There are plenty of fun activities to keep the little ones occupied this season. Here’s our list of the top 10.
1. Morley Rollerdrome
Peel your kids off the couch and get them into those retro lace-up boots – they’re about to find out what fun was before iPads. Disco lighting and thumping club tunes keep it free of too much nostalgia. 95 Catherine Street, Morley, 9276 9870.
2. BOUNCE inc
You’re either a BOUNCE inc convert, or understandably skeptical of something that lets shrieking kids throw themselves into walls. Well, listen up – we’re firmly in the first camp. It’s a great indoor activity for winter – being active cures cabin fever – and it’s just really fun! 1371 Albany Highway, Cannington, bounceinc.com.au.
BOUNCEInc
3. Scitech
If only there were some mammoth centre that made things like maths as entertaining as Scitech makes science. It’s been around for almost three decades and it’s still fantastic fun – plus, a movie in the new(ish) Planetarium is a great activity for both kids and adults. City West Centre, cnr Railway and Sutherland streets, West Perth, 9215 0700.
4. Ice Skating
We’ll never get close to a proper white winter, but have a shot at it with an ice-skating date. Sure, there’ll be red hands from those inevitable falls, but that builds street cred, right? We love Xtreme Ice Arena, because they understand we need a bit of help. They offer learn-to-skate classes and beginner’s ice hockey courses. 15 Chesterfield Road, Mirrabooka, xtremeice.com.au.
5. WA State Library
Solo silent reading is traditionally a pretty tough sell, but take the kids here and you’ll get them over the line. There’s a designated kids’ reading room with comfy couches, fun artwork, and low shelves for kids to choose their own books. When you’re done borrowing, you can buy old books at the library shop for as little as $1, and start a collection of your own. Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, 9427 3111.
WA State Library
6. AQWA
As well as its captivating exhibitions, AQWA now also offers interactive experiences perfect for kids. The Reefwalker lets them don wetsuits and walk through a colourful coral reef – no diving experience required, but be warned: next time you visit, they’re going to want to try the shark dive. Hillarys Boat Harbour, 9447 7500.
7. WA Museum
Kids might roll their eyes at the prospect of more learning in the school holidays, but just wait – the museum, with its specially designed activity trails and interactive Discovery Centre, will have them absolutely transfixed. Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, 9212 3700.
8. Rock climbing
Indoor rock climbing is a perfect activity for kids. First, it’s safe – they’re physically tied to another person while they climb. Second, it’s incredible fun. And third, it’s exercise disguised as fun, so they’ll wear themselves out without even realising. To make doubly sure they’re having a good time, take them to City Summit, and check out the cool art on the climbing walls. 2/26 Harris Road, Malaga, 9248 7035.
9. Fremantle Prison
The heritage-listed former maximum-security prison will captivate kids with its rich history. View an exhibition of former prison artefacts or, for something more adventurous, try a nighttime tour of the tunnels below the prison. 1 The Terrace, Fremantle, 9336 9200.
10. Art Gallery of WA
First, inspire your kids with a tour through the collection of artworks on display in the gallery. Then, take them to the drawing space in the Your Collection 1920-1960 exhibit, where they’ll produce a masterpiece on demand (that’s how it works, right?). Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, 9492 6644.
