Family Fun in Adelaide with Must-See Activities for Kids and Parents

Located at the University of South Australia, the Adelaide Planetarium offers a fun and educational space experience for families. Kids can learn about constellations, planets, and space travel through interactive star shows led by astronomers. The school holiday programs are especially popular, offering hands-on workshops and special events designed to spark kids' curiosity about the universe.

For families with older kids who love adventure, Mega Adventure Aerial Park in West Beach is a thrilling experience. The park features high ropes courses, zip lines, and free-fall jumps. The challenges cater to different skill levels, making it a great activity for adventurous families. The SkyWalk observation deck also offers great views for those who prefer to watch rather than participate.

Located near the Adelaide city center, Marshmallow Park is a modern playground and activity hub featuring water play areas, climbing frames, slides, and sensory gardens. It’s designed for a wide age range, making it a great spot for toddlers and older kids alike. The bike paths and open grass areas make it ideal for picnics and family outings. The location near Victoria Park also means families can extend their day with a walk or bike ride.

Located in Gumeracha, about 40 minutes from Adelaide, this giant rocking horse is an iconic South Australian attraction. Families can climb the rocking horse for stunning views or visit the toy factory, where kids can watch traditional wooden toys being made. There’s also a small animal park where kids can feed kangaroos, goats, and emus. The café on-site offers homemade treats, making it a fun and relaxed day trip from Adelaide.

One of Adelaide’s most family-friendly beaches, Glenelg offers calm waters, soft sand, and plenty of activities for kids. Moseley Square features a water play area, an old-fashioned carousel, and the iconic Glenelg Jetty, perfect for a scenic stroll. Families can also enjoy fish and chips by the beach or grab ice cream from one of the many seaside cafés. During summer, the Moseley Beach Club provides a relaxed beachfront setting with deck chairs and live entertainment, making it a great destination for parents as well.

A great spot for families, especially in summer, Waterworld Aquatic Centre in Ridgehaven features waterslides, splash zones, a toddler pool, and a 50-meter swimming pool. It’s a fantastic place for kids to cool off and enjoy some water fun in a safe environment. There are shaded areas for parents to relax, and lifeguards are always on duty, making it a stress-free outing for families.

A scenic coastal walk, the Hallett Cove Boardwalk offers breathtaking ocean views and fascinating geological formations. Families can take a leisurely walk along the cliffs, spotting ancient glacial rock formations and marine fossils. The Sugarloaf Rock formation is a highlight, and there are plenty of picnic spots along the way. The visitor center provides information about the area's natural history, making it an educational and visually stunning outing.

The South Australian Museum is a great indoor activity for families, featuring fascinating exhibits on natural history, Aboriginal culture, and ancient fossils. The Ancient Egypt section and the giant squid exhibit are especially popular with kids. The museum regularly hosts hands-on activities and workshops, making it an educational and entertaining visit. Best of all, general admission is free, making it a budget-friendly family outing. It is conveniently located on North Terrace, close to other cultural attractions like the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Adelaide Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals, including Australia’s only giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni. Families can explore beautifully designed enclosures featuring native Australian wildlife, exotic animals, and a fantastic children’s zoo where kids can interact with farm animals. The zoo offers behind-the-scenes experiences like feeding giraffes or meeting meerkats. It’s a great educational outing where kids can learn about conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife. The zoo is conveniently located near the Adelaide Botanic Garden, making it easy to extend your day with a nature walk or picnic.

As one of the largest open-range zoos in the world, Monarto Safari Park offers a safari-like experience just an hour from Adelaide. Families can take a guided bus tour through vast enclosures where lions, giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs roam freely. There are also opportunities to get closer to animals with behind-the-scenes encounters, such as feeding giraffes or meeting meerkats. The park’s focus on conservation and endangered species makes it both an exciting and educational experience for kids.

For a unique historical adventure, families can visit Adelaide Gaol, one of the oldest remaining colonial prisons in Australia. The site offers interactive tours and ghost stories, making it a thrilling yet educational experience. Kids can explore old prison cells, learn about past inmates, and even try on period costumes. Special family-friendly events run during school holidays, making it an engaging experience for older children interested in history.

One of the largest railway museums in Australia, the National Railway Museum is perfect for train-loving kids. It features historical locomotives, interactive exhibits, and miniature train rides. Families can explore vintage train carriages and learn about South Australia’s railway history. Special events, including themed train days and holiday programs, add to the fun, making it a great all-weather activity.

Located in the Adelaide Hills, Woodhouse offers a variety of outdoor activities, including obstacle courses, giant slides, camping, and orienteering challenges. The Labyrinth, a giant maze with hidden surprises, is a highlight for kids. It’s a great place for families who enjoy adventure and outdoor play.

