Last Updated on 2 May 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Thinking of visiting the Swan Valley with kids? Here’s everything you need to know!
Just a short drive from Perth, the Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and one of the easiest day trips from the city. While the valley is well known for its wineries and gourmet produce, it is also a surprisingly family-friendly destination, famous for its local delicacies like olives, cheeses, preserves, nuts, and chocolate.
It’s a beautiful, laid-back region, and in our experience, most Swan Valley establishments are kid-friendly, and many have a small playground out the back or at the side.
The Swan Valley is one of the easiest family day trips from Perth, with wildlife parks, playgrounds, markets, adventure activities, and plenty of sweet treat stops along the way. Here are the top things to do in the Swan Valley with kids + how to plan an unforgettable trip.
Quick Planning Tips
- One of the easiest ways to enjoy a day in the Swan Valley is to plan your stops in the same general area rather than driving back and forth across the region. Although the distance between Guildford and The Vines is only about 10-15 kilometres, the valley is packed with attractions, so a little planning can save time and make the day more relaxed.
- The Swan Valley can become very busy during WA school holidays. Popular family spots such as water parks, playground hubs, and well-known breweries tend to attract the biggest crowds at these times.
- Some attractions are seasonal. For example, Outback Splash operates as a water park during the warmer months, so it’s a good idea to check opening times and availability before planning your visit. (It typically closes in late April or around ANZAC Day)
- You may also notice planes flying overhead in parts of the Swan Valley. Our kids actually enjoyed watching them, but it is worth knowing that some areas can be quite noisy at times, with aircraft appearing fairly low as they pass over
- Weekends can also be very busy in the Swan Valley, especially on Sundays and especially when the weather is nice! Even at breakfast, the cafes can be packed. We saw Maison St Honore full of people enjoying the fresh patisserie and it was very early for a carpark to be full.
Things to Do in Swan Valley with Kids – Fantastic Family Fun
1. Free Scavenger Hunt
Location: Meadow St &, Swan St, Guildford
The Great Valley Rally is a free scavenger hunt that turns a simple drive through the Swan Valley into a fun family adventure.
Starting at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, you follow a series of cryptic clues left by Stirling the Black Swan. Kids can work together to solve puzzles, spot landmarks, and uncover a secret message along the way. The rally is designed for kids ages 5 to 12 and takes around 3 hours to complete.
for kids ages 5 to 12 and takes around 3 hours to complete.
2. Walk the Swan River Foreshore Trails
Location: Bassendean, Belmont & Bayswater areas
Walking or cycling along the Swan River foreshore is a great way to explore the Swan Valley. The mostly flat pathways are ideal.
A particularly fun option is the Swan River Ramble, which turns the walk into an interactive experience where kids search for markers and scan QR codes to learn about the area.
Key Access Points: Windan Bridge, Garvey Park (Ascot), and Sandy Beach Reserve (Bassendean).
3. Explore Swan Settlers Market
Location: Swan Valley, 124 Lennard St, Herne Hill
Swan Settlers Market is an easy place to spend some time with kids. The large indoor market has a mix of small stalls selling food, gifts and local products. Outside is a large sandpit, a playground, and a small cuddly-animal area.
4. Visit Swan Valley Station
Location: 60 Forest Rd, Henley Brook, WA 6055
Swan Valley Station was one of the highlights of our most recent Valley visit. I cannot express how much we loved this place. You can easily end up spending hours here! As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by garden ornaments from fountains to pinwheels and a huge selection of plants.
There is a small coffee shop with a large veranda seating area with tables throughout the trees across the nursery. There are also tables near the playground, and a small animal area with friendly goats, a peacock, baby chickens and baby quails.
You can also walk a 300 to 400 metre sculpture trail, which has fibreglass animals, including horses and cows.
Just keep in mind that Perth gets very hot from December through March. Even visiting at the end of March, it was still around 35 degrees by 11.00am, so if you are visiting with kids, go early. There is lots of shade under the trees, but it still gets warm.
5. Whiteman Park
Location: Whiteman Drive East, Whiteman
Whiteman Park is one of the largest recreation areas in the Swan Valley, covering nearly 4,000 hectares of natural bushland. It’s a great place to spend a few hours or even a full day, with playgrounds, museums, picnic areas and heritage transport experiences spread throughout the park.
The park is also one of the best places to visit with dogs in the Swan Valley and even has a separate dog play area.
In my personal opinion, Whiteman Park is a whole-day destination, and combining it with the Swan Valley makes for a long day. Except, of course, if you want to pop into one of the playgrounds …
Some of the top things to do include:
- Ride the Bennett Brook Railway vintage train
- Take a trip on the heritage tram
- Visit the Motor Museum of Western Australia
- Explore Pia’s Place Adventure Playground
- Walk through The Children’s Forest
- Enjoy the many picnic tables and open spaces around the park
Note, if you are without private transport, the new Ellenbrook Train Line (Metronet) provides public transport access to the area via Whiteman Park Station!!! This is a total bonus for travellers without their own car!
6. Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm
Location: 128 John St, Henley Brook
If your kids enjoy hands-on animal experiences, the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm is a great stop. They can interact with friendly farm animals, join daily feeding times, and even try bottle- or bucket-feeding some of the animals.
Entry includes plenty of activities, from encounters with Australia’s unique native animals to tractor or train rides and play areas where kids can burn off some energy. You can spend an hour or two here, while the kids play.
7. Caversham Wildlife Park
Caversham Wildlife Park is a great stop for family fun in the Swan Valley, located within Whiteman Park. This is a “must do” if your kids are excited to see Australia’s native animals up close. Here, you can hand-feed kangaroos, meet koalas and discover a wide range of unique wildlife in a family-friendly setting.
The park also offers interactive experiences and daily shows that make it especially fun for the little ones. It’s a great stop if you want your kids to experience some Australian wildlife during your visit to the region.
8. West Australian Reptile Park
Location: 92 Henley St, Henley Brook
If your kids are curious about reptiles, the West Australian Reptile Park is a fun and educational stop in the Swan Valley. Here, kids explore the world of snakes, pythons and other fascinating reptiles through interactive displays and presentations.
The park focuses on hands-on learning experiences that help them understand these animals safely. It’s also pram-friendly, making it an easy stop for families visiting with younger children.
9. Kangaroo Safari at The Vines
Location: Verdelho Dr, The Vines
If you’re looking for memorable family attractions in the Swan Valley, the Kangaroo Safari at The Vines offers a unique wildlife experience. This guided tour takes you out onto the golf course at The Vines Resort, where you can see large groups of wild kangaroos in their natural environment.
Kids especially enjoy spotting the kangaroos up close while learning more about these iconic Australian animals.
10. Museum of Natural History & Academy of Taxidermy
Location: 131 James Street
The Museum of Natural History is located very near the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford. This is more of a place for adults, teens and pre-teens rather than kids.
Take a look at our review to see whether the museum would be right for you. I went with my 12 and 15-year-olds. Look at the images and decide whether it’s appropriate for your children.
After passing by the Great Eastern Highway a few times, my kids always loved the dinosaur on the footpath. It’s the perfect place for curious minds and those who embrace the offbeat.
The museum is one man’s testament to the wonder of the natural world, taxidermist Michael Buzza. You’ll find a large collection of taxidermied animals and life-sized dinosaur models, and find out about the animals and their stories, including why people chose to taxidermize their pets.
We spent an hour, but if I were to visit again, I would plan for a longer visit.
11. Outback Splash (seasonal)
Location: 1635 Neaves Rd, Bullsbrook
Perth’s Outback Splash in Bullsbrook is a popular warm-weather stop for families visiting the Swan Valley. The park features one of Australia’s largest water-slide playgrounds, along with splash zones, a resort-style pool, and plenty of activities designed for kids of different ages.
Beyond the water attractions, families can also explore mazes, play mini golf and relax in shaded picnic areas with BBQ facilities. You can spend several hours cooling off here and letting the kids burn off some energy during the hotter months.
Open seasonally, check the dates each year. Runs from September through April with variations.
11. Mini Golf: Vines, Supa Putt & More
Mini golf is a simple activity that suits all ages. Luckily, several venues in Swan Valley have fun courses where kids and adults can enjoy a friendly challenge together. It’s an easy way to add a bit of playful competition to your day while exploring the area.
- Vines Mini Golf at the Novotel Vines Resort – This 18-hole mini golf course is set within Novotel’s resort grounds, and is a fun activity for both younger kids and adults. It’s a fun way to challenge friends or family to a friendly round while enjoying the surroundings. Or, you could choose to have a mini vacation, and stay at the resort, play mini golf and lounge by the pools. (Sounds like bliss to me).
- Taphouse Mini Golf – Located along the Swan River, this 18-hole course sits within the scenic Mulberry Estate property. After your game, you can spend some time relaxing in the newly refurbished beer garden, let the kids enjoy the playground and bouncy castle, or relax in the open outdoor spaces.
- Supa Putt (Mini Golf) – Part of the Supa Golf complex on West Swan Road, this course features 18 creative holes set among lush greenery. There are also two mini golf areas. You’ve got the Super Putt, which offers a nine-hole or an 18-hole option, which really made me happy because nine-hole options usually are better for my ADHD kids.
12. Swan Valley Kid Friendly Adventure Activities
If your family enjoys a bit more action, you’ll find several adventure-style activities that are great for everyone. These add a bit of excitement to your visit and are especially ideal if you’re looking for something more energetic than sightseeing.
- Paintball – For families with older kids and teens, paintball is available at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre. Players take part in team-based games across purpose-built outdoor fields, with safety equipment and supervision provided. Sessions usually involve different game formats and obstacles, making it more competitive and fun.
- Laser Corps – Laser Corps Swan Valley offers outdoor laser tag played across a large bushland-style field in the Swan Valley. Players use electronic laser tag equipment while completing team missions and tactical challenges. Sessions typically include the equipment, game briefing and multiple rounds of play. Bookings are usually required, especially for weekends or group sessions.
