Things to do with Grandchildren in the Perth School Holidays

If you’re babysitting during the school holidays, you’ll never run out of things to do with Grandchildren in the Perth School Holidays with our handy guide. From museums, events, huge playgrounds, animal adventures and more – there’s a whole lot of fun to be had these school holidays in Perth. See our guide here – including lots of low cost and FREE ideas:

Child-Friendly Events

If you’re looking for exciting and fun activities to do with your grandkids during the school holidays, Perth offers a variety of engaging events. Step back in time with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs at Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience at Northbridge Centre (ongoing), where children can come face-to-face with over 40 moving replicas, including T-Rex and Velociraptors, plus enjoy interactive VR experiences and a “Budding Experts” space where kids can become palaeontologists. Book here

For arts and culture enthusiasts, don’t miss The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things during the September school holidays at Perth’s Cultural Centre. This premier children’s arts festival delivers world-class creative experiences for young audiences aged 0-12 and their families, featuring over 20 productions including theatre, music, dance, visual arts, ballet story time sessions, hands-on creative workshops, First Nations storytelling, and innovative sensory experiences. With many free events, it ensures high-quality arts experiences remain accessible to all families. Visit awesomearts.com

LEGO enthusiasts will love Bricktober 2025 on October 11-12 at Curtin Stadium. This annual community event showcases incredible models built from LEGO® bricks by amazing builders, combining displays with LEGO® activities for all ages, exclusive merchandise, and food from local community partners. At just $45 for a family pass or $15 for a single ticket, Bricktober offers exceptional value with proceeds supporting local and international Rotary projects.

Train enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Railfest 2025 on Sunday, October 5 (10am-4pm) at the Railway Museum, Bassendean. This celebration of railway heritage features the farewell of live steam locomotive ‘Greenmount’ on her last day before retirement, plus the largest steam trains, historic carriages, rumbling diesels, miniature train rides, LEGO tables, model railway displays, and railwayana swap meet stalls. Book tickets online or purchase at the gate.

For theatrical magic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical runs until October 12 at Crown Theatre Perth. This enchanting production features spectacular new sets, costume designs, and state-of-the-art technology, bringing the beloved classic story to life with nostalgic songs including “Belle,” “Gaston,” and “Be Our Guest.” With tickets from $50-$225 it’s perfect for families looking for Disney magic. Book here

Museums

A trip to the museum is always lots of fun. The new WA Museum Boola Bardip is a must-visit for children and grown-ups alike! Grandkids will be fascinated to hear all about school in the “olden days” at places like the Kalamunda History Village. Little fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will love to visit the old steam trains at the Rail Transport Museum of WA. Scitech is always a favourite for hands-on science fun. The brilliant WA Maritime Museum is packed with WA vast boating history, and includes school holiday activities for children. The Perth Mint and Fremantle Prison are also interesting places to delve into our not-so–distant past.

Animals

Go on an animal adventure in Perth. The wonderful Perth Zoo is always a great place to spend a day, hunting for exotic animals. Caversham Wildlife Park is great for meeting Aussie animals. And head underwater at AQWA to visit the creatures of the deep!

Mega Playgrounds

A cheap day out, guaranteed to please, is a trip to one of Perth’s “Mega Playgrounds”. These parks are huge, offer facilities like bbqs, toilets and more. Take along a picnic and let the kids run off their energy! We like Kings Park, Whiteman Park and Jo Wheatley Play Space, which also includes a senior playground. Find more mega playgrounds in the Buggybuddys guide.

Mini Golf

If you love a round of mini golf, challenge your grandchildren to a game! There are many indoor and outdoor mini golf courses all around Perth to have a tee-riffic time. Some of our favourites include Wembley and Wanneroo Botanic Golf.

Eating out

A family lunch is a great way to spend a sunny spring day and if you have grandchildren in tow, there are many places that cater for little diners too. Head to Core Cider House or the Naked Apple Cider House in the Perth Hills, which both have kids menus and playgrounds. Swan Valley favourites Homestead Brewing Co, Maison Saint Horne, and Bailey Brewing Co are also sure to be a hit with kids.

Leisure Centres and Water Parks

Depending on the weather, you may like to go swimming with your grandchildren. Perth has many leisure centres and water parks, so you’re covered, whatever the weather. Leisure centres often cater for little ones with shallow paddling pools and splash pads. See our guide to leisure centres in Perth here.

Walks & Picnics

Take your grandchildren into the great outdoors for a walk. Enjoy a bushwalk in the Perth Hills at Lesmurdie Falls or picnic at Mundaring Weir – you may even spot some wildflowers. Or take the little ones for a toddle along the Swan River, where there’s plenty of playgrounds along the way.

Cinemas

A trip to the cinema is perfect for a rainy day. During the Easter school holidays there are a few movies that kids will be sure to enjoy. See our guide to cinemas in Perth here.

Cheap and Free Things to do

You don’t need to spend a fortune entertaining grandchildren in the school holidays. A trip to your local library is good fun and free! Kids will love to choose storybooks to borrow, as well as DVDs and puzzles. Many shopping centres also have free school holiday activities for children. Even some garden centres include playgrounds (like Waldecks Kingsley and Zanthorrea), and you can treat yourself to a pot plant too!