The Perth Royal Show: Making It Special—With or Without the Price Tag
Every year, as the Perth Royal Show rolls around, I hear the same thing from families: excitement, pressure, guilt, and, for some, disappointment. It’s one of those events that can feel like a childhood rite of passage, but it also comes with big crowds and a big price tag.
As a psychologist (and an uncle to 13 kids!), I’ve seen how powerful these moments can be for kids — and also how hard it can be when it’s not financially or logistically possible to go. So here’s a little guide on how to make the most of the Show if you’re going, how to do it without blowing the budget, and how to manage things if you're skipping it this year.
Why the Show Can Be Worth It
There’s no denying the appeal. Rides, animals, showbags, fairy floss, fireworks — for many kids, it’s a sensory wonderland. These kinds of high-energy, novelty-filled experiences can be really memorable. When families go together and stay present, it can be one of those core childhood memories that sticks — and that’s pretty special.
But... It’s Not Cheap
The costs add up quickly: entry fees, rides, food, showbags. For a family of four, it can be easily over $300 — and that’s being conservative. For some, it’s a planned treat. For others, it just isn’t feasible, especially with everything getting more expensive lately.
And here’s the thing: a child’s experience of the Show isn’t just about what happens. It’s about how it feels. You can give them a wonderful, meaningful experience without spending a fortune — or even without going at all.
How to Do the Show Without Breaking the Bank
If you’re keen to go, but want to keep it manageable:
Go with a plan: Set a budget and talk with your child about it beforehand — “We’re going to do three rides and one showbag each.”
Bring your own food: Pack a lunch or snacks to avoid the expensive food stalls.
Stick to the free stuff: There’s plenty included in the entry fee — animal exhibits, competitions, performances, fireworks.
Go with friends: Sharing the day with another family can add to the fun (and help with things like ride-sharing or resting spots).
It doesn’t have to be a free-for-all spending spree to be a great day.
What If You’re Not Going?
This is important. Not going to the Show doesn’t mean your child is missing out on something essential. The real magic of events like this is novelty, attention, and connection — all things you can create in other ways.
Here are a few low-cost or no-cost alternatives:
Make your own “show” at home: Set up some games or stalls in the backyard. Let kids make showbags out of craft supplies or $2 shop treats. They’ll love the creativity.
Visit a local animal farm or community fair: Places like Landsdale Farm or the Swan Valley animal farms are great options for a farm-style day out.
Plan a "family fun day": A movie, ice cream, or a picnic in Kings Park can be just as special — especially if you call it something exciting and give it a bit of build-up.
If Your Child Is Disappointed
Disappointment is part of growing up — and it’s actually a healthy thing to learn how to manage. What matters most is how we respond to it.
Acknowledge the feeling: “I know you're really upset that we’re not going this year. That’s totally okay.”
Be honest and calm: You don’t need to over-explain, but simple honesty helps: “We need to save money right now, but we’ll do something else fun.”
Offer an alternative: Giving them a say in what to do instead helps them feel like they haven’t lost all control.
Reflect on the positives: “Last time we went, you loved the animals — what if we go see some this weekend at the farm?”
Learning to handle disappointment — with support — builds emotional strength.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Show can be a fantastic memory-maker, but it’s not the only way to create joy and connection. Whether you’re heading to Claremont Showgrounds or staying closer to home, what matters most is being intentional about how you spend time together.
And remember: kids don’t need “everything.” They need enough love, attention, and a little bit of magic — which can happen in a backyard, a kitchen, or a car ride, just as easily as it can at the Show.
If you notice that your child is particularly sensitive to missing out or struggling with comparison, it may be a sign that they need a bit of extra support. Speaking with a clinical psychologist can be helpful for building emotional resilience and developing healthy coping skills.
