Okay Perth parents, we're officially past the Christmas rush and into the real summer heat, but there are still gems to be found this weekend (Jan 3-4). Don't just default to the pool; check out the very last moments of the Exhibition: Chirriger Kwilla for a dose of local culture, and plan your evenings around the Light Show at Elizabeth Quay before it wraps up soon!
Quick Picks
Summer Reading Challenge
Perth Library
Keeps the older ones engaged with reading goals right up until the end of Feb, perfect for a quiet break from the heat.
Book an Adventure! 80 Years of Australian Stories for Children
State Library of Western Australia
A beautiful, free exhibition featuring original children's book artwork – a great indoor escape showing until Jan 15th.
Light Show at Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay
Though it runs until Feb, the evening light show is magical for little eyes and an easy win for toddlers and preschoolers when it’s cooler.
Book an Adventure! 80 Years of Australian Stories for Children
This exhibition celebrates 80 years of Australian children’s literature with original artwork from iconic illustrators like Shaun Tan. It's a gorgeous way to show the kids where their favourite stories come from—plus, it's indoors and free!
Why we picked it: It's one of the last weekends to see this celebration of Aussie kids' lit, ending January 15th.
Summer Reading Challenge
If you need a quiet, air-conditioned activity, sign the kids up for the Summer Reading Challenge at the City of Perth Library. No bookings needed, just rock up and get reading over the holidays.
Why we picked it: It’s running right through to the end of February, so it's an easy, ongoing activity to slip into a hot weekend.
Exhibition: Chirriger Kwilla - An Exploration of Noongar Totems
Head east for a cultural dose at the Zig Zag Gallery's Noongar totems exhibition. It’s a fantastic, non-CBD cultural activity that most tourists miss. This is the final weekend, closing Sunday!
Why we picked it: It's the very last day for this cultural exhibition, which wraps up on Sunday, January 4th.
Light Show at Elizabeth Quay
The Elizabeth Quay Summer Series is on, and this includes a free light show over the water, perfect for cooling down after dinner. Grab a picnic blanket and claim a spot by the Quay.
Why we picked it: It's part of the Summer Series running now, offering free evening entertainment when the afternoon sun is too much.
Strength Heroes January 2026 School Holiday Workshops
Strength Heroes is running creative, confidence-building workshops over the holidays, covering things like art, science, and architecture. It’s a great idea for getting them off devices and learning a new skill.
Why we picked it: They offer a variety of creative workshops (art, science, mindfulness) perfect for a structured holiday activity.
Indoor Rock Climbing
If you have teens who need an active outlet, the Kwinana Youth Space is running free indoor rock climbing sessions. You must live in the City of Kwinana, though, so keep that in mind!
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, active event specifically aimed at teens (12-17 yrs) who often get overlooked.
AusCycling Road National Championships Spectating
The National Championships are back, and you can watch elite cyclists race through Kings Park and the CBD for free! It’s high-energy and definitely more exciting than just cycling yourself.
Why we picked it: It's a huge national sporting event happening right on our doorstep this weekend, offering free viewing spots for fast-paced action.
FRINGE WORLD Festival 2026 (Pre-Launch/Early Events)
FRINGE World is gearing up to launch (official start is Jan 21), but sometimes there are small pop-ups or early shows happening in the Pleasure Garden on the lead-up weekends. Check listings closer to the date for surprises!
Why we picked it: While the main festival starts later, this is the weekend to scout for early, quirky Fringe hints appearing across the city.
Perth Aqua Park
If the kids are overheating and need a proper challenge, Perth Aqua Park has 100+ obstacles, climbing walls, and massive slides. Perfect for burning off that holiday energy safely.
Why we picked it: It’s peak summer, and this is the ultimate outdoor water obstacle course to beat the heat.
City of South Perth School Holiday Activities (Check Program)
The City of South Perth has a whole list of holiday activities like terrarium making, coding, and D&D sessions still running this weekend. You'll need to check their calendar for Saturday's specific event as they vary.
Why we picked it: They offer a variety of structured, themed activities (like Muggle Magic or terrarium making) that are booked out in advance.
Time for Songs and Stories
This is usually a mid-week thing, but check if the City of South Perth has any overflow drop-in story sessions this weekend for the little ones. These sessions are great for socialisation and songs.
Why we picked it: These story sessions are specifically designed for the under-5s, offering a guaranteed win for toddlers.
Light Show at Elizabeth Quay
The free light show at Elizabeth Quay is on again Sunday night, so it’s a super easy activity for littlies as it's outdoors and doesn't require a hard start time.
Why we picked it: It’s a late-afternoon/early-evening event, which is ideal for avoiding the worst of the January heat with babies/toddlers.
Rockingham Aquatic Centre’s Fun Day Sundays
If you’re heading south, Rockingham Aquatic Centre has their 'Fun Day Sundays' happening again with all-day access for cheap. Under 5s get in free, making it great value for families with little ones.
Why we picked it: It's part of a recurring summer series, ensuring consistent, known-value water fun every Sunday.
HALE TENGER / BORDERS / BORDERS Exhibition
If the kids fancy some contemporary art, The Art Gallery of WA has this exhibition running daily. It’s a good, air-conditioned spot to wander if the heat gets too much.
Why we picked it: It runs until February 8th, providing a reliable, cool option for the middle of the school holidays.
Kangaroo Safari @ The Vines
Head out to the Swan Valley for a Kangaroo Safari—you get up close with our local marsupials away from the usual zoo crowds. You can even add mini-golf afterwards!
Why we picked it: It's a unique Swan Valley experience that gets kids interacting with Australian wildlife in a non-traditional setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Perth this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are several free options! You can check out the Summer Reading Challenge at the Perth Library, view the beautiful Book an Adventure! exhibition at the State Library, and watch the spectacular Light Show at Elizabeth Quay in the evening. The AusCycling Road National Championships also offer free viewing spots for high-octane action.
Is there anything good on for teens (13+) that isn't a tourist trap?
Yes, your teens might appreciate watching the elite action at the AusCycling Road National Championships racing through the city and Kings Park for free. For something more structured, check if the Kwinana Indoor Rock Climbing is available for residents (free for 12-17 year olds), or check for late-evening Fringe World pop-ups.
What is closing this weekend (Jan 3-4) that we need to see ASAP?
The Exhibition: Chirriger Kwilla - An Exploration of Noongar Totems at the Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda is wrapping up for good on Sunday, January 4th, so get in quick for this local cultural gem!