Free School Holiday Activities Perth
Looking for free school holiday activities in Perth? This guide helps families find low-cost and no-cost ideas for the WA school holidays, including libraries, parks, playgrounds, beaches, museums, council programs and free community events.
Free activities change each school holiday period, so use this page as a planning guide and check local event listings, council pages and venue websites before you go.
Next WA school holidays
Select a holiday period to view the dates.
Free things to do in Perth during the school holidays
Keeping children entertained during the school holidays does not need to mean spending heavily every day. Perth has many free or low-cost options, especially if you combine outdoor activities, local libraries, community programs and short outings.
Quick answer: What free activities can kids do in Perth?
Good free school holiday activities in Perth include local library programs, playground visits, beach walks, Kings Park outings, community events, free museum days or low-cost museum programs, council activities, nature walks, bike rides and at-home creative projects.
Libraries and council programs
Perth libraries are one of the best places to check first because many run free or low-cost school holiday sessions.
- Story time and craft
- Lego and STEM sessions
- Reading challenges
- Youth activities
- Free community workshops
Parks, playgrounds and beaches
Perth’s outdoor spaces can turn a low-budget day into a full outing with a picnic, scooter, ball or beach gear.
- Kings Park playgrounds
- Local council playgrounds
- Beach walks and foreshore parks
- Picnic spots and walking trails
- Bike paths and skate parks
Museums, galleries and culture
Some museums, galleries and cultural venues offer free entry areas, family-friendly displays or school holiday activities.
- WA Museum activity listings
- State Library of WA programs
- Gallery activities
- Perth Cultural Centre outings
- Family-friendly exhibitions
Where to find free Perth school holiday events
The best free activities often appear on council, library and event pages shortly before each school holiday break.
City of Perth Library
City of Perth Library has a dedicated children’s area and runs free children’s programs, making it a useful place to check during school holidays.
State Library of WA
The State Library of Western Australia offers children and family activities, including story-based and learning programs that can suit younger children.
Local council libraries
Many council libraries around Perth advertise holiday programs close to the break. Some are free, while others may require bookings.
WA Museum
WA Museum publishes school holiday activity information for its sites, including WA Museum Boola Bardip and Fremantle museum locations.
Destination Perth
Destination Perth lists school holiday events and activities across Perth. Some options may be free, while others are paid.
Event listings
Event platforms can be useful if you filter by free events, date and location, but always check the organiser’s details before attending.
Tip: Free events can still require bookings. Check age limits, session times, parking, cancellation rules and whether a parent or guardian must stay with the child.
Free Perth school holiday ideas by age
Free activities work best when they match the child’s age and attention span.
| Age group | Free activity ideas | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers and preschoolers | Story time, library play sessions, playground visits, short beach walks, pram-friendly parks and simple craft at home. | Keep outings short and check toilets, shade, parking and pram access. |
| Primary school children | Library workshops, playground trails, scooter rides, museum visits, nature walks, beach games and council school holiday activities. | Mix one structured activity with one free outdoor option to avoid overbooking the day. |
| Tweens | Skate parks, bike paths, galleries, free events, community sport, scavenger hunts, photography walks and creative challenges. | Give them some choice so the activity feels less like a forced family outing. |
| Teenagers | Beach days, city walks, Fremantle, gallery visits, local events, sports courts, public transport adventures and food-market outings. | Look for low-cost add-ons such as lunch, public transport or an activity with friends. |
No-cost Perth outing ideas
These ideas are easy to repeat across different school holiday breaks without needing to pay for tickets every time.
Playground trail
Choose two or three playgrounds in different suburbs and make a simple morning or afternoon adventure out of it.
Beach and picnic day
Pack snacks, towels and a ball, then choose a beach with shade, toilets and parking that suits your child’s age.
Library challenge
Visit a new library, join a reading challenge, borrow books, attend story time or check for school holiday craft sessions.
Nature walk
Pick a short walking trail, river path or local reserve and give children a simple nature checklist to complete.
Fremantle wander
Explore street life, public spaces, playgrounds, the waterfront and historic areas while keeping paid activities optional.
At-home activity day
Plan a low-cost day at home with craft, baking, backyard games, a movie afternoon and a simple lunch picnic.
Free activity planning checklist
Free does not always mean simple. A little planning can save a wasted trip.
Before you go
- Check the date and session time
- Confirm whether bookings are needed
- Check age limits and supervision rules
- Look at parking or public transport
What to pack
- Water bottles and snacks
- Hat, sunscreen and weather gear
- Spare clothes for younger children
- Books, balls, scooters or simple games
Backup plan
- Have an indoor option ready
- Check opening hours before leaving
- Keep a short local outing available
- Save one at-home activity for tired days
Helpful Perth and WA school holiday links
Use these related pages to plan dates, activities, childcare and wet-weather options during the WA school holidays.
Free school holiday activities Perth FAQs
These answers cover common questions about finding free and low-cost Perth school holiday activities.
Where can I find free school holiday activities in Perth?
Start with local libraries, council event pages, playgrounds, parks, beaches, State Library of WA programs, WA Museum listings and free family event pages. Check details close to each school holiday break because programs change.
Are free Perth school holiday activities really free?
Some activities are completely free, while others are low-cost, free-entry with paid extras, or free but require bookings. Always check the organiser’s listing before attending.
Do free school holiday activities need bookings?
Many free library sessions, workshops and council events require bookings because places are limited. Parks, playgrounds, beaches and self-guided outings usually do not require bookings.
What are good free indoor school holiday activities in Perth?
Free indoor options may include libraries, story time, craft sessions, some museum or gallery programs, shopping centre activities and at-home creative projects.
How can I plan school holidays on a tight budget?
Mix free outings with one or two paid activities, use libraries and parks regularly, pack food from home, look for council programs, choose public transport-friendly outings and keep simple at-home activities ready.
Need the next WA school holiday dates?
Use the WA School Holiday Calculator to choose a holiday period and see the next matching school holiday break.