Adelaide’s Best Things to Do with Kids

Credit: TreeClimb Adelaide

 

Planning a family trip to Adelaide and wondering what'll actually keep everyone happy? You're in the right spot. This city has a knack for making family days feel easy: think accessible beaches, wildlife you can get close to, and museums that don't feel like homework. 

Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for fresh ideas, here's what to do in Adelaide with kids.

 

First Time In Adelaide With Kids? Start Here

 

If this is your first trip to Adelaide with the family, a few places just make sense. They're central, they're reliable, and they tend to land well with kids of all ages.

 

Adelaide Zoo 

Credit: Zoos SA

 

Sitting right near the city centre and delivering exactly what it promises, Adelaide Zoo is an institution in itself. Meet giant pandas, lions, meerkats, and a whole lot more across compact, walkable grounds. 

Toddlers love it because there's always something moving, and older kids appreciate the scale of the animals. You'll want around four to five hours here: enough time to see the highlights without anyone melting down. 

Pro tip: arrive when it opens to beat the crowds and catch the animals at their most active.

 

South Australian Museum 

The South Australian Museum has a completely different vibe, and the best part is, it’s free! The natural history exhibits are genuinely fascinating, with highlights like the Pacific Cultures gallery and the Aboriginal Cultures collection.

Make sure to stop by the Ancient Egypt gallery, where kids (and adults) can see the museum’s original mummy and sarcophagus of Renpit-Nefert. It’s been part of the collection for more than 100 years, brought to Adelaide in the 1890s by Reverend Roby Fletcher.

And you can’t miss the museum’s unofficial mascot: the Giant Squid. Suspended dramatically in a former lift shaft, the enormous model stretches over several floors, giving visitors a real sense of its deep-sea scale. 

It’s easily one of the museum’s most talked-about exhibits and a must-see for families (and anyone with a soft spot for weird ocean creatures).

 

Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach is Adelaide's go-to beach, and for good reason. The water's calm, the sand's clean, and it's ridiculously easy to get there. Jump on the tram from the city centre (kids love the ride itself) and you're at the beach in about 30 minutes. 

There are playgrounds, fish and chip shops, ice cream, and a pier where you can spot dolphins if you're lucky. 

 

Animal Encounters That Always Land Well

 

Adelaide does family friendly, animal-based experiences really well, and not just in the "look through glass" kind of way.

 

Cleland Wildlife Park 

About 20 minutes from the CBD, you’ll find Cleland Wildlife Park. It's where you can interact with Australian wildlife: imagine hand-feeding kangaroos, walking among emus, and getting close to koalas (you can even hold one if you book ahead). 

The park has a bushland setting, so it feels less like a zoo and more like you've stumbled into their world. 

Top tip: Pack a picnic! There are plenty of spots to sit, and kids can run around between animal encounters.

 

Dolphin Cruises

Looking for a memorable family outing in Adelaide? Temptation Sailing departs from Glenelg’s Marina Pier and offers a fun wild dolphin experience that’s perfect for kids and parents alike. 

Families can choose to watch wild dolphins from the deck or, for older kids and adventurous adults, dive in for a swim alongside them. The 58-foot catamaran is a stable, licensed vessel, crewed by experienced marine biologists.

For families with younger kids, the “watch only” option works great: youngsters stay safely on board while the dolphins often come very close for a view from the deck. Children under 9 are not permitted to swim for safety/insurance reasons, but they are more than welcome to watch.

 

Beerenberg Farm

For families staying a bit longer or keen on a full day trip, Beerenberg Farm (about 40 minutes out in the Adelaide Hills) offers strawberry picking, a farm shop packed with jams and treats, and a café that does excellent scones. 

Kids get to pick their own fruit, which somehow makes them actually want to eat it. Nearby, Hahndorf Farm Barn has more hands-on animal time—bottle-feeding lambs, patting guinea pigs, and meeting alpacas. It's wholesome, easy fun.

 

Curious Minds? Mix Museums With Hands-On Fun

 

Adelaide knows not every kid wants to just look at things behind glass. There's a good mix of places where hands-on learning is built right in.

 

Adelaide Planetarium 

The Adelaide Planetarium at the University of South Australia runs shows that make space feel accessible and exciting. Sessions are only about 45 minutes, so attention spans stay intact, and the dome screen is genuinely impressive. 

It's particularly good for kids aged five and up who are starting to ask bigger questions about the universe.

 

Adelaide Gaol

For older kids with a taste for the unusual, the Adelaide Gaol offers tours that walk you through South Australia's convict history. It's atmospheric (read: slightly eerie), with original cells, gallows, and stories that bring the past to life. 

This one's better suited to kids aged 10 and up who can handle the heavier themes.

 

JamFactory

If your crew's more about creating than observing, JamFactory in the city showcases contemporary craft and design. There are often workshops where kids can try their hand at ceramics or glass work, and the on-site shop is full of locally made pieces.

It's a quieter option that feels a bit more boutique; perfect for a rainy morning or if you've got budding artists in the group.

 

Let the Kids Run Wild in Adelaide’s Great Outdoors

 

Sometimes you just need everyone to burn off energy in the fresh air, and Adelaide's got green spaces that deliver, right near the city.

 

Morialta Conservation Park

Morialta Conservation Park is about 20 minutes from the city and offers proper bushwalking with waterfalls as the payoff. The trails range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, so you can pick what suits your family. 

The lower falls walk is manageable with younger kids and still feels like an adventure.

