Things to do in Adelaide over the school holidays
Dog Man: The Musical – A Tail-Wagging School Holiday Adventure at the Sydney Opera House
Finding ways to keep the kids entertained for two weeks is a recipe for “Muuum, I’m bored!”
It’s time for you to take a breather, because this guide has you covered with exciting activities and events happening in South Australia this break. The upcoming school holidays are a great time to plan fun activities and family-friendly things to do in Adelaide.
Whether you’re looking to create lasting memories with your kids, outsourcing the April school holidays to experts for educational activities, or simply enjoying each other’s company over tasty treats (food’s an activity!), this Adelaide school holiday guide means you won’t miss a thing.
Outdoor school holiday activities
TreeClimb Adelaide
For a screen-free experience, head to TreeClimb Adelaide, where kids can explore treetop adventures at three locations: Adelaide, Kuitpo Forest, and Salisbury.
With courses designed for different skill levels at the Adelaide treeclimb, it’s perfect for active kids and ready for a challenge.
Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
Paddle through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and explore the fascinating Ships Graveyard, a hidden gem in South Australia. This exciting introduction to kayaking gives kids the chance to observe playful dolphins, navigate mangrove forests, and learn about the natural world.
This adventure keeps kids highly active while allowing them to freely explore the waters of Adelaide Hills. Whether looking for a thrilling school holiday adventure or a relaxing outing, this tour keeps kids busy and brings fun for the entire family.
From paddling through serene mangroves to spotting playful dolphins, kids love the excitement of being on the water and discovering the natural world.
Adelaide Oval Kids Trail
For a unique family adventure, visit Adelaide Oval and join the Kids Trail, a 90-minute interactive tour perfect for school holidays. Kids aged 5-15 can explore behind-the-scenes areas, tackle fun challenges, and walk in the footsteps of sporting legends.
With engaging stories and hands-on activities, it’s a memorable experience for the whole family.
Parents who are huge fans of cricket or AFL will also appreciate the rich history of the Oval. Children under 5 can join for free, so it’s friendly to your wallet too.
Monarto Safari Park
Experience an exotic safari right in South Australia at Monarto Safari Park, home to over 500 animals and 50 species. Kids will love the Lions 360 Experience, where they can step into a glass enclosure surrounded by lions, or hop on the Zu-loop shuttle bus to see giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs roaming freely.
For younger visitors, the children’s farmyard is a highlight with friendly animal encounters and a chance to learn about farm life.
Morialta Conservation Park
Perfect for bumblies (beginners) and seasoned hikers alike, Morialta Conservation Park is a must-visit. Seasonal waterfalls and serene bushland make it ideal for nature lovers, but it’s also a paradise for kids!
Some of the highlights include:
- Mukanthi Nature Play Space: Adelaide’s biggest playground with climbing boulders, hidden tunnels, and a giant slide.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot koalas, kangaroos, and colorful birds while hiking.
- Waterfall Wonders: Three stunning waterfalls along Fourth Creek—perfect for exploring.
- Rock Climbing Adventures: Climbs for all skill levels with breathtaking gorge views.
Adelaide Zoo
Explore the Adelaide Zoo and get up close with over 2,500 animals. It’s a supportive environment for kids to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Kids will love the Variety Children’s Zoo, where they can interact with friendly animals like goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in a hands-on play space. The Nature’s Playground has climbing structures, water play features, and aerial walkways.
Don’t miss the Giant Pandas, Australasia’s only pandas, or the daily Free Flight Bird Show, where colourful birds soar overhead.
West Beach Mini Golf
Located at the corner of Military Road and Hamra Avenue, West Beach Mini Golf is an 18-hole course perfect for families during the school holidays.
Open daily, it’s ideal for kids’ parties, social events, and school holiday fun. With drinks and snacks available on-site, it’s a low-cost activity that the entire family will enjoy.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Wander through the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and enjoy a meditative environment perfect for family outings. Breathe in the fresh air as you explore lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and tranquil walking trails.
It’s an ideal spot to relax, reconnect with nature, and let the kids roam freely while discovering the beauty of the outdoors.
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School holiday programs
NumberWorks’nWords
Looking for a school holiday activity that combines fun with learning? NumberWorks’nWords offers daily intensive lessons in which a tutoring model focuses on helping your child build confidence; perfect for kids who want to stay sharp while enjoying their break!
