Our Top Six Toddler To-Do's

Whiteman Park is a great place to visit with the whole family, but if you’re visiting with extra-little people, we’ve got some brilliant attractions and activities to keep them happy!

With exciting nature playgrounds, wide open spaces, wildlife encounters and pram-accessible attractions open every day of the week, Whiteman Park is the perfect destination for a day out with your toddler and under 5s. So if you’re planning a day out with your mums group, or just looking to get the littles ones out into nature for the day, put these six things on your toddler to-do list for your next Park visit!

1. The Children’s Forest

Whiteman Park’s Children’s Forest is a free experience where youngsters can explore Western Australia’s native bushland and discover hidden wonders, including life size eagle nests, peeking possums, and Forest’s friendly ‘guardians’ Boy of the Bush and his sister Fern. A range of simple activity sheets suitable for youngsters are available to download online or pick up from the Whiteman Park Information Centre to make your Forest exploration even more fun and interactive. Our hot tip? Go in search of the Fairy Doors in Stages 14–18! They are always a hit with the little ones but are best sought on cooler days as they are deep in the Forest.

2. Railway Exploration

Who doesn’t love a tram ride? Perth Electric Tramway Society provides regular tram services through Whiteman Park on Western Australia’s only heritage electric tram. Departing half-hourly between 11am and 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and on weekends, the tram journeys from the heart of Whiteman Village through to Mussel Pool providing the perfect way to reach Pia’s Place and Guerrilla Hub.

The Bennett Brook Railway is another exciting way to explore the Park with a scenic vintage train ride through beautiful native bushlands. Not to be missed is the famous Ashley and Friends Day, when everybody’s favourite steam engine Ashley comes out of the depot to play. The event runs twice a year in Autumn and Spring, so keep an eye on our What’s On page for up-to-date event details and ticket information.

3. See Animals Galore

With daily experiences including interactive farm shows, lamb bottle-feedings and one-on-one encounters with koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, what little one wouldn’t love a trip to Caversham Wildlife Park? The pathways and toilet blocks around the Park have been designed with pram access and ease in mind, plus kids under 3 years get free entry! If you’re a regular visitor, the Caversham Multi-pass is must-have: it's a great system where every fourth visit is free!

Just don’t forget to snap some cute pics for lasting memories.

4. Playground Paradise

Did you know that Whiteman Park has four separate playgrounds? We know playgrounds are a dime-a-dozen, but your toddler will be spoiled for choice with so many options in such close proximity! In the Village, you've got two colourful sandpit playgrounds - one each in the Village East and Village West areas, both with shade, as well as the shallow Mini Water Playground, ideal to cool off on warm summer days.

Pia’s Place at the opposite end of the Park is also a must-visit. Designed as a nature-based inclusive playground for all ages, the area includes lots of shaded seats and pathways. With opportunities to climb, jump, build, and explore, this giant space is perfect for under 5s to experience textures, colours and smells in a new way.

5. Get Excited for the Tractor Parade

Any machinery-obsessed kids will absolutely love the Tractor Museum of WA, with a colourful display of nearly forty tractors and other vintage vehicles. Make sure you don’t miss out on the iconic Tractor Parade on the second Sunday of every month as the collection slowly chugs its way up to Revolutions Transport Museum and back. The best seats in the house to watch the tractor journey around the Village is on the grassy lawns near the Visitor Information Centre, or opposite the Village Junction Station – your toddlers will love watching these big relics rumble past!

6. Picnic Perfection

No day out to Whiteman Park is ever complete without a picnic on its gorgeous green lawns, right? Pack a picnic lunch and pick up an ice cream at one of the Park’s cafés or buy some old-fashioned sweets at the vintage Lolly Stop while enjoying a peaceful day out surrounded by nature. Entertainment is free with plenty of space to play, and birdlife frolicking in the trees to look for... and if you’re lucky your youngster might even spot some native kangaroos and other wildlife coming past to say hello.

We do kindly ask that you ensure your littlies don’t chase the wildlife though. Not only can it be stressful for the animals or birds being chased, it can lead to them learning to swoop or strike visitors to protect themselves and their young (and we’re not just talking about our black and white magpie friends). Let everyone enjoy the day by respecting our native wildlife.