 

Adelaide Park Lands

Credit:  thepopeyeadelaide

 

Closer to the city, Adelaide Park Lands loop right around the CBD and are dotted with playgrounds, picnic spots, and open spaces. 

Elder Park near the River Torrens is a favourite: you can hire paddle boats and cruise along the river. Or, hop aboard The Popeye, a stunning heritage boat, for a 45-minute cruise between Elder Park and Adelaide Zoo.

 

TreeClimb Adelaide

Credit: TreeClimb Adelaide

 

For something with a bit more thrill, TreeClimb Adelaide in Adelaide Park Lands offers high ropes courses through the trees. There are different levels depending on age and confidence, and the whole setup is professionally managed with full safety gear. 

 

Don’t Let a Little Rain Stop Your Adventures: Fun Indoor Ideas for Families

 

Adelaide weather's generally kind, but when it's not, you've got these solid backup options.

 

Holey Moley

Holey Moley is mini golf with a twist. Think wild courses with pop culture themes, UV lighting, and cocktails for the adults (mocktails for the kids). It's in the city, it's fully indoors, and it's chaotic fun that works for a wide age range.

 

Urban Climb 

Urban Climb offers indoor climbing walls and bouldering for all skill levels. Staff are helpful, and there's something satisfying about watching kids problem-solve their way up a wall while burning off energy. It's a couple of hours well spent when the weather turns.

 

Fox in a Box

For families with older kids (10+) who love puzzles and teamwork, Fox in a Box delivers escape room experiences right in the city. You'll work together to solve clues and break out within the time limit. 

 

MOD

If you're keen on something more educational, MOD (Museum of Discovery) at the University of South Australia is packed with interactive science and technology exhibits. Kids can experiment with physics, engineering, and design in a hands-on way. 

 

Haigh's Chocolate Factory 

For a sweet treat that also doubles as entertainment, Haigh's Chocolate Factory in the city offers tours where you can watch chocolate being made and, crucially, sample the goods.

 

Kids Getting Hungry? Here’s Where to Find Family-Friendly Eats

 

Family dining in Adelaide doesn't need to be stressful. Rundle Mall in the heart of the city has plenty of casual spots, like food courts, cafés, and quick bites that cater to picky eaters and adventurous ones alike.

 

Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide Central Market has been running since 1869 and has everything from fresh fruit and pastries to international street food. Kids can pick what they actually want to eat, and you can grab a fresh barista coffee.

Blackeby's Sweets inside the market is an institution. It’s old-school lollies that often spark nostalgia for parents and wide-eyed wonder for kids.

 

BBQ Buoys on Glenelg Beach

If you're after something different, BBQ Buoys offers floating barbecue boats. Yes, you read that right. You can cruise along the Port River while cooking your own meal on a built-in BBQ.

 

Peter Rabbit Cafe

Tucked away on Hindley Street, Peter Rabbit Café is a hidden garden escape right in the middle of the city. The real stars here are the fluffy rabbits that roam freely around the café:  kids love watching them hop between the tables and getting the chance to pat them.

While the little ones make some furry friends, you can unwind with great coffee, delicious all-day brunch, or even a cheeky cocktail. It’s a relaxed, feel-good spot where nature, good food, and a bit of bunny magic come together.

 

The Hot Pot Guy

Looking for dinner that’s a bit different (and a lot of fun)? The Hot Pot Guy delivers an interactive feast where everyone cooks their own meal at the table. Choose your broth, toss in meats, veggies, and noodles, and mix your own sauces: kids love getting hands-on. 

It’s lively, delicious, and super popular, so book ahead.

 

Doughballs

For an easy family meal everyone loves, Doughballs is a winner. The Glenelg spot has stunning views over Moseley Square, while the Rundle Place restaurant is perfect for a city lunch or dinner. 

With pizza, pasta, and plenty for the kids, it’s a stress-free, tasty go-to for families on the move.

 

Day Trips Worth the Drive

 

If you've got a day to spare and a car, these are worth the drive.

 

Hahndorf German Village

Credit: The German Village Shop

Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, about 30 minutes southeast of Adelaide. The main street's lined with bakeries, craft shops, and pubs serving schnitzels that could feed a family of four. 

Kids enjoy the novelty of it all: the half-timbered buildings, the pretzels, the general storybook feel.

 

Port Adelaide and Maritime Museum 

Port Adelaide has a maritime history that's been turned into family-friendly attractions. The South Australian Maritime Museum has historic ships you can board, and the area's dotted with quirky shops and cafés. It's about 20 minutes from the city and feels like a different world.

 

Unique Opal Mine

For something completely different, the Unique Opal Mine in the city lets kids fossick for opals and learn about gemstones. It's small-scale, hands-on, and gives everyone a chance to take home a souvenir they actually found themselves.

 

Why Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide Makes Family Travel Easier

 

 

Here's the thing about family trips: location changes everything. When you're staying at Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide, you're not just booking a hotel, you're setting yourself up for the kind of trip where logistics don't eat up half your day.

Most of the attractions we've covered? They're either within walking distance or a quick tram ride away.

The hotel sits right in the heart of the CBD, which means Adelaide Zoo is a 10-minute walk, the Glenelg tram stops nearby, and the Central Market is close enough to grab breakfast pastries without anyone complaining about the distance.

But the real win is flexibility. Kids tired after a morning at the museum? Head back to the hotel, let everyone decompress in a comfortable room, maybe hit the pool, then venture out again for dinner when energy levels have recovered.

Ready to make Adelaide easy on yourself? Book your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide direct and give your family trip the kind of foundation that actually works. Check availability and rates now.