THE battle to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays can put a strain on physical, spiritual and financial resources.
You might also like: Perth’s best playgrounds for kids Kid-friendly cafes: the best places for parents Perth’s best burgers
But there are plenty of events and activities across Perth for the whole family, so you can keep the kids amused without spending a penny.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWCOMO
Outdoor movie – Jumanji
When: Friday April 13, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Neil McDougall Park, 18 Ley Street
Age group: All Ages
Kick off WA Youth Week with a blanket and a chair and enjoy a free outdoor screening of the original Jumanji movie (rated PG) starring Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst.
KARAWARA
Manning Mayhem Skateboarding Competition
When: Sunday April 15, 12:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Manning Skate Park, Manning Road Karawara
Age group: all ages (skating experience essential)
The annual Manning Mayhem skateboarding competition is open to experienced skateboarders with qualifying heats and finals. Age groups for Groms, Juniors and Open categories with prizes and giveaways from Nike SB, 1991 Skateshop, Modus bearings, the 4 Skateboard Co, WA Skate Ramps, GMTA skateboards and Guzman Y Gomez.
MAYLANDS
Very Strange Stuff
When: Monday April 16, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Maylands Library, 28 Eighth Avenue
Age group: 6+
Explore the materials that make up our world while having adventures with liquids, solids, gases, bouncy bubbles and slippery slime.
MORLEY
You Can Hatch Us
When: April 16-April 27
Where: Morley Library, 240 Walter Road
Age group: All ages
Watch baby chicks hatch and grow at Morley library. Learn about their life cycle when completing the worksheet.
CLARKSON
Chocolate Creations Workshop
When: Tuesday April 17, 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Clarkson Youth Centre, 59 Key Largo Drive
Age group: 12-18
Do you love chocolate? Learn how to make some delicious chocolate creations at the Clarkson Youth Centre.
ROCKINGHAM
Arts Explosion April 2018 School Holiday Program – Kitchen Printmaking
When: Tuesday April 17, 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: Rockingham Arts Centre, 19 Kent Street Rockingham
Age group: 0-11
Go stamp-print crazy using fruits and vegetables with sessions available starting from 10am at the Rockingham Arts Centre, bookings are essential.
KARAWARA
Skateboarding Clinic
When: Wednesday April 18
Where: Manning Skate Park, Manning Road Karawara
Age group: All ages
City of South Perth and Skateboarding WA will be hosting a free skateboarding clinic at Manning Skate Park in Karawara. Skateboards, helmets and wrist guards provided. Parents can join in the action too.
KENSINGTON
Outdoor movie – Zathura
When: Friday April 20, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Morris Mundy Reserve
Age group: All Ages
Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a free screening of the heart-racing sci-fi adventure Zathura (rated PG).
KENWICK
Kenwick Library Family Fun Day
When: Saturday April 21, 9:00am-1:00pm
Where: Kenwick Public Library, 82 Kenwick Road
Age group: All ages
There will be a range of free activities on offer for all ages ranging from Rainbow Butterfly Storytime, an animal show, face painting, the Nomad Wandering Youth Space, have-a-go fitness sessions, community stalls, sausage sizzles and much more.
MAYLANDS
Wandering Dinosaurs
When: Monday April 23, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Maylands Library, 28 Eighth Avenue
Age group: 6+
Do some dino-exploration and paint a fossil cast to take home.
SOUTH YUNDERUP
Adventurescape Playground
When: any time
Where: Adventurescape Playground, Inlet Boulevard
Age group: all ages
This farm-themed playground is based in Austin Lakes Estate, South Yunderup and features a windmill slide, standing tall at 8.5m.
BYFORD
Silent Glow in the Dark Disco
When: Friday April 20, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Recreation Centre, Mead Street Byford
Age group: 11-17
An activity with dancing, music in headphones, games, glow sticks, soft drinks, lollies and sausage sizzle based at the Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Recreation Centre.
FREMANTLE
Bathers Beach Art Precinct Cliff Uplighting
When: just before sunset
Where: Bathers Beach Art Precinct, Fremantle’s West End
Age group: all ages
Colourful lighting has been installed on the coastal side of Arthur’s Head cliff face between J shed and Kidogo as part of the activation of the Bathers Beach Art Precinct. The lights will be turned on at sunset every evening with special lights on the weekends.
MANDURAH
Disc Golf
When: any time
Where: Hall Park, Western Foreshore
Age group: all ages
This family activity includes throwing a Frisbee disc into a wire basket, located at Hall Park, anytime.
SUCCESS
Free Bike Hire
When: Thursday April 26, 10am-12:00pm
Where: Cockburn Youth Centre, 25 Wentworth Parade Success
Age group: all ages
Take a bike tour of the area surrounding Cockburn youth centre. It is a great way to catch some sun and stay fit.
YANCHEP
Cubby Town 2
When: Saturday April 28, 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: Yanchep National Park
Age group: all ages
Cubby Town will provide a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together in nature. Build cubbies and forts, play with mud kitchens, create nature crafts and explore Yanchep National Park through an interactive Scavenger Hunt.
ANYWHERE
Geocaching
When: anytime
Where: anywhere (local parks, etc)
Age group: all ages
A real world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and attempt to find the geocache, hidden at the location. Geocaching is an activity that can be done anywhere and is for all ages.
KOONDOOLA
Rendell Park
When: anytime
Where: Rendell Park, Rendell Way
Age group: all ages
If your kids love getting out on their bikes or scooters, Rendell Park is well worth a visit. Featuring a scooter and bike tract, the park has a track laid out like a mini road with little street signs and a roundabout. Suitable for all ages.
SUBIACO
Rio Tinto Naturescape
When: anytime
Where: Kings Park
Age group: all ages
One of the world’s leading nature spaces for children, the park is designed as a place for children to connect with nature and learn to appreciate the unique Western Australian environment. Kings Park also has a picnic area and is a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
MANDURAH
Frasers Landing Playground
When: anytime
Where: Fraser Landing Playground, Mandurah
Age group: 0-11
A playground that replicates a birds nest which ties into the nature friendly lifestyle of Frasers Landing.