Fremantle is the best place to explore with kids! There's parks, playgrounds, skateparks, beaches, museums, free things to do, shopping and restaurants to suit the whole family.
If you've got a family of early risers, why not start the day with brekkie in Fremantle?
Moore & Moore Cafe on Henry Street in the West End has a great play area out the back and offers a delicious menu and right next door to Paper Bird Children's Books and Arts which is always worth a look. Chalkys Espresso Bar near the Round House and Carriage Coffee Shop in Esplanade Reserve are open for dine in, as are Gino's and Benny's on the Cappuccino Strip.
With a full tummy you can get on your way to exploring the port city.
Image: Fremantle Esplanade Youth Plaza
If the kids are keen skaters, scooters or love their bikes be sure to take them to the Esplanade Youth Plaza. There is a playground close by that is great for climbing too! Take in Fremantle from a different view with a ride on the Tourist Wheel.
There are plenty of other playgrounds and parks open across the city including Tuckfield Oval Playground, overlooking the Containbow, the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) and Fremantle Harbour.
Fascinating stories and history can be found at the UNESCO World Heritage Fremantle Prison. Book a tour or have a look at the latest exhibition in the gallery.
The recently revamped Timezone on the famous Cappuccino Strip is a favourite with kids (& grown ups too). If you're up for a mental challenge Escape Hunt is fun for the whole family - check out the new outdoor game for a new way to explore Fremantle.
A day out with the kids is not complete without an ice-cream and there's a few to choose from while you're out and about. Stop at Baskins and Robbins in Fishing Boat Harbour and wander over to Bathers Beach for a look at the remnants of the original jetty, a play on the beach or a selfie with 'Bella'. Or choose from Ben & Jerry's, Freo Icecream & Waffles, Gelatissimo, Cocco Bianco Gelato, Swan River Gelato or Kuld Creamery on Essex Street (look for the giant sunflowers).
Image: WA Maritime Museum
Maybe you plan to start your family outing in the afternoon...
With your ice cream in hand, you could wander the Manjaree Walking Trail around the Bather's Beach Precinct and learn about the Nyoongar seasons, bush tucker, trade and other customs relevant to Manjaree. While you are in the West End, visit WA's oldest public building, the Round House. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails to investigate - check them out here.
Just around the corner, the WA Shipwrecks Museum is the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the southern hemisphere and the most visited museum in Western Australia. Steeped in history, the galleries house hundreds of relics from ships wrecked along Western Australia's treacherous coastline, including the original timbers from the Batavia (wrecked in 1629).
Fremantle is lucky to have not one, but two museum sites! The WA Maritime Museum houses several unique galleries that explore WA's relationship with the sea and is located at Victoria Quay - perfect for spotting dolphins in the harbour.
There is a fantastic family-friendly trail, A Trek Through Time, that moves between the two museum sites and passes historic landmarks including the Round House, Whaler's Tunnel and Bather's Beach.
There's no way you have dinner sorted if you've been out all afternoon so why not stay in Freo for an easy meal?
Image: looking in the fish tank at Cicerello's
All this adventuring works up an appetite! Stay for dinner at Cicerello's, it's a favourite for families with their fish tanks and fish and chips. The boardwalk at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour offers a beautiful view and a chance for a classic family photo at the popular 'love Freo' sign. On the Cappuccino Strip, Capri offers traditional Italian family dining and a 'bambini' menu for children until 12 years old. Grill'd Fremantle has great and healthy burgers and Pizza Bella Roma has...can you guess?...great pizza!