The Best Fun Family Pics Come from Play: Our Favourite Ideas

There’s something deeply special about the kind of laughter that bubbles up when no one’s posing. Fun family pics capture your family’s unique rhythm — the inside jokes, spontaneous games, muddy knees, windblown hair, and all those glorious in-between moments. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories with movement — the kind that make you smile every time you look back.

At The Story of Us, some of our most treasured family portraits are born from the unplanned and playful. We hope these ideas spark inspiration for your own session and show just how much beauty lives in letting go and having fun together.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #1: Beach Adventures at Sunset

There’s something about Perth’s coastline that invites play. Barefoot races along the shoreline, splashing in the shallows, and sandy hugs at golden hour — a beach session is pure joy. We love capturing families wading in together, letting the waves tickle their toes while laughter echoes across the dunes. With soft light and space to roam, these sessions are perfect for letting kids be wild and free.

We hope our guide on Beach Family Photos in Perth will inspire your own seaside story!

fun family photoshoot at the beach during sunset hour and wearing white-denim outift
Family enjoying playful running on the beach at sunset, embodying fun and joy in nature.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #2: Bubble Play

Bubbles have a magic all their own. As they float through the air, children chase them with wide eyes and wild limbs, completely lost in the moment. We love photographing families gathered in a grassy clearing, parents laughing as their kids dart through a shimmering trail of colour. These sessions are lighthearted and always full of spontaneous delight.

A family enjoying playtime outdoors, blowing and chasing bubbles in a sunlit park. Perfect fun family moments.
Mother and child enjoying outdoor play with bubbles in a sunny park, emphasizing fun family activities.

Explore more the Seng’s family trip photo session for inspiration!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #3: Playground Fun

Playgrounds are a perfect backdrop for natural smiles and movement. Whether it’s swinging high into the sky, climbing up to whisper secrets from the top of the slide, or racing to the monkey bars, the energy is infectious. We capture the joy in action — parents giving piggybacks, kids mid-air, laughter ringing out between climbing frames.

Family enjoying playful moments on swings in a park setting, featuring two joyful children being pushed by smiling parents. Trees and greenery provide a natural backdrop, capturing the essence of family fun and outdoor play.
Mother and child playing at a park steering wheel, sharing joyful smiles and laughter, emphasizing fun family moments through play.
Explore our family trip photos

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #4: A Stroll in the Park

A gentle walk with your family can turn into a series of beautiful, unposed moments. Holding hands, stopping to pick wildflowers, balancing along a fallen log — we follow your family’s natural pace and rhythm. These sessions often reveal quiet connections and subtle gestures that speak volumes.

Happy family of four walking through a scenic park with a city skyline in the background, all wearing white sweaters and blue jeans, showcasing fun and playful family moments.

Get inspired with our springtime in Perth photoshoot for your next family photo session!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #5: Family Picnics

A simple picnic can become a playground of connection. Bring a rug, some favourite snacks, and let the kids run barefoot on the grass. We often capture cuddles between bites, giggles over shared strawberries, and parents lying back with their children nestled in close. These sessions feel relaxed and joyful, with movement and rest woven together.

Family enjoying a playful moment outdoors, sitting on a blanket in a grassy field. A young boy is laughing as his parents and a little girl with a flower crown share smiles and laughter. Perfect example of fun family photography ideas.

See more of the excitement of Elise’s family trip photo session during picnic!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #6: Birthday Celebrations

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a child’s birthday. Whether it’s blowing out candles, unwrapping presents, or dancing under bunting in the backyard, birthday sessions are full of real emotion. We’ve captured families gathered around cupcakes, toddlers smashing their first cake, and siblings squealing in anticipation. Every image tells the story of celebration and growth.

Planning your child’s party and looking for inspiration? Head over to Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas We’ve Loved Capturing!

