School Holiday Activities Adelaide (2024)

1. Botanic Gardens

Wander through the serene landscapes of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, which features lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and themed gardens. Kids will enjoy the Bicentennial Conservatory, the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden Explorer app. Apart from the Botanic Gardens, Botanic Park often hosts events and festivals during school holidays, including music concerts, food festivals, and cultural celebrations.

2. Adelaide Hills

Take a drive to the Adelaide Hills where you can explore quaint towns like Hahndorf, enjoy scenic drives, and perhaps even spot some wildlife. Enjoy free attractions like walking trails, lookouts, and charming streets. It's a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, all just a short drive from Adelaide.

3. Library Activities

In Adelaide, your local library is a hub of free holiday activities for kids. From captivating storytime sessions that ignite young imaginations to hands-on craft activities where kids can unleash their creativity, there's something for everyone. Educational workshops cover various topics, ensuring that children continue to learn and grow even when school's out. Explore the wide range of free activities available at the City of Adelaide website.

4. Beach Day

Adelaide's beaches offer a paradise for families with kids, featuring golden sands, sparkling waters, and stunning coastal views. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of Glenelg or the laid-back charm of Henley Beach, you're guaranteed a stunning backdrop for your day of fun in the sun. Enjoy a day of swimming, building sandcastles, and beach games.

5. Bike rides along the Torrens River

Explore Adelaide's scenic bike paths along the Torrens River Linear Park with your family for a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure. With separate paths from vehicular traffic, it's perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. Enjoy picturesque views, discover points of interest, and promote healthy activity together.

6. Cultural Festivals and Events

Keep a lookout for free festivals or events held during school holidays. These events offer a diverse range of activities that the whole family can enjoy without breaking the bank. From lively music festivals like the Adelaide Fringe to vibrant cultural celebrations such as the Moon Lantern Festival, there's always something happening in Adelaide to entertain and delight without spending a lot of money. We suggest visiting Kids in Adelaide to stay informed about upcoming free events.

1. Cleland Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife at Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills. Here, you'll have the extraordinary opportunity to interact with iconic native animals in an authentic natural setting. Get hands-on as you feed kangaroos, cuddle adorable koalas, and observe the majestic emus, wombats, and other fascinating creatures in their native habitat.

2. DIY Workshops

In Adelaide, many hardware stores such as Bunnings Warehouse or Home Timber & Hardware offer free or low-cost DIY workshops for kids during school holidays. These workshops provide a fantastic opportunity for children to learn practical skills while having fun. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, kids can engage in hands-on activities such as building birdhouses, creating simple crafts, or learning basic woodworking techniques.

3. Storytelling and Puppet Shows

During school holidays in Adelaide, families can enjoy captivating storytelling sessions or delightful puppet shows at various venues across the city. Local libraries, bookstores, and theatres frequently organise these events, offering entertainment suitable for children of all ages. Be sure to explore options at Adelaide City Libraries, and The Parks Theatre for these engaging experiences.

4.Go on a camping trip

Camping is a wonderful family experience that doesn't require expensive gear or a lot of time. You don't need fancy equipment or a 4WD vehicle—just the decision to go for it! Whether it's a nearby campground or your backyard, camping offers a chance to bond and connect with nature. Have a look at Environment SA's website for a wealth of information on South Australia's national parks. Additionally, visit Find a Camp, an excellent online resource to discover campsites across Australia's diverse regions.

5. Bounce Trampoline Centre

Bounce Inc. is an indoor trampoline centre located in Adelaide, perfect for kids and families looking for a fun and active experience. With interconnected trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and more, it's an exciting destination for bouncing, jumping, and playing.Through a unique blend of fun, freestyle, progression and development, Bounce is a place to develop and harness balance, coordination and agility.

6. Adelaide Central Market

Taking a stroll through the Adelaide Central Market or weekend farmers' markets, is a vibrant and free activity for families. Wander through the stalls, sample delicious treats, and soak up the diverse atmosphere. You can wander around, sample local produce, and perhaps even pick up some affordable treats or gifts.

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1. Museums and Art Galleries

The South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia frequently host free exhibitions and workshops tailored for children during school holidays. In the South Australian Museum, located in Adelaide's vibrant cultural precinct, children can delight in viewing dinosaur skeletons, uncovering ancient artifacts, and engaging in interactive activities that bring history to life.

2. Cooking classes

Take a cooking class together as a family and learn new culinary skills. Many cooking schools offer classes specifically designed for kids and families, covering everything from basic cooking techniques to international cuisines. You can indulge in cooking classes offered at venues such as Sprout Cooking School, Adelaide Central Market, and Taste Budds Cooking Studio.

3. Beyond Bouldering Indoor rock climbing

For kid-friendly rock climbing in Adelaide, check out Beyond Bouldering, the perfect rainy day activity. They offer specially designed climbing walls and bouldering areas suitable for children, along with beginner-friendly routes. Additionally, both facilities provide youth programs and coaching sessions tailored to kids, ensuring a safe and enjoyable climbing experience.

