Things to do in Perth during THE September School holidays
Are you ready for some family fun in Perth during these September school holidays?
Feeling stuck on what to do and where to go? Perth may not be the biggest of the Australian cities, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful and it’s filled with places and activities the whole family can enjoy.
Whether it’s wildlife parks, beaches, nature, culture, something educational and fun or just to be outside enjoying the great outdoors, Perth has it all. And, who better to enjoy it with than your family? Here are just some of the top places to visit these school holidays for family fun in Perth.
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Step back in time at the WA Museum
The WA Museum Boola Bardip has a range of permanent and special exhibitions, so there is always something new and exciting here for the whole family to enjoy. Open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm, you can explore the wonders of Western Australia dating back to the age of the dinosaur, or learn all about WA’s innovations of art, music, medicine, fashion, and science. There are plenty of school holiday activities too, and you’ll be sure to leave with a fun fact or two!
There’s a special exhibition: To the Moon is a captivating exhibition at Boola Bardip, running until October 2024, that invites you to explore Earth’s closest celestial neighbour in a stunning lunar art space. From ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dreamtime stories to the Apollo 11 Moon landing, this exhibition blends art, science, and history. It takes visitors on a journey through the moon’s hidden craters and valleys, reimagining humanity’s fascination with the moon and space exploration. Don’t miss this cosmic experience where art and science unite!
Everlasting Kings Park Festival
Don’t miss out on the Everlasting Kings Park Festival this September! Western Australia’s stunning wildflowers take centre stage as we celebrate their incredible beauty and diversity. From 13 – 29 September 2024, get ready for fabulous workshops, art displays, guided walks, and family-friendly activities, all set against the backdrop of Perth’s favourite spot, Kings Park. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking colours and unique flora WA is famous for.
Unlock new discoveries at SciTech
If your family are filled with curious minds, then SciTech is the place for you. Home to one of the largest planetariums in the Southern Hemisphere, SciTech can offer a day full of science and fun. Even the smallest of Astronauts in your family can learn about the Solar System with a special 10-minute voyage designed for curious minds under 4, and you are guaranteed to leave with more knowledge and more desire to learn about the workings of the world around you.
Also, Get ready for a jam-packed adventure this school holiday at Scitech, where science comes to life in the most unexpected ways! Scitech opens at 9am daily (well, usually 9:30am, but why not get there early and beat the crowd?), so grab the crew and dive headfirst into the excitement!
Wildlife Warriors at Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is bringing some serious fun to the school holidays with their brand-new Wildlife Warriors program for kids in Year 3 to Year 6! This exciting program is perfect for your little animal lovers who want to learn more about wildlife while having a blast.
Over the course of the day, kids will get to go behind the scenes at the zoo, meet the amazing staff, solve puzzles, and pick up real scientific skills to help protect wildlife. With five awesome themes to choose from—”Wildlife Tails with Scales,” “Wildlife Rangers,” “Wildlife Protectors,” “Wildlife Hideaways and Hangouts,” and “Wildlife Watchers”—each one is packed with hands-on challenges. Whether they’re prepping food for nocturnal animals, exploring animal habitats, or designing their own using LEGO, there’s plenty to keep them engaged.
The program runs for 7 hours each day, with small group sizes (just 20 kids per group!) to ensure everyone gets the most out of this wild adventure. Available during the September 2024 and January 2025 school holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity for your child to step into the shoes of a real Wildlife Warrior.
Underwater adventure at AQWA
For a family fun day in Perth, AQWA is the place to be! You can hop on the escalator belt in the underwater tunnel and explore life under the sea, head to the interactive touch pool, or spend time learning about the different Australian marine life in the official aquarium. If you’re lucky, you might even spy the AQWA mermaids in their pools, so keep an eye out on the website for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Explore the Rio Tinto Naturescape at Kings Park
The Rio Tinto Naturescape is a wonderful place for kids to gave some fun outdoors in the heart of Perth. Set into the natural landscape of King’s Park, this kid’s playground is filled with aerial walkways and climbing ropes, and there are plenty of beautiful flora for parents to enjoy whilst the kids play.
Book a family photography session
A fun family activity on a gorgeous weekend might just involve me, my cameras, and your smiles. I’m ready to help you have some family fun in Perth that you can capture forever, both in your memory bank and on a canvas in your home.
