spring school holidays in Adelaide
the september-october break brings warmer weather — ideal for getting outside, hitting playgrounds and exploring nature.
free things to do
South Australian Museum
freeFree entry. The Aboriginal Cultures gallery is genuinely world-class, and kids go straight for the Egyptian mummy collection.
ages: all agesAdelaide Botanic Garden
freeNature play space, free guided walks, and the Bicentennial Conservatory is worth ducking into. Good for a morning with a packed lunch.
ages: all agesGlenelg Beach
freeTake the tram from the city straight to the beach — kids love the tram ride as much as the sand. Fish and chips on the foreshore to finish.
ages: all agesArt Gallery of South Australia
freeFree entry. Kids' trails and holiday workshops run most days, and the Start Young program for under-5s is genuinely well-designed.
ages: all agespaid activities & attractions
Adelaide Zoo
paidGiant pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni are the drawcard, plus 2,500+ animals. School holiday keeper talks are included — the reptile one is surprisingly good.
ages: all agesMonarto Safari Park
paidOpen-range zoo about 70 minutes from Adelaide. Bus safari tour is included in entry — you'll see lions, giraffes and rhinos from the bus.
ages: all agesCleland Wildlife Park
paidHand-feed kangaroos and hold a koala in the Adelaide Hills. Smaller and quieter than the big zoos — which is the appeal with little ones.
ages: all agesMega Adventure Park
paidAerial obstacle course, zipline and climbing wall at West Beach. Book ahead during holidays — they cap numbers.
ages: 5+looking for playgrounds in Adelaide?
browse our directory of parks and play spaces — perfect for burning off energy during the holidays.
Adelaide playgrounds