Remember what life was like as a kid? You loved it. So why not do more of what you love?

The things that made you happy were small and inexpensive, playing chasey or swings at the park was the “best time ever” and a lady bug landing on your finger made your day. Life was simple, easy and most of all, it was fun!

So who’s to say the fun should stop for grown-ups?

Be done with adulting. Gather your children, friends or even your partner for some fun times and adventures, big kid style.

Baking

Back in the day cooking wasn’t such a chore. You didn’t have to be good at it. Making a mess was half the fun. And best of all you got to lick the bowl. So we hunted down some messy, gooey, colourful, sugar sweet recipe deliciousness and put the fun back into cooking.

You might want to start by trying your hand at some Unicorn Bark or a No-Bake Cocopops slice. Or, if you’re not really the cooking kind but still want to feel accomplished in the kitchen then give this chocolate fondue recipe a whirl. Not burning chocolate is about as close to becoming a Masterchef as some of us will ever get, so melt down that chocolate, cut up some fruit to dip and voila you’re done! If it’s adult only chocolatey good times, add a splash of Bailey’s for extra wow.

Slip n Slide

The good old Slip n Slide – oh the joy. Just a front lawn, sheet of plastic material, a running garden hose, squeeze of detergent and you’re slip sliding away!

The dishes can wait. Next to blowing bubbles, the Slip n Slide is the best use of detergent ever.

As big kids, you might want to think big. Take some inspiration from this amazing water slide or get a hold of this huge slide for inspo.

If the Slip n Slide isn’t for you, but you’re still up for something wet n wild, simply turn on the sprinklers. Add some water guns and there you have the perfect way to spend a Perth summer day.

Build a Cubby House

Not all of us were lucky enough to have a cubby house like this as a kid, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t make do. There are so many cool cubbies out there but the best type is the one you invent yourself.

Behold the blanket fort!

The best way to build a cubby is to find existing household items like a desk, chair, umbrella or even the washing line (a personal favourite of ours), to use as the foundation for the cubby. Gather blankets, sheets and anything else that will work as a cover and peg them into place.

Once you’ve set up your fort it’s time to bring pillows, fairy lights and anything else you desire inside. If in doubt, Buzzfeed has every adult covered with all the stages of fort making in this guide.

Full of endless possibilities, your cubby can be the greatest place for chats, movies, games or relaxing. The fun is limited only by your imagination.

Play Dress Ups

Pull out the dinosaur costume and throw on those fairy wings, it’s time to play dress ups!

Kids love dress ups. And they love them more when adults get involved, so tap into your inner child; this is your time to play pretend. You may be stuck playing the ugly stepsister but it’s all worth it for the giggles.

Don’t underestimate the fun in doing more of what they love.

Now, when you get the hang of it, why not plan a dress up party with more big kids? Choose a theme with easy outfit options so everyone can join in, like “what I want to be when I grow up” or “best of the 80s”. With so many themes to choose from, you can easily make your party one they’ll never forget.

Have a Pillow Fight

Grab a pillow and bash it out. Run amuck!

Summer Hotel Deals

Make this summer about doing more of what you love with the ones you love!

Visit Perth and enjoy central accommodation in the heart of Perth CBD when you stay at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre. Our hotel is in the best location in the city, making it easy to get around Perth and explore all our favourite places.

Choose from outdoor adventures and discover the best of Perth’s attractions and events, or simply stay in your guest room for pillow fights and blanket forts.

Best of all Kids Stay and Eat Free at Holiday Inn and you always get the Best Price.

If you’re visiting Perth, Western Australia then Rottnest Island needs to be on the top of your list of places to go. Known to locals as Rotto, the island is a popular holiday destination. A trip to Rottnest will give you the ultimate beach getaway experience. Buy some sunscreen, pack your bathers and hop on the ferry for a fun filled day.

Travel

The first thing you need to know about Rottnest is that it’s practically a car-free island. There are plenty of other transport options including the hop on and off Island Explorer Busses. A bus day pass will get you to all the attractions on the island, including the iconic Wadjemup light house or the popular West End beaches.

If you want to take in the full charm of Rotto then the best way to get around is by bike. Stroll over to Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper and hire one of their 1300 bikes. Once you’ve hired out a bike, helmet and any other safety equipment you desire it’s time to hit the road.

There are plenty of road and bike paths throughout the island to help you get from beach to beach, so there is no need to worry about getting stuck in sand.

Beaches

The beaches on Rottnest are stunning, making hitting the beach the number one thing to do. You won’t have time to visit all the beaches in one day so here are a couple of favourites.

The Basin

Walk a few steps across the shallow reef platform and you will find a large hole of water named the basin. Known for its beautiful natural swimming pool, this beach is very similar in dimension to a manmade pool. Its crystal clear waters are only knee to waist deep making it the perfect spot for a relaxing dip.

Little Parakeet Bay

Wander down from the large, open waters of Parakeet Bay to find Little Parakeet Bay. This secluded, wind protected beach is the perfect place for swimming and snorkelling. Little Parakeet has calm, shallow waters that are ideal for young children.

Geordie Bay

One of the largest and most popular beaches in Rottnest is Geordie Bay. Conveniently located near the Geordie Bay Café and Geordie Bay General Store, this beach is in prime location.

