Finneas and Tobias are two boys with autism, with contagious smiles and a lot of energy! Their parents Danilo and Vikki enjoy giving the boys as many options as possible for outdoors play.
The boys’ lack of awareness of safe boundaries, and need for sensory experiences, and safe and suitable play equipment, mean that only a handful of places near their home are accessible.
Sadly, this is not an isolated experience as there are many children with unique support needs, and many city councils have now recognised this. It’s good to see that the number of accessible playgrounds are on the rise.
Below are ten accessible playgrounds around Perth that are perfect for a play-day out!
1) Bibra Lake Regional Playground
Located in the City of Cockburn, the Bibra Lake Regional Playground has lots to love. The safe, clean playground caters to toddlers and kids of all ages, skills and abilities, and a scenic view of the lake makes for a beautiful day out.
A notable feature of this playground is the local Nyungar stories which the playground is inspired by, and the “Hollow Hill” play area which further incorporates Aboriginal stories.
The gated playground contains toilets within the fenced area, and a wide variety of play features including wet sand and a splash pad for water play, a double flying fox, wheelchair accessible ramps and supported seating on swings.
There are even accessible BBQ areas with custom ignition buttons for those who are visually impaired or have limited mobility.
Accessibility Rating: 5 Stars ♿♿♿♿♿ (Top Tier Accessibility)
✔ This playground has some of the best accessible equipment we’ve seen, with various types of swings, flying foxes and seesaws, as well as sound and water play features for the visually impaired.
✔ Mobility is considered with pram and wheelchair-accessible pathways and parking bays, accessible BBQ areas, as well as disabled bathroom and change places with adjustable height tables.
2) Whiteman Park All Abilities Playground (Pia’s Place)
Ideal for hosting birthday parties and other celebrations, look no further than Pia’s Place. With ample picnic shelters and green space, this is a park that will keep kids entertained for hours.
The playground is designed to be well spaced so that it doesn’t get congested, and you can still keep your kids in your line of sight across each area.
Features of the playground include huge climbing structure, slides, flying foxes, wobbly rope bridges, and even a massive lighthouse that can be climbed and slid down. This park comes highly recommended for endless activities and play opportunities.
Accessibility Rating: 5 Stars ♿♿♿♿♿ (Top Tier Accessibility)
✔ This playground has a huge variety of accessible play equipment, including accessible swings, ramps, cubby space, sand play areas, a basket swing and a sway/run rocket. It considers all ability types and their play preferences, whether it’s fast paced or slow and exploratory.
✔ Mobility is considered with pram and wheelchair-accessible pathways and parking bays. There is also a world class Changing Places facility for visitors with high care needs.
✔ Pia’s Place is fully fenced to ensure child safety, so parents can relax and let their children play to their heart’s content.
3) Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space
The Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space is located in the City of Nedlands.
This accessible playground has wheelchair access all throughout, a huge variety of play equipment, as well as a sensory garden. There are lots of creative play areas, including an obstacle course, a cubby house with coloured glass windows, and even a water play area.
Accessibility Rating: 5 Stars ♿♿♿♿♿ (Top Tier Accessibility)
✔ Equipment is designed for accessibility, with sensory play areas and a fully wheelchair accessible playground complete with adapted swings.
✔ Mobility is considered with pram and wheelchair-accessible pathways and parking bays. There is also a Changing Places facility for visitors with high care needs.
✔ Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space is fully fenced to ensure child safety.
4) Yokine Reserve All Abilities Playground
Based in the City of Stirling, Yokine Reserve All Abilities Playground has something for everyone—with plenty of picnic space, a fenced kid’s playground, multiple water stations, 4 spacious ovals and tons of trees and shade.
It’s a go-to spot for families and dog lovers if you love walking or need space to let the kids run and play!
For the kiddos, there are multiple zones and musical instruments, two roundabouts, a climbing wall, a balancing course, and a variety of swings and hammocks.
Accessibility Rating: 4 Stars ♿♿♿♿ (Enhanced Accessibility)
✔ This playground has a huge range of exciting and imaginative equipment that is accessible for all abilities, including the elevated deck with ramps, an accessible slide and large spinning disk, as well as sensory play equipment.
✔ Mobility is considered with pram and wheelchair-accessible pathways, bathrooms, and 3 wheelchair accessible parking bays.
✔ Yokine Reserve All Abilities Playground is double gated to ensure child safety and prevent any escape-artist activity.
5) Piney Lakes Sensory Playground
Located in Winthrop, Piney Lakes Sensory Playground is a beautiful location featuring wide paths and ramps, a stunning playground and a public herb garden.
There is a water play area that is sure to have kids squealing with delight, and a balance seesaw and other balance-based activities that many children find especially fun to play on.
We also love the journey pathways with sensory elements that make this a fantastic playground for accessible play.
Accessibility Rating: 4 Stars ♿♿♿♿ (Enhanced Accessibility)
✔ Equipment is accessible with a wheelchair-friendly roundabout, a variety of supportive swings, an amphitheatre with a range of play elements and a labyrinth with speaker phones for sound play.
