The school holidays are finally here, and while the weather is chilly, the events calendar is heating up. So if you’re racking your brain on what to do with the kids these holidays, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy or hoping to find a few hours of peace while the kids are off having fun, this guide will help make planning a breeze. Dive in and discover all the fantastic things happening across Adelaide this July.
Firstival | 1 – 31 July
Firstival is bringing over 300 events to public libraries across SA from 1–31 July, with plenty to keep kids entertained these school holidays. Families can enjoy science workshops, a Mario Kart tournament, ukulele sessions, and nature journalling.
Highlights include the Young Writers’ Competition at Holdfast Bay Libraries, a fairytale ball at Mawson Lakes Library (4 July), Monski Mouse’s disco party at Stirling Library (6 July), chemistry workshops at Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries, and stargazing with Kaurna storytelling at Blackwood Library (10 July). There’s also a fun Mario Kart tournament at Walkerville Town Hall on 16 July.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Winter Fest – Illuminate Adelaide | 4 – 13 July
Don’t let the cold keep you indoors, head to the Torrens Parade Grounds, corner of King William Road and Victoria Drive, for the Adelaide Winter Fest! Running from 4 to 13 July, this community event, as a part of Illuminate Adelaide, offers a cozy winter village with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the season with friends and family.
For more information, click here.
Start at the Gallery at the Art Gallery of South Australia | 6 July
Start at the Gallery is an exciting introduction to art for children aged 3-12 and their families. Held on the first Sunday of every month, it’s a free family-fun day and includes art activities, tours, live performances and entertainment. No bookings are necessary.
For more information, click here.
2 & 3-Day Code Camps | 7 – 18 July
If your child is curious about tech or loves getting creative on a screen, Code Camp has a line-up these school holidays that’s definitely worth a look. Created with accessibility in mind, these camps are open to kids across Australia and cater to ages 5 to 13. There’s something for everyone, from coding and robotics to Minecraft sessions, AI intros and even trivia parties for a bit of lighthearted fun. Choose from in-person or online sessions.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Planetarium School Holiday Sessions | 7 – 18 July
If your child is curious about space, the Adelaide Planetarium at UniSA has school holiday sessions that bring the stars to life. Kids can explore constellations in a 60-minute experience or dive deeper in a 90-minute solar system journey. Older kids (10+) can join Space School: ASTRONAUT for a hands-on look at life in space. Sessions run during the July holidays with limited spots available.
For more info, click here.
Carclew Holiday Camp | 7 – 10 July
Carclew’s Holiday Camp is back with hands-on creative workshops for ages 9–17, including music, art and an epic VR adventure. Budding musicians can join Holiday Bands to write, jam and perform, while young storytellers bring characters to life in VR Tower Quest.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Thunderbirds School Holiday Clinics | 7 – 17 July
The Hospital Research Foundation Group, in collaboration with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, is hosting a series of School Holiday Clinics designed for young netball enthusiasts to enhance their skills and learn from professional athletes.
These interactive sessions cater to various age groups and skill levels, focusing on key aspects of the game such as attacking, defending, shooting, ball handling, footwork, and match play. Beyond skill development, the clinics offer a fun and inclusive environment where participants can make new friends.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide University School Holiday Sports Program | 7 – 18 July
If your child is keen to get moving these school holidays, Adelaide University’s School Holiday Sports and Fitness Program is a fun, active way to build confidence and stay engaged.
Designed for kids aged 5 to 11, the program blends fitness with friendship, offering a mix of popular sports and new activities to try.
Sessions are led by experienced facilitators who keep things supportive, inclusive and full of energy. It’s all about getting kids moving, working as a team and having a blast, while sneaking in a bit of exercise along the way.
For more information, click here.
UNPLUGGED at Woodhouse Adventure Park | 7 – 18 July
If your kids have energy to burn, Woodhouse Adventure Park’s School Holidays UNPLUGGED program might just be your school holiday saviour. Running daily for kids from Reception (must have finished one term) to Year Six, this fully facilitated outdoor experience is packed with adventure, fresh air and fun. With a 1:9 staff-to-child ratio, you can drop the kids off in the morning and relax knowing they’re in safe hands until 5pm, perfect for working parents.
Each day includes time on the epic Challenge Hill obstacle course, exclusive tube slide sessions (weather permitting), and plenty of themed activities to suit all kinds of kids. Whether they’re explorers, creatives or just love being outdoors, there’s a theme to match. And with a new focus each day, no two adventures are ever the same.
For more information, click here.
Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures | 7 – 18 July
Looking for an adventure-packed school holiday program that will have your kids buzzing with excitement? Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures has got you covered.
From conquering natural rock faces and mountain biking through national parks to aquatic adventures like surfing, snorkelling, and kayaking, there’s something to ignite every child’s sense of adventure. These programs not only provide an adrenaline rush but also focus on building resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide 36ers School Holiday Clinics | 9 – 10 & 17 – 18 July
The Adelaide 36ers are hosting dynamic School Holiday Clinics designed for young basketball enthusiasts aged 6 to 15. The clinics are open to both boys and girls, accommodating all skill levels.
