranger before you set off.

Botanic gardens and big parklands

Open lawns, shaded paths and room to run, with toilets and a picnic spot close by.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Fraser Avenue, Perth, is a large inner-city park with bushland walk trails, the Western Australian Botanic Garden, cafés and several…

★ 4.8 (27,779)

All gardens and parklands in Perth, free and paid

More free days out

Community farms, wildlife spots and other places that cost nothing to get into.

Balga Soccer Club Balga
Balga Soccer Club is a community football club in the City of Stirling, running since 1971, with junior, senior, women's, amateur and masters teams.

★ 4.2 (43)
Swan Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club Stratton
Swan Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club was established in 2012 and runs junior and senior rugby teams for all ages and abilities.

Questions parents ask

Is Kings Park free?: Entry to Kings Park and Botanic Garden is free, though some experiences within it may charge. Check the listing for what is included.
Can we picnic in Kings Park?: Families commonly picnic on the lawns, but check the park's rules about where and what you can bring. Signs in the park show where rugs and picnics are welcome.
What is Ranger Red's Zoo?: It is a zoo and conservation park at Pinjarra where children can see native animals. Check the listing for details, entry and what is available.
What keeps a restless child busy at Kings Park?: Give them a job, like counting black swans on the Hyde Park lakes or finding five leaf shapes. Between jobs, let them run down a lawn, and head home while they are still happy.