Best Things to Do in Adelaide with Kids

With its breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and countless activities, Adelaide is the perfect destination for a memorable family getaway. Explore the South Australian Museum, where your little ones can discover ancient fossils and learn about Australia’s rich indigenous history. Get up close and personal with adorable pandas at Adelaide Zoo or view them in their natural habitat at Cleland Wildlife Park. Adelaide has something for everyone, whatever your family’s interests, ensuring an unforgettable vacation filled with laughter and joy.

Top Things to Do in Adelaide with Kids

Adelaide Hills

 

Photo: Stephen Mabbs

On the east side of Adelaide are the beautiful Adelaide Hills. This region is in the Mount Lofty Ranges and is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and family-friendly activities. The Adelaide Hills feature attractions like the Hahndorf historic German settlement, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, and Beerenberg Farm. Families can ride on the SteamRanger Heritage Railey or visit the Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. If you have older kids, there are thrilling activities like mountain biking that are enjoyable.

Related:

• Traveling with Kids on Australia’s Great Ocean Road: Tips and Stops
• Exploring Australia’s Gold Coast with Your Little Ones
• Discovering Sydney’s Taronga Zoo: A Family Guide to Australia’s Wildlife Wonders

Adelaide Zoo

 

Photo: Rowena Shaw

A trip to Adelaide with kids must include visiting some native South Australian animals, like the Red Kangaroo. The Adelaide Zoo is a stroller-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits, like the Nature’s Playground, where children can play and burn some energy. With over 2,500 animals and 250 species, this family-friendly zoo is certainly one you’ll want to take the kids to. There are Animal Experiences for adults and children, even those under the age of 6, where visitors can get up close with various species like meerkats, giraffes, and koalas.

Cleland Wildlife Park

Photo: Akshay Chauhan

About twenty minutes from Adelaide is the Cleland Wildlife Park. Compared to a typical zoo setting where animals are in enclosures, most animals at this park can be viewed in their natural habitat. In fact, children can feed some animals, like emus, wallabies, and potoroos, by hand! This attraction is one of the best family wildlife experiences outside the Adelaide area that plays a significant role in wildlife conservation and education. While there, make sure to take advantage of the beautiful scenic views of Mount Lofty, the highest peak in the area.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Adelaide

TreeClimb Adelaide

 

Photo: kidsinadelaide.com.au

If you’re searching for the best Adelaide kids activities, check out TreeClimb, a thrilling opportunity for children and adults. At TreeClimb, kids will love the experience of climbing and navigating through treetops safely while taking in the beautiful views of Adelaide Park Lands. If you’re interested in this family-friendly event, you’ll want to purchase tickets in advance as slots fill up quickly.

Adelaide Aquatic Centre

 

Photo: australias.guide

Looking for things to do as a family indoors? The friendly Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide is one of the best places to visit for family fun in the water. It includes multiple indoor heated swimming pools and is open all year long. There’s also a gym, sauna, and steam room for adults and older children.

Free Things to Do with Kids in Adelaide

Adelaide Central Market

 

Photo: adelaidecentralmarket.com.au

Take advantage of daily free entry to one of the largest covered fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Walking around the Adelaide Central Market, you’ll notice over 80 traders selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. Children and families can enjoy exploring the market for new foods and drinks and sampling diverse cuisines worldwide. Make the most of the daily free entry and immerse yourself in this Southern Hemisphere gem’s sights, sounds, and flavors.

Haigh’s Chocolates

 

Photo: tripadvisor.com.au

Haigh’s Chocolates produces delicious award-winning chocolates from the cocoa bean that is ethically sourced, and it offers free admission to families! Free guided tours are offered throughout the week and are a fun way to spend the morning or afternoon day with your family. We must quickly mention the Adelaide Chocolate Factory, one of Australia’s largest chocolate mold manufacturers. While this chocolate factory is famous, it does not offer visiting times or tours like Haigh’s Chocolates.

Art Gallery of South Australia

 

Photo: expedia.com

Another free family Adelaide attraction that is easy to get around is the Art Gallery of South Australia. We recommend you visit this South Australian museum in the morning. It is Adelaide’s largest art museum and one of Australia’s largest galleries, so you should expect a lot of walking! Thankfully, the art museum is stroller-friendly for families with little ones. Take note of START at the Gallery, a free program for children 3-12 years old that includes tours, workshops, and art-making activities.

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Photo: Marcus Wallis

Spend time as a family at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a 51-hectare garden in the Adelaide Park Lands. The garden features a restored 1877-built Palm House, First Creek Wetland, and Bicentennial Conservatory. Admission is free, and the garden is open every day of the year, including public and school holidays. Children will enjoy the opportunity to wander around native plants and flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days do you need to see Adelaide?

To explore the best of Adelaide with your kids, plan your trip to last about three full days.

What is the best month to visit Adelaide?

The spring months, September to November, are the best months to visit Adelaide as the weather is mild and comfortable.

Do you need a car when visiting Adelaide?

You do not need a car when visiting Adelaide if you prefer to rely on public transportation such as buses, trains, and trams.