Attractions

Aside from the beauty of the amazing waters on Rotto, they also have many other attractions for visitors.

Pedal & Flipper have you covered for all your activities with hire equipment for surfing, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding and even a bit of beach cricket. Why not hire a tennis racket and hit the free tennis courts around the island?

Take a visit to Thompson Bay to check out the Just 4 Fun Aqua Park. Jump on giant inflatable water slides and see-saws. The aqua park is open to all ages making it perfect for the whole family.

If you’re feeling a bit daring, try Western Australia’s only island skydive experience, Skydive Geronimo. Enjoy a scenic flight over Rottnest as you head toward your chosen jump height before you plunge 10,000-15,000ft back to land. Celebrate the amazing experience with a complimentary drink after your big jump.

There are plenty of other activities on the island including Golf and Archery Tag. Check out what’s on offer to make the most of your visit.

The one thing you can’t leave Rotto without

Whatever you do you can’t leave Rottnest without taking a selfie with a Quokka. Get your ultimate holiday pic with Rottnest’s famous marsupials, which roam wild around the island. You can take a free guided walk around their natural habitat and learn some interesting facts about the Quokka, or simply wait for them to appear at your doorstep in the late afternoon.

Summer Deals

Make this summer about doing more of what you love with the ones you love!

Visit Perth and enjoy central accommodation in the heart of Perth CBD. Stay at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre and discover the best of Perth’s summer attractions and events.

Our hotel is in the best location in the city, making it easy to get around Perth and explore all our favourite places.

Save with our Advanced Purchase offer and save up to 20%* when you book 3 days in advance.

Best of all Kids Stay and Eat Free at the Holiday Inn and you always get the Best Price, that’s our guarantee.

Balmy summer nights are best spent outdoors soaking up the fresh air with friends and family.

Naturally as the days become longer, Perth locals venture out in search of the best things to see and do in summer, and the outdoor cinemas is a hands down favourite. There’s nothing better than watching a movie under the stars.

We’re spoilt for choice with a selection of outdoor cinemas in Perth from rooftop cinemas to converted car parks to Kings Park lawn. Check out our short list of our favourites.

Rooftop Cinemas

An evening out in Northbridge can take you to many different bars and restaurants, but in the summer it will take you to the FRINGEWORLD Rooftop Cinemas. Head six floors above ground and you’ll find this car park turned movie theatre.

Located in the centre of Northbridge, you have the perfect place to watch the spectacular city sunset as you relax and wait for the movie to begin. Films start at 8pm but doors open from 6pm, giving you plenty of time to head to the Candy Bar for some popcorn or to the bar for a drink.

This outdoor cinema is more for the grownups but in the company of a parent or legal guardian children are allowed entry, assuming the film is age appropriate.

Don’t be fooled by the summer sun when you visit this outdoor cinema – it gets chilly when you’re six floors up, so bring something to rug up just in case.

Where: Level 6, 68 Roe St, Perth WA 6000.

When: Now – February

Free Flicks for Kids

With family friendly, outdoor movies from 5.30pm, this outdoor cinema in the centre of Northbridge is perfect for summer family entertainment.

Grab a beanbag and a spot on the grass in front of the movie screen. Unpack your picnic and enjoy Free Flicks for Kids.

Each Saturday until the end of December Northbridge Piazza offer a variety of family friendly films, such as Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs or Frozen.

Where: Northbridge Piazza, 142 James Street, Northbridge WA 6003.

When: Now – 31 December

Moonlight Cinema

Arguably Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema, Moonlight Cinema is located on the lawns of Kings Park Botanic Garden.

Save yourself some time and enjoy the range of hot food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available at Moonlight Cinema, or alternatively you can BYO picnic blanket, snacks and alcohol.

Gates open at 6pm with screenings starting at 8pm. Get in early to reserve a good pozi.

Catch advance screenings, new releases and classics from your comfy spot on the lush grass.

Where: Synergy Parklands, Kings Park, Perth WA 6000.

When: December – March

Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas

If a choc-top at the cinema is your thing, you’ll love Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema!

Enjoy eating ice cream while you kick back and watch a movie. Bring your picnic blanket and set up on the lawn near Ozone Reserve, right in front of the oversized movie screen.

Picnic baskets are welcome, so bring snacks and drinks, or choose from the food & drink options onsite, including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Head to the outdoor cinema on Sunday for their Sundae Session and you’ll get to enjoy a FREE scoop of ice cream and live music. Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema has seen popular musicians in the likes of The Cat Empire and Husky hit their stage. Purchase one of these tickets and you will be supporting the charity of choice for that session.

Where: Riverside Drive, cnr Adelaide Terrace, East Perth WA 6004. Entry via Plain Street

When: 7 March – 2 April

Weekend Deals

Make this summer about doing more of what you love with the ones you love!

Visit Perth and enjoy central accommodation in the heart of Perth CBD.

Stay in the heart of the city, less than 5 minutes walking distance to Perth Arena and just minutes to all major entertainment venues around Perth.

Forget the struggles of finding a way home late at night or being the sober driver! Book yourself a room from our Perth Entertainment Package for the ultimate night out.

Perth Entertainment package includes:

• Accommodation for 2 adults
• 2 house beverages at Ivy & Jack