- Paintball Skirmish – Paintball Skirmish runs structured paintball sessions with referees guiding each scenario. Players receive a safety briefing and basic training before entering the field, so it’s a supervised and organised experience. The games are designed around different scenarios, encouraging teamwork, strategy and plenty of fast-paced action.
13. Swan Valley Adventure Company Adventure Days
There’s also the Swan Valley Adventure Company, which offers Swan Valley Adventure Days, where the whole family can spend about two to three hours doing activities like a commando course, archery, and ziplines.
It’s worth checking the Swan Valley Adventure Company to find out when that is, because it looks like a lot of fun.
14. Swan Valley Children’s Playgrounds
If your kids need a place to run around and burn off some energy, check out the excellent playgrounds of the Swan Valley. Some parks even have shaded picnic areas, open lawns, and water play areas.
- Woodbridge Riverside Park & Play Space – Set along the Swan River, this nature-inspired playground features climbing structures, a flying fox, and water-play areas, perfect for warmer days. There are also shaded picnic areas and BBQ facilities.
- Reg Bond Reserve – This quiet reserve offers wide green spaces where kids can run freely, along with playground equipment and walking paths. With plenty of shady areas and picnic spots, it’s an easy place to stop for a family picnic while enjoying views of the surrounding Swan Valley landscape.
- Whiteman Park Adventure Playground – One of the largest playgrounds in Western Australia, this play space features big slides, climbing structures, and shaded areas where families can relax. While visiting Whiteman Park, you can also explore the Children’s Forest, a community space where kids can learn about native bushland and connect with nature while walking among growing trees.
You may also enjoy reading our guides to the best playgrounds in Perth and playgrounds in Albany.
15. Swan Valley Wineries: Kid Friendly Options
One of the reasons the Swan Valley works so well for families is that many wineries and breweries have adapted their spaces to welcome kids.
There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in the Swan Valley, many of which have playgrounds and outdoor space. If you’re planning a relaxed, kid-friendly lunch in the Swan Valley, these spots are some of the easiest places to stop.
Here are some of the top options:
Henley Brook – A friendly venue with large outdoor areas and a playground.
Mulberry Taphouse – We enjoyed eating here! It scored very highly with the kids, who were not in the mood for a restaurant that day. It was nice to sit at a picnic table in the shade and eat, and the menu is simple and affordable, with drinks served from a converted shipping container. There is also a pink bouncy castle and a mini golf course. It’s also a great dog-friendly spot.
Bailey Brewing Co – One of the most family-focused breweries in the Swan Valley, featuring a large playground and plenty of space.
The Llawn at Mandoon Estate – A family-friendly alfresco dining area with a fenced and shaded playground set beside the river.
Homestead Brewery at Mandoon Estate – A popular Swan Valley venue with multiple dining options and spacious seating areas
Mash Brewing – A casual brewery with open outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere for families stopping in for delicious food.
Elmars in the Valley – Known for its large beer garden and plenty of outdoor space.
16. Sweet Treat Spots – Ice Cream, The Margaret River Chocolate Company and More!
The Swan Valley has plenty of places where kids can enjoy a sweet treat while parents take a break. Many stops combine desserts with playgrounds or open spaces.
- The Margaret River Chocolate Company (Swan Valley) – A popular stop with free chocolate tastings and a wide range of sweets.
- Whistlers Chocolate -another amazing chocolate company with large kid friendly areas.
- House of Honey – Taste local honey, honey ice cream and other bee-themed treats.
- Gelato Stops – Several spots in the valley serve gelato, perfect for a quick dessert break.
- Pasta in the Valley – Runs mini chef classes for kids, plus a playground area.
- Txoko Brewing – A welcoming venue with a playground
- Sandalford – A fantastic spot with spacious grounds
- Joey’s Swan Valley Diner – A fun, American-style diner with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Map of the Top Things to do in Swan Valley with Kids
Family Friendly Stays
If you’re planning to spend more than a day exploring the area, there are plenty of Swan Valley accommodation options that work well for families.
Farm stays are a popular choice, giving kids space to run around and sometimes even interact with animals. Resorts and self-contained stays can also be a good option for families wanting extra space and easy access to attractions.
Consider staying somewhere central, such as Guildford. It’s a convenient base for exploring the Swan Valley while still being near Perth.
Final Words
From our experience, the Swan Valley is one of our most enjoyable family day trips from Perth. We love that there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy here, including exciting wildlife encounters, playgrounds, sweet treats and outdoor activities that keep the kids entertained. In contrast, we adults enjoy the food, scenery and wine.
What we like most is how flexible the day can be. You can plan a full itinerary or stop wherever looks interesting along the way. Whether it’s meeting animals, playing mini-golf, exploring parks, or finding a great spot for lunch, visiting the Swan Valley with kids is a fun and memorable outing for the whole family. Planning a trip to Perth with kids? Make sure you read our guide to the top things to do in Perth with kids and our 6 day Perth family holiday itinerary
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