Things to do in Adelaide for families

Adelaide Fringe Festival

Family activities to keep the kids entertained in Adelaide

Adelaide is full of family-friendly activities. Take the kids out for the day at Glenelg, Brighton or any one of our metropolitan beaches. Whizz down Gleleng's colourful water slides at top speed or visit Australia's oldest chocolate making company, Haigh’s. Let the kids run wild at our action-packed events, from the Adelaide Fringe to Santos Tour Down Under. Hungry for more? Pick luscious red strawberries at Beerenberg Farm in the Adelaide Hills, then head over to Melba’s Chocolate Factory. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to try something sweet straight off the production line.

Popular Family friendly activities

Family friendly activities

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With no shortage of things to do here in South Australia, we are definitely spoilt for choice, particularly when it comes to finding things to do as a family.

To help you plan your next family outing, we’ve compiled a list of over 80 kid-friendly activities. Bookmark it, share it, and enjoy.

Please note: Activities may vary as restrictions change. Please check with each venue as to their opening hours and availability.

1. Tree Climb

If your little ones aren’t afraid of heights then why not climb through the treetops at Adelaide’s first inner-city aerial park? All ages are welcome just along as the kids are over 100cm tall. My 5-year-old started out slowly, but by the end, she was a modern-day tree monkey.

2. Mega Adventure

Another one for the thrill seekers amongst us. Manoeuvre your way through an aerial obstacle course in West Beach. Kids must be above 120cm to do it on their own, or kids between 120-140cm can be accompanied by an adult. Parent tip: There’s also a cafe there with wine.

3. Mega Swing

This is a new addition at Mega Adventure for those who love adrenalin. You’ll be hoisted up miles in the air and dropped, so you swing at great speed towards the ocean views. At 18m high, this 3-person giant swing is sure to provide loads of excitement for any kids above 120cm.

4. Bee-themed Park in Glengowrie 

The brand-new playground opened in May 2021, and has been buzzing with locals since its opening, enjoying the awesome new space for kids and families alike following a $360,629 investment from the Marion Council. Located on Stanley Street in Glengowrie, the hive themed playground is full of exciting features that you won’t find at any old playground.

6. Bounce

Who doesn’t love trampolines? At Bounce your children can literally bounce the day away, plus the younger kids from 2-5 years have their own kindergym.

7. AFL Max

Allow your kids to channel their inner AFL superstar at AFL Max! AFL Max is an immersive play experience where AFL fans can test their abilities and enhance their skills on a series of bespoke kicking, passing, fitness and tackling activations. Footy fans will also have a whale of a time in AFL Max’s state of the art virtual reality zone, climbing walls and soft play areas. Did we mention they also host kids parties?

8. The Beachouse

The Beachouse is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day out. With heated indoor Waterslides, Bumper Boats, Dodgem Cars, an 18 Hole Western themed Mini Golf Course, Train, Carousel, Indoor Playground, and a bunch of Arcade Games, there is something to suit everyone! There is no entry fee, you just pay for the things you want to go on. Plus, they do awesome birthday parties and events. Parent Tip: They are licensed, so sit back with a glass of wine whilst your kids have a blast!

9. Marion Aquatic Centre & Slides

Splash around at the Aquatic Centre in Marion while the weather is still cool. There’s an inflatable WIBIT obstacle course for kids over 6 and some pretty cool slides for kids over 10.

10. Waterworld Aquatic Centre

Bring the whole family for a day of swimming in heated pools, racing down slides or just paddling around. There’s a splash pad for toddlers and preschoolers.

11. Mega Fast Karts

Located in Richmond, this indoor go-karting course is the perfect activity for the kids, with laser skirmish also available, what more could you want?

12. Laser Tag at Kart Mania

Kids over 7 can try their hand at laser skirmish at Kart Mania as they navigate their way through an otherworldly space-themed maze.

13. Zone Bowling

Make your way to the alley with the whole family at Zone Bowling. There are three locations across Adelaide and don’t worry, there are gutter guards for the kids. Parent Tip: There’s a decent food selection here and a bar too.

14. Plaster Fun House

At either Brighton or Unley you can treat your kids to some crafts at the Plaster Fun House. They’ll be able to create and paint their own plaster masterpieces to take home. For ages 3 and up and smocks are provided.

15. Sprout cooking lessons

Why not teach the kids some culinary skills early at Sprout? They offer a range of cooking classes that also educate kids about healthy eating. Kids with dietary requirements are welcome.

