If you’re spending time with the grandchildren during the winter school holidays, Perth has plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained, even when the weather is chilly. The WA winter school holiday break runs from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026, making it a great time to plan a few cosy indoor outings, magical night-time experiences and fresh-air adventures.
From glowing light trails and wizarding fun to museums, wildlife, mini golf and one of Perth’s best all-in-one family day out destinations, here are some ideas for making the most of the winter school holidays with the grandchildren.
Child-Friendly Events
Winter in Perth brings some wonderful family-friendly events, and this year there are a couple of magical after-dark experiences that are ideal for sharing with grandchildren.
Harry Potter fans will love Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, Kalamunda, which brings a touch of wizarding magic to Jorgensen Park in the Perth Hills. Running from 12 June to 12 July 2026, this atmospheric outdoor trail winds through bushland filled with lights, soundscapes, magical creatures and interactive moments inspired by the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts stories. It’s a self-guided walk, taking around 60 to 90 minutes, with photo opportunities and spell-casting stations along the way. As it takes place after dark in the Hills, warm layers, enclosed shoes and a raincoat are a good idea. Before or after the trail, visitors can enjoy The Village area, with seating, food trucks, Butterbeer, a licensed bar, marshmallow roasting kits and Harry Potter merchandise.
Another winter favourite is Lightscape, Kings Park, which returns to Kings Park and Botanic Garden from 5 June to 26 July 2026. This illuminated trail is a beautiful way to see the gardens in a completely different light, with glowing installations, soundscapes and plenty of moments that will delight both children and adults. The trail usually takes around 90 minutes to enjoy at a relaxed pace, and the earliest entry times are ideal if you’re visiting with younger grandchildren. Food trucks are located near the entry, making it easy to enjoy a bite before setting off. Lightscape goes ahead in wet weather, so it’s worth dressing warmly and checking the forecast before you go.
OceanXperience at WA Museum Boola Bardip is a fantastic school holiday option for curious minds. This immersive exhibition invites visitors to step inside the world of ocean exploration, inspired by the research vessel OceanXplorer and the National Geographic series OceanXplorers. Rather than simply reading displays, families can move through recreated working spaces such as Mission Control, the Bridge, the Wet Lab, the Dry Lab and the Sub Hangar, discovering how marine researchers map the ocean floor, study sea life and explore remote underwater environments. It’s a great fit for a winter day out, with hands-on activities, large-scale media and plenty to interest both children and adults.
For hands-on science fun, Scitech is always a strong school holiday choice. Children can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy live science shows and discover something new with every visit. It’s also an excellent rainy day option, with plenty to keep curious minds busy indoors.
Keep an eye out for school holiday activities at local shopping centres, libraries and community venues too. Many offer free or low-cost craft sessions, performances and workshops during the break, which can be handy if you’re looking for something easy and close to home.
Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park deserves a special mention, as it’s one of Perth’s best places for a full day out with the grandchildren. With wide open spaces, Playgrounds, walking trails, picnic spots and family attractions all in one location, it’s the kind of place where you can make the day as relaxed or as busy as you like.
One of the biggest highlights is the variety of transport experiences. Children who love trains and trams will enjoy the heritage tram rides and vintage train rides, which add a lovely nostalgic touch for grown-ups too. There’s something very special about sharing the fun of old-fashioned transport with a younger generation, especially in such a spacious park setting.
The park is also home to Caversham Wildlife Park, where children can meet Australian animals, see farm shows and get close to kangaroos, koalas and wombats. It’s a particularly good option for animal lovers, and it can easily become the main focus of a visit.
For a lower-cost day out, pack a picnic and make the most of Whiteman Park’s Playgrounds and open lawns. The Children’s Forest is a lovely spot for a wander, and there are plenty of places for children to run, climb and explore. In winter, the cooler weather can actually make the park more comfortable for walking and playing, especially if the sun is out.
Whiteman Park is also a practical choice for a multigenerational outing. There is plenty of parking, toilets, picnic facilities and space to spread out, so it works well whether you’re looking after toddlers, primary school-aged children or a mixed group of grandchildren. Bring jackets, snacks and comfortable shoes, and you’ll have the makings of a memorable winter school holiday day out.
Museums
A museum visit is a wonderful winter school holiday idea, especially on cold or rainy Perth days. WA Museum Boola Bardip is a must-visit for children and adults alike, with fascinating exhibitions that bring Western Australia’s stories, science, nature and culture to life.
For a step back in time, Kalamunda History Village is a charming place to show children what school, shops and homes looked like in years gone by. The Rail Transport Museum in Bassendean is another favourite, particularly for little ones who love trains. With historic carriages and locomotives to explore, it’s a lovely mix of learning and nostalgia.
Fremantle has plenty for curious young minds too. The WA Maritime Museum is ideal for children interested in boats, oceans and adventure, while Fremantle Prison offers a fascinating look into WA’s past. The Army Museum of Western Australia in Fremantle is another excellent option for history lovers, with military vehicles, uniforms, medals, photographs and displays that help tell the stories of service people from Western Australia. It can be a particularly engaging visit for older grandchildren who enjoy history, machines or real-life stories from the past.
For something a little different, consider one of Perth’s hospital museums. The Royal Perth Hospital Museum offers an interesting glimpse into the history of medicine and healthcare in Western Australia, with displays connected to one of the State’s oldest hospitals. In Fremantle, the Fremantle Hospital Museum also shares stories from the hospital’s long history, including medical equipment, photographs and memorabilia. These smaller museums can be a fascinating choice for children who are interested in science, health, history or how everyday life has changed over time.
The Perth Mint is another interesting city option, where children can learn about gold, coins and the State’s mining history.
Animals
An animal adventure is always popular during the school holidays. Perth Zoo is a classic day out, with plenty of animals to spot and paths to wander. It’s a good choice if you want an outing that includes walking, fresh air and lots of conversation starters along the way.
Caversham Wildlife Park at Whiteman Park is excellent for meeting Australian animals and enjoying farm-style shows, while AQWA at Hillarys is perfect for an indoor ocean-themed adventure. Children can walk through the underwater tunnel, see sharks and rays, and learn more about WA’s marine life. AQWA is especially handy if the weather is wet, windy or too cold for an outdoor activity.
Noah’s Park Farm is another lovely option for grandchildren who enjoy meeting friendly farm animals. A visit gives children the chance to experience a more hands-on, country-style outing without travelling too far from Perth. It’s a gentle and engaging choice for younger children in particular, with the simple joy of seeing, feeding or learning about animals often becoming the highlight of the day. As with any farm visit in winter, enclosed shoes and warm clothes are a good idea, especially after wet weather.
Mega Playgrounds
A trip to one of Perth’s large Playgrounds is a simple and budget-friendly way to entertain grandchildren. Pack a picnic, bring a thermos or pick up a coffee nearby, and let the children burn off some energy.
Kings Park is always a favourite, with several play areas, walking paths and beautiful city views. Whiteman Park is another excellent Playground destination, especially if you want to combine playtime with a picnic, tram ride, wildlife visit or a walk through the bushland. Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space in Dalkeith is also a fantastic option, with equipment designed for a wide range of ages and abilities.
In winter, it’s worth choosing Playgrounds with nearby toilets, shelter and café options where possible. A short play followed by a warm drink can be just as enjoyable as a full day out. Buggybuddys has a huge list of playgrounds all over Perth and beyond. Check it out here
Mini Golf
Mini golf is a fun activity for all ages, and it’s often just competitive enough to keep everyone laughing. Perth has plenty of indoor and outdoor mini golf courses, making it a handy winter school holiday option.
Wembley Mini Golf is a great central choice, with a relaxed atmosphere and café nearby. Wanneroo Botanic Golf is another favourite, set among beautiful gardens, with 36 holes to enjoy. If you visit later in the day, the gardens can feel especially atmospheric in the cooler months.
Mini golf is also a good option if you’re looking for an outing that doesn’t take the whole day. It’s easy to pair with lunch, morning tea or a visit to a nearby park.
Eating Out
A family lunch or morning tea is a lovely way to spend time together during the school holidays, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for a full outdoor adventure. Many Perth cafés, pubs and restaurants cater well for children, with kids’ menus, Playgrounds or outdoor spaces.
In the Perth Hills, Core Cider House and Naked Apple Cider House are popular choices for family-friendly dining, with space for children to enjoy. In the Swan Valley, Bailey Brewing Co, Homestead Brewery and other casual venues can work well for multigenerational catch-ups.
Garden centres can also be a surprisingly good option for an easy outing. Some, such as Waldecks Kingsley and Zanthorrea, have Playgrounds or pleasant café spaces, so you can enjoy a coffee while the grandchildren have a little explore.
Leisure Centres and Indoor Swimming
If the grandchildren have energy to spare, a local leisure centre can be a great winter school holiday outing. Many Perth leisure centres have indoor pools, shallow play areas, slides or splash zones, so children can enjoy water play without worrying about the winter weather.
Indoor swimming is especially handy for younger children who need to burn off energy, and it’s often an affordable option if you’re looking for something casual. Check your local centre’s school holiday timetable before visiting, as opening hours and inflatable play sessions can vary.
See our guide to leisure centres in Perth here.
Walks and Picnics
Winter can be a beautiful time to enjoy Perth’s outdoors, especially on crisp sunny days. A short walk and picnic can be a lovely low-cost way to spend time with the grandchildren.
Lesmurdie Falls is a wonderful winter choice, as the waterfall is often at its best after rain. Mundaring Weir is another scenic spot for a walk, picnic and a little bit of local history. Around the Swan River, there are plenty of easy paths, Playgrounds and picnic areas, making it simple to tailor the outing to the ages and energy levels of the children.
If you’re heading outdoors in winter, pack layers, water, snacks and a change of clothes for younger grandchildren who may find puddles irresistible.
Cinemas
A trip to the cinema is a classic rainy day school holiday activity. Perth cinemas usually have plenty of family movies screening during the break, and many offer morning sessions that are ideal for younger children.
For a more budget-friendly outing, look for discounted sessions, family deals or local independent cinemas. A movie followed by lunch or a hot chocolate makes for an easy and enjoyable winter day out.
Cheap and Free Things to Do
Keeping grandchildren entertained during the school holidays doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Local libraries are a great place to start, with free books, puzzles, DVDs and often special school holiday activities such as craft, story time or workshops.
Shopping centres frequently run free school holiday entertainment, from craft tables and face painting to performances and themed activities. Local councils also host low-cost events, nature activities and community programs during the break.
A simple picnic, Playground visit, beach walk, river stroll or baking afternoon at home can be just as memorable as a ticketed event. The best school holiday moments are often the ones where everyone has time to slow down, chat and enjoy being together.
Find out when the WA School Holidays are
Find more things to do with grandchildren in the Perth school holidays here.
