The 10 best things to do with kids in Adelaide

Take to the treetops of Salisbury, Kuitpo Forest and central Adelaide at TreeClimb’s ultimate outdoor adventure parks. Perched among the greenery are interconnected obstacle courses of nets, swings, zip lines, suspended rock-climbing walls, sky-high bridges and plenty more elevated paths that aren’t for the faint of heart. Rest assured knowing that participants are fully harnessed as they dangle at the problem-solving altitude, and take solace in the fact that TreeClimb is a screen-free activity – now that’s kicking it old-school.

Time Out tip: It’s all fun and games, although there are height and age restrictions in place that determine which course is most suitable (and safe) for the youngins and teens – all definable upon booking.

Address: Cnr Greenhill Road & Unley Rd, Adelaide

As seen in our guide to the best free things to do in Adelaide, a Haigh’s Chocolate Factory tour never fails to ignite a world of pure imagination. The Parkside galleria invites visitors into its original 1919 factory, where the family-owned confectionery company still churns out the sweet stuff, four generations later. A 30-minute guided tour will set you back a grand total of zero dollars – super handy in this economy – and there’s a wealth of learning to be done about the factory’s rich history, along with visual delights of the magic in the making. Watch out, Willy!

Time Out tip: Join in on the treat-forward tour anytime during the store’s usual trading hours; however, securing a booking is favourable to ensure sugary cravings don’t go unmet. 

Address: 154 Greenhill Rd, Parkside

If you grew up in Adelaide anytime after 2006, you’d know that The Beachouse is the ultimate outing – essentially winning the weekend jackpot. Sitting loud and proud on Glenelg’s foreshore, the indoor complex dishes out family-friendly activities of the dry and wet variety – ensuring that everyone leaves as a happy chappy. hold on tight at the dodgem carts and bumper boats; daydream as you whirl around the carousel; give a fair whack on the mini golf course; journey within the seven-story play castle; or simply try your luck at the plethora of arcade games. It’s a smorgasbord of glee, and there’ll be no settling for less after a day at The Beachouse.

Time Out tip: Bring a pair of togs and take to three different waterslides. You won't regret it. 

Address: Level 3/4 Colley Tce, Glenelg

A day at the museum is more often than not an excitement-inducing pastime, no matter your age. But considering we’re here to talk about the kids this round, North Terrace’s South Australian Museum is coming through with the goods. Along with a family-friendly, self-guided adventure trail through the halls, the museum has also added a new program to its repertoire for those aged five and under – The Crocodile Club – with nature, science and literacy at the forefront of its sessions.

Time Out tip: The Discovery Centre is an equally hot hit, where drawers upon drawers of bits and bobs await, and the working bee hive that’s been abuzz since 1933 demands your undivided attention. 

Address: North Tce, Adelaide

Here in our pretty little city, we’re fortunate enough to boast a fresh food emporium slap-bang within the CBD – the famed Adelaide Central Market. With more than 70 stalls to peruse, the Market is one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and there’s no way the youngins are missing out. As well as kid-alluring traders like Jamu, The Old Lolly Shop, The Turkish Delight and Smiley’s Tuckshop, the Adelaide Central Market is host to free face painting and holiday activities that are sure to engage the most distracted of minds. Themed art classes are a market commonality, including during the Lunar New Year and National Reconciliation Week.

Time Out tip: Got a blossoming foodie in your midst? Check out the Market Trail, specifically mapped out for food-forward juniors intrigued by local produce, and Little Market Chefs, where learning how to prepare healthy, easy and tasty meals is the aim of the game.

Address: 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide

It’s time to get your hands dirty, with actual dirt too! Beerenberg Farm in the oh-so-picturesque Adelaide Hills’ village of Hahndorf welcomes one and all to their sixth-generation family plot to pick your very own strawberries. There’s no better way to convince the kids to eat their daily dose of fruit either – it tastes better when it’s scrupulously hand-selected, right? At just $12.50 per kilogram of strawbs, plus $5 entry for those aged 13 and beyond, you can pick to your heart’s content during harvest season – typically between November and April each year.

Time Out tip: It’s best to check Beerenberg Farm’s website upon venturing up the hill to ensure that it’s business as usual.

Address: 2106 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf

It’s all about feeling warm and fuzzy at Cleland Wildlife Park, in more ways than one. Head up the hill to Mount Lofty Summit Road in Crafers to encounter native fauna at close range, in their natural habitat. Mosey around the 35-hectare bushland locale and interact with over 130 species of Australian beasties, including emus, kangaroos, wallabies and wombats – with patting and feeding a Cleland Wildlife Park highlight! 

Time Out tip: This is one of the only places in the world where cuddling a koala is allowed. A new world-class Koala Loft is now welcoming animal lovers for both education and adorable experiences.

Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers

All aboard! Take to the waterways afloat, The Popeye – Adelaide’s heritage vessel that meanders down the River Torrens day after day. Departing from the city centre’s Elder Park, Popeye’s Sightseeing Cruise glides by the lush embankments and gargantuan architecture with the likes of Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI and Adelaide Gaol. With 45 minutes to take it all in, appreciating the landscape and spotting what those pesky birds are up to is high on the list, all while the Popeye guide inspires the youngins with a bunch of fun facts about the environment.

Time Out tip: This is the ideal warm-up if you’re planning to disembark at the Adelaide Zoo and Botanic Gardens, where the flora and fauna of South Australia await.

Address: Elder Park (Park 26), King William Rd, Adelaide

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the biggest rocking horse in the world! Deep within the serene Adelaide Hills looms an 18-metre monument by name of the Big Rocking Horse – and it’s exactly what that sounds like. Although the 25-tonne landmark may stick out like a sore thumb, we South Australians are proud of this obscure, core memory-maker that has been delighting our adolescent minds since 1981. And The Big Rocking Horse isn’t just a pretty sight – tackle the steep stairwell to the top and admire canopy views, right before receiving a completion certificate for your vertical efforts.

Time Out tip: Once back on solid ground, head over to the seven-acre Wildlife Park where feeding kangaroos, wallabies, peacocks, corellas, sheep, goats and alpacas is on the cards.

Address: 452 Torrens Valley Rd, Gumeracha

The great outdoors awaits at Woodhouse Adventure Park. Tailored to the sporty, thrill-seeking kids out there, the Piccadilly fun-ground is set across 54 hectares of bushland and is ideal for making a splash, slippin’ and slidin’, problem-solving and conquering too. Brave the 30 obstacles of Challenge Hill – think rocking climbing out of a lake; puzzle your way out of the mega split-level maze; maneuver across the outdoor bouldering dome; zoom down the tube slides during a weekend visit; and get your bearings with an orienteering course.

Time Out tip: If relaxing is of utmost importance, get the tongs out and fire up one of the gas barbecues, or huddle around the fire circle throughout the cooler months.

Address: 37 Spring Gully Rd, Piccadilly