Led by experienced coaches, the sessions focus on developing fundamental basketball techniques, game strategies, and fostering teamwork in a supportive environment. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game, gaining valuable insights and mentorship.
For more info, click here.
AFL MAX Active Programs | 9 – 16 July
If your kids live and breathe footy, AFL Max near Adelaide Airport is the place to be these school holidays. The team has put together some fun and active programs that are perfect for burning energy and building skills.
For kids aged 5 to 10, there’s Face Footy’s Academy, developed with help from the AFL Max coaching crew. It’s a great mix of learning and play, wrapped up in a fun, footy-focused session.
Younger kids can jump into the Mini Max Olympics. It’s a series of games and activities designed to build confidence and coordination, all with a sporty twist.
If you’re just after a casual visit, the general admission passes let kids explore the space for one or two hours. There’s heaps to do, whether they’re serious about sport or just want to bounce, climb and run.
For more information, click here.
JNR Food Co Tasting & Activation | 9 July
Head to Pasadena Foodland for a free in-store event the whole family will love. Enjoy free tastings of JNR Food Co’s dietitian-approved kids’ meals, meet paediatric dietitian Anna Ritan from Nourish Little Lives, and let the kids get creative with a colouring-in competition in partnership with Crafternoon.
There’ll also be goodie bags for the first 20 families, prizes to win, and plenty of expert tips on child nutrition. It’s a tasty, helpful, and entertaining way to spend a winter morning!
For more information, click here.
Micro:bit Coding for Kids | 16 July
Are your kids interested in coding and would like to take their skills to the next level? From beginner coders to advanced programmers, Micro:bit makes it easy to start learning, yet powerful enough to be used in areas like data science and machine learning! Join the friendly facilitator for an interactive session that will get you started and teach you practical coding projects, as well as help you discover how to access great resources at the city libraries.
For more information, click here.
Animal Adventures at Adelaide Zoo & Monarto Safari Park
Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park offer a range of immersive animal encounters that bring you face-to-face with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Start your day with the Panda & Friends experience, join the Koala Encounter to hand-feed gum leaves to the adorable duo, meet Whitney the echidna, and a whole lot more.
Adelaide Zoo: adelaidezoo.com.au
Monarto Safari Park: monartosafari.com.au
Bounce School Holiday Programs
If your kids love to move, flip and fly, BOUNCE is the kind of place that turns school holidays into something seriously fun. The 2-Hour Superpass is a great way to make the most of the day. For $30, they get plenty of time to explore, play and go freestyle across the trampolines, obstacle courses and everything in between. It’s active, exciting and guaranteed to wear them out, in the best way.
For kids who want to learn a bit more, the Holiday Camps are also a fantastic option. They’ll get coaching time with an experienced instructor, a break to enjoy a shared fruit platter, and then a fun hour of free time with one of the BOUNCE hosts leading the charge.
For more information, click here.
Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
Glide through calm waters with your kids at Garden Island on a peaceful Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour. Choose a guided tour or head out on your own, with private facilities making it easy to get started. It’s a relaxing, slow-paced way to enjoy the outdoors these school holidays.
For more information, click here.
Horse Adventure Days
Got a horse lover in the family? Wirraway Homestead in Strathalbyn is running a hands-on school holiday experience for kids aged 10–15, no riding experience needed. Set on a scenic 72-hectare property, the day includes grooming, saddling, riding in the indoor arena, and bonding with horses. It’s all about confidence, connection, and time outdoors.
For more information, click here.
Sprout Cooking School
Looking for a fun, hands-on school holiday activity? Sprout Cooking School in Hilton runs popular kids’ classes that teach real cooking skills using fresh ingredients.
Kids aged 5–11 build kitchen confidence while making healthy meals, while 12–16-year-olds tackle more advanced recipes like citrus soufflés and teriyaki salmon. There’s even a family session if you’d like to join in too.
For more information, click here.
Zero Latency VR Adelaide
Zero Latency VR Adelaide – Adelaide XR Lounge is an exhilarating fusion of technology and entertainment, promising unforgettable adventures in the limitless world of Virtual Reality. Bringing the ultimate global reality experiences to Adelaide for 10 years, this place provides hours of epic winter fun.
For more information, click here.
Chalk Hill Wines Guided Wine Tastings (for the adults)
While the kids are off having a blast at one of the many day-long activities, why not take the opportunity to head to McLaren Vale.
Wine tasting experiences are being held at Chalk Hill Wines Cellar Door, running for 45 Minutes.
Two complimentary vouchers come with each booking valued at $50. The offer is valid during July and August, Sunday through to Friday. Glam Adelaide readers can use the code CHGLAM2025.
For more information, click here.
If the rain is coming down, check out our guide to 20 indoor things to do in Adelaide with kids when it rains.
If you want to make the most of Illuminate Adelaide, check out our walk-through guide to Illuminate Adelaide.
Or if you’re after a cosy spot to enjoy a wine or two, check out our ultimate fireplace guide to keep warm this winter in SA.
For all of the fantastic events around Adelaide, check out our events calendar.
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