The next Western Australian public school summer break starts after Term 4 finishes on Thursday 17 December 2026. Term 1 starts on Monday 1 February 2027, so the break runs from 18 December to 31 January. These dates follow the Department of Education calendar; individual schools can have different pupil-free arrangements.
Planning update: 16 October 2026. The September-October break and the 2026 Perth Royal Show have finished. Summer workshops and special events need their own current listings; do not use an expired spring programme to book a December outing.
Choose one main outing for the day
| Option | What to check |
|---|---|
| Scitech | Book the visit and check that day's shows. The Feature Exhibition gallery is closed until 31 October according to the current notice; summer exhibitions need a separate check. |
| WA Museum Boola Bardip | General admission and special workshops have different booking arrangements; check age guidance and availability. |
| Adventure World and Outback Splash | Use the operator's daily opening calendar, ride requirements and supervision rules. |
| Perth Aqua Park | Book an available session and check minimum ages, water confidence, supervision and weather. |
| Kings Park Naturescape | Check seasonal hours, Monday and public-holiday closures and the day's heat or fire notice. |
| A free park or museum day | Choose shade, toilets, a manageable journey and a nearby indoor fallback. |
Indoor days and booked sessions
Scitech and Boola Bardip's holiday programme are useful starting points. Read the specific date, age and ticket conditions before promising a workshop. A general venue ticket does not guarantee a place at every activity. See indoor family activities for alternatives.
Water parks and outdoor days
Adventure World, Outback Splash and Perth Aqua Park have separate calendars and participation rules. Check the actual day, each child's height and water confidence, and the adult supervision requirement before paying. Use the water parks comparison to choose one outing.
For a free outdoor day, compare free family activities. Check Kings Park notices before relying on Naturescape or a particular playground. In summer, choose a shorter early outing, carry water and have an indoor backup rather than a long exposed walk.
Keep the day manageable
Book the main activity first, then allow time for travel, lunch, toilets and rest. Confirm holiday opening exceptions, especially Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Check your return public transport before leaving and avoid booking a second timed activity immediately after the first.