Albany

Albany Family

From baby rhyme sessions and swimming lessons to youth activities and specialist family support, Albany offers practical ways to play, learn and connect. You can explore local options for different ages and needs, then check enrolment, access and booking details directly with each provider.

🏊 Play, movement and school-holiday activities

Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre Children’s Programs

Families can choose from early-childhood movement and play, dance, indoor soccer, skate sessions and Splish Splash Storytime at the centre in Centennial Park. Splish Splash Storytime is designed for children aged 0–4 and must be booked; pool entry is included for the registered child and one adult. Ages, charges and booking arrangements vary across the other activities, so check the current program before attending.

ALAC Swim School

Term-based lessons begin with infant classes for babies from six months to three years, followed by preschool classes for ages 3–5 and school-age lessons. A limited number of private one-to-one lessons are available for children with special needs; families should ask the Swim School about suitability and availability. Enrol through the parent client portal or seek help from staff. Full payment or a KidSport code is required at enrolment.

ALAC School Holiday Program

Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre offers organised children’s activities during school holidays, with the selection changing each holiday period. Consult the current City of Albany program for activity descriptions, ages, bookings and other participation details. The Recreation Programs Officer handles program enquiries.

City of Albany Community Development School Holiday Program

Young people aged 10–25 can take part in a changing program of creative workshops, outdoor activities, sports clinics and interactive sessions. Run by the City’s Community Development team, it gives older children and young adults a dedicated holiday option. Families and participants can review the current activity list to find relevant ages and booking information.

📚 Stories, creativity and early learning

Albany Public Library Rhymetime and Storytime

Rhymetime gives babies and their adults an opportunity to share songs and early language activities, while Storytime uses books and related activities to support emerging literacy. Regular Rhymetime and Storytime sessions do not require bookings. Some sessions pause during school holidays, and the separately delivered Splish Splash Storytime requires advance booking, so consult the current timetable when planning a visit.

Albany Public Library Youth Services

Children, families and young people can join literacy, creative and engagement activities throughout the year. Options include LEGO Club for ages 6–12, reading challenges, school-holiday events and Make It Monthly for ages 12–25. Holiday places may be limited, making it worthwhile to check the listed age range and reserve a place where required.

Child and Parent Centre Mount Lockyer

Free early-years programs include playgroups, Story Time, movement sessions, parenting workshops, kindergarten-readiness activities and selected school-holiday activities. Families can also be linked with health, child development and school-transition support. The centre serves families with children up to age 8, with its main focus on ages 0–4. Contact the team to discuss suitable sessions, referrals and current bookings.

Parklands School Playgroup

Children aged 18 months to 3 years attend the Friday playgroup with a parent or guardian. Applications are open to all families, although priority is given to those enrolled or intending to enrol at Parklands School. An application is required rather than casual attendance.

🌏 Culture, care and youth connection

Great Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation family programmes

Albany-based GSNAC is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Corporation offering culturally grounded support for Noongar families. Waabiny Time combines a culturally mentored playgroup for Noongar children aged 0–4 with early learning, parenting support, advocacy, referrals and practical assistance. GSNAC also describes Ngullah Mia parenting support and Moorditj Koolingars cultural and on-Country activities for older children and young people across the Great Southern.

Albany Regional Day Care Centre

The City of Albany-operated early education and care service in Albany CBD caters for children from six weeks to six years. Meals are provided, and a kindy program is available for 3- and 4-year-olds. Families considering care can arrange an appointment for a tour and information pack.

Albany Youth Support Association Youth Centre

This free drop-in space welcomes young people aged 12–25 on Monday to Thursday afternoons. Qualified youth workers offer support alongside music, games, art and life-skills programs. Young people who are sleeping rough or otherwise in need may also access food, hot drinks, a shower and laundry facilities.

❤ Family wellbeing and mental health support

4families — Relationships Australia WA

Families and carers in the Albany catchment who are concerned about a child or young person’s mental and emotional wellbeing can access this free early-intervention service. Support includes counselling, information and referrals, psychosocial support, casework, groups and workshops. Grandparents and other carers can also seek assistance.

headspace Albany

Young people aged 12–25 across Albany and the Great Southern can access no-cost help with mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug concerns, and work or study. Support is also available to family and friends. Operated by Youth Focus, the centre provides in-person, telephone and videoconference appointments.

Great Southern Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

WA Country Health Service provides specialised assessment, treatment and support for children, young people and families experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems. Its Albany clinic is located at Albany Health Campus, with visiting services provided elsewhere in the Great Southern as required. Referrals may come from young people, families or carers, health professionals and other services.

🤝 Disability and carer assistance

Amity Health Disability Services and NDIS

Amity Health supports people with disability as well as parents and carers of children with disability. Assistance may address communication, movement, sensory needs, daily living, memory or thinking skills. The NDIS-registered provider delivers appointments mainly at its Albany clinic, with occasional home or school visits where appropriate and telehealth available. Discuss eligibility, referrals, availability and fees with the service.

Carers WA regional and young carer support

Unpaid family carers in Albany and the Great Southern can access free Carer Gateway services, including counselling, tailored support packages, emergency respite and online assistance. A Young Carer Regional Coordinator based in Albany provides youth-specific support for carers aged 8–25 across the region.

✅ Before booking or attending

• Confirm the age range: Activities may separate babies, preschoolers, school-aged children and young people aged up to 25.
• Check supervision: Some early-years sessions require a parent or guardian to participate, while youth drop-in and holiday arrangements differ.
• Ask about access: Discuss disability access, sensory or communication needs, and any required adjustments directly with the provider.
• Review current arrangements: Holiday programs, timetables, vacancies, costs and booking requirements can change between terms or program periods.
• Clarify eligibility and funding: Ask about referrals, service catchments, NDIS conditions, KidSport codes or other enrolment requirements before committing.

📌 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Albany or the wider Great Southern, you are warmly invited to add your offering or update your existing listing so local families can find accurate, useful details.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on albany.wa.guide.