As a Perth family photographer, my warm and friendly nature will help you and your family feel comfortable in front of the camera, while you’re chasing those smiles, hugs and connection. I’m not afraid of getting a bit silly with the little ones either to get those smiles going. I’ve even been known to make teenagers crack a genuine smile (true story).
Think of your time with me, as a fun filled family adventure with your favourite people.
Visit my family photography page to find out more.
Have a Beach Day
A quintessential family fun day in Perth can definitely be spent at one of our stunning beaches. WA is home to a variety of gorgeous beaches along our coast, so why not spend a day in the sand and surf? Port Coogee to Perth’s south is home to a new family beach with a shark net for extra safety, and Hilary’s Boat Harbour to Perth’s north is the perfect spot for some splashing in the shallows and an ice-cream or two. Just don’t forget to Slip, Slop, Slap!
Fruit Picking at S&R Orchard
For just $10 per person, you can enjoy a family fun day at the S&R Orchard, where you can go fruit picking amongst the beautiful fruit trees, settle down for a picnic in their grassy fields, or have a tractor ride around the orchard to find the best spot for the family. The S&R orchard is a stunning place for family photographs with a professional photographer. Throughout the year the S&R orchard hosts various events, such as their Blossom festival and Autumn festival, and the views are not to be missed.
Safari at Perth Zoo
If you want to explore the rainforests, safari through Africa, or go on a bushwalk through the Australian Outback, then Perth Zoo is the place for you and your family! Just five minutes from the Perth CBD, the Perth Zoo is open every day of the year and guarantees a great day of family fun in Perth. You can listen to a free talk with the Zoo Keepers, or join a guided walk to learn more about the amazing animals who call Perth Zoo their home. With so much to see and do, the suggested itinerary is a great place to start.
Try FOMO in Freo
In the heart of Fremantle, you will find FOMO (Fremantle on my own), a one-stop destination for culture, retail, and dining. The food court is inspired by the busting Hawker markets of Southeast Asia, and will definitely satisfy your family for any dining experience. You can also stop in at Holey Moley for a golf competition with a wacky twist, or try and out bowl the kids at Strike Fremantle! FOMO guarantees to cater for your fun family day out all year round.
Cuddle some cuties at Cuddly Animal Farm
The Swan Valley is a gorgeous place in Perth to explore, and if your family are keen to get your cuddle on with some cute and fluffy animals, then the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm is the place for you! Here, the kids can enjoy a tractor-train ride or the merry-go-round, and can wind the day down with some cuddles from some adorable bunnies, guinea pigs, piglets, and even goats. The Swan Valley is also a great place for parents to indulge in a well-earned glass of wine.
Have a frozen adventure at Cockburn Ice Arena
Take a break from the heat and head to the Cockburn Ice Arena for some ice-skating. With music and lights, the Ice Arena provides a great experience for skaters of all levels to enjoy. School holiday sessions also include demonstrations on the basics of ice-skating, and the cosy café provides a great place for parents who prefer watching the fun on the ice- but don’t be afraid to get involved yourself!
Enjoy a family day at Whiteman Park
Dedicated to education and conservation, Whiteman Park is a reserve only 28km from the Perth CBD. The perfect place for some family snapshots or an afternoon picnic, Whiteman Park has a wide range of wildlife and recreational facilities at your disposal, and for the train lovers out there, Whiteman Park is also home to vintage train rides, and the Tractor Museum.
Feed the Kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park
Located in Whiteman Park, Caversham Wildlife Park is home to kangaroos, koalas, possums, wombats and more, and they’re ready to meet the family. Take the family on an interactive experience where they can feed the kangaroos and wombats, and even have a cuddle or two with a koala, provided the little bears are awake.
Hire a boat for a day on the Mandurah Canals
If you want to enjoy a day of scenic views, cooling waters and even some dolphin watching, the Mandurah Canals are waiting for you. Simply hire a boat from Mandurah Boat Hire and set off on a relaxing boating experience down the canals, and get ready to take in the wonderful scenery of the Mandurah Waterways.
Find a bargain at the Fremantle Markets
One of Fremantle’s most well-known landmarks, the Fremantle Markets is a great place to have some family fun in Perth. Housing an array of local businesses, the markets are home to a diverse range of foods, entertainment, fashion, and shopping for the whole family. With a history spanning over 100 years, the markets are a staple of life in Perth, and ready for your visit.
Now all that’s left to do is get ready for some family fun in Perth with some of these great ideas! Interested in booking a family photography session, so you can capture all that your family means to you? Get in touch with me today.
Erica xx