4. Escape Room adventures

Challenge your family and friends to an escape room adventure. Work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape within the allotted time. It's a super fun indoor activity that's sure to keep everyone entertained. Check out Escaplex, The Escape Hunt Experience, and Mystery Rooms Adelaide for kid-friendly escape room adventures. Each venue offers themed rooms suitable for families, providing immersive and interactive experiences that encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills in young adventurers.

5. Virtual Reality Adelaide

In Adelaide, kids can enjoy virtual reality adventures at Virtual Reality Adelaide. This arcade offers a variety of exciting VR games and experiences suitable for all ages and provides an exhilarating and safe environment for kids to explore and play in immersive digital realms.

6. Australian Space Discovery Centre

Step into the Australian Discovery Centre in Adelaide, where children are welcomed into a world of immersive experiences and interactive displays designed to ignite their curiosity and inspire a lifelong love for learning. With hands-on activities and educational exhibits showcasing Australia's diverse heritage and natural wonders, young explorers embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the secrets of the Outback, the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and the stories of Indigenous cultures.

1. Meadows Easter Fair

If you're in the mood for an Easter Market, one standout recommendation is the Meadows Easter Fair, which runs throughout the entire long weekend. With a wide variety of stalls and activities, it's a perfect destination to soak up the Easter atmosphere and enjoy the festivities with family and friends.

2. Easter egg hunt

Nothing beats a good old fashioned Easter egg hunt! There are many venues across Adelaide hosting their own easter egg hunts so keep an eye out for one in your local area! For a family day out, consider visiting a local park and hide chocolate easter eggs for the kids and local kids to hunt and find!

3. Visit regional chocolate factories

Embark on a delectable adventure by visiting regional chocolate factories, where you'll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also gain fascinating insights into the art of chocolate making. These excursions offer a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of chocolate production, from bean to bar. At Melbas or Barossa Valley Chocolate Company you'll have the chance to witness the machinery in action, learn about the sourcing of quality ingredients, and discover the craftsmanship behind each delectable creation.

4. Easter activities at Adelaide Zoo

The Adelaide Zoo goes all out during Easter, offering families a range of exciting activities to enjoy together. From thrilling egg hunts scattered across the zoo grounds to up-close animal encounters, there's adventure around every corner. But the fun doesn't stop there – kids can also dive into Easter crafts and activities, letting their creativity run wild.

1. Adelaide Christmas Lights Tour

Take a drive or stroll around the city and suburbs to admire the festive light displays. Some neighborhoods go all out with elaborate decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. The Lights of Lobethal is a famous annual Christmas lights display in the Adelaide Hills worth visiting.

2. Adelaide Christmas Pageant

Kick off the holiday season with a bang by joining the excitement at the Adelaide Christmas Pageant, a dazzling extravaganza that ignites the city with festive cheer! Featuring a spectacular procession of floats, lively bands, graceful dancers, and of course, the beloved Santa Claus, this magical event is a cherished tradition for families far and wide. Be part of the jubilant crowd lining the streets, where every moment is filled with wonder and joy, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime!

3. Adelaide Christmas Markets

Dive into the holiday spirit with Adelaide's vibrant Christmas markets! From handmade gifts to tasty treats, explore the festive offerings at Gilles Street Market and Bowerbird Design Market. There's something magical waiting for you at every turn!

4. Adelaide Oval Christmas Concert

Attend a Christmas concert at the iconic Adelaide Oval, featuring live music performances, entertainment, and fireworks. It's a memorable way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends.

1. TreeClimb Adelaide

Embark on a treetop adventure at TreeClimb Adelaide in the Adelaide Park Lands. Navigate aerial courses, zip lines, and obstacles set among the treetops for a thrilling outdoor experience suitable for kids and adults.

2. Adelaide Zoo

The Adelaide Zoo provides an enriching experience for children at discounted rates, making it both fun and educational. Keep an eye out for special deals or free entry days, especially during school holidays, which can make the visit even more budget-friendly. It's an opportunity for kids to learn about wildlife conservation, encounter exotic animals up close, and enjoy interactive exhibits

3. The Beachouse

Prepare for an absolute blast at The Beachouse in Glenelg! Step into a world of endless fun and excitement at this indoor amusem*nt park packed with thrilling rides, captivating games, and exciting attractions. Whether you're racing around in bumper cars or perfecting your putt on the mini-golf course, there's non-stop adventure for everyone, rain or shine.

4. West Beach Adventure Park

Challenge your family to an exhilarating adventure at West Beach Adventure Park. Climb high into the sky on towering ropes courses, zoom through the air on exhilarating zip lines, and conquer a variety of aerial obstacles that will put your skills to the test. Whether you're a daredevil seeking an adrenaline rush or simply looking for an exciting outdoor adventure, this adventure park has something for everyone.