With a full fortnight remaining before the 2026 school year begins, Perth families are being treated to an incredible lineup of events and activities. If you're searching for ways to keep the kids or grandkids entertained, these ten top-notch outings offer something for every interest, ensuring the summer holidays end on a high note.
Sports Spectacles and High-Energy Fun
Basketball fans are in for a treat with the return of HoopsFest to RAC Arena from January 15 to 18. This four-day celebration features appearances from legends and current stars like Bryce Cotton and Allen Iverson, alongside NBL and WNBL matches. The free Bounce Nation Fan Zone at Forrest Place will keep younger visitors busy with pop-up courts, face-painting, and the popular Sneakerland festival.
For a different kind of adrenaline rush, SailGP brings high-speed catamaran racing to Fremantle's Bathers Beach this weekend, with action across Saturday and Sunday. When the Perth heat becomes too much, indoor play centres provide the perfect escape. Consider Rockface indoor climbing in Balcatta, The Kart Centre in Canning Vale, or the mini-golf fun at Hey Caddy in Balcatta and Rockingham.
Stellar Entertainment and Creative Workshops
The entertainment scene is buzzing with major productions. Disney Jr Live On Tour: Let's Play makes its Perth debut at RAC Arena on January 31 and February 1, with five shows featuring Mickey, Minnie, Ariel, and Team Spidey in an interactive musical extravaganza. Meanwhile, Now You See Me Live, a modern magic show based on the hit films, runs at Crown Theatre from January 23 to February 1.
For hands-on learning, the OzHarvest Kids Cooking For A Cause workshop on January 22 teaches children aged eight and up to cook like pros while minimising waste. Budding actors can join Barking Gecko's four-day theatre workshops in Subiaco and Kwinana, while kids who love mess will adore the sessions at Made To Be Messy in Heathridge.
Cultural Delights and Outdoor Adventures
Perth's vibrant arts scene is in full swing. Fringe World runs from January 21 to February 15, offering family-friendly acts like the All Star Circus, Barry Potter And The Magic Of Wizardry, and Peter Combe. For free fun, visit The Pleasure Garden in Northbridge to meet the famous Fringe mermaids daily from 3.30pm.
Younger audiences are catered for with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's Reach For The Sky at Fremantle Town Hall until January 24, and the adaptation of Mem Fox's Where Is The Green Sheep? at Subiaco's Regal Theatre on January 20. For a unique challenge, the new Prison Island escape room experience opens in the CBD on January 27, offering 90-minute missions for ages seven and up.
Embrace the great outdoors with a trip to the Swan Valley to pick your own grapes at venues like Grapes on Swan or Padbury Pickings (remember your own secateurs). Cap off the day with a family lunch at spots like Bailey Brewing Co. For astronomy enthusiasts, Startracks hosts A Celestial Showcase in Lower Chittering on January 23 from 7pm to 9.30pm, while the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin runs rocket-making workshops for kids aged 5-12.
Finally, enjoy a classic summer experience with outdoor cinema. The free Summer Series at Elizabeth Quay screens family movies every Wednesday until February 18. Alternatively, support a good cause at Telethon Community Cinemas in Joondalup, Murdoch, Bassendean, and Burswood, or enjoy a retro night at the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Kingsley.
