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Adelaide school holidays: what to do with the kids

The summer break is the long one, six and a half weeks of it, and in Adelaide the real question is not what is on but where you can go when it is 38 degrees. Shade and water first, then somewhere indoors for the days nobody should be outside at all.

Holiday programs and events

Dated events running during the break. Always confirm with the organiser before you drive over.

🧩 Adelaide City Kids Summer Party, Salvation Army Pirie St (drop off)
Adelaide · Mon 18 Jan 2027, 10am to 4pm · Free, lunch provided (register each child)
Free☕ 50m to coffee
🕯️ Adelaide Town Hall Christmas Sing-Along with the Australian Girls Choir
Adelaide · Wed 16 Dec, 12:30pm to 1:30pm · Free, book through TryBooking
Free☕ 20m to coffee
🎭 Arthur Christmas under the stars, Moonlight Cinema Botanic Park
Adelaide · Mon 21 Dec, gates 7:15pm, film 8:45pm · General admission from $18.50, ages 3 and up need a ticket, under 3s free. Bring a rug
☕ 330m to coffee
🎭 Bluey's Big Play: the stage show, Her Majesty's Theatre
Adelaide · Wed 6 to Sat 9 Jan 2027: 9:30am and 12:30pm daily, plus 3:30pm Sat (about 50 min, no interval) · About $59.90 to $69.90 per ticket plus fees, same price adults and kids; meet and greet packages extra
☕ 70m to coffee
🎉 Disney's Hexed under the stars, Moonlight Cinema Botanic Park
Adelaide · Sat 26 Dec (Boxing Day), gates open 90 minutes before the film · From about $18.50 per person plus booking fee; bean beds and lounges extra
☕ 330m to coffee
🎭 Elf under the stars, Moonlight Cinema Botanic Park
Adelaide · Sat 19 Dec, gates 7:15pm, film 8:45pm · General admission from $18.50, ages 3 and up need a ticket, under 3s free. Bring a rug
☕ 330m to coffee
🎨 Re:PLAY eco art workshops for families, summer holidays
Adelaide · Wed 13 to Sat 16 Jan 2027, sessions through the day (earlier runs had 10am, 12:30pm and 3pm sessions) · Ticketed, tickets on sale later in 2026
☕ 50m to coffee
⭐ START at the Gallery: free kids art day, Sun 3 Jan
Adelaide · Sun 3 Jan 2027, 11am to 3pm · Free, no booking needed
Free☕ 130m to coffee
🕯️ St John Carols by Candlelight at Elder Park
Adelaide · Sat 12 Dec. Gates 3pm, community concert 5pm, main concert 8:30pm, fireworks 10:30pm · Free, no ticket needed. Limited Gold Class reserved seats sold online
Free☕ 50m to coffee
🩰 Storytime Ballet: Cinderella
Adelaide · Thu 7 to Sun 10 Jan 2027, 11am and 2pm daily (50 min). For ages 3 and up · A Reserve $71, B Reserve $66. Under 2s free on a lap
ToiletsParkingCoffee nearby☕ 120m to coffee
🎉 The Cat in the Hat preview under the stars, Moonlight Cinema
Adelaide · Wed 30 Dec, preview screening, gates open 90 minutes before the film · From about $18.50 per person plus booking fee; bean beds and lounges extra
☕ 330m to coffee
🎭 The Polar Express under the stars, Moonlight Cinema Botanic Park
Adelaide · Tue 15 Dec, gates 7:15pm, film 8:45pm · General admission from $18.50, ages 3 and up need a ticket, under 3s free. Bring a rug
☕ 330m to coffee
🎭 The Very Cranky Bear stage show, Dunstan Playhouse
Adelaide · Mon 28 Dec 3pm; Tue 29 and Wed 30 Dec 10am, 12pm, 3pm (55 min) · Premium $57, A Reserve $47, B Reserve $39 plus fee
☕ 50m to coffee
🎭 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Dunstan Playhouse
Adelaide · Sat 19 and Sun 20 Dec 10am, 12pm, 3pm; Mon 21 and Tue 22 Dec 10am, 12pm (50 min) · Premium $57, A Reserve $47, B Reserve $39 plus fee
☕ 50m to coffee
⭐ Tour Down Under Kids Zone: pump track and bike fun, Tour Village
Adelaide · Daily 16 to 24 Jan 2027, Tour Village hours (mostly 10:30am to 7pm; Sat 16 Jan 5 to 9pm, Sun 24 Jan to 5:30pm) · Free
Free☕ 160m to coffee
🎪 Tour Down Under opening night and team presentation, Victoria Square
Adelaide · Sat 16 Jan 2027, 5pm to 9pm; team presentation 6:40pm, Hot Dub Time Machine 7:40pm · Free
Free☕ 160m to coffee
🎭 Where is the Green Sheep? Stage show for ages 1 to 6
Adelaide · Wed 20 to Sat 23 Jan 2027, 8 shows, mostly 11am and 1:30pm plus a Fri 6:30pm show (45 min) · Ticketed, see Festival Centre booking page
☕ 50m to coffee
🎨 You and Me workshops with Monkey Baa, Festival Centre
Adelaide · Thu 21 and Sat 23 Jan 2027, session times on the booking page · Ticketed add-on when booking Where is the Green Sheep?, see booking page
☕ 50m to coffee
🎨 Get Crafty: Christmas craft for kids, Blackwood Library
Blackwood · Thu 17 Dec, 10:30am to 11:30am · $5 per child, bookings essential
☕ 230m to coffee
⭐ Give the Gift of Reading Christmas Party, Elizabeth library
Elizabeth · Mon 14 Dec 2026, 10am to 12pm · Free, no booking needed
Free☕ 310m to coffee
🕯️ Gawler Carols at Pioneer Park
Gawler · Sat 19 Dec, 5pm to 9pm · Free
Free☕ 50m to coffee
🎅 Santa's Workshop at Gawler Civic Centre
Gawler · Sat 12 to Tue 15 Dec, 30 minute sessions at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3pm · Free, bookings essential (adults need a ticket too)
Free☕ 50m to coffee
🎅 Sensory Santa at Santa's Workshop, Gawler Civic Centre
Gawler · Sun 13 Dec, sensory sessions at 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm · Free, bookings essential
Free☕ 50m to coffee
✨ Goolwa Christmas Concert, Lights and Lanterns flotilla
Goolwa · Sat 19 Dec, 6pm to 10pm. Concert at Jaralde Park, then the lit flotilla · Not stated
⭐ Christmas at the Cove: free family morning, Hallett Cove
Hallett Cove · Sat 12 Dec, 10am to 1pm · Free, no booking needed. Food for purchase
Free☕ 1.5km to coffee
🎨 Get Crafty: Christmas craft for kids, Mitcham Library
Hawthorn · Tue 15 Dec, 10:30am to 11:30am · $5 per child, bookings essential
☕ 170m to coffee
🎨 Boba globe and pet rock making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Mon 11 Jan 2027, 12pm to 2pm · See booking page; optional lunch pack
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Christmas biscuit making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Tue 15 Dec, 12pm to 2pm · $48.96 per child on Eventbrite. Lunch packs extra
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Christmas decoration making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Thu 17 Dec, 12pm to 2pm · $48.96 per child on Eventbrite. Lunch packs extra
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Christmas lolly wreath making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Wed 16 Dec, 12pm to 2pm · $48.96 per child on Eventbrite. Lunch packs extra
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Christmas snow globe and magnet making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Fri 18 Dec, 11am to 1pm · $48.96 per child on Eventbrite. Lunch packs extra
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Christmas stocking and card making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Mon 14 Dec, 12pm