HOT LIST OF FAMILY HOLIDAY IDEAS

School holidays are here, and it’s time for some summer fun! Just a short 1 hour drive from Perth, Mandurah is the perfect spot for families looking for adventure or a relaxing escape. We’ve put together the TOP 20 activities to keep kids entertained and parents happy, from free and budget-friendly options to exciting and action-packed experiences. Enjoy dolphin spotting, exploring the great outdoors, discovering giant attractions, and soaking up the sunshine, all while creating unforgettable family memories this summer!

1. DOLPHIN CRUISING

Set sail for summer fun! Climb aboard our 1.25-hour Dolphin Cruise & Views tour for the ultimate summer adventure! Kids can play captain, ring the ship’s bell, explore the engine room, and try out lifelike marine controls, while the whole family keeps an eye out for Mandurah’s playful dolphins ~ sightings guaranteed or your next cruise is free. With nautical fun on every deck and dolphin encounters at every turn, this is a summer holiday experience your family won’t forget!

2. GIANT HUNTING

Explore Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah, five massive wooden sculptures hidden across the city! Grab your free Travellers’ Companion Guide and map from the Mandurah Visitor Centre and let the kids follow clues, climb, explore nature, and snap epic photos along the way. For the ultimate summer adventure, join our Giant & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise for a perfect view of Seba’s Song and guaranteed wild dolphin encounters. Perfect for a summer day of family fun!

3. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL

Wander through WA’s biggest Christmas Lights Trail and see Mandurah come alive as a sparkling waterfront wonderland! With 35 larger-than-life light displays, festive entertainment, and fun for all ages, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. Running through January 4th, don’t miss this magical holiday experience!

4. NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS

Ring in 2026 with a spectacular celebration at the City of Mandurah New Year’s Eve Fireworks! Bring family and friends, pack a picnic, and watch the night sky light up at 9 pm and midnight. Enjoy two breathtaking shows, the early fireworks to kick off the evening and the grand finale to welcome the New Year in style!

5. MURRAY RIVER LUNCH CRUISE

Relax on our Murray River Lunch Cruise! Spend a leisurely 4.5 hours exploring the stunning Peel Inletand tranquil Murray River. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board while spotting playful dolphins, diverse birdlife, beautiful flora, and the historic Coopers Mill. It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak up the scenery.

6. SWIM SCHOOL

Make a splash this summer! Learn to swim and discover the importance of water safety at the Mandurah Aquatic & Recreation Centre. Dive into their 5-day or 10-day swim school courses and enjoy fun, cool pool sessions perfect for kids of all ages!

7. BEATS UNDER THE BRIDGE

Celebrate the summer holidays on Friday, 23 January 2026 at this free, fun, and safe event designed for young people! Enjoy a packed day of activities including Silent Disco, live DJs, food stalls, water rides, race karts, face painting, volleyball, photobooths, and more. It’s the perfect chance to hang out with friends, make new ones, and celebrate summer in style.

8. FAMILY MOVIES

Kick back with the kids this school holidays at Reading Cinemas Mandurah, with family favourites like Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, and Pets on a Train. Or enjoy cosy outdoor movie nights under the stars with the City of Mandurah! Bring a picnic blanket or low-backed chair and catch free screenings in the heart of Mandurah with The Polar Express on23 December or Sonic the Hedgehog on31 December. Perfect for families, friends, and couples to relax and enjoy warm summer nights!

9. INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING

Get the kids moving this summer at Mandurah Indoor Rock Climbing! Suitable for all ages and skill levels, they can climb, swing, and challenge themselves while building confidence. Plus, with trapeze classes, ninja courses, and outdoor adventure camps, there’s no shortage of active fun and excitement for every young explorer.

10. FUN FITNESS

These school holidays, kids can roll, bounce, swim, and play at the Mandurah Aquatic & Recreation Centre! Join the Roller Disco on Friday 30 January, or take on the AQUAtron and MARCzillainflatable obstacle courses. There’s something for every young adventurer to stay active and have a blast!

11. MANDURAH MARKET TRAIL

Every Sunday, explore the Mandurah Market Trail across Smart Street Mall, the Eastern Foreshore, and Mandjar Square. Wander between locations to find fresh local produce, handmade creations, and tasty treats, all while enjoying Mandurah’s lively community vibe. With new stalls and surprises each week, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday in town!

