Our top picks to keep the kids occupied this Spring, from adrenalin hits, animal encounters and unique sports.
Things To Do With Kids
1. BOUNCEinc
The latest craze of adrenalin-pumping trampoline time has proved a big hit (especially with teens) at this new venue.
2. AQWA
This aquarium has an awesome conveyor belt tunnel for kids (and adults) to go 'underwater' with sharks, rays and turtles.
3. Rock Climbing
Young thrill-seekers can head to City Summit, The Hangout or Joondalup Climbing Centre.
4. WA Museum
With a free interactive area for kids, and a giant dinosaur, this is a sure winner – and that's even before the part where they feed live crickets to frogs.
5. Scitech
Some serious fun can be had at this young scientist's heaven, with a mini construction site and new Planetarium.
6. Indoor Playgrounds
Check out the Jungle Gym, Treehouse Indoor Play or Chipmunks Playland for padded playgrounds.
7. Public Libraries
Don't underestimate your local library – free weekly Rhyme Time and Story Time programs for little ones make for great retreats in Spring.
8. Symphony Shows
All the cultured tots are seen at classical performances (check out EChO's regular
Kids' Cushion Concerts).
9. Puppet Preference
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre has enthralling shows for four- to 12-year-olds (like the recently performed rural tale Farm).
10. Laser Tag
If your offspring are not afraid of the dark, check out Lazer Blaze in Willetton and Malaga, DarkLight in Joondalup, or Jungle Zone in Port Kennedy.
Peel Zoo.
Close Encounters
Get your kids up close and personal with wildlife this spring.
Dolphins
Just south of Perth, the team at Rockingham Wild Encounters offers the chance to swim with these intelligent mammals – in fact, you're guaranteed to find some on the luxury cruise, or you get to go again for free. dolphins.com.au.
Snakes
Those with more fearless offspring (the kind brave enough to hug a python) can head south to Peel
Zoo for a slithery encounter, or north into the Swan Valley wine region to the West Australian Reptile Park.wareptilepark.com.au.
Sharks
Sending your kids out around Perth looking for sharks is not normally encouraged – unless you're at the Aquarium of Western Australia, of course. There, children can dive into AQWA's stunning Shipwreck Coast aquarium (for over 15s) and come face-to-fin with sharks, or don scuba gear to explore a living reef exhibit. aqwa.com.au.
The Abyss, at Adventure World.
Adrenalin Hit
There's no need to haul the family to the Gold Coast to get your fix of rollercoasters and adrenalin rushes.
Adventure World
A Perth stalwart, this theme park has a huge range of rides, from the gentle to the extreme. adventureworld.net.au.
The Great Escape
These water slides have become a huge drawcard at Hillarys Boat Harbour. thegreatescape.com.au.
Outback Splash
This brand new water park boasts six huge waterslides and is part of The Maze family fun park. themaze.com.au.
Kid's Cooking Classes
Get the kids out of your kitchen and into someone else's.
What's 2 Eat?
With a focus on healthy eating, What's 2 Eat classes are perfect for younger kids – particularly fussy eaters or those with food intolerances – getting them involved in all stages of cooking, from fun food facts to getting their hands dirty in the garden. Wanneroo. Whats2eat.com.au.
Next class Kindy courses, Monday-Friday; school-aged cooking courses,
Mondays and Thursdays.
Little Bakers
Boost their blood sugar levels with a sweet cupcake, biscuit or cookies workshop, or book them in for a Masterchef-type class where kids learn to make a full meal, including entrée and dessert. They even host birthday parties for budding chefs! Maddington. Littlebakers.com.au.
Next class Every Tuesday and Thursday.
Adam Voges.
Stumped For Ideas?
Australian cricketer Adam Voges shares his tips for activities around Perth.
Where do you go for adventure, and why?
Go-karting and paintball are probably the most recent things I have done… they get the adrenalin rushing. My karting skills are probably better than my paintball – last time, I think I got hit three times before I'd even got a shot away!
Where will you take your own children (Xavier, 3, and Ella, 1) when they get a bit older?
I have always enjoyed Rottnest Island and holidaying there, so I plan on taking the kids over as much as possible.
What's your best tip for adventurous kids?
Just to get outdoors as much as you possibly can. There's always something to do rather than sitting at home watching TV or playing Xbox!