Fun family photo at 'Sammy's Dino Dig' themed party with playful dinosaur decorations, including balloons and a cake, featuring a child and an adult making dinosaur poses.
A joyful mother and her baby playing in a ball pit filled with pink and white balls, smiling and enjoying a playful moment together at a family-friendly venue.
Family celebrating with a jungle-themed cake, featuring a smiling couple and child cutting the cake together. The backdrop includes decorative palm leaves and colorful wall decor, creating a festive atmosphere.
See more our fun celebrations photos

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #7: Bushwalk Adventures

There’s a quiet thrill to exploring the bush as a family. We follow the trails as you wander, capturing curiosity and connection as the kids discover sticks, rocks, and tiny creatures. The texture of the trees, the rustle of leaves, and the wide open space create a beautiful, grounding energy in these sessions.

Family of four smiling and posing in a lush garden, showcasing the joy of outdoor play and togetherness.
Mother and young child walking hand in hand on a pathway surrounded by lush greenery in a park, both wearing white dresses. Family fun and outdoor playtime ideas.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #8: Chasing Games and Laughter

Sometimes, all it takes is one game of tag to light up the entire shoot. We’ve seen it unfold in grassy fields, along pathways, even down quiet suburban streets — kids chasing parents, squealing with glee, everyone caught up in the moment. These photos pulse with motion and emotion, the kind that makes your cheeks ache from smiling.

A joyful family running together on a grassy field, surrounded by trees. The parents and their two children are holding hands and laughing, capturing a fun and playful family moment.
Two young children in a park playfully chasing bubbles, surrounded by trees and grass on a sunny day.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #9: Playtime with the Family Dog

There’s a special kind of chaos (and joy) that comes with including your furry family member in the shoot. Whether your pup is bounding through the park, getting cuddles from the kids, or gently nosing their way into group hugs, these moments are full of warmth and spontaneity. We’ve photographed families tossing sticks, walking their dog along sun-dappled trails, and even enjoying backyard zoomies. The energy pets bring is infectious — and the connection between children and their animals always shines through.

Check out some of our favourite photos that we’ve taken of family and their fur babies in our Pet Photography Perth Guide – Outdoor and In-home Ideas!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #10: In-Home Playtime Moments

Home is where your family’s story unfolds daily — and there’s so much fun to be found in the familiar. Think jumping on the bed, building forts in the lounge room, or baking cookies together in a sunlit kitchen. These sessions feel especially relaxed for little ones, and they celebrate the everyday magic of your life just as it is.

Family playing together at a wooden train table in a bright, modern playroom. Parents and child bonding, surrounded by toys and books, exemplifying fun family moments.

Find inspiration about angles from the Mullally’s family in-home photo session

A happy family moment with a child reading a book titled 'Baby Ways' with parents. The scene showcases a cozy and playful atmosphere, emphasizing family fun and togetherness. Perfect for a family playtime article.

Let’s have a simple photo session at home but meaningful like Tahnee’s family photoshoot

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #11: Family Picnics in the Backyard

If the park feels too far, your own backyard is perfect. We’ve photographed everything from afternoon tea under fairy lights to trampoline bounce-offs and veggie garden explorations. The backyard is full of comfort and character — a place where kids can be themselves completely. And you don’t even need to pack a thing.

A family enjoying a picnic outside a white house with large glass doors. Parents are sitting on a blanket with their two children, sharing fruit from a basket. They appear happy and relaxed, embracing the warm and sunny day.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #12: Christmas Traditions

From hanging ornaments to unwrapping gifts, these festive moments are meant to be cherished. We’ve captured families decorating together, sharing quiet moments by the Christmas tree, and celebrating the season in their own unique way. It’s a season brimming with togetherness — and the photos become treasures to revisit year after year.

We hope our Heartwarming Christmas Photoshoot Ideas for Families in Perth inspire your own festive shoot!

A mother and child are joyfully decorating a Christmas tree with blue, red, and gold ornaments, capturing a fun family moment. The warm lighting and festive decor enhance the holiday spirit.
Children decorating a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, while a parent watches in the background, capturing a fun family moment during the holidays.

Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Fun Family Pics

  • Let your kids know the session is all about having fun.

  • Avoid over-scripting the day — spontaneity creates the best images.

  • Bring snacks and water (and spare outfits if needed).

