Feature image: Kid’s Day Out, City of Playford.
Looking for something to do with the family this week? Here’s our free event guide!
There’s plenty happening around Adelaide this week, with dinosaur encounters, free creative workshops, Halloween celebrations, country show activities and even the chance to climb inside historic aircraft.
Children’s Week also kicks off on Friday, bringing extra opportunities for little ones to play, learn and explore.
From the northern and southern suburbs to the city, Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills, we’ve found some of the best free and low-cost family-friendly events happening from Monday, October 19th to Sunday, October 25th.
Enjoy!
Aussie Bird Count | October 19th to 25th
Families across South Australia can become citizen scientists this week when the Aussie Bird Count returns for seven days of birdwatching.
Organised by BirdLife Australia, the annual event encourages people of all ages to spend just 20 minutes observing and recording the birds around them.
Children can head into the backyard, visit their favourite local park or find a quiet spot along the coast to see how many different birds they can identify.
The free Aussie Bird Count app includes a field guide to help beginners recognise different species, making it an easy way for children to learn about the wildlife living right on their doorstep.
Once the count is complete, families can submit their sightings to contribute to BirdLife Australia’s national snapshot of Australian birdlife.
When: Monday, October 19th to Sunday, October 25th, anytime during the week
Where: Your backyard, local park or anywhere across South Australia
Cost: Free
No bookings required. Download the app or submit your count online. For more information, click here.
Burnside Kids Club Celebration | October 22nd
Families with younger children can enjoy a free morning of entertainment when the City of Burnside hosts a special Kids Club celebration at Glenunga Hub.
The two-hour event includes a performance by the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, giving little ones the chance to enjoy music, puppetry and plenty of audience participation.
Children can also enjoy entertainment from Dizzy Izzy and have their faces painted as part of the celebration.
The event is open to everyone, including families who haven’t previously attended Kids Club, and no bookings are needed.
When: Thursday, October 22nd, 10am to 12pm
Where: Glenunga Hub, 70 Conyngham Street, Glenunga
Cost: Free
No bookings required. For more information, click here.
Kids’ Day Out | October 24th
City of Playford.
Dinosaurs, giant bubbles and slime making are taking over Elizabeth when the City of Playford hosts its free Kids’ Day Out celebration.
Held as part of Children’s Week, the event will transform the Playford Civic Centre and Prince George Plaza into a morning of hands-on fun.
Children can get creative with slime making, enjoy face painting, watch giant bubble demonstrations and have a balloon animal made to take home.
A highlight will be the Adelaide Dino Ranger, with dinosaur performances scheduled for 10am and 11am, followed by opportunities for children to meet the prehistoric creatures.
It’s a free morning out for families in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, with no bookings required.
When: Saturday, October 24th, 9am to 11:30am. Dinosaur shows at 10am and 11am
Where: Playford Civic Centre and Prince George Plaza, 10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth
Cost: Free
No bookings required. For more information, click here.
OzAsia Storytime at Little Library | October 24th
Little book lovers can meet an award-winning children’s author at a special free storytime session celebrating Asian and Asian Australian stories.
As part of OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words, author and illustrator Dinalie Dabarera will visit the Little Library at the State Library of South Australia.
Children will hear Dinalie read Quiet Time with My Seeya, a picture book exploring family, cultural identity and intergenerational connections.
The session also includes a creative craft activity, giving children a chance to respond to the story through their own artwork.
It’s particularly suited to children aged three to six, and bookings are required.
When: Saturday, October 24th, 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: Little Library, ground floor, Spence Wing, State Library of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide
Cost: Free
Bookings are required. For more information, click here.
Green Leaves West Lakes Free Family Fun Day | October 24th
Families in Adelaide’s western suburbs can enjoy a morning of free hands-on activities when Green Leaves Early Learning West Lakes opens its doors for a community fun day.
Children can build, dig and create with Junior Tradies, decorate colourful rocks and plant their own seedlings to take home and watch grow.
There will also be dancing and movement activities with Dancing Lisa, face painting and opportunities to explore the centre’s play environments.
A free sausage sizzle will be available, and families are welcome to attend without registering in advance.
When: Saturday, October 24th, 10am to 1pm
Where: Green Leaves Early Learning West Lakes, 111 West Lakes Boulevard, West Lakes
Cost: Free
No bookings required. For more information, click here.
PACS Halloween Games Party | October 24th
Families can get into the Halloween spirit a little early with a games party at the Port Adelaide Caledonian Society in Exeter.
Children are encouraged to dress in their favourite spooky costumes for an evening of Halloween-themed games and entertainment.
With free entry for children and $10 tickets for adults, it’s an affordable option for families looking for something to do on Saturday evening.
When: Saturday, October 24th, 5pm to 8pm
Where: Port Adelaide Caledonian Society, 189 Semaphore Road, Exeter
Cost: Children free; adults $10
For more information and tickets, click here.
Callington Show | October 25th
Families can experience a traditional country show without spending a fortune when the Callington Show returns to the Adelaide Hills this Sunday.
The annual event combines agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, community competitions and live entertainment with activities designed especially for children.
Little visitors can explore the free Kids Zone, take part in games and follow the Calli Trail around the showgrounds.
Inside the show hall, families can browse displays of photography, handicrafts, cooking and locally grown produce, while outside there will be stalls, entertainment and sideshow attractions.
Children under 12 enter free, with admission for adults costing $15. Some attractions and purchases may cost extra.
When: Sunday, October 25th, 10am to 4pm
Where: Callington Recreation Park and Memorial Hall, 20 Callington Road, Callington
Cost: Children under 12 free; adults $15; concessions and students aged 13 and over $5. Some activities extra
For more information and tickets, click here.
South Australian Aviation Museum Open Cockpits and Engine Run Day | October 25th
South Australian Aviation Museum.
Children who dream of becoming pilots can get a rare look inside historic aircraft when the South Australian Aviation Museum hosts its Open Cockpits and Engine Run Day.
For one day, visitors will be able to climb aboard selected aircraft, sit in their cockpits and learn about the machines from the museum’s volunteers.
Aircraft featured in the program include the Douglas C-47 Dakota, Lockheed Orion, Caribou and Fokker Friendship, while families can also get a close-up look at the impressive F-111.
Another highlight will be live demonstrations of historic aircraft engines, with several engine runs planned throughout the day.
The engines can be extremely loud, so families are encouraged to bring hearing protection, particularly for younger children.
There will also be a sausage sizzle, food vendors and a second-hand aviation book stall.
When: Sunday, October 25th, 10am to 4pm
Where: South Australian Aviation Museum, 66 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide. Vehicle entry via 16 Bedford Street
Cost: Adults $17; children aged 5 to 15 $7.50; under five free; family ticket $41.50 for two adults and up to three children
For more information, click here.
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