Free skate parks and bike tracks in Perth

Perth has a handful of free skate parks on our list, and they are places where families spend a lot of time. Mills Park Skate Plaza at Beckenham, Darlington Skate Park, Gosnells Skate Park and Leederville Skate Park are the ones we list. They give teenagers a place to gather, beginners a place to learn and younger siblings a place to scoot, and the mood is usually friendly. For children who are not ready for a bowl, Perth's riverside and foreshore paths are a great alternative. Flat, wide paths run along the Swan and Canning rivers and parts of the coast, and suit bikes, scooters and balance bikes. Many have shade and a playground at one end, which makes a good goal for a small rider. Booyeembara Park Mountain Bike Trails at White Gum Valley are an option for older riders who want something more rugged. Helmets are sensible and, for cycling, required by law in Western Australia. Wrist guards and knee pads save a lot of tears at a beginner's first few drops. Before a first go at Mills Park or Leederville, watch from the fence for a few minutes to see how the riders share the space. Perth sun is fierce, and concrete is hot, so go early or late, and bring water.

Our picks

Before you go

Best for which ages

School-age children and teenagers make up most of the crowd at Perth's skate parks, and beginners are usually left alone to learn when it is quiet. Scooters do well on the flat patches under supervision. Balance bikes belong on the river paths rather than around a bowl. If the big kids make your child nervous, a weekday morning gives them breathing room.

What to bring

Pack a helmet for every rider and add knee and wrist guards for anyone new to it. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, because shade is limited. Pack a chair for the adult, a first-aid kit with plasters, and spare clothes. A spare water bottle for yourself is wise, because standing on hot concrete is thirsty work.

Parking and facilities

Most skate parks sit in suburban parks with street parking, and some are close to train stations. Toilets and water vary, so check the listing. Path rides often start from a car park with basic facilities. Some of these parks sit beside a sports ground or a train line, which makes an easy meeting point for older children.

Best time of year

Dry days in autumn, winter and spring are best. Summer afternoons can be scorching on concrete, so go early or in the evening. Wet concrete is slippery after winter rain, so let it dry before anyone drops in. A cool, bright winter morning is surprisingly good, since the concrete is empty and the riders are keen.

Prams and accessibility

Perth's skate parks sit mostly on flat suburban ground with a paved path in, so a pram rolls easily. The surface right around the bowl can be rough, and wheelchair access varies. Keep prams well clear of the riding area, since boards and scooters move fast and rarely stop.

Skate parks, pump tracks and bike paths

Council-run and free. Bring helmets; the listing notes lighting, shade and whether there is a beginner area.

All skate parks and bike tracks in Perth, free and paid

Questions parents ask

Are Perth skate parks free?
Yes. Mills Park, Darlington, Gosnells and Leederville cost nothing to use. You supply the board, scooter or bike, plus a helmet.
Where can young children ride bikes safely in Perth?
Flat riverside and foreshore paths suit young riders. Watch for faster cyclists and walkers, and check the listing for details of each path.
Do children need a helmet in Western Australia?
Yes. Western Australian law requires cyclists to wear a helmet, and most skate parks expect one too. Beginners also gain from wrist guards and knee pads.
What is the best skate park for a beginner in Perth?
Start where there is flat ground and few riders, such as Leederville or Darlington on a weekday morning. Each listing says a little about what the park is like.

Other kinds of free day in Perth

Skate parks and bike tracks in other cities