16. Escape Hunt

Work together as a family to see if you can escape one of several rooms at Escape Hunt on time. For ages 7 and up.

17. Horse riding at Four Oaks Farm

Head to Littlehampton in the Hills where they specialise in horse riding lessons for children. There are programs for preschoolers with a complete farm experience including pony rides, hand-feeding animals and more.

18. Farm Barn

Hahndorf’s Farm Barn is the perfect place to take your little animal-lovers. Kids can milk cows, ride on tractors or ponies and get up close and personal with the animals.

19. Beerenberg strawberry picking

Hunt for the perfect strawberry with the whole family at Beerenberg Farm. Kids under 12 are free!

20. Ilookmystyle

This venue for kids offers up everything from pampering sessions for your princesses, to rock n’ roll or dinosaur parties. Whether your boys or girls are after a unique birthday celebration or just a day out that’s all about them, ilookmystyle offers up some great options.

21. Cirkidz

Cirkidz offer classes for kids aged 2.5 up where you can actively participate with them as they develop their circus skills. And they can continue on at any age. Or if you don’t want to commit to classes, then book a party instead.

22. MOD

Get the kids interested in science early on with a visit to MOD, a free future-focused science, art and innovation museum on North Terrace. Just check which exhibits are on beforehand as some may contain adult content.

23. Popeye

What’s not to love about the good ol’ Popeye? Take the whole family on a leisurely cruise down the River Torrens on arguably Adelaide’s most famous boat.

24. Captain Jolleys Paddle Boats

While you’re at the Torrens, why not jump aboard the paddleboats too? You can paddle away while two kids sit in the back and just enjoy being on the river.

25. BBQ Buoys

If you’re looking for a different way to explore the river then try BBQ Buoy’s doughnut-shaped boats and grill your own lunch on the water with the family. Kids must be over 6 and one adult should accompany every 3 kids. After being closed for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions, BBQ Buoys will be cruising again from September 4.

26. Portobello River Cruisers

Donut-shaped boats aren’t just for the city. You can also cruise along the Port River in a River Cruiser and see how many dolphins you and the kids can spot. Children over 5 are welcome.

27. Adelaide Oval Roof Climb

Roof climb isn’t just for the adults. Children can also experience the amazement of seeing the city from atop the stunning Adelaide Oval. Just as long as they’re over 8 years old, over 120cm, and have an accompanying adult.

28. South Australian Museum

Who didn’t love a trip to the museum as a kid, gazing in awe at things you’d never seen before? Entry is free and there’s bound to be something that will capture your kids’ interest.

29. Adelaide Zoo

What better way to keep the kids entertained for a few hours than showing them a menagerie of animals? Check out the monkeys and meerkats on a family day trip to the zoo.

30. Cleland Wildlife Park

For the chance to feed some gorgeous kangaroos, wallabies, emus and potaroos, you can’t go past Adelaide Hill’s Cleland Wildlife Park.

31. Woodhouse Activity Centre – Tube Slides

Slide down waterless slopes in big rubber rings for a fast and furious thrill at Woodhouse. Kids must be over a metre tall and little ones can accompany an adult in a Maxi-Tube.

32. Woodhouse Activity Centre – The Labyrinth

Navigate a giant maze tackling quizzes and riddles at the many dead ends. There may not be a goblin king, but it’s worth going back again and again too as they can even change the route.

33. Gorge Wildlife Park

Gorge Wildlife Park is the perfect place to let the kids learn all about Australian animals and even get the chance to interact with them and feed them too. There’s even some non-native animals to check out.

34. Holey Moley Mini Golf

You might know Holey Moley as a mini golf venue/ cocktail bar, but did you know they also do kids parties too? Kids will love some of their amazing and creative courses. Just want some casual mini golf? You can take the kids in up until 5pm on days they’re open.

35. West Beach Mini Golf

Mini Golf by the beach. The venue is perfect for the whole family with some fun courses and they also offer food and drink to enjoy while you putt away.

36. Monarto Zoo

Giraffes, lions and tigers will wow your little ones at Adelaide’s open-plain zoo. Plus there are loads of interactive experiences on offer too.

37. Marshmallow Park Playspace

For the ultimate playground, head to Marshmallow park on Glen Osmond Road. Not only are there swings and slides but it’s fully fenced for toddlers and offers things for the older ones too.

