Top 5 Playgrounds in Perth’s Northern Suburbs Your Kids Will Love
At Kids College, we know that some of life’s best learning happens when children are free to explore, climb, and discover. As early childhood educators in Perth’s northern suburbs, we see firsthand how outdoor play builds confidence, creativity, and those crucial social skills that set kids up for success.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or looking for the perfect spot for after-kindy playdates, we’ve explored the northern suburbs to bring you five outstanding playgrounds that combine safety, fun, and plenty of learning opportunities. All of these gems are within 20 minutes of our Joondalup and surrounding areas—perfect for local families!
1. Neil Hawkins Park, Joondalup
Perfect for: Nature lovers and wildlife spotters
Ages: 2-12 years
Drive time: 5 minutes from Joondalup CBD
This lakeside paradise offers so much more than just swings and slides. The playground features climbing towers and rope equipment nestled among native trees, while the adjacent Lake Joondalup provides endless entertainment watching ducks, pelicans, and black swans.
Parent tip: Bring some bird seed (available from nearby shops) and turn feeding time into a lesson about local wildlife. The shaded picnic areas are perfect for morning tea, and there’s ample parking right at the playground.
What to bring: Hat, water bottle, and maybe a nature journal for budding scientists!
2. Whitfords Nodes Park, Hillarys
Perfect for: Active families who love ocean views
Ages: 3-14 years
Drive time: 15 minutes from Joondalup, 5 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour
Perched near the coast, this playground combines adventure equipment with stunning ocean glimpses. The multi-level climbing structures and flying fox are big hits with school-age kids, while toddler-friendly equipment keeps little ones engaged.
Parent tip: The fitness equipment scattered throughout the park means parents can get moving too! The smooth pathways are perfect for scooters and bikes—many families make this a multi-activity visit.
What to bring: Scooters, bikes, and a light jacket for the sea breeze.
3. Shepherds Bush Park, Kingsley
Perfect for: Adventure seekers and nature play enthusiasts
Ages: 4-12 years
Drive time: 10 minutes from Joondalup
Hidden away in Kingsley, this bush setting playground feels like a secret adventure land. Natural timber climbing structures, rope bridges, and a fantastic flying fox blend seamlessly with the surrounding native vegetation.
Parent tip: This is our go-to recommendation for children who love imaginative play. The natural setting encourages kids to create their own games and stories. Visit in the morning for the best weather, as there’s limited shade.
What to bring: Closed-toe shoes are essential for the natural play elements, plus plenty of water.
4. Bramston Park, Burns Beach
Perfect for: Toddlers and gentle play
Ages: 1-6 years
Drive time: 20 minutes from Joondalup
This beautifully designed park puts younger children first. Low-height equipment, soft-fall surfaces, and plenty of shade make it ideal for Perth’s sunny days. The interactive play panels and sensory elements are perfect for developing fine motor skills.
Parent tip: The excellent shade structures and BBQ facilities make this perfect for relaxed family gatherings. There’s also a fenced dog exercise area nearby if you’re bringing four-legged family members.
What to bring: Picnic lunch—the facilities here are too good to miss!
5. Wanneroo Botanic Gardens & Mini Golf
Perfect for: Something different—a playground alternative
Ages: 3+ years (with supervision)
Drive time: 15 minutes from Joondalup
While not a traditional playground, this beautiful location offers mini golf, sculpture trails, and plenty of open space for running and exploring. It’s perfect for mixing active play with quieter discovery time.
Parent tip: The entry fee is very reasonable for families, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours here. The café on-site is handy for snacks and drinks.
What to bring: Small change for the mini golf and comfortable walking shoes.
Safety First: Our Playground Checklist
Before any playground visit, we always recommend:
- Checking equipment for wear or damage
- Ensuring children wear appropriate footwear
- Bringing plenty of water, especially in summer
- Applying sunscreen before you leave home
- Having a meeting point in case anyone gets separated
Your Turn!
Have you discovered a fantastic playground we haven’t mentioned? We’re always collecting recommendations from local families to share with our Kids College community. Send us a message on Facebook or tag us on Instagram—we love seeing your family adventures!
At Kids College Childcare Centre, we believe every day should include time for exploration and discovery. From our nature-based learning programs to these wonderful local playgrounds, we’re passionate about giving children the freedom to play, learn, and grow.
Looking for childcare that values outdoor learning and play-based education? Contact us to learn more about our programs across Perth’s northern suburbs.
