Our Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms in Perth Children’s Hospital have not only become increasingly popular over the years, with visitor numbers reaching over 120 000 in 2025 alone, they have become so much more than simply a place to visit.
For many parents, a trip to the hospital with children in tow is a challenge. One child is unwell, siblings are restless, and the whole family is surrounded by uncertainty in a clinical, often overwhelming environment.
We understand the emotional toll this can take, even if it’s just day trip. That’s why our Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms exist: to provide a warm, welcoming space inside the hospital where families can breathe, regroup, and simply be together.
For mum Stephanie, these spaces made all the difference.
“When we were inpatients for 5 weeks last year, the Ronald McDonald House Family Room Fun on Four was the only way to get Riley, who was undergoing treatment, outside. It provided a welcome distraction from being on the ward.
For my other kids, Kane and Parker, the space is simply the thing they look forward to most when we travel to Perth for Riley’s appointments. When we tell Kane we’re heading up to the hospital, his response isn’t worry. It’s ‘Yes, Fun on Four!’”
While our visitor numbers show the scale of the need, we believe the true measure of success is the impact our spaces have on the wellbeing of the families who walk through our doors.
“For me, the one thing that consistently resonates is hearing parents describe our Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms as a ‘safe haven’ within the hospital,” says Julie, Family Programs Manager. “Somewhere they can recharge, share a coffee, entertain siblings, or simply feel like a family for a little while.”
When a child becomes ill or injured, the whole family feels it. That’s why we’re here to support them alongside their child’s medical journey, helping make difficult times just a little bit easier so they can focus on what truly matters: caring for their child.