12. MANDURAH MUSEUM

These school holidays, visit the Mandurah Museum for a fun and educational family experience. Explore Mandurah’s history and life in the past, and dive into Filipino culture with hands-on workshops where kids can create their very own Filipino Mythical Bird while learning fascinating facts. Packed with interactive activities, it’s a school holiday adventure full of creativity and discovery!

13. SWEET TREATS

These school holidays, satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to San Churro Mandurah, where chocolate lovers can enjoy a ‘Buy 1 Churros, Get 1 FREE’ deal with your Mandurah Cruises ticket. Or cool down at Simmo’s Ice Creamery, offering over 39 flavours of creamy ice cream and plenty of other tasty treats for the whole family. Sweet indulgence has never been this fun!

14. BMX BIKING

For kids chasing adventure on two wheels, Mandurah is home to some of the latest and greatest BMX pump tracks. Race around the Mandurah BMX Track, test your skills at the McLennan Park (Madora Bay) Pump Track, or ride the jumps and turns at Falcon Skate Park and Pump Track and Lavender Gardens Reserve (Halls Head) Pump Track. Best of all, they’re FREE and open every day, making them the perfect way to burn energy and have fun outdoors.

15. NATURE PLAY WA

For a fun way to explore the outdoors, download the City of Mandurah Nature Play Passport. This interactive activity booklet is filled with nature-based challenges and adventures that encourage kids to connect with their surroundings, spark curiosity, and develop a love for the great outdoors, all while nurturing their growing minds and bodies.

16. CRITTERS UP CLOSE

Get up close with wildlife these school holidays with Critters Up Close at libraries across Mandurah! On 7 January, meet the Birds of Prey, on 14 January enjoy Farmyard Friends, on 17 January explore Mini Aquatics and build an Aquatic Ecosystem, and on 22 January experience an exciting Wildlife Encounter. A fun and educational adventure for curious kids and families!

17. E BIKE & SCOOTER

Get the whole family moving this spring with a Mandurah bike adventure! Enjoy the city’s smooth cycle paths or explore the scenic coastline, you might even spot one of the Giants of Mandurah along the way. Hire a great value E-Bike or E-Scooter for the whole family from The Bike Kiosk. Conveniently located next to the Mandurah Visitor Centre, directly opposite Mandurah Cruises, it’s the perfect way to explore, be active, and have fun together!

18. RANGER RED’S ZOO

Enjoy a unique, hands-on adventure at Ranger Red’s Zoo, where kids (and grown-ups!) can get up close with a variety of animals. Hand-feed kangaroos, sheep, deer, goats, and emus, or meet some Aussie icons by holding a snake, koala, or wombat. Wander through the open aviary to spot over 100 species of birds and animals, and for the ultimate animal-lover’s experience, check out the ‘Junior Zookeeper 4 A Day’ program, perfect for curious kids who dream of working with wildlife.

19. AMAZE MINIATURE PARK

Get lost in the fun at Mandurah Amaze Miniature Park! Explore the incredible display of miniature scale buildings and railways, wander through the huge hedge maze, and challenge the family to a round of 12-hole mini golf. With a playground, picnic area, and beautifully landscaped gardens, it’s the perfect spot for a full day of family fun.

20. PLAYGROUNDS

Mandurah’s Western Foreshore is packed with fun spaces for the whole family! Check out the Playscape Adventure Park – Koolaanga Waabiny Playground, right on the waterfront, featuring swings, slides, monkey bars, and a 12-metre-high climbing lookout tower. Connected to the playground is a fantastic skatepark with three zones suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.

Two other playgrounds worth visiting this school holidays are Quarry Park in Meadow Springs and Harbour Playground in Secret Harbour. These huge, modern playgrounds are designed to keep kids busy and entertained for hours.

For an extra adventure, head 20 minutes from Mandurah to Adventurescape in South Yunderup. This farm-themed playground features a 35mflying fox, giant pig cubby house, 9m climbing windmill tower and slide, fence maze,swings, and fibreglass animal sculptures — endless fun for little explorers!