Image: Oakbank Racing Club
As each week comes and goes, the kids are always looking for something new to do, and it’s not always easy to find the best activities, events and exhibitions happening around Adelaide.
So, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up some of the best free and low-cost, family-friendly things happening this week. Enjoy!
Family Bird Appreciation Walk | 16
Families can slow down and discover some of the birdlife living right on Adelaide’s doorstep with a free guided walk through Belair National Park.
Nature Play SA will lead children and their families through the park, looking and listening for birds while sharing stories and simple tips for recognising different species. Kids will have the chance to use binoculars, explore bird resources and learn more about the wildlife around them, with take-home resources included.
The one-hour walk is designed for families with little or no birdwatching experience and follows a relatively flat, accessible route suitable for prams, wheelchairs and walkers. Vehicle entry to the national park is also free for registered attendees.
Free, with bookings required.
Where: Karka Pavilion, Belair National Park
When: Wednesday 16 September, 4pm–5pm
For more information, click here.
STEAM Mates: The Human Body | September 17
Young scientists can head to Brighton Library for an afternoon exploring what makes the human body tick.
Designed for children aged five to eight, the free STEAM session will include hands-on activities exploring blood, cells and the digestive system. Kids can investigate model cells under a microscope, build their own digestive system and even create a model disease using recycled materials.
Free, with bookings required.
Where: Brighton Library, 20 Jetty Road, Brighton
When: Thursday 17 September, 3.45pm–4.45pm
For more information, click here.
Riverlea Food Fest | September 19
Riverlea Food Fest is back this Saturday, bringing a free afternoon of food, live entertainment and plenty for younger visitors to get involved in.
MasterChef favourite Callum Hann and chef David Lovett will headline three live cooking sessions, while kids can join free hands-on cooking classes led by the Sprout Cooking School team. There will also be food trucks, live music, a photobooth, giveaways and activities for the whole family.
The festival takes over Milner Place beside Riverlea’s basketball court and playground, with free entry and visitor parking available nearby. Food and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the day.
Free entry.
Where: Milner Place, 9 Bonnin Crescent, Riverlea Park
When: Saturday 19 September, 11am–3pm
For more information, click here.
Op Till You Drop Community Market | September 19
Bargain hunters can make a family day of it in Port Adelaide this Saturday, when Life FM’s huge Op Till You Drop Community Market returns to Hart’s Mill.
Following its last event in April, the one-day market is bringing together op shops and sustainable secondhand and vintage sellers from across Adelaide, with everything from fashion and books to bric-a-brac waiting to be uncovered.
There will also be food and coffee trucks and kids’ entertainment, making it an easy weekend outing for the whole family. Better still, shopping the market helps support participating churches and not-for-profit organisations, while also raising funds for Life FM.
$2 entry per person.
Where: Hart’s Mill, 9 Mundy Street, Port Adelaide
When: Saturday 19 September, 10am–3pm
For more info, click here.
Oakbank Community Fun Day | September 20
Families can make a day of it in the Adelaide Hills when Oakbank Race Course hosts a free community celebration this Sunday.
The country-themed event will feature live music, food vendors, artisan stalls and workshops, with a jumping castle and pony rides among the activities planned for kids. There will also be free line dancing lessons from Saddle & Stomp.
The day also coincides with the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour’s stop in Oakbank, giving visitors the chance to see the famous trophy during its South Australian visit.
Free entry.
Where: Oakbank Race Course, 46 Oakwood Road, Oakbank
When: Sunday 20 September
For more information, click here.
City-Bay Fun Run with Childhood Cancer Association | September 20
Families can get active for a good cause this Sunday, with the Childhood Cancer Association calling on South Australians to join its team for the 2026 City-Bay Fun Run.
Participants can run, walk or wheel their way towards Glenelg while helping the local charity reach its $35,000 fundraising goal, supporting hundreds of South Australian families impacted by childhood cancer.
For families, the relaxed 3km course is a great option, beginning at Camden Park and finishing in Glenelg. The event is untimed and open to runners, walkers and wheelchair participants, while children aged three and under can take part in a pram without their own race number.
Those who can’t make it on the day can also join the Childhood Cancer Association’s virtual team and raise funds from wherever they are.
Registration fees apply. Fundraising encouraged.
Where: Various start points between Adelaide and Glenelg; 3km event starts at The Junction, 470 Anzac Highway, Camden Park
When: Sunday 20 September; 3km event starts at 10am
For more info, click here.
Kids climb free at RoofClimb Adelaide Oval | September 1 – 30
Families looking for something a little more adventurous can take advantage of a new September offer at Adelaide Oval, with kids able to climb RoofClimb for free throughout the month.
From September 1st to 30th, children aged 8 to 15 can join a Day or Twilight RoofClimb for free when accompanied by a paying adult, giving families the chance to take in sweeping views across Adelaide while tackling one of the city’s most unique experiences.
The offer is limited to one free child per paying accompanying adult, with minimum height requirements and other terms and conditions applying.
Kids aged 8–15 free with a paying adult.
Where: Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide
When: September 1–30
For more information, click here.
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