Free Things to Do with Kids in Perth's North

From beachside playgrounds and story-filled adventures to nature discovery, creative workshops and coastal experiences, Perth's north is packed with free family activities that won’t break the budget. Explore the Scarborough Beach Play Trail, uncover local history through Stories of the Sunset Coast, get creative at Summer X Salt, spot wildlife at Herdsman Lake and discover some of Perth's best beaches, parks and playgrounds.

1. Discover the Scarborough Beach Play Trail

If you're searching for free things to do with kids near Perth’s beaches, the Scarborough Beach Play Trail is a great place to start.

Designed for children aged approximately 6 to 14 years, this self-guided adventure turns Scarborough Beach into an interactive outdoor experience. Along the way, families can uncover stories about marine life, surf culture, public art and the local coastline while exploring one of Perth's most iconic beachfront precincts.

Why families love it: It combines play, learning and exploration, all within walking distance of the beach.

2. Browse weekend beachside markets

Looking for a free family activity in Scarborough during summer? The Summer X Salt markets take prime position at Clarko Reserve in Trigg every first and third Saturday of the month.

Visitors to the award-winning beachside marketplace can also enjoy free kids’ workshops, community yoga, pilates, and meditation sessions at every event, along with pop-up ice baths, beach cleanups, morning swims, and more.

Why families love it: Every visit can be different, making it a great reason to return throughout the summer season.

3. Explore Stories of the Sunset Coast

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines history, nature and discovery, the Stories of the Sunset Coast is a self-guided trail connecting some of Perth's most fascinating coastal and inland locations through Scarborough, Joondalup and Yanchep.

Along the way, families can uncover stories of the people, places and landscapes that have shaped Perth's northern coastline.

Explore locations including:

• Yellagonga Regional Park
• Herdsman Lake
• Lake Gwelup
• Scarborough Beach
• Yanchep National Park.

Why families love it: Every stop reveals something new, making it feel like a treasure hunt across the coast.

4. Walk the Lake Gwelup Story Trail

For families looking to combine nature and learning, the Lake Gwelup Story Trail offers an easy outdoor adventure.

Follow the 2.4km loop around the lake and discover stories about local wildlife, wetlands and the people who have called the area home.

Why families love it: It's a peaceful way to get outdoors while learning something new. It’s pram, bike and scooter friendly!

5. Spend the Day at Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is one of Perth's most popular family-friendly beaches, offering everything from swimming and playgrounds to dining, public art and year-round events.

Along the beachfront promenade you’ll find:

• Whale Playground featuring a large whale-themed climbing structure for ages 2–12
• Scarborough Beach Pool offering family-friendly swimming for just $20.60 for a family pass.
• Public art installations along Scarbough’s Public Art Trail
• Skate Park known as the Snake Pit with street plaza and 3.6-metre-deep skate bowl
• Bouldering wall with various difficulty levels
• Sunset Hill with prime sunset viewing in Perth Pack a picnic, bring the scooters and enjoy one of Perth's most family-friendly coastal destinations. And if you feel like a beachside treat, grab a scoop (or two) from Dumbo Gelato.

Why families love it: There are activities for toddlers, primary school children and teenagers all in one location with plenty of family-friendly cafes and restaurants along the beach.

6. Snorkel at Mettams Pool

Mettams Pool is one of Perth's best family-friendly snorkelling spots, with calm, sheltered water and plenty of marine life waiting to be discovered.

Protected by a reef, the calm waters make it a popular location for beginner snorkellers and young explorers wanting to discover marine life close to shore. Bring your snorkel gear and see what you can spot beneath the surface.

Why families love it: It's one of the easiest places in Perth to introduce kids to the underwater world. Post-swimming snacks at Salt & Oak highly recommended!

7. Cycle along Perth's Sunset Coast

Jump on your bike and explore a section of Perth's favourite stretch of coastline on the dedicated coastal path along Sunset Coast Tourist Drive. Families can ride as much or as little as they like while enjoying ocean views, coastal lookouts, sheltered beaches, playgrounds and picnic spots.

Why families love it: You can tailor the ride to suit any age or energy level.

8. Discover Wildlife at Herdsman Lake

Herdsman Lake is one of Perth's largest urban wetlands and home to hundreds of species of birds and wildlife. The Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre and surrounding wetlands offer one of Perth's best opportunities for families to connect with nature.

With entry just $5, families can learn more about wildlife from native animal exhibits and interactive exhibits. If you’re looking for a great family-friendly event, keep an eye out for the Herdsman lake Discovery Centre’s Family Nature Day with creature crafts, live animal feeds and guided nature walks.

Explore boardwalks, spot birdlife and learn about one of the city's most important natural environments.

Why families love it: It's educational, accessible and completely different from a beach day.

9. Experience the Scarborough Sunset Markets

Looking for family-friendly events in Perth during summer? The Scarborough Sunset Markets transform the beachfront into one of Perth's most popular weekly events.

The beachside markets run every Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm at Scarborough Beach, with Perth’s best food trucks treating you to a delicious feed while live entertainment and music provide the perfect soundtrack. Browse the artisan retail market or chill out in the Scarborough Amphitheatre, Perth’s best spot to watch the sunset.

10. Play, Explore and Swing at Hamersley Public Golf Course

You don't need to be a golfer to enjoy a family day out at Hamersley Public Golf Course.

Home to the popular Sunny Social nature playground, it's a great spot for kids to climb, explore and burn off some energy. If you're visiting on a Tuesday, keep an eye on Sunny Social's popular Kids Eat Free promotion, making it an affordable option for families looking to combine lunch with a play date.

For families looking for something a little different, head over to the interactive driving range where technology-powered games transform hitting golf balls into a fun challenge for kids and adults alike. Bookings for the Hamersley driving range bays start from just $5 per adult or $3 for kids with clubs available to hire, making it easy for first-timers to jump in and have a go.

Why families love it: It combines a nature playground, family dining, school holiday entertainment and interactive activities all in one location.

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