Adelaide is a vibrant city filled with family activities that appeal to children and grown-ups alike. It’s one of those places where family time feels easy. Whether you're visiting with your kids for a short stay or are a local looking for new ideas, these Adelaide attractions for families offer a blend of fun, fresh air and just the right amount of learning (the kind kids don’t even notice).
Here are our recommendations for some of the best things to do in Adelaide with kids, featuring parks, museums, beaches and more.
Jump to:
Visit Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Oval and the South Australian Museum
Start in the CBD at the South Australian Museum, perfect for curious young minds, where kids are encouraged to get hands-on and learn about the world around them in an interactive way. With five floors to discover, you’ll find endless wonders and remarkable collections. Best of all, the entry is free.
Once you’ve explored dinosaurs, keep the momentum going down the road. Catch a little cricket history at Adelaide Oval. Sir Donald Bradman once called Adelaide home, and he spent much of his legendary career playing here. These days, you can step into his world at the Bradman Collection, tucked inside the Riverbank Stand. It’s modern, interactive and surprisingly fascinating, even if your little ones think cricket means backyard chaos.
The Oval itself seats more than 50,000 fans and is Adelaide’s home of AFL as well as cricket. Whether it’s an afternoon of cricket or the fast-paced buzz of AFL season, there’s always something happening here.
Another great way to experience Adelaide attractions for families is by getting up close to local wildlife. Meet over 2,500 animals, including a wide range of native Australian wildlife, at the Adelaide Zoo. It’s a wonderful educational outing with interactive exhibits that captivate children and adults. The zoo’s compact layout makes it easy to get around without little legs getting too tired.
You may also want to check what’s on at cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, which regularly hosts family-friendly workshops and creative activities during school holidays.
If you want to stay close to these attractions, Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites in North Terrace offers comfortable apartments nearby.
Spend the Day at Glenelg and Henley Beach
Adelaide is fringed by beautiful beaches, ideal for family activities. Most beaches around the city take less than 30 minutes to reach, and South Australia’s Mediterranean climate means you can enjoy them practically all year round.
Head west from the CBD or hop on the tram to historic Glenelg, where you can browse the shops and cafés on Jetty Rd and at Holdfast Shores Marina. Mosey through Moseley Square and along the jetty, taking in views across the Gulf St Vincent. Picnic under the pine trees and watch the beachgoers stroll by. Oh, but you brought the kids, right? No worries, there's an adventure park called The Beachouse to keep them occupied for hours. For a quieter beach experience, head to Henley Beach, with gentle waves and wide sands perfect for family fun and seaside picnics.
Want to extend your time in Glenelg? Discover our family-friendly accommodations, such as Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites and Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites, right where you need them.
Explore Adelaide Botanic Garden and Discover Morialta Conservation Park
For families who love nature and adventure, a short drive from the city in the Adelaide Hills, Morialta Conservation Park offers gentle child-friendly hiking trails with waterfalls, wildlife spotting and picnic areas. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of South Australia together.
Back in the city, you can enjoy Adelaide’s parks and playgrounds. They’re plentiful and well-maintained, offering ideal spots for children to run free and adults to unwind.
Don’t miss one of Adelaide’s favourite things to do in the CBD, Adelaide Botanic Garden, with its wide open lawns, shady trees and space to roam and explore. It’s a fantastic place for a family picnic surrounded by beautiful gardens.
If you love this leafy pocket of the city, Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites is a great base nearby.
Family Fun at Adelaide Central Market
With all that wandering, a food stop will feel well-deserved. Head to Adelaide Central Market, a sensory delight for the whole family. Explore fresh produce, delicious treats and kid-friendly eateries. It’s also an excellent spot to pick up picnic supplies for a day in the nearby parklands. Keep in mind the market is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Stay nearby at iStay Precinct Adelaide, which gives you easy access to these iconic family activities in Adelaide.
Experience Festivals and Family Events in Adelaide
If you’re visiting in March, the city comes alive with festival energy.
Dubbed “Mad March”, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to what to see with thousands of shows during this time. The Adelaide Festival is widely regarded as a leading international arts festival, while the diverse Adelaide Fringe is known as one of the largest fringe festivals globally. Encompassing theatre, comedy, dance, circus, spoken word, film and visual arts, Fringe attracts some of the finest artists from Australia and overseas.
If you are a family of music lovers, don’t miss WOMADelaide, an annual four-day festival of dazzling music from around the globe. It’s held in the heart of the city at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Giant Moreton Bay fig trees create shady groves for performances, while the lawn offers plenty of room to dance.
Coming later in the year? The exciting Adelaide Film Festival, typically held in October in selected years, is where you'll catch world premieres and film forums. It's one of the few Australian festivals that both screens and finances films. Plus, there’s always something for kids.
Ready to Plan Your Stay in Adelaide?
From inspiring museums and wildlife encounters to beach days and nature hikes, Adelaide is packed with outdoor activities for kids and experiences that adults will enjoy just as much.
When it comes to finding the best family accommodation, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites offers spacious apartments, modern amenities, and prime locations near many of the top things to do in Adelaide with kids. Whether you prefer the cultural pulse of the city centre or something quieter, there’s an Oaks option for every family.
Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites is ideal for those wanting to stay close to the CBD, while Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites offers contemporary suites near the vibrant West End. For families keen to explore the East End and nearby parks, iStay Precinct is the perfect choice. Now it’s on you. Where are you staying?
