Rain-safe: free museums, galleries and libraries in Perth

Perth does not get a lot of rain, but when it does, it tends to arrive in winter with wind and a cold front, and a family needs a plan. The free indoor list is shorter than in some cities, but it is good, and each place has a different feel. The Art Gallery of Western Australia, known as AGWA, is the main gallery in the city centre, with spaces that suit children who like to look at things. The Museum of Perth is a smaller museum that tells the story of the city. Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre gives history with a firefighting theme, and children often love anything with a fire engine. The State Library of Western Australia's Story Place is a space for young children and families, with books and activities. In Fremantle, the WA Shipwrecks Museum tells the story of ships lost along the coast, a draw for children who like adventure. Local libraries, such as Joondalup Library, often run story time and have children's corners. Check the listing before you go, because opening days vary, and some displays or exhibitions may have a charge. A short visit works best: choose one gallery or room, give children a question to answer, and leave before the meltdown. Trains link the city and Fremantle, so a wet day can become a gentle outing.

Our picks

Before you go

Best for which ages

Babies and toddlers enjoy story time and open spaces such as the Story Place. Preschoolers love anything with fire engines or boats. Primary children enjoy museums and shipwreck stories. Teenagers often like contemporary art and anything with a mystery. A child of five or six will often remember the fire station for months, so aim for it when you need a hit.

What to bring

An umbrella for the dash from the car, a drink bottle and snacks to eat outside the galleries. Bring a notebook or sketching pad, and a warm layer for cold buildings. Spare socks are worth packing for a winter downpour.

Parking and facilities

City parking is limited and costly, so trains and buses are often easier. Fremantle also has paid parking and a good train link. AGWA and the Story Place are both in the city centre, so one wet day can cover both. Fremantle is walkable from the train station, so leave the car at home if the rain is heavy. Lifts and baby change are common.

Best time of year

These places work in every season and are especially useful during winter cold fronts and the hottest summer days. Winter school-holiday days fill the Story Place early, so a weekday in term is easier. Winter fronts often arrive and clear within a day, so a short museum visit can cover the worst, then you head back outdoors.

Prams and accessibility

AGWA and the State Library have lifts and wide halls, which suits prams. The Old Central Fire Station is a heritage building, so expect steps and tighter spaces. Local libraries are usually the least fussy stop for a pram. The Fremantle museum is a short walk from the train station, which helps when you are pushing one. Many galleries will store a pram at the desk, so ask before you queue.

Free museums, galleries and science

Permanent collections with free entry. Special exhibitions can be ticketed; the listing says so.

  • WA Shipwrecks Museum WA Shipwrecks Museum Fremantle

    The WA Shipwrecks Museum on Cliff Street, Fremantle, is run by the Western Australian Museum and is housed in the historic Commissariat buildings.

    ★ 4.7 (2,507)

  • Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre Perth

    The Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre, run by DFES at 25 Murray Street in Perth's East End, is Perth's first purpose-built fire station, now displaying historic…

    ★ 4.7 (160)

  • The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA Perth

    The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is the state art gallery in the Perth Cultural Centre, a short walk from Perth train station.

    ★ 4.4 (2,842)

  • Old Court House Law Museum Old Court House Law Museum Perth

    The Old Court House Law Museum is in the 1836 Court House in Stirling Gardens, on the corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace, Perth, next to the Supreme Court…

    ★ 4.7 (58)

  • Museum of Perth Museum of Perth Perth

    The Museum of Perth chronicles the social, cultural, political and architectural history of Perth.

    ★ 3.7 (335)

Libraries, story time and rhyme time

Free sessions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, usually in school term.

Questions parents ask

Is AGWA free for children?
General entry to the gallery is free, but special exhibitions may charge. Ask at the door or check the listing, since a free gallery can still charge for a special show.
What is the Story Place at the State Library?
It is a space for young children and families at the State Library of Western Australia, with books and activities. Check the listing for details and session times.
Is the WA Shipwrecks Museum good for kids?
It suits children who like adventure and stories of the sea. Check the listing for what is free and what is open, and allow time for a walk in Fremantle.
How do I get through a museum with a restless toddler?
Go for one room, let your child choose where to stop, and step outside for air before patience runs out. Leave while they still want more.

Other kinds of free day in Perth

Rain-safe in other cities