Adelaide has plenty of things to do during the school holidays. Whether your kids love animals, art, science, or adventure, you'll find something fun to do. There are also activities for every age, and free museums and green spaces make many of the days out affordable. Here are just 15 of the great school holiday activities you can do in Adelaide.
| Attraction | Location | Type | Age Range | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Zoo | Adelaide CBD | Outdoor / Wildlife | All ages | $$ | Giant panda pair (Xing Qiu & Yi Lan), native wildlife, keeper talks |
| Cleland Wildlife Park | Adelaide Hills | Outdoor / Wildlife | All ages | $$ | Hand-feed kangaroos, koalas, and emus; bushland walking trails |
| South Australian Museum | North Terrace, Adelaide | Indoor / Educational | All ages | Free | Fossils, natural-history displays, Aboriginal artefacts |
| Art Gallery of South Australia | North Terrace, Adelaide | Indoor / Art & Culture | All ages | Free | Kids & Families programs, hands-on creative workshops |
| TreeClimb Adelaide | South Parklands | Outdoor / Adventure Park | 3+ | $–$$ | Ropes courses, zip lines, tree-top adventure zones |
| The Beachouse | Glenelg | Indoor / Amusement Park | All ages | $–$$ | Waterslides, arcade games, mini-golf, bumper boats |
| Hahndorf Farm Barn | Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills | Outdoor / Farm Experience | All ages | $–$$ | Baby animal feeding, pony rides, interactive farm talks |
| Adelaide Planetarium | Mawson Lakes Campus | Indoor / Astronomy | 6+ | $ | Star-dome shows, space programs, telescope sessions |
| Glenelg Beach & Jetty Road | Glenelg | Outdoor / Coastal | All ages | Free | Beach play, markets, tram rides, seaside cafés |
| Adelaide Botanic Garden | Adelaide CBD | Outdoor / Nature & Gardens | All ages | Free | Bicentennial Conservatory, Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden |
| Adelaide Central Market | Gouger Street, Adelaide CBD | Indoor / Market & Food | All ages | Free | Local produce, food stalls, tasting trails |
| Mega Adventure Park | West Beach | Outdoor / Adventure Park | 5+ | $$–$$$ | High-ropes course, zip lines, climbing towers |
| Morialta Conservation Park | Adelaide Hills | Outdoor / Nature & Hiking | All ages | Free | Waterfalls, nature play space, koala spotting |
| Adelaide Hills Horse Riding Centre | Cromer, Adelaide Hills | Outdoor / Horse Riding & Nature | 6+ | $$ | Trail rides, riding lessons, holiday programs |
| Glenelg Tram & Playgrounds Loop | City to Glenelg route | Outdoor / Urban Adventure | All ages | Free / Small fare | Playgrounds along route, ocean views, family-friendly stops |
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is one of South Australia's top attractions. It's home to a pair of giant pandas, and kids can see these animals up close. They can also meet kangaroos, meerkats, and lemurs. There are presentations from keepers and wildlife presentations throughout the day. Kids will love the nature-play area, too, and so will the parents as they get a moment to relax. When it comes to school holiday activities in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide, it's a good idea to consider the zoo.
Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park is in the Adelaide Hills. Kids can hand-feed kangaroos, emus, and potoroos. Shaded walking tracks, picnic areas, and a relaxed atmosphere make this a popular spot with parents as well as their children. It's just 25 minutes from the CBD and a great way to experience Australian wildlife.
South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum has dinosaur fossils, meteorites, and ancient artefacts. Another popular feature is the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, which offers insights into Australia's oldest living traditions with interactive displays. With free admission, climate control, and friendly guides to bring history and science to life, this is an easy choice for the school holidays, especially when you're looking for something to do on a rainy day.
Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia encourages children to look, imagine, and make. The START at the Gallery sessions during the school holidays invite families to experiment with materials, participate in storytelling sessions, and craft their own mini masterpieces. This is a peaceful, inspiring, and free option. With the exhibitions regularly changing, there's always a chance to see something new.
