Updated: December 2024
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 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.
2. West Beach 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 beer, cider and seltzer. So meet me there.
3. The Giant Swing
With the giant swing 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 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.
5. 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.
6. BMX Pump Track
This BMX facility can be found off Majors Road at O’Halloran Hill. The Majors Road Pump Track is an endless loop with rollers, berms, jumps and transfer options that are designed to be ridden without pedalling.
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. P1 Entertainment Go Karts
Located in Hindmarsh, this indoor go-karting course is the perfect activity for the kids, with an aracae, golf, and a bar also available, what more could you want?
12. Glenhorne Adventure Playground
A state-of-the-art adventure playground and visitor hub are among the new attractions at the upgraded Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, which has officially opened to the public.
The adventure playground features three slides, a seesaw, spinner, fossil dig area, Kaurna carvings and sculptures set across 7,000 square metres, making it one of the biggest nature play spaces in South Australia.
13. Soccer Ball Playground
The highlight of the Polonia Reserve is its playground which boasts a five-way swing, accessible spinner, trampoline, rockers, and a custom play dome, providing a diverse range of play experiences for children of all abilities. Nature play elements and a learn-to-ride track encourage youngsters to connect with nature and embrace outdoor activities.
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. West Beach Mini Golf
With a nautical theme, you’ll come across obstacles such as pelicans, great white shark, turtles, pirates and many more.
A food, drink and alcohol menu is available to choose from, and they have an extensive list of birthday party packages that you can book for your kids’ next party.
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
Reopening 14 Jan 2025: 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 Paddleboats
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.
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 are 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. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. Segway Vineyard Tour
Explore Seppeltsfield Winery on a segway. One for the older kids as riders must be over 12 years old and weigh over 45kgs.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. Funtopia
Head on down to Prospect to experience this epic indoor playhouse the kids will absolutely adore!
43. Adventure Kayaking
Paddle your way around shipwrecks, mangroves and playful dolphins around 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.
44. Maritime Museum
Book a family ticket 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.
45. 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.
46. Lollipop’s Playland
Take the kids to one of two 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.
47. 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.
48. 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.
49. 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!
50. Aquadome
There are two pools, water slides and a creche to keep the kids entertained at the Aquadome.
51. 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.
52. 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.
53. 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.
54. 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.
55. Paddocks Reserve Adventure Playground
This playground includes water play, nature play, and a bunch of equipment perfect for the kids!
56. 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.
57. 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.
58. 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.
59. 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
60. Murray Bridge Swimming Centre
There’s a heated Olympic-sized pool, a toddler’s pool, a small baby 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!
61. 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 as some hardcore 4×4 driving.
62. 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.
63. Mikkira Station
Camp with koalas in the wild at Mikkira Station. You can also enjoy a picnic and some bushwalks in the area, just outside of Port Lincoln.
64. 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.
65. 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.
66. 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!
67. 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!
68. 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.
69. 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!
70. 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.
71. 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.
72. 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.
73. 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.
74. 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.
75. 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!
76. 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.
77. 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.
78. Australian Company of Performing Arts
Here’s a performing arts school that offers classes from 2yrs and up plus a series of School Holiday Workshops to keep your eye on! There’s Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Boys Classes, Acro and so much more!
79. Star Academy
Star Academy offers an array of classes for the budding young star, including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, ballet, dance exams, hip hop, as well as acting and singing lessons. There’s a variety of performance opportunities, too, with mid-year and end-of-year concerts to boot.
80. X Golf Marion and West Lakes
X-Golf Marion and West Lakes are your one-stop place for entertainment, golfing fun and delicious food. Conveniently located South or West of the city, with ample parking, and close to Westfield shopping centres, it’s easy to build a whole day out with the kids. X-Golf is also a great place for summer birthday parties with indoor comfort, a dedicated party room and packages to suit all budgets.
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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