The summer school holidays run from 18 December 2026 to the end of January 2027. Here are my top ideas for keeping kids entertained, from free water play to cool indoor escapes.
Six weeks of summer to fill
WA’s summer school holidays are the longest break of the year. Term 4 finishes on Thursday 17 December 2026, and Term 1 doesn’t start until Monday 1 February 2027.
That’s a lot of days to fill, so I’ve put together my favourite ideas for keeping kids busy, with a mix of free outings, beach days and indoor options for those scorching Perth afternoons.
“When I’m looking after my nieces and nephews over summer, my rule is beach or water play in the morning, then somewhere cool and indoors when the afternoon heat kicks in.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
Free water play
Perth’s free water playgrounds are a lifesaver on hot days.
- Elizabeth Quay Water Park, Perth CBD: about 1,000 square metres of water jets right on the river, with toilets and showers nearby.
- Hyde Park Water Playground, Highgate: a shaded splash pad with tipping buckets and spray guns.
- Rainbow Waters, Ellenbrook: 15 interactive water features with shade sails and BBQs.
For more ideas, see our guide to Perth’s best free water playgrounds.
Beach days
Summer in Perth means beach days. For families, calm, patrolled beaches are best.
- Cottesloe: calm water at the southern end and grassy terraces for picnics. See our Cottesloe with kids guide.
- Hillarys Boat Harbour: a sheltered, protected beach that’s ideal for little ones.
- Rottnest Island: a full-day adventure with quokkas and crystal-clear bays. See our Rottnest Island guide.
Water parks, pools and rides
Perth’s Outback Splash in Bullsbrook has waterslides, water playgrounds and a lagoon pool. Many local aquatic centres also have shaded leisure pools for younger kids.
For older kids, Adventure World in Bibra Lake combines thrill rides with water slides and pools. Check its website for opening days over the holidays.
Animals and nature
- Perth Zoo: go early, before the animals settle in for an afternoon nap. See our Perth Zoo guide.
- AQWA, Hillarys: the Aquarium of Western Australia is cool, indoors and full of sharks, rays and turtles.
- Kings Park: the Rio Tinto Naturescape is a shady, nature-based play space. See our Kings Park guide.
- Yanchep National Park: koalas, caves and plenty of picnic spots.
Cool indoor escapes
When it hits 40 degrees, head indoors.
- Scitech, West Perth: hands-on science fun, right across the road from City West Station. Book tickets online to guarantee entry.
- Cockburn Ice Arena, Bibra Lake: the coolest place in Perth, literally. Skating aids are available for beginners.
- Mini golf: indoor and glow-in-the-dark courses are perfect on a hot day. See our guide to Perth’s best mini golf.
Evenings out
- Outdoor cinemas: watch a movie under the stars. See our guide to Perth’s best outdoor cinemas.
- Christmas lights: in December, the city and suburbs light up. See our Christmas lights guide.
- Twilight markets: food trucks and live music on warm evenings. See our guide to Perth’s twilight markets.
Make the most of summer
With six weeks to fill, it pays to mix up free days at the beach and park with a few special outings. Whatever you choose, pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and enjoy the long summer days.
Featured image: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Term 4 finishes on Thursday 17 December 2026, and Term 1 starts on Monday 1 February 2027.