Unlike traditional approaches, their program adapts to each child’s needs, so students can progress at their own pace in English or maths skills.
Adelaide University Sport
Keep the kids active with school holiday sports programs at Adelaide University Sport. These programs are designed to develop skills in a completely safe environment, so kids can participate with confidence.
From soccer to swimming, each activity is supervised by trained professionals who prioritise complete safety while making sports fun and engaging.
Circus Elements School Holiday Program
If you’re after something a little different from the usual park-picnic-screens-repeat cycle, the Circus Elements School Holiday Program might be worth adding to your list.
It’s an energetic, hands-on program where kids can dive into all things circus – juggling, acrobatics, balance skills and more. It’s an experience that gets their bodies moving, builds confidence, and gives them something new to chat about at dinner.
It’s all done in a supportive, well-structured environment with safety front of mind.
Indoor school holiday activities
Urth Clay Studio
Let your young artist shine with one-off pottery classes at Urth Clay Studio. This creative process empowers kids to freely explore shapes and create unique masterpieces.
These classes are designed to help children develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and confidence. As they roll, pinch, and shape the clay, they’re also learning to problem-solve and express themselves artistically.
Plus, the meditative environment of working with clay provides a calming break from screens, making it a screen-free experience that parents love.
South Australian Museum
Let the kids’ curiosity run wild with a visit to the South Australian Museum. With five floors of fascinating exhibits, from ancient fossils to Egyptian mummies, it’s a treasure trove for little minds.
The museum regularly hosts school holiday programs and hands-on learning experiences that let kids interactively explore science and history.
Best of all? Entry is free.
The Beachouse, Glenelg
An Adelaide classic, The Beachouse is the perfect indoor escape by the sea.
While it has outdoor rides, there’s heaps to do inside too, including arcade games, bumper boats, mini golf, and the ever-popular indoor waterslides. It’s a one-stop shop for high-energy, all-weather fun.
Free family fun in Adelaide
Looking for budget-friendly activities? Adelaide has plenty of free family fun days and events that are perfect for school holidays.
- Adelaide Central Market: Stroll through this iconic market and enjoy free tastings, live music, and family-friendly events. It’s a great way to introduce kids to fresh produce and local culture.
- Community Events: Keep an eye out for local free family activities hosted by councils and community centers. These events often include games, live entertainment, and hands-on activities for kids.
Planning tips
- Book early: Popular activities like TreeClimb and Monarto Safari Park often sell out.
- Mix it up: Combine indoor and outdoor activities to keep things fresh.
- Check for free events: Many locations, like the Adelaide Central Market, offer low-cost or free options.
- Plan for all ages: Choose activities that cater to both older kids and younger ones.
- Stay flexible: Allow time for spontaneous fun and relaxation.
Wrapping it up
Adelaide’s got the goods when it comes to school holiday fun – from wild encounters at wildlife parks to hands-on crafty workshops, there’s no chance of hearing “I’m bored” these holidays.
Whether you’re conquering mini golf, roaming the Adelaide Hills, or going full explorer on an African safari, there’s something to keep every little legend (and their grown-ups) entertained.
So chuck the swimmers in the bag, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready for a seriously fun family adventure in Adelaide.
Sports and active play
Australian Sports Clinics
Take your little athlete to join the Australian Sports Clinics during the Adelaide school holidays from July 16th to 18th, for an exciting program tailored to keep the kids active and entertained during the school holidays.
Held at various locations across Adelaide, these clinics have intensive coaching sessions in sports like soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, and more. In store for your kid are drills, games, and mini-competitions that’ll make them plenty of friends in the process.
Kids School Holiday Sports Programs, Adelaide University Sport
But don’t worry if those dates don’t work for you, there’s more where that came from!
With Adelaide University Sport running Kids School Holiday Sports Programs during the July school holidays, there’s an opportunity for kids state-wide to participate in a variety of sports and activities. West Beach Mini Golf is another great sports activity option.
Located at the University’s sports facilities, these programs cater to children aged 5 to 12, providing a dynamic mix of sports, games, and recreational activities. Led by experienced coaches and instructors, the program involves soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and more.
