There's something for everyone in Fremantle all year round, it's a city that is full of spirit and soul. There's world-class attractions and museums, history and heritage on every street corner, cinemas and arcades, book stores and toy stores and during the school holidays extra workshops, events and special activities for kids.
If you are looking for something at a slower pace, an outing or activity that allows the kids (and the whole family!) to take in the wonder of Fremantle in a different way, you might be interested in our top 10 free activities for families.
1. FIND YOUR FAVOURITE STREET ART
There is amazing street art on display across the city. Keep your eyes peeled to find your favourite as you walk the main streets, the little laneways and on the sides of buildings. They can be unexpected and often thought-provoking pieces that are hidden treasures throughout Fremantle. There's the famous East West Designs mural, Anya Brock's Zebras at Ootong and Lincoln, the walls out the back of the Federal Hotel and the boxing kangaroo on High Street to get you on your way but there are hundreds of others and the beauty of street art is that it changes all the time. Check out this list for more locations as you plan your trip around the city. Snap a pic of your fave and tag @visitfremantle on socials.
Image: @odd_and_beautiful Instagram
2. FREO ON WHEELS
One of the best things to do with kids in the school holidays is to discover the rich history of Fremantle from convict and colonial heritage to arts, food, culture and one of a kind harbour views. The Fremantle Highlights cycle trail takes you through our historic town and port on a 7.5km trip, giving you a taste of all that Freo has to offer (download the PDF trail here). If you are looking for an adventure on foot, the Manjaree Walking Trail at Bathers Bay includes a series of interpretive signs starting at the northern edge of the Old Kerosene Store (now Kidogo Arthouse) and throughout the Bathers Beach Precinct explaining the Nyoongar seasons, bush tucker, trade and other customs relevant to Manjaree. Visit our walking and cycling trails page to find out more.
3. GO FISHIN'
Fremantle is a popular spot for dropping a line to catch fish, squid and even blue swimmer crabs. Grab your fishing rod and some bait and head to South Mole or North Mole, the North Fremantle edge of the Swan River or South Beach and settle in - you might even catch yourself some dinner! A family classic school holiday activity.
4. PICNIC IN THE PARK
Fremantle's reserves, parks and beaches have some of the most stunning views in Perth. Gather your brunch, lunch or dinner delights from our gourmet supermarkets, bakeries and butchers and pack your picnic or pick up fish and chips or pizza from one of your Freo favourites. Our top choices for location include Esplanade Reserve amongst the Norfolk Pines, Bathers Beach, South Beach, Leighton Beach or Booyeembara Park. There's a nice little patch in front of the Maritime Museum at Victoria Quay where you can look out over the port or head up to Monument Hill - it's been a popular lookout over Fremantle since the early days of settlement.
5. CHANNEL YOUR INNER PHOTOGRAPHER
Dust off your camera for the kids and head to Fremantle to capture street scenes, nature, landscapes, iconic attractions, the colours of the Indian Ocean, heritage buildings, shop fronts, street art... the list goes on. If you don't have a camera, could you use your phone? Set up a photo challenge or InstaMeet. Don't forget to tag @visitfremantle so we can see your beautiful pics.
Image: @xshannon14x Instagram
6. WA SHIPWRECKS MUSEUM
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), the de Vlamingh plate, and also countless artefacts from the Dutch shipwrecks Zuytdorp, Zeewijk and Vergulde Draeck. Entry is with a gold coin donation.
7. ESPLANADE YOUTH PLAZA & RESERVE
In the centre of Fremantle is the Esplanade Reserve - a large parkland area identified by tall Norfolk Pines. Inside its grounds you'll find the Esplanade Youth Plaza, Carriage Café, Tourist Wheel Fremantle and a large playground area, complete with a climbing frame for children to play on. It's an urban oasis that will keep the kids occupied for hours.
8. FISH TANK AT CICERELLO'S
The team at Cicerello’s have collected over 400 species and 80,000 litres of water and houses local marine animals in conditions as near to their natural environments as possible. It's a magical experience for the kids to get up close to sealife.
9. GET WILD ABOUT FREO
For all the nature lovers out there, Fremantle is home to a variety of interesting birds and there are excellent birdwatching opportunities around the city. BirdLife Western Australia’s handy guide will help you easily identify each species plus provide you with the best locations to find them. While you're out and about, if you fancy recording your findings you can share them on My Say Freo or on the Wild About Freo project page on the iNaturalist platform.
10. A FREMANTLE 'BOG LAP' - THE ULTIMATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON DRIVE
We’ve compiled a Fremantle 'bog lap' with a difference. Hop in the car and take in all the best views around the city, cruise down ‘the strip’ and check out Freo from a different perspective. We’ve added some links to historical stuff too. Click here for the ultimate Sunday afternoon drive itinerary.