✔ Mobility is considered with pram and wheelchair-accessible pathways and parking bays, accessible picnic tables set at different heights, as well as drink fountains and disabled bathrooms with change places and adjustable height tables.
6) The Adventure Park
This Kwinana based playground has a variety of different features, offering endless adventures.
The elevated Tree Maze is accessible by wheelchair from end to end and incorporates physical features (such as net tunnels, climbing walls and bridges) as well as sensory play activities including musical instruments and interactive play elements.
There is also a sand play area featuring sand tables and sand play networks, as well as a wheelchair friendly splash pad area with water jets. More adventurous kiddos will also enjoy the variety of swings and the accessible flying fox.
Accessibility Rating: Stars ♿♿♿♿ (Enhanced Accessibility)
✔ Wheelchair accessible equipment including junior areas, sand play areas, water play areas, action play areas and integrated sensory elements.
✔ Mobility is considered with accessible paths and strategic playground design, accommodating for various access requirements. The park also contains a changing places room with a change table and hoist, as well as The Patio equipped with accessible picnic tables and BBQ areas.
✔ The Adventure Park is fully fenced with double-gated access points to ensure safety.
7) Woodbridge Riverside Park Guildford
This eco adventure play space encourages creativity and physical play through a variety of play equipment, including sand play, nature play, water play, tunnels, swings and slides!
Children will love the pirate boat, the fireman’s pole, as well as the pully and digging system for a variety of imaginative role play scenarios. There’s also a sway boat, lookouts and stepping stones for additional play opportunities.
With a café conveniently located nearby and plenty of grass areas for picnics, you and the family can relax and enjoy your day out!
Accessibility Rating: Stars ♿♿♿♿ (Enhanced Accessibility)
✔ Equipment is designed for inclusion, catering to different sensory elements, as well as offering accessible swings and signs that teach sign language.
✔ Mobility is considered with wheelchair accessible toilets, change facilities for adults and children, and disability parking close by.
✔ Woodbridge Riverside Park Guildford is fully fenced with a safety latch gate.
Photo credit: Touched by Olivia
8) Livvi’s Place Playground
Located in Brabham, Livvi’s Place Playground specifically caters to children with autism, as well as physical, visual, hearing and mobility impairments.
This fully fenced playground has many accessible features, including sensory play equipment that focuses on sound and touch, and a roundabout that can be used with wheelchairs.
There’s also a flying fox, a big slide, and a BBQ facility for a laid-back and fun afternoon out (we recommend going later in the day since the playground doesn’t have shade).
Accessibility Rating: 3 Stars ♿♿♿ (Baseline Accessibility)
✔ This playground has been designed with features that cater for autism spectrum including physical, visual, hearing & mobility impairments, and offers a calmer play experience. It also has a great range of accessible equipment including a flying fox with a bucket seat, a wheelchair friendly roundabout and sand play areas.
✔ Livvi’s Place Playground is fully fenced and contains pram and wheelchair-accessible parking and bathrooms.
9) John MacMillan Park
One of the best playgrounds in Victoria Park, the John MacMillan Park has a central location near the library and directly across from major shops and fooderies, making it easy to plan a visit while running some errands.
You could also coordinate a park visit with the Sunday Vic Park Market, so that you can get your fresh produce for the week ahead and enjoy a refreshing juice while the kiddos play.
Our favourite feature of this park is the mud kitchen and large chalkboards, where children’s imaginations can run wild as they play pretend. There are plenty of other features too, including a bird’s nest swing, a wooden teepee, and a double slide.
Accessibility Rating: 3 Stars ♿♿♿ (Baseline Accessibility)
✔ This playground doesn’t have as many accessible equipment features, but it makes up for it in sensory play inclusions that children will love using. There’s also an inclusive basketball court with a ping pong table and for the more sporty kiddos.
✔ Mobility is considered with a wheelchair accessible location and parking, and the convenience of it being located close to shops, markets and a nearby library may make it easier for those with limited energy or chronic pain to make the most of a day out.
10) Saw Avenue Picnic Area (Variety Place)
Located on the Subiaco side of King’s Park, the Variety Place playground within Saw Avenue Picnic Area has been developed with disabilities in mind. Active, energetic children will love the fort, tunnels, bridges and climbing nets!
In addition, free electric BBQs and grassy play areas offer lots of variety for a family day out, especially if you plan on visiting the King’s Park State War Memorial before or afterwards.
Accessibility Rating: Stars ♿♿♿ (Baseline Accessibility)
✔ A variety of active play equipment has been developed with disabilities in mind, to encourage inspiration and adventure.
✔ Mobility is considered with a changing places facility close by and disability parking within close proximity to the playground.
Looking to build the right support system for your child?
We’re a registered NDIS provider ready to support your family’s needs, so that your child can get the necessary and tailored supports they need to grow and thrive.
Through increased community participation to locations such as the above playgrounds, we can assist with skills building and social skills development for improved quality of life. Explore our services or get in touch today to learn more.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 905 166