TreeClimb Adelaide
TreeClimb Adelaide is an eco-friendly ropes course with over 70 obstacles and ziplines. Kids climb, balance, and swing through the treetops with parents relaxing at the base café. With a dedicated Junior Course for younger climbers, it offers a good holiday option for children of all ages.
The Beachouse
The Beachouse is right on Glenelg's foreshore. This is an indoor playground with water slides, mini-golf, and a carousel. There's also an arcade, bumper boats, and a café with seaside views. As an indoor activity, it's great for rainy days and escaping the summer heat. With Glenelg Beach right outside, you can also make a day of it.
Hahndorf Farm Barn
Hahndorf Farm Barn is like stepping into the countryside. Here, kids can feed baby animals, milk a cow, or take a pony ride. Kids can learn where their food comes from and how farms work. The school-holiday programs often include animal-care sessions and behind-the-scenes tours. Wholesome, educational fun.
Adelaide Planetarium (University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes)
The Adelaide Planetarium at Mawson Lakes is a great place to take a journey through space. Expert astronomers will guide you through the constellations visible from the Southern Hemisphere. This small, friendly, and immersive venue will leave kids more interested in the stars and planets. Just remember that sessions sell out quickly during the holidays, so book early. The same is true of the Planetarium in Brisbane and given that most of the country's planetariums are smaller affairs, always consider planning ahead.
Glenelg Beach & Jetty Road
Glenelg Beach is a place where families can build sandcastles, swim in safe shallows, or stroll along the jetty. Jetty Road is home to cafés, ice-cream parlours, and family-friendly shops, giving parents plenty of options. During the school holidays, there are also often sunset markets and street performers along the promenade. The best thing is that it's easily reached by tram from the CBD. Of course, whether you're looking for school holiday activities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Adelaide, the beach is always an affordable option.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide Botanic Garden is minutes from the city centre and filled with tropical palms, glasshouses, and tranquil ponds. Explore the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, where kids can learn about plants and sustainability. Entry is free, and thanks to the changing of the seasons, you can revisit during each school holiday. This is a simple yet rewarding day out, especially in the summer when the Bicentennial Conservatory offers some cool shade.
Adelaide Central Market
The Adelaide Central Market is a treat for people of all ages. Fresh fruit, baked goods, and international snacks, it's a great place to pick up some goodies before a picnic. A friendly atmosphere and options for lunch, local treats, and lively surroundings. Head here during the school holidays before going to Victoria Square or Chinatown. If you find yourself in Perth during the school holidays, consider the Fremantle Markets.
Mega Adventure Park
This is the option for those whose kids have energy to burn. This is an outdoor playground with rope courses, zip lines, and obstacles. Kids (and brave parents) can test their limits. There's a low-level course for beginners, and parents don't have to take part. They can enjoy a coffee while the kids climb and swing.
Morialta Conservation Park
This is a free, nature-filled escape. There are gentle walking trails through gum forests and waterfalls. There's also the award-winning Morialta Nature Play Space. Here, kids can climb boulders, splash in creeks, and build cubby houses. Just 20 minutes from the CBD, this is a perfect spot for outdoor adventure, and it's completely free.
Adelaide Hills Horse Riding Centre
Adelaide Hills Horse Riding Centre is a place where kids can saddle up for guided trail rides through the rolling countryside. Qualified instructors teach the basics so that even beginners feel comfortable before they set off. During the school holidays, there are programs like grooming, feeding, and short lessons.
Glenelg Tram & Playgrounds Loop
The transport to Glenelg is part of the adventure. Hop aboard at the city centre and take the route along parks, playgrounds, and the coast. Wigley Reserve is an excellent spot for a picnic or carry on to the foreshore for the playground and the beach. The tram is pram-friendly and free for young children, making it an easy and affordable outing in Adelaide.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