  • Choose a time of day when your kids are well-rested.

  • Be playful yourself — kids take their cues from you.

  • And remember, it's not about perfection. It’s about connection.

What to Wear for Fun Family Pics

The best outfits for fun family pics are the ones that let you move, play, and feel like yourselves. These sessions are all about connection and energy, so comfort matters more than coordination — but that doesn’t mean you can’t look beautiful too.

Here are our top tips for dressing the whole family:

  • Choose comfort first. If your kids can’t climb, run, or roll around freely, they’re going to feel restricted — and it’ll show in the photos.

  • Keep colours soft and harmonious. Earthy tones, warm neutrals, and gentle patterns help keep the focus on your faces and interactions. Think mustard, rust, sage, denim, and cream — but don’t shy away from a fun pop of colour.

  • Coordinate, don’t match. Everyone in jeans and white shirts? Not necessary. Aim for a mix of tones and textures that work well together, but still reflect each person’s style.

  • Avoid big logos and writing. They can distract from the real star of the show: your connection.

  • Add layers and accessories. A textured knit, linen overalls, or a wide-brimmed hat can add interest to your photos — and help little ones feel cosy if it gets chilly.

  • Think about bare feet. For in-home or beach sessions, shoes can often be left behind altogether — relaxed, grounded, and oh-so-adorable.

And remember, no outfit is worth stressing over. What matters most is that you feel relaxed, connected, and ready to play.

Get more inspiration from our guide on family photo outfits!

Best Locations for Fun Family Pics in Perth

Where you choose to have your session can make a big difference to how relaxed and playful it feels. The best locations aren’t necessarily the most scenic — they’re the ones that feel familiar, fun, and full of room to move.

Some of our favourite places for fun family pics around Perth include:

  • The beach at golden hour — wide open space, soft light, and endless room for sandy play.

  • Bush trails and nature reserves — perfect for exploring, climbing, and spontaneous adventures.

  • Local parks — relaxed, accessible, and great for combining walking, playing, and picnics.

  • Your own backyard — a beautiful choice if your little ones feel most themselves at home.

  • Inside your home — the most personal setting of all, with beds to bounce on and stories to tell.

We’re always happy to suggest Perth locations based on your family’s vibe — whether you’re up for a bit of travel or prefer to keep it close to home. The most important thing? Choosing a space where you can be fully present and playful.

What to Expect During a Fun Playful Photoshoot with The Story of Us

A fun-focused shoot flows differently than a posed one — and that’s part of the magic. We’ll begin with a few soft, guided moments to help everyone settle in. From there, we follow the mood. If the kids want to run, we run. If there’s a moment of quiet connection, we pause to capture it. There are no rigid time blocks or forced smiles. Just space to be yourselves, gently held by a photographer who sees the beauty in your now.

Book your Perth family photography session and capture the fun

If this guide has sparked a few ideas, we’d love to help you bring them to life. At The Story of Us, we’re all about capturing families just as they are — joyful, connected, and beautifully real.

Explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity, Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.

We can’t wait to help you tell your story!

Book a fun family photoshoot now

FAQs about fun family pics

  • We keep things light, flexible, and fun. Sessions are guided by your child’s pace — we follow their energy, not fight it. Whether they need to run, snuggle, snack, or explore, there’s room for it all. We also bring little prompts and games to spark laughter and connection along the way.

  • Absolutely! Dogs are part of the family, and they bring so much joy to a session. Whether it’s a gentle stroll, backyard play, or a game of fetch at the park, pets add energy and heart to your photos.

  • We offer two family photography packages: The Little Chapter (45 minutes) and The Wild Chapter (75 minutes). Both are designed to be relaxed and unhurried, with plenty of space for natural moments to unfold.

    If you have young children, we often recommend The Wild Chapter, as it allows extra time for your little ones to explore, settle in, and play — making the whole experience feel more like a carefree afternoon at the beach.

    For more details on the packages, please check out our family portfolio.

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Best Colour Combinations for Outdoor Family Pictures

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Newborn Photo Outfits and Props Ideas from Families We’ve Photographed