Things to do in Perth

[wavy_davy]

Hi everyone!

I've just popped in from the UK so you are all probably asleep at the moment! We are planning to emigrate to Perth next year (May 2006 ish) and will have our 2.5 year old daughter with us. Just wanted to say what a good site this is and it will prove really helpful. Money is going to be really tight and I wondered whether there were many free things to do around the area? Also we have a good network of children's nearly new sales over here in the UK, where you can buy and sell things - are there the same sort of things in Perth?

Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes
Katy, Dave & Elley

[Chickadee]

Hi Katy, Dave & Elley,
Congrats on your decision to emigrate. We did it 4.5 years ago from Canada :)

There are lots of free things to do with toddlers, though sometimes you have to look hard. There is a Kids in Perth newspaper (I think it's called) that comes out monthly and is free, and lists all sorts of activities, some free some not. Also keep an eye on your local council when you come, one near us just put on a free event with a circus theme at one of the parks and it was great. Nearly all librarys run free storytime sessions for pre-schoolers. When all else fails the weather is usually so good that you can go to the playground, Kings Park, or beautiful settings by river or ocean for picnics and play. In the city itself, on nice days there are often performers out on the Hay Street or Murray Street pedestrian malls, and the city of Fremantle (just a short drive) runs a week long festival with lots of buskers and free entertainment.

There are many second hand stores for kids clothes and baby type equipment, though they are spread out a bit north and south of the city. There is also a market that I think runs one weekend every month or two. The weekly newspaper Quokka is the local classified paper and has long listings of baby and kids stuff for sale privately.

Enjoy your move!

[wavy_davy]

Thank you for your reply Martha! Elley is just a two days younger than your Chloe (born 23.11.03)!

We find it really difficult to do anything for free over here in the UK - even if you go to the beach for free you have to pay huge charges for car parking! I work at the moment but am hoping when we get to Aus to be able to stay at home with Elley until she is at school - hence money being tight! :eek:

Can't wait until we get our approval through then it will be all hands on deck to gete out to Australia as quickly as possible! It is just turning to winter here and the thought of sunny climates is making us restless!

Best wishes
Katy

[Chickadee]

Katy, I lived in Ashford Kent for 1.5 years, 2 winters, so I well understand your eagerness for sunnier climes!

No charge for parking at the beach here! If you plan well you can even live within walking distance. My morning commute to work takes me down the coast and there are always a few guys in their wetsuits and carrying surf boards, crossing the road for their morning session. :)