Family-friendly school holiday events
Nature Festival of South Australia
The Nature Festival of South Australia runs from October 1-15, celebrating the beauty of nature with over 300 events across the state. From guided bushwalks that take you through stunning natural landscapes to hands-on gardening workshops where you can learn how to create sustainable green spaces at home – there’s a lot to love.
With events suited to all ages and many free or low-cost options, it’s a perfect way for families to enjoy springtime in South Australia.
Play at the Bay & Days at the Bay, City of Holdfast Bay
With the weather warming up, why not head to the beach these school holidays. Located along the picturesque coastline of Adelaide’s southern suburbs, this string of events and workshops involves everything from chocolate making to beach volleyball matches, paddleboarding adventures, and beach cricket tournaments with prizes to be won.
Days at the Bay showcases community-focused events including outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, food markets, children’s rides, and so much more.
Woodhouse Activity Centre
Level up on the action these spring school holidays at the Woodhouse Activity Centre in the Adelaide Hills. Think epic tube slides where they can zoom down hills at thrilling speeds and a giant split-level maze perfect for adventurous explorers to get lost in fun. Families can challenge each other with a game of disc golf, testing their skills as they navigate the scenic course.
TreeClimb Adelaide
TreeClimb Adelaide is the city’s first nature-based aerial adventure park. It’s got zip lines, rope bridges, high ropes challenges, pretty much everything a kid could ask for.
With courses specifically designed for different abilities and age groups, kids as young as 3 can enjoy the fun on the Kids Course, while older kids and adults can tackle the more challenging Grand Course.
Technology and STEM school holiday activities
Olon – Virtual Reality Entertainment & Indoor Sports Centre, Seaton
If all these activities sound cute but maybe a bit old-school for your tech-obsessed kid, this VR centre is a complete game-changer.
From its location in Seaton, Olon offers a cutting-edge blend of virtual reality experiences and indoor sports activities that promise thrills for all ages. Think immersive VR worlds where they can battle robots, fantasy realms, high-speed simulations and indoor sports facilities including basketball courts, soccer pitches, and batting cages.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Got a Buzz Lightyear superfan? For an educational option, the Australian Space Discovery Centre offers free, interactive exhibitions about rockets, planets, and Australia’s contributions to space exploration. It’s specially designed to inspire curiosity about space exploration and technology.
Your little space fanatics can discover the latest in space science, learn about Australian contributions to space research, and participate in hands-on activities like building rockets or exploring the surface of Mars through virtual reality simulations. So fun!
If you have any budding scientists in your house, this is a great way to spend a day.
School holiday programs for Kids
Code Camp activities
Looking for a way to keep your kids entertained and learning during the upcoming school holidays? Code Camp has got you covered with a range of exciting and educational programs. From coding and animation to filmmaking, DJing, robotics, design, and even flying drones, there’s something for every young tech enthusiast.
Led by experienced and qualified instructors, Code Camp’s activities are designed to promote creativity and learning in a fun and engaging environment. Whether your child is a beginner or has some experience, these programs cater to all ages and skill levels. Plus, with the convenience of online booking, securing a spot is a breeze. Get ready for a school holiday program that will inspire and entertain your kids while helping them develop valuable skills for the future.
Circus Elements School Holiday Program
For kids aged 9-12 who love to move and explore new skills, the Circus Elements School Holiday Program is a fantastic option. This program has everything from trampolining to Parkour, and trapeze.
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, children will learn various circus skills in a safe and supportive environment. The program encourages physical exercise and helps develop coordination, balance, and confidence. It’s a great way for kids to stay active and have fun during the school holidays. Bookings can be made online, so don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your little acrobats.
Tips for planning school holiday activities in Adelaide
- Book ahead: Many events, like Cirkidz and the Monarto Safari Park programs, often sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance
- Pack for all weather: Adelaide’s spring can bring mixed weather, so pack layers for outdoor adventures, and plan some indoor activities just in case.
- Maximise your time: Some events, like Hey Caddy Mini Golf or Monarto Safari Park, are close to major attractions, so plan a full day of fun in one area.
Wrapping it up
There’s no shortage of fun things to do with your kids in Adelaide this spring! Whether you’re after free school holiday activities, hands-on art workshops, or adrenaline-packed adventures, this school break is sure to be a memorable one. So, grab your calendar, book some spots, and get ready for a holiday full of quality family time and lasting memories.
Happy holidays!
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