Published on 06 July 2022
From cuddling cute animals to choco-licious experiences, the Swan Valley has plenty of family activities to fill your weekends and school holidays
The Swan Valley is chock-a-block with family-friendly activities.
Whether you want to explore nature, get your blood pumping, learn about Perth’s history or have a relaxing day out, there’s plenty for families to do year-round.
So if you’re looking for the ultimate things to do in Perth with kids, head to the Swan Valley to see what’s on offer.
Play a round of family-friendly golf
Mini golf is a guaranteed hole-in-one when you’re looking for things to do in Perth with kids.
What about scaling up to Supa Golf?
You’ll find both in the Swan Valley, making for a great day out even if you’ve never held a club.
Mini Golf at The Vines
Perth’s best golf course is now available in miniature – and it’s just as stunning as the real thing.
Putt your way around 18 spectacular holes, over a bubbling stream, and around gentle curves. Just be sure to avoid the sand traps and steer clear of any kangaroos who hop over to join the fun.
Supa Golf World
Supa Golf is a Perth institution.
The modified form of golf makes it “supa” easy for kids of all ages (including kidults) to have fun and stretch their legs.
You can even work on your short game at the 18-hole Adventure Putt course, where anybody over two years old is welcome.
Follow the clues for a great adventure
The Great Valley Rally is a fantastic way to spend a day discovering the Swan Valley with kids.
You’ll follow clues, solve riddles and stop into some of the Swan Valley’s many attractions.
The adventure takes around three hours and is designed for kids aged five to 12. Download the clue sheet and head for the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, where your day of adventure starts.
Once you complete the clues, come back to explore the Kids in the Valley Trail that takes you through the best places to eat, explore, experience and enjoy the region’s highlights.
Journey into Perth’s history
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the Swan Valley’s museums and vintage attractions. Whiteman Park houses no less than three museums journeying through Perth’s transport history.
Revolutions Transport Museum, the Motor Museum of WA and the Tractor Museum of WA showcase the state’s journey from horse-drawn carriages to Formula 1, with stunning displays and interactive family-friendly exhibits.
All aboard!
The Swan Valley also has one of the best things to do in Perth with kids who love trains and trams.
Ride a vintage diesel train through 6km of Whiteman Park’s beautiful bushland, or hop on Perth’s only genuine heritage tram for an unforgettable 4km ride.
Meet the locals at an animal farm
It doesn’t matter how old or young; everyone loves cuddling cute animals.
Visit Caversham Wildlife Park to get up close with your family’s favourite Aussie animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, possums and quolls.
Or head over to Henley Brook to the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm, where kids can bottle-feed baby animals, play on a big bouncy castle, and meet all kinds of wildlife. While they’re busy meeting some of the farm’s furry and feathered friends, parents can relax with a coffee and cake in the café.
Looking for ssssssomething different?
The Doyle family, who run West Australian Reptile Park in Henley Brook, are always happy to share their passion for pythons, dingoes, crocs and wombats.
If your idea of a fun family activity in the Swan Valley includes cuddling a python or meeting a dingo, then put the WA Reptile Park on your map.
Indulge your sweet tooth
One of the favourite family things to do in the Swan Valley is munching your way through an appetising assortment of ice cream, sweets, chocolates and local treats.
Gelato at Mimmo’s and SubZero
It’s hard to pick a favourite flavour of gelato. It’s even harder to pick a favourite gelato spot between Mimmo’s in Guildford and SubZero in Henley Brook.
You’ll need to visit more than once to try all the scrumptious scoops.
Morish, Mondo or Margaret River?
No trip to the Swan Valley is complete without a snack stop at Morish Nuts, Mondo Nougat or Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
All three are firm family favourites, with a huge selection (and free tastings) to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Lollies, local honey and handmade chocolate
The House of Honey in Herne Hill is Perth’s best place to learn about varietal honey and apiary in a traditional setting. Of course, there are loads of honey-based snacks and treats to feed the family.
Or stop into Whistler’s Chocolate Co and Café, an institution for 40 years. Whistler’s is a dangerously delicious place to visit with kids!
Spend the day exploring nature
Whether you visit to see museums and attractions, learn about WA history in a place of cultural significance for Noongar people, or simply stroll through 4,000 hectares of native bushland, Whiteman Park is one of Perth’s best family-friendly destinations.
Entry to Whiteman Park is free. Pack your picnic basket, bring your dog and spend the day enjoying the expansive conservation and recreation reserve on the Swan Valley’s doorstep.
Visit The Lolly Stop to stock up on sweets before burning off all that energy with a stroll or cycle through the paths and bushwalking trails.
One of the best things to do with kids in Whiteman Park is discover the Woodlands Reserve, a 200-hectare rehabilitated woodland where you can learn about our native bushland.
Looking for even more family things to do in the Swan Valley?
From wildlife encounters to water slides and treasure hunts to transport museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Swan Valley.
Check out the complete list of family activities or drop into the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, open every day from 9am to 4pm.