Beat the heat without spending a cent. Here's my guide to Perth's best free water playgrounds and splash pads, from Elizabeth Quay to Port Coogee.
Cool off for free
When the temperature climbs past 35 degrees, Perth’s free water playgrounds are the best place to be. They’re shaded, safe and completely free, which makes them a summer favourite for families.
Here’s my guide to the best free water playgrounds and splash pads around Perth.
“Water playgrounds are my secret weapon when I’m looking after my nieces and nephews on a hot day. An hour of running through the jets, and everyone is happy.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
Elizabeth Quay Water Park, Perth CBD
Right on the river in the Perth CBD, the Elizabeth Quay Water Park has around 1,000 square metres of water jets with shade sails overhead. There are toilets with showers, a Changing Places facility and cafes nearby.
Yagan Square, Perth CBD
Next to Perth Station, Yagan Square has a small water play area that’s handy for a quick cool-down while you’re in the city. Check it’s running before you go, as features can close for maintenance.
Hyde Park Water Playground, Highgate
Set in leafy Hyde Park in Highgate, this shaded splash pad has tipping buckets, spray guns and timed jets. It typically runs from November to late March, 8am to 8pm, with BBQs and toilets close by.
Maylands Waterland, Maylands
Maylands Waterland combines splash pads with nature play, plus shaded seating and BBQs for a picnic lunch.
Rainbow Waters, Ellenbrook
With 15 interactive water features, shade sails, electric BBQs and toilets with baby change, Rainbow Waters in Ellenbrook is one of the best set up water playgrounds in Perth. It usually runs from late September to May, 9am to 7pm. Check the City of Swan website for current hours.
Swim nappies are required for little ones, and glass, alcohol and dogs aren’t allowed in the water area.
Kingsway Regional Playground, Madeley
This dinosaur-themed water playground in Madeley is fully enclosed with a zero-depth area, which is great for toddlers. The push-button sprays run in 10-minute bursts from October to April, 8am to 7pm.
Revolution Park, Eglinton
In Perth’s northern suburbs, Revolution Park in Eglinton has timed jets, fountains, a vortex water tunnel and water spouts. It’s open from November to April, 8am to 7pm.
Ngarkal Water Play Park, North Coogee
At Port Coogee Marina in North Coogee, Ngarkal Water Play Park has a splash pad and fountains right next to a calm, sheltered beach. You get two water adventures in one. It runs from roughly October to May, 8am to 6pm.
Bibra Lake Regional Playground
Bibra Lake Regional Playground in Bibra Lake has sprinklers hidden in metal reeds and a turtle-themed sand and splash area. It’s open year-round, with a Changing Places facility on site. Both this playground and Ngarkal are run by the City of Cockburn.
Kwinana Adventure Playground, Calista
Part of a much bigger adventure park in Calista, this water play area has push-button spouts, showers, jets and pelican water features. Summer hours are 9am to 7pm.
Tips for a water play day
- Check each council’s website before you go, as water features can close for maintenance.
- Pack swimmers, towels, a change of clothes and sunscreen.
- Bring water shoes, as wet surfaces can get slippery and hot.
- Go in the morning, when it’s quieter and cooler.
Splash into summer
Free, fun and close to home, Perth’s water playgrounds are one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. For more ideas, check out our guide to the summer school holidays in Perth.
Featured image: Elizabeth Quay Water Park. Photo: Evad37, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All the water playgrounds and splash pads in this guide are free to use.
