What’s on this weekend in Perth (Family edition)

The last two weeks of school holidays are here—let's make them count! With the busy holiday season behind us, who has the time or energy to research weekend activities? Don't worry—we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for arts and entertainment, relaxed family time, or ways to burn off your kids' energy, we have all the ideas to fill your weekend.

1. Explore Perth's Museums – Free Entry
Make the most of Perth museums' free summer entry! Your family can explore fascinating art, culture, and history without spending a cent. Don't miss the interactive cosmic activity zone, Space Station at Boola Bardip and the stunning Empress Joséphine's garden at the Maritime Museum.

📍 Where: Various locations
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 More info here

2. Aquamotion Fun Day in Wanneroo
Cool off and have a blast at the Aquamotion Fun Day in Wanneroo! With water slides, splash pads, and family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat.

📍 Where: Wanneroo Aquamotion
🗓️ When: Saturday 11 Jan, 1PM to 4PM
💵 Cost: Free entry
🔗 More info here

3. Fremantle Arts Centre Sunday Music Session
Spend a laid-back afternoon in the Fremantle Arts Centre's front garden enjoying live performances by Tchega and Aurus. Pack a picnic, bring the family, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. While the kids play, parents can unwind with drinks from the bar, and everyone can enjoy tasty treats from the food trucks. This free event is ideal for families who love music.

📍 Where: Fremantle Arts Centre
🗓️ When: Sunday 12 Jan, 2PM – 4PM
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 More info here

4. Outdoor Movies for the Whole Family
Summer and outdoor movies just go together. Snuggle up with the family for movie night under the stars with several outdoor cinemas showing family friendly movies this weekend:

Galaxy Drive-In Theatre
Catch Paddington in Peru at this retro-style drive-in. Bring snacks and enjoy the movie from the comfort of your car.

📍 Where: 157-167 Goollelal Drive, Kingsley
🗓️ When: Saturday 11 Jan and Sunday 12 Jan, gates open 6.45pm and movie starts 8pm
💵 Cost: Adults: $11, Children (4-12): $5.50, Under 4years: Free
🔗 More info here

Kookaburra Cinema
Watch Moana 2 in the serene forest setting of Kookaburra Cinema. A magical experience for kids and adults alike. 🍷BYO picnic and drinks. Their on-site kiosk sells confectionary, soft drinks, tea, coffee and hot chocolate and of course Choc Tops (cos movie night wouldn't be the same without them). You can even make an entire weekend of it with overnight camping available across the road at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre.

📍 Where: Allen Rd, Sawyers Valley WA 6074
🗓️ When: Friday 10 Jan, gates open 6.30pm and movie starts 7.40pm
💵 Cost: Adults: $15, Children: $10
🔗 More info here

Rooftop Movies
Enjoy a weekend of movies with Wicked showing on Saturday night and Moana 2 on Sunday night at Perth’s iconic Rooftop Movies. Don’t forget, 3 hour parking in the city is free on Sundays at certain CPP carparks! Tickets for this weekend are now sold out but check out their program for what’s available on other days. They’ve got a well stocked bar and you can BYO snacks or feast on treats from their Candy Bar and Benedict’s Burgerbuns.

📍 Where: 68 Roe St, Perth
🗓️ When: Saturday 11 Jan and Sunday 12 Jan, doors open from 6pm
💵 Cost: Tickets range from $16 - $30
🔗 More info here.

Telethon Community Cinemas
Choose from a variety of family-friendly films while supporting a good cause. This weekend the various locations are showing The Wild Robot, Wicked and Moana 2. Bring your own food or pre-order Domino’s pizzas online. All venues also have a fully stocked bar.

📍 Where: Bassendean, Burswood, Joondalup and Murdoch venues
💵 Cost: Adults: $14, Children (5-15): $7, Under 5s: Free
🔗 More info here.

Perth Festival Cine Wonders @ Luna Palace Cinemas
It’s not quite outdoors, but this movie event is catered specifically to children who might enjoy more unique and artistic screenings. For the first time, Perth Festival presents Cine Wonders, a curated program of films for the young and young at heart, in partnership with Luna Palace Cinemas. Running until January 19, Cine Wonders features six of the world's finest children's films—from inventive animations to inspiring documentaries, both local and international—making it the perfect school holiday adventure for the whole family. With screenings at 10:30am, it's ideal for early birds!

Perth Festival and Luna have also partnered with Sensorium Theatre to offer inclusive and accessible screening options for children and their caregivers.

These sensory-friendly sessions at Luna SX include low lighting, reduced sound volume, a breakout space, sensory toys, freedom of movement, and visual prompts to help convey the films' messages and stories.

📍 Where: Luna Palace Cinemas
🗓️ When: 7 Jan to 13 Jan, 1030AM
💵 Cost: Adults: $20, Children: $17
🔗 More info here

5. Melville Summer Music: The Bures Band & Anna Schneider
Head to the City of Melville for an evening of free live music featuring The Bures Band and Anna Schneider. Pack a picnic blanket, soak up the tunes, and watch your kids dance the evening away. The event is part of Melville's fourth annual season of family-friendly concerts, showcasing talented local artists, with more concerts running through till March.

📍 Where: Piney Lakes Reserve, Winthrop
🗓️ When: Saturday, 5PM – 7PM
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 More info here

So whether you indulge in some live music and outdoor cinemas to water play and cultural experiences, the family is sure to be entertained this weekend.

💡 Pro Tip: Remember free 3 hour parking on Sundays in the city! And free public transport for all SmartRider users till 5 February.

Have a fantastic weekend exploring all that Perth has to offer! 🌟

Need more inspo for things to do with the fam? Keep browsing Wild Nestlings for fresh ideas, tips, and recommendations for Perth parents who want more than just a playground review.