Last Updated on 10 August 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Fremantle for kids, um … isn’t Fremantle kind of funky, the home of hipsters and famous for its nightlife? It is true that Freo, as locals call it, is known for great food and a fun seaside vibe – but this port city is also an excellent place for families. There are plenty of Fremantle attractions for kids!
In this comprehensive post, we cover all the best things to do in Fremantle with kids – including all the incredible history spots in Fremantle. Yes – you read right – history! I am going to put it out there that Fremantle is the epicentre of Perth’s best museums, especially the maritime and military aspects of Western Australia.
For those looking for a quirky, fun place with a sense of community, Freo is definitely for you. We definitely rank Freo as one of the ‘must visit’ places around Perth – when travelling with kids or without. See our six-day Perth family holiday itinerary here.
Make sure you also read our guide to the best things to do in Fremantle, which includes how to get there, getting around and even more useful tips! If you need more persuasion, read our ‘Is Fremantle Worth visiting post’.
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Why Take our Advice for Things to do in Fremantle for Kids
I have lost count the number of times we have visited Fremantle with kids; while we don’t live super-close to Freo, we do visit at least once every school holidays, so that’s a minimum of 4 times a year.
We just love Freo and always have; we have also road tested a lot of the attractions on this list a couple of times over the years, so that the advice is not only for little ones, but for kids in their late tweens as well.
One of my kids is a total history buff (and especially into military history) so both the Army Museum and Aviation Museum are popular spots for us during the holidays, as are the excellent Maritime Museum and the Shipwrecks Museum. And even though the other kids aren’t that into history, you can’t help but enjoy the Fremantle Cappucino strip’s fun vibe and the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Its just feels fun!
We realize that things change constantly, so it’s really important to us that we provide the most up-to-date information possible! That’s why we go through our pages annually, making sure they are as current as possible. If you notice something that’s not quite right, please let us know in the comments!
Planning Your Fremantle Activities
As locals to Western Australia, we are here to tell you that if you are a first-time visitor to Fremantle, you should spend some time planning before your visit.
Fremantle is the kind of place that you can spend just a day and get a good feel for it; or if you want to spend a few days and go slow, then there is also plenty to do and see.
And there are so many other great places to explore not far from Fremantle! Have you heard of Gnomesville? It’s a whimsical wonderland filled with countless gnomes—a magical paradise for kids and a fun stop for the whole family!
Our Ideal Itinerary For a Fun Day in Fremantle With Kids
If you are looking to make a day of it in Fremantle, we recommend a visit to the Fremantle Shipwreck Museum, followed by fish n chips in the park and then a ride on the Fremantle Ferris Wheel (also referred to as the Fremantle Tourist Wheel).
We also like the WA Maritime Museum but definitely wouldn’t recommend a visit on the same day you visit the WA Shipwrecks Museum!!!
If you have older kids, we recommend visiting the Fremantle Prison – Fremantle’s only world heritage-listed building. Alternatively my young history buff adores the Army Museum, which isn’t within walking distance of the centre but certainly is worthwhile if you like your military history.
Morning – Fremantle Shipwreck Museum
Location: 47 Cliff Street
What a great place for the little pirate or the history buff. A highlight is the hull of the Batavia, which is kept in a temperature-controlled room in the museum.
The museum is the official place to store the Commonwealth’s historic shipwrecks and relics found in Australia. here is also a small kid’s play section.
Lunch – The Fremantle Wharf
Location: Fremantle Harbour
The Fremantle Wharf includes some Western Australian culinary institutions – Cicerellos and Kallis Fishmarket Cafe we buy our fish n chips there and then go and eat them under the pines in Fremantle Park.
Afternoon – Ride on the Fremantle Tourist Wheel
Location: 34 Mews Rd, Fremantle, WA 6160
Opening Times: 10:00-21:00 (22:00 on weekends)
The Fremantle Tourist Wheel in Esplanade Park is 40 meters high. It provides a unique birds eye view of the city. Gaze at Rottnest Island in the distance, admire Fremantle Harbour and get a good view of the streets of Fremantle. If you have older kids, the Fremantle Ferris wheel is also open at night, giving an amazing perspective of the city lights.
Special treat before going home – wander down the Cappucino Strip and grab a Gelato
One of my favourite memories as a kid was getting a gelato in Freo, and it’s a memory that I love re-creating with my kids. When the temperature heats up, it’s the perfect time to sit for ice cream or gelato.
More of the Top Things to Do in Fremantle for Kids
The itinerary above is our ideal day in Fremantle. There are so many things to do in Fremantle with kids; you could visit for over a week and still have plenty to do.
Here are more of the best things for kids to do in Fremantle.
