Disney Jr. Live
With the school holidays in full swing and two weeks remaining before the academic year kicks off, families in Perth have a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you’re looking to entertain kids or grandkids, these top ten outings promise fun for everyone.
Hoop Dreams and High-Octane Racing
Basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat as HoopsFest returns to RAC Arena from January 15-18. This four-day celebration of basketball will feature appearances from current stars and legends, including Bryce Cotton and Allen Iverson. In addition to thrilling NBL and WNBL matches, families can enjoy the free Bounce Nation Fan Zone at Forrest Place, complete with pop-up courts, face painting, and entertainment. The Sneakerland festival, dedicated to sneaker culture, also makes a comeback.
Meanwhile, the excitement continues with the SailGP event set to take place at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach over the weekend. This high-octane catamaran racing event promises to be a spectacle for both participants and spectators.
Exploring the Cosmos
For budding astronomers, A Celestial Showcase by Startracks offers a night under the stars on January 23 in Lower Chittering. From 7pm to 9:30pm, attendees can enjoy presentations, games, and a chance to observe celestial objects. Additionally, the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory in Gingin offers school holiday workshops, including a two-hour rocket-making session for children aged 5-12.
Harvesting and Indoor Adventures
Families can also embrace the outdoors by picking their own grapes in the Swan Valley. With operators like Grapes on Swan, Padbury Pickings, and Swan Street Vineyard, this activity supports local farmers and provides a fun, hands-on experience. For a full day out, consider dining at family-friendly spots like Bailey Brewing Co. or Percy’s Paddock at the Stirling Arms.
When the heat becomes too much, indoor play centers offer a respite. Options include Rockface indoor climbing center in Balcatta, The Kart Centre go-kart center in Canning Vale, and Hey Caddy mini-golf venues in Balcatta and Rockingham.
Entertainment Galore
Perth will host Disney Jr Live On Tour: Let’s Play at RAC Arena on January 31 and February 1, featuring beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Ariel in an interactive show of music and acrobatics. The Now You See Me Live magic show, inspired by the popular film series, will also be at Crown Theatre from January 23 to February 1.
For younger audiences, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s Reach For The Sky is on at Fremantle Town Hall until January 24. Additionally, the classic story Where Is The Green Sheep? will be performed at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco on January 20.
Workshops and Escape Adventures
Engage kids with hands-on workshops like OzHarvest’s Kids Cooking For A Cause on January 22, where children aged eight and up can learn to cook while minimizing waste. Theatre company Barking Gecko offers four-day workshops in Subiaco and Kwinana, and Made To Be Messy in Heathridge provides messy play sessions for children up to age 12.
The escape room trend reaches new heights with the debut of Prison Island in WA. Opening on January 27 in the CBD, this Scandinavian-inspired experience challenges participants to a 90-minute mission across 30 “cells” filled with puzzles and obstacles.
Fringe Festival and Movie Nights
Running from January 21 to February 15, Fringe World offers family-friendly acts like All Star Circus and Barry Potter And The Magic Of Wizardry. Free entertainment is available at The Pleasure Garden in Northbridge, where families can meet the famous Fringe mermaids daily from 3:30pm.
For a cinematic experience under the stars, the new Summer Series at Elizabeth Quay offers free family movie screenings every Wednesday until February 18. Alternatively, Telethon Community Cinemas at various locations provide screenings with proceeds benefiting children’s charities, and the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Kingsley offers a nostalgic drive-in experience.
With such a diverse array of activities, families in Perth are sure to find something to enjoy before the school bell rings once more.