38. The Shadow Initiation – SA Museum

If you’ve already taken the kids to the museum then don’t worry, you can always go back and try the Shadow Initiation, a digital adventure game. You’ll discover the museum’s exhibitions in a completely new way. Best suited for kids over 7.

39. Kart Mania

Race around the 550-metre track in 200cc karts, just try not to get too competitive with the kids! Kids must be 12 to race but younger ones from 5-11 can ride as a passenger in a dual kart.

40. Classic Carriage Drive – Unicorn Tea Party

This is a tea party like no other! Hang out like a princess in an enchanting setting complete with a tipi and of course a miniature pony, aka the unicorn. Three children maximum.

41. The Fairy Garden

Head down to Hahndorf to wander through the enchanting Fairy Garden and let your children’s imagination run wild as they see if they can spot any hidden fairies.

42. Segway Sensation

Explore the Adelaide riverbank precinct or Seppeltsfield Winery on a segway. One for the older kids as riders must be over 12 years old and weigh over 45kgs.

43. Old Adelaide Gaol

Not for the faint of heart. Book a family history, ghost, or twilight tour and learn about the history of the gaol, just watch out for the ghosts that haunt the venue.

44. Clipper Ship

See the oldest clipper ship in the world at Port Adelaide. Not only is it an amazing piece of history but it’s something the kids will enjoy too.

45. Funtopia

Head on down to Prospect to experience this epic indoor playhouse the kids will absolutely adore!

46. Adventure Kayaking

Paddle your way around shipwrecks, mangroves and playful dolphins in Port Adelaide. The good news is that they cater for the whole family as kids are welcome, though the bad news is you’ll probably have to do all of the paddling.

47. Maritime Museum

Book a family ticket for $34.50 to discover the history of SA’s oceans and rivers. Kids will have loads of fun exploring the exhibits and even checking out the lighthouse outside.

48. National Railway Museum

There’s heaps to do at the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide. You can check out historical displays, attend a ghost tour, see some art and even take the family on a free train ride around the museum.

49. Lollipop’s Playland

Take the kids to one of three Lollipop’s Playlands in Adelaide where they can have a blast in the multi-level indoor playground, ball pits, inflatable bouncy and merry go round. Designed for children aged 1-11 years.

50. Wacky Warehouse

Another children’s play centre is Wacky Warehouse in Newton. There’s a soft play animal zone, castle frame, interactive air cannons and more. Suitable for kids up to 10 years.

51. Vertical Reality Climbing

Scale the walls at Vertical Reality Climbing and see if you and your kids can reach the top. Kids under 13 must be supervised by an adult.

52. Hahndorf Mini Golf

Hahndorf’s 18-hole mini golf course is the perfect place for a fun family day. There’s no minimum or maximum age so everyone is welcome!

53. Adelaide Aquatic Centre

There are three pools, water slides and a creche to keep the kids entertained at the Aquatic Centre. Kids will love the leisure pool which has splash pads and water play equipment and is suitable for all ages.

54. Haighs Chocolate Factory

Book in for a free guided viewing tour of Haighs where you can learn about the history, discover how the chocolate is made, and of course taste some too! Recommended for kids over 5.

55. The Big Rocking Horse

Head to Gumeracha where your kids can climb on top a giant rocking horse! Just $2 to climb or free for kids under 3. They can also try their luck at convincing you to buy them something from the adjacent toy factory.

56. Whispering Wall

Your kids will marvel at the unique acoustic effects of the Barossa’s Whispering Wall. Take a group so one side can talk to the other at more than 100 meters away.

57. Virtual Reality

Experience the amazing world of virtual reality with 7 different VR booths from car racing and walking the plank to roller coasters and battling robots. Kids over 5 are welcome.

58. Paddocks Reserve Adventure Playground

This new playground includes water play, nature play, and a bunch of equipment perfect for the kids!

59. St Kilda Adventure Playground

St Kilda Playground has everything you need for a fun family day out. Cook up a BBQ or bring a picnic while the kids play on the slides and swings.

60. Ice Arena

At Thebarton’s Ice Arena there’s the bigger rink for the older kids and a beginner’s rink for the little ones. There’s also the option for snow play, a real-life snow experience for ages 0-5 years.

61. Carrick Hill Story Book Trail

See the beautiful 20th-century heritage building nestled amongst green gardens in Springfield. There’s a Story Book Trail designed for children to explore the natural world via classic children’s tales. The trail is open for exploring, however, the house is currently closed for renovations.

62. Morialta Conservation Park Nature Playground

This park is perfect for kids ages 5-15 years. It has a nature theme with elements from Aboriginal culture that includes Frog Island, Eagle’s Perch, Great Snake, Bird Nests, climbing boulders and more. It’s not fenced so keep an eye on the littles ones.

Regional

63. Murray Bridge Swimming Centre

There’s a heated Olympic size pool, a toddler’s pool, a small babies pool, a 48-metre Supaslide for teens and a Water Play Park with 5 slides and toddler’s water features. Something for the whole family!

64. Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park

2 hours east of Adelaide, bring the family along to the 4×4 Adventure Park where you can enjoy relaxing camping by the river as well some harcore 4×4 driving.

65. Glen Forest Tourist Park

Just outside of Port Lincoln, Glen Forest Tourist Park has attractions to suit all ages including an animal park where children can cuddle and feed the animals. There’s great BBQ facilities so bring your picnic, and stay for the day. A new maze has also been added, along with segways for hire. Parent Tip: There’s a cellar door there too so you can stock up on local vino.

66. Mikkira Station

Camp with koalas in the wild at Mikkira Station. You can also enjoy a picic and some bushwalks in the area, just outside of Port Lincoln.

67. Steamranger Heritage Railway

A great day out for the whole family is guaranteed with one of the Steamranger tourist trains that operate in the Hills, Mt Lofty Ranges and around the Victor Harbour area. These old school trains are so much more than just a train ride.

68. Mintaro Maze

Get lost in this living hedge maze as you try and find your way to the centre, and then back out again – just don’t lose the kids! There’s coffee and cake and other giant games to play as well.

69. Southern Adventure Hub

Whether the kids want to climb amongst the trees at the Southern Adventure Hub or opt for rock climbing they’re sure to be entertained at the Southern Adventure Hub!

70. Edithburgh Tidal Pool

The Edithburgh Tidal Pool provides a safe place to swim for the kids and it’s free. And you can enjoy the Yorke Peninsula’s beautiful water without having to worry about sharks!

71. Melba’s Chocolate Factory

Check out 6 different rooms in this super tasty factory located in Woodside. There’s a shop as well so you can treat the kids and yourself to some of their delicious chocolate.

72. Barossa Bowland and Mini Golf at Tanunda

Dinosaur themed mini-golf, what more could the kids want! Well there’s also a 12-lane ten pin bowling centre perfect for all skills and ages. Watch out for T-Rex!

73. Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village

Old Tailem Town is Australia’s largest pioneer village and it’s only 90kms out of Adelaide. Discover what life was like for the settlers in SA from 1860-1960 in over 110 buildings.

74. Tailem Bend Rhino Park and Dickson Reserve

Here, you can see South Aussie with Cosi’s donated Rhino statue and snap a few pics of the rhino with the kids. While in the area, enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Dickson Reserve by the banks of the Murray.

75. National Motor Museum

Car-loving kids will have a fantastic time at Birdwood’s National Motor Museum. There are plenty of old model cars and motorbikes for them to check out.

76. Kangaroo Island’s Little Sahara

Kids can partake in some super fun sandboarding at this desert oasis located on Kangaroo Island. For a more extreme alternative, kids can tackle the sand dunes with one of the motorised bikes.

77. Quad Bike Tours

An action-packed activity on Kangaroo Island. Ride a quad bike through native bush and rocky trails with views of the Southern Ocean. Kids over 10 can ride.

78. Dunes Mini Golf

There are 18 holes of fun at this Victor Harbor mini golf course. Putt your way to victory by the ocean, or we suppose you could let the kids win!

79. Riverland Canoe Adventures

Hire a kayak, canoe or sit-on-top to paddle around the Murray River from Berri. Safety equipment is provided as well as basic training so it’s suitable for kids.

80. Mount Lofty Adventure Hub

If hibernating through the cold weather is not your style, and you’re looking for a mood boosting adrenaline hit, head up the freeway to the Mount Lofty Adventure Hub.

There’s a range of exhilarating activities, but the one that has got us buzzing is the Mega Swing! As the name suggests, this ain’t no standard swing. It’s a unique 18-metre 3-person giant swing.

So there you have it folks, 80 things to do with your kids. And that list is only the tip of the iceberg.

Adelaide and South Australia are PACKED with amazing family-friendly things to do including stacks of amazing bush walks and coastal walks, so if you know of anything else we should add, please contact [email protected].

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