Grab a Gelato or a Coffee on the Cappuccino Strip
Fremantle South Terrace is affectionately known as the ‘Cappuccino Strip’. This busy avenue is celebrated for its Italian flair. It has a mix of cafés, restaurants, and pubs, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs.
Here, the smell of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scents of pizza and pasta.
You’ll also find many designer shops, gift stores and bookshop. The famous Fremantle markets are also in the area (open Friday and weekends only).
Fremantle Markets
Location: South Terrace & Henderson Street (if you are driving you can park at the Fremantle Prison and walk down to the markets after your visit.)
These markets have a unique dual personality that kids will love. Start your adventure in The Yard, a hub of farm-fresh delights from local producers.
As you stroll through colourful stalls bursting with fruits, vegetables, and gourmet goodies, your little ones will have a lot to learn.
Next, explore the Hall, which is full of apparel, handcrafted wonders, quirky knick-knacks, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Open Friday through Sunday.
The Fairy Shop
Location: The Piazza, Shop 7b South Terrace
This one is for the kids – or the young at heart! A trip to the Pickled Fairy offers a magical experience for all visitors – especially kids. The shop is filled with magical things. It’s the perfect place to pick up a gift or souvenir.
Fremantle Arts Centre
This artistic haven hosts captivating exhibitions and events, making it a perfect if you want to learn about Fremantle’s art scene. You’ll encounter contemporary art, textile wonders, and fibre artistry, providing an immersive experience for young minds.
The Fremantle Arts Centre offers tailored programs for families with kids in tow that ignite creativity. Children can try workshops, from crafting to drawing and other imaginative endeavours.
It’s an opportunity for youngsters to unleash their artistic flair while enjoying learning. Fremantle Arts Centre is one of the best places in Fremantle to visit during the school holidays due to the extra activities it offers.
Visit Glowing Rooms
Location: 1 Emplacement Crescent, Hamilton Hill, WA 6163
*Kids under 5 are not permitted to enter the golf rooms.
Debuted in Perth and the first of its kind in Australia, Glowing Rooms is a 3D Mini Golf sensation just 5 minutes south of Fremantle.
Wearing your magical 3D glasses transforms a game of ordinary mini golf into a glow-in-the-dark, out-of-this-world experience. Golf balls appear to hover above the ground, the animals come to life, and characters seem to almost reach out and touch you.
As you travel through the course, explore space and the far-flung corners of the universe. Journey under the waves to a world inhabited by sea creatures. Wander past some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and get up close and personal with your favourite superheroes!
With free on-site parking, Glowing Rooms is designed to provide an unrivalled experience. Play through a Mini Golf course like no other, surrounded by intense colours.
Rainbow Containers (The Containbow)
Location: 1 Canning Highway
If you want to add a splash of colour to your family adventure in Fremantle, stop by Rainbow Containers which kids can’t help but love due to the the bold and bright artwork!
Leighton Battery Heritage Site
Location: Buckland Hill Reserve, Boundary Rd, Mosman Park, WA 6012
Pricing at the Time of Writing: Adults $8 – Kids $2
Technically not Fremantle, but close enough to North Freo to be included is the Leighton Battery heritage site in Mosman Park.
This is another great opportunity to explore Fremantle’s military history. Every Sunday, the tunnels under the site are open for guided public tours.
Explore over 300m of tunnels over 10m underground and explore recreated rooms to see what it would have been like to work there over 70 years ago.
I’ve included it here because its 100% on our family’s own bucket list.
The Fremantle Playgrounds
If you are travelling with children, you know how important it is to find a good playground. There are some very good playgrounds in Fremantle. Here are my top recommendations.
Esplanade Park (incorporates our fave Fremantle Playground)
This public park is adjacent to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, near the city centre. The park is perfect for a picnic or a break during a busy day of sightseeing. There is a large play area with plenty of shade.
If your child is a keen scooter rider or skateboarder, don’t miss the Esplanade Youth Plaza – Fremantle’s best skate park.
And while the aforementioned Fremantle Tourist Wheel is not actually part of the Fremantle Playground, its close enough to feel part of the fun!
Walyalup Koort Playground
Location: Newman Ct, Fremantle (in Kings Square)
Walyalup Koort is an imaginative Fremantle playground that offers endless fun for children of all ages. This recently developed playground is located in the Kings Square area, featuring the Fremantle Town Hall and right alongside St. John’s Anglican Church.
The playground takes its inspiration from the Fremantle Port, and features a mix of traditional play structures and creative installations, encouraging kids to climb, swing, and explore.
The Best Fremantle Beaches for Kids
Fremantle has four main beaches, perfect for a relaxing day with the kids, trying out kite surfing, paddling and other activities.
When planning your visit, ensure you visit before mid-day to avoid the infamous ‘Fremantle doctor’ wind, which arrives mid to late morning. Choose your beach wisely to avoid being sprayed by sand.