Families can take a scenic river cruise from Port Adelaide, where they have a high chance of spotting wild dolphins in the Port River. The cruise is informative and relaxing, offering insights into marine conservation and the local environment. Some tours include stops at the South Australian Maritime Museum, where kids can learn about shipwrecks and historical sea voyages.

While the standard Adelaide Oval RoofClimb is an adventurous experience, there is also a family-friendly version designed for kids aged 8 and up. This guided climb offers breathtaking views of the city and the Adelaide Hills while being completely safe with harnesses and expert guides. It’s a great way to introduce kids to a little adventure while learning about one of Australia’s most iconic stadiums. Sunset climbs are especially scenic and make for an unforgettable experience.

A fantastic seaside destination, Semaphore Beach offers a family-friendly environment with shallow waters, soft sand, and a long jetty. The Semaphore Foreshore Park has playgrounds, a historic carousel, and a steam train ride that runs along the esplanade. During summer, a waterslide park and carnival rides pop up, adding even more excitement for kids. The area also has great fish and chip shops, making it perfect for a classic beachside family outing.

Just 10 km from Adelaide, Morialta Conservation Park is a fantastic outdoor destination for families who love nature and hiking. The Morialta Falls Valley Walk is an easy trail suitable for kids, leading to a beautiful waterfall. For younger children, the Morialta Nature Playground is a highlight, featuring climbing structures, tunnels, and slides designed to blend into the natural surroundings. Wildlife sightings are common, including koalas and native birds, making it a great place for kids to connect with nature.

One of the best playgrounds in Adelaide, St Kilda Adventure Playground is a must-visit for families. It features giant slides, wooden castles, flying foxes, and a pirate ship, all designed to encourage active play. The playground is located next to the St Kilda Mangrove Trail, where families can explore boardwalks and spot birdlife. With plenty of picnic spots and BBQ facilities, it’s a great place for an affordable family outing.

A perfect spot for families to relax and explore, the Adelaide Botanic Garden features lush landscapes, stunning flower displays, and themed gardens. Kids love the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, where they can see giant waterlilies, and the Bicentennial Conservatory, home to tropical rainforest plants. The garden is also great for picnics and gentle walks, with wide paths and open spaces for children to run around. Educational programs and guided walks are often available, adding to the experience.

Australia’s oldest German settlement, Hahndorf is a charming town in the Adelaide Hills that offers a mix of history, culture, and family fun. Families can explore Hahndorf Farm Barn, where kids can milk cows, cuddle baby animals, and ride ponies. The town is also known for its artisan chocolate and German bakeries, making it a delicious stop for food lovers. Scenic nature walks and nearby wineries (many of which are family-friendly) make it a great day trip from Adelaide.

A sweet treat for the whole family, Haigh’s Chocolate Factory offers guided tours where visitors can watch chocolatiers in action and sample some delicious chocolates. Kids will love seeing how their favorite treats are made, and there’s a gift shop filled with chocolatey delights. Tours are free but must be booked in advance.

Carrick Hill’s Storybook Trail is a magical outdoor experience designed for younger children. The trail is inspired by classic children’s books, featuring storybook-themed sculptures and interactive displays. Kids can pretend to be part of fairy tales as they explore treehouses, a hobbit house, and tunnels. The estate itself is surrounded by gardens with picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed family outing.

Located at Glenelg, The Beachouse is an indoor entertainment center packed with family-friendly attractions. Kids can enjoy water slides, bumper boats, mini-golf, arcade games, dodgem cars, and a classic Ferris wheel. The indoor setting makes it a perfect option for rainy or hot days when families want fun activities in a climate-controlled environment. The Beachouse operates on a credit-based system, so families can choose activities based on their preferences and budget.

About an hour from Adelaide, Victor Harbor is a fantastic destination for a day trip with kids. Families can take the historic Horse-Drawn Tram across the causeway to Granite Island, home to a small penguin colony. The island has walking trails with stunning coastal views and the chance to spot seals and dolphins. In winter, it’s also a great place for whale watching, as Southern Right Whales migrate along the coast.

Located in the Adelaide Hills, Cleland Wildlife Park provides a unique opportunity for families to get up close to native Australian animals in a natural setting. Kids can hand-feed kangaroos, pat a koala, and watch echidnas and wombats in their habitats. Unlike traditional zoos, Cleland offers an open-space environment where animals roam freely, making for an immersive wildlife experience. Families can also take scenic bushwalks, including a trail leading to Mount Lofty Summit for panoramic views of Adelaide.