If you're looking for an adventure-filled, inexpensive day out with the kids during the school holidays, then Whiteman Park is the place to be!
Our attractions are open every day of the school holidays^ so there is plenty to see, do and explore at Perth's favourite and most diverse conservation and recreation reserve. The best bit is that there is something for every budget too!
We put together a list of some of the things you and your kids can do on a day out a Whiteman Park, covering ways to play, explore, cool off and get wild, with each list working down to some free activities! Check them all out below.
Take a look
▪️ Check out all the cool cars at the Motor Museum of Western Australia. Did you know they also have an amazing model car collection? And that the Motor Museum is home to Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 winning race car?
▪️ Take a vintage train ride* on the Bennett Brook Railway, looking out for wild kangaroos and other wildlife in the Park's banksia woodlands.
▪️ Hop aboard one of the heritage electric trams for a ride* to Mussel Pool. You can even hop off right at Pia's Place!
▪️ Visit the Tractor Museum to see Tail End Charlie and all the amazing farm machinery on display! Don't miss the Tractor Parade at 1.15pm on the second Sunday of the month too (sorry, we know they won’t *always* fall in the school holidays!).
Get wild
▪️ Feed the kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park and see over 200 native animal species - from Tasmanian devils to penguins, to the cutest 'new' addition 'Jessie' the wombat!
▪️ Meet our local wildlife on a Kids Woylie Walk in Woodland Reserve. These school holiday special tours include meet and greets our education reptiles!
▪️ Pick up some activity sheets from the Visitor Information Centre or our website and use them to discover areas of the Children's Forest you haven't explored! From fairy doors to cockatoo artworks and more, there are lots of winding paths to discover in the 18 stages of the Forest!
▪️ Get out and wander one of our three bush trails, or the 17km of shared use paths. Budding photographers will find plenty of wildlife to snap, particularly around Horse Swamp on the Werrillyiup Trail!
Cool off
▪️ Grab some lunch or a cool treat at the Village Café. Plus, kids eat for free at breakfast on Sundays from 8.30am ‘til 11.00am, so why not start the day right with a hearty meal for all before exploring?
▪️ Visit Revolutions Transport Museum to take part in their free school holiday activities and explore the air conditioned museum with their kids’ activity sheets!
▪️ Enjoy some aircon and treat the sweet tooths amongst you to some lollies or ice cream at the Lolly Stop. Then stroll through the Village Mall exploring the artisan shops at your leisure.
▪️ Make a splash in the mini water playground which is open daily from 10am-5pm (Oct-Apr) and is free to use!
Play
▪️ Hire a pedal-powered go kart from Pedal Play and explore the Park on four wheels. It's a great way for your kids to burn off some excess energy!
▪️ Run, jump, climb and explore Pia's Place, our all-abilities nature playspace at Mussel Pool East (mums and dads, grab your caffeine fix at the Mussel Pool kiosk!).
▪️ Play in one of the many playgrounds, run around on the wide-open lawns, or play a game of family cricket (just remember to bring a tennis ball to play with!).
▪️ Grab a racquet or basketball and make use of our multi-use sports court.
Phew! Are you ready for such a big day out? Or three?
Of course, you can always chat to our amazing volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre or explore our website further for ideas. Just remember, there is always something fun to do during the school holidays!
^ Check the monthly What’s On calendar for specific opening days and hours. You can download it on the What's On page or collect one from the Visitor Information Centre.
* Be prepared. Some attractions can not operate on hot days, or when the fire weather precludes them from doing so (i.e., when a Total Fire Ban or shire movement ban is active). These are less likely during the Spring and Autumn school holidays, but may still occur.