Fremantle also has some amazing sunsets. The sun sets in the west when clear skies show fantastic orange and red tones. South Beach is one of the best beaches for watching the famous Freo sunsets.
Last time we house sat for a friend in Beaconsfield we had a small baby and our go to beach was Ngarkal, a man made beach that is easy to access and good for small kids.
These days, if we are going to Fremantle for the day and want to go to a beach we will usually stop in at the Leighton Dog Beach which is about 200 metres up from the main Vlamingh Parklands (with the Café and grassed areas.)
South Beach
South Beach is one of the best beaches for families in Fremantle. The waters are calm – perfect for kids swimming. There are also options to SUP and kayak. The beach also has a walking track and plenty of shaded areas. The cafe on the beach serves meals and takeaway snacks.
Port Beach Near Fremantle Harbour
Port Beach is a family-friendly haven featuring pristine sands and calm turquoise waters that beckon children to play and build sandcastles. This coastal gem offers various water sports and recreational activities for a memorable day by the sea.
Port Beach links to Leighton Beach by a continuous strip of sand. There are rarely breakers here due to the proximity to Fremantle Harbour. There is a kiosk on the beach for informal dining and a beach restaurant (Salt) for waterfront dining.
Bathers Beach
Located between the rock breakwater of South Head and Challenge Harbour, Bathers Beach is a quiet option for a family day out. The beach has good swimming conditions and is close to the city centre. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby for a delicious lunch.
Coogee Beach
Coogee Beach is beautiful, with crystal clear waters, pure white sand and even amazing sunsets. An eco shark barrier has been installed so you can enjoy safe swimming all year round.
This is another of our favourites and absolutely stunning with its turquoise waters and white sand.
During the summer, there are also three pontoons within the swimming area. Kids will love spotting the Omeo wreck at the beach’s Northern end, popping up from the waves.
Last time I took the kids to snorkel on the Omeo Wreck they were freaked out (the oldest one was 12) and so it will largely depend on your children’s confidence and swimming abilities. Mine think that swimming over wrecks is creepy! Let them watch some You Tube videos before committing them to do this.
Also take note that Omeo Wreck is super popular and crowded on sunny days (especially weekends) and if you want to have some solitude I’d pick early in the morning .
Ngarkal Beach
Ngarkal Beach is a protected beach inside the Port Coogee Marina Development. The beach has shallow, calm waters ideal for babies and toddlers, but be aware there is a further drop-off as you head out.
Older, more confident kids can swim to the large pontoon and safely into the deeper water.
While not stunning like the other beaches on the list, there are no waves, little wind, and a quite vibe. We really like Ngarkal as a practical family friendly beach.
Day Trips from Fremantle with Kids
Fremantle is centrally located for all kinds of day trips. Whether you’re venturing out to explore Western Australia’s capital for the day, heading out on a boat to Rottnest Island or ticking off more of your Western Australia bucket list, there are plenty of family-friendly day trips from Fremantle.
If you are choosing where to base your family in Perth take a look at our suggestions for the Best Family Accommodation in Perth, and you might decide that Fremantle is your best choice for a base. While Freo is walkable, it also is well connected to Perth city by train which takes about 50 minutes.
Feel free to read our article on best things to do in Perth in winter.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia. Fremantle is the perfect starting point for a Rottnest island day trip, as the Ferry trip from Freo is just 25 minutes (vs 90 minutes from the Barrack St. Jetty) This picturesque island is just 21km off the coast of Fremantle and has plenty of things for the whole family to do.
The journey to Rottnest begins with a scenic ferry ride from Fremantle, an exciting start for kids.
Pre-booking is recommended, and you should arrive at the ferry terminal 30 minutes before departure. Ferry times are seasonal depending on the time of year. View the ferry timetables here.
Rottnest Island boasts over 63 stunning beaches and bays, many sheltered and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or building sandcastles. Little adventurers can explore the island on bicycles, as no private vehicles are allowed. Don’t miss the rugged West End, where you can spot migrating humpback whales (seasonal) and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
For a touch of history, visit the Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels, where you can discover World War II remnants and enjoy the views from the hilltop. After a day of exploration, you could have a seaside picnic or try fresh seafood at one of the island’s restaurants.
View our guide to ‘Is Rottnest Worth Visiting‘ here
Perth
If you’re just visiting Fremantle without a stay in central Perth, a day trip to Perth is a must. There are lots of things to do in Perth with kids, including some fantastic beaches in Perth and playgrounds and parks in Perth.
Some of the best attractions in Perth you could visit for the day include Perth Zoo and the Scitech Planetarium. You could also visit Perth to see some of the main sights. We recommend the hop on hop off bus for this.
Note: If time allows, we recommend a longer stay in Perth. You can read more about the best places for families to stay in Perth here.
You could also opt to base yourself in Perth and visit Fremantle as a day trip from Perth.
Kid Friendly Restaurants in Fremantle
Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat in the middle of a day exploring Fremantle, or you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Fremantle for an evening meal, there are plenty of options. One tip – make sure you try Italian food in Fremantle. It’s delicious!
Capri
Location: 21 South Terrace
Capri is famous for its delicious Italian meals and fantastic service. Italian food is a must, and Fremantle and Capri is the place to try it.
La Sosta
Location: Market Street
La Sosta is hidden away upstairs on Market Street. Think handmade pasta and great seafood paired with fantastic service. La Sosta is perfect if you’re looking for a more formal dining option.
Portorosa
Location: Market Street
Portorosa is conveniently located in central Fremantle and serves delicious Italian food – think homemade pasta, woodfired pizzas and antipasti. There is also outside seating available.
Ruocco’s Pizzeria E Ristorante
Location: 217 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Ruocco’s Pizzeria is one of the best places for pizza in Fremantle. The welcoming atmosphere is perfect for families; this was my favourite as a kid (40 years ago!) and still is today.
Salsa Rossa
Location: 77 George St, East Fremantle
Sala Rossa is one of the best Italian restaurants in Fremantle, known locally for its delicious Italian food, including bread and pasta, with produce straight from the local markets and freshly made from scratch.
Kids will love the gelato on the dessert menu. If you’re unable to book here, Sala Rosa is owned by the same people as Limones Restaurant.
Places to Stay in Fremantle with Kids
There is no shortage of places to stay in Fremantle, whether you are looking for budget or luxury accommodation. You can find a wide variety of hotels, motels and apartments throughout the city centre and neighbouring suburbs.
Here are some great options for accommodation in Fremantle:
Quest Fremantle
Quest Fremantle is located in the West End and offers a range of 1- and 2-bedroom serviced apartments and studios with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and dining area.
Some apartments even have a balcony, perfect for extended stays and family trips. There’s also a well-equipped gym.
To view more about Quest Fremantle, check on Booking.com
Pier 21
Located next to the Swan River (over the Bridge), Pier 21 offers modern apartments with balconies just 310m from the nearest beach. Choose from a studio, a 1-2-bedroom apartment, or a king suite.
Pier 21 also has an indoor pool with a spa and an outdoor pool. Communal BBQ facilities are also available. We loved our stay here!
The aparthotel is pet-friendly – perfect if you’re looking for a dog-friendly stay. You’ll have luxurious touches such as the Nespresso coffee machine and toiletries while staying here.
To view more about Pier 21, check on Booking.com
Be. Fremantle
Be.Fremantle offers a range of 4* apartments from studios to 1-3 bedroom apartments, some with stunning views across the Perth coastline.
Choose a Harbour View Apartment overlooking Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour or a Marian View apartment with views out to sea and of the Royal Perth Yach Club.
All options feature a kitchenette and daily housekeeping services. Rooms are much larger than a hotel room.
Be.Fremantle is also a very family-friendly option featuring complimentary cots and highchairs, kids’ breakfast packs and babysitting services on request.
To view more about Be.Fremantle, check on Booking.com
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
The Esplanade Hotel is in the centre of Fremantle, overlooking Esplanade Park. There are 2 outdoor pools and a gym. There are lots of dining options.
Choose from 2 restaurants, 2 bars or room service. Dining at the hotel is a treat, with two on-site restaurants offering a delightful array of international cuisine.
The Atrium Garden Restaurant serves special dishes, while The Harbour Master tantalizes taste buds with tapas, grills, and local seafood. Don’t forget to enjoy a drink at one of our two bars, the Marine Lounge Bar and the Ball & Chain, which features craft beer on tap and pub-style food.
The hotel offers 300 spacious rooms and suites – some with a private- balcony. Choose from a double or twin, spa king or deluxe spa suite.
To view more about the Esplanade Hotel, check on Booking.com
Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets
Warders is a small boutique hotel located in the old cottages that were once home to the Fremantle Warders.
The historic rooms have been updated with a modern touch. You can even book the in-house beauty and massage therapist to come to your room. Choose from a double room or a king room with a courtyard.
To view more about the Warders Hotel, check on Booking.com
Final Words – Fremantle with Kids
As you can see from this jam-packed post, there are so many amazing things to do in Fremantle with kids, from the amazing Fremantle playgrounds to the stunning beaches, historical attractions and delicious food.
Fremantle can be visited on a day trip from Perth or as a holiday in itself. You could easily spend a week in Fremantle with kids. No matter what the age of your children or the interests of your family, Fremantle truly is the perfect place for a family vacation with so many child-friendly facilities.
Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Fremantle with kids? If so, we would love to hear them. Please leave them in the comments section below!
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