Family Friendly
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Fremantle and surrounds?
Whether you’re looking for a day out filled with fascinating facts from WA’s past, or a tone of family fun with exciting activities and playgrounds, we’ve covered all bases for a family day out that will be packed full of memories.
Playgrounds
Walyalup Koort Play Space
The vibrant Walyalup Koort Play Space Fremantle opened in 2022! Found in Freo’s heart, the Kings Square play space has been inspired by the port city’s industrial history and close links with nature. There are colourful cranes, bridges, train tracks and shipping containers, as well as natural elements like water and trees. The fun play area has been created for toddlers through to primary school aged children to explore.
The Esplanade Park Playground & Youth Plaza
Fremantle’s Esplanade is a spacious spot found between Marine Terrace and the Fishing Boat Harbour. The children’s playground is always worth a visit, from little one’s that love to swing, or the bigger kids that can climb to the top of the spiderweb climbing ropes. There’s a kiosk for drinks and light meals, or why not take a picnic. Little skaters will also love the brilliant skate park area.
The Dutch Inn Playground
The Dutch Inn Playground, located on the foreshore of the Dutch Inn Beach South Cottesloe, was upgraded in late 2021 to include a ship themed play structure, ninja style obstacle course and nature-based play. The boat shaped play structure named "Warton's Wreck" (named after the Elizabeth that ran ashore in 1839 where parts of the wreckage can still be seen on the beach at the end of Warton Road) can be accessed via the multi-level decks and various cargo and rope climbs and features a couple of slides back down. On top are various levels of decking as well as a rope bridge and incredible views of the Cottesloe coastline.
Museums
WA Maritime Museum
The brilliant Western Australian Maritime Museum dives into Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal city and busy port. From leisure boats to commercial pearl luggers and fishing boats, the fascinating and interactive museum inspires visitors to discover WA’s connection to the sea. The museum is also home to an Oberon class submarine, the HMAS Ovens, as well as many other iconic vessels from WA’s maritime history. Open Daily, 9.30–5pm.
Fremantle Prison
WA’s only World Heritage listed building, Fremantle Prison, is a captivating (and sometimes spooky) piece of WA history. Step inside and be transported back in time, to a not-so-distant past – it only closed as a working prison in the 1990s! The knowledgeable guides have amazing prison tales to tell on the tour – there are several different themed tours. How about taking a Torchlight Tour at night, or a Tunnels Tour exploring the labyrinth of passageways below the Prison?
The Army Museum of WA
The Army Museum of Western Australia is located in the historic Artillery Barracks that date back to 1910. The collection includes artefacts from both World Wars as well as the Korean, and South Vietnam wars. There are displays depicting life as a Prisoner of War, and life in the Trenches of the First World War. You can also view army vehicles, artillery and other military hardware on the parade ground in front of the building.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
The WA Museum Boola Bardip re-opened in 2020 with a brand-new look. The new building integrates contemporary modern design with existing heritage buildings, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors. It’s new name WA Museum Boola Bardip translates to “many stories” in Whadjuk Nyoongar, the traditional language of the country on which the Museum is located. There are six new galleries for visitors to explore and learn about the history of Western Australia, featuring interactive displays and exhibitions. There’s also a research library, learning centre and theatre for visitors to enjoy.
Indoor Fun
Funlab Fremantle
Located on the lower level of FOMO Freo there are three gaming venues to keep everyone entertained plus good food and drinks are available too. In B Lucky & Sons you'll find a gamer's paradise with NBA Hoops, Jurassic Park, Space Invaders, Whack' N' Win, Dance Games and Mario Kart to name a few. Games range from $2 to $7 with a pawn shop, where you can lay your claim to convert your cash to collectable items. As for refreshments, the Splash Bar is styled on a pool bar that offers colourful cocktails and sandwiches ready to devour post play. Next on the list is Strike Bowling Bar. Filled with comfy couches, retro décor and eight bowling lanes ready for action, including two rock and roll themed private bowling lanes. Games start from $16 per adult and for twice the fun (two games lasting 40 minutes altogether) at $26pp. Kids under 18 and family specials at $10pp are available daily before 4pm. And finally, there is Holey Moley. With 18 themed holes over two courses, the space is filled with colourful lights reflecting off a disco ball, adding a party feel. Games include Lava Hole, Vincent Van Golf, Holeywood, featuring Golfzilla. Do Not Pass Go is a putt around a life-sized Monopoly board, just don't end up behind bars! Sugar, Slice and All Things Nice is dressed in oversized ice-creams and shaded in pink light, giving you an Insta-worthy backdrop. Holey Moley packages of 9 holes of mini-golf start from $14pp, with 18 holes for $24pp, offering you the chance to show off your golfing talents.
Fremantle Library
Take you little book lovers to Fremantle Library, at the Walyalup Civic Centre, in the heart of Freo. The impressive space has some wonderful areas for children to discover a book, inspire and create, and relax.
Animal Farms, Zoos and Aquariums
Perth Zoo
Visiting the Perth Zoo is a must do activity when visiting or living in Perth, and it's always worth checking out all of the new things they've added to the environment and animals' habitats. From lush, grassed areas near playgrounds to BBQ's, there are plenty of places to stop for a snack or lunch during your visit. There are also several food trucks available while the new café is under construction. With new additions every time you visit, it's an experience that will stay with you for years.
Caversham Wildlife Park Whiteman Park
Caversham Wildlife Park is located within Whiteman Park close to the stunning Swan Valley. It is renowned for its interactive shows & talks and offers fantastic photo opportunities. There is a wide variety of native wildlife to observe and even meet, depending on the species. All of this is included in the entry price, making Caversham Wildlife Park a great day out for children and adults alike. The park also allows visitors to take part in feeding activities with some animals, such as guinea pigs which are located at Molly's Farm, though safety instructions should be followed carefully.
AQWA Hillary’s Boat Harbour
AQWA is nestled by the picturesque Hillarys Boat Harbour. You can explore a unique underwater tunnel and view the diverse range of marine life from Western Australia’s coastline, the Indian Ocean and parts of Antarctica. Get up close to stingrays, turtles, sharks and a variety of different fish species in their natural habitats. On special occasions, there are divers who feed the aquatic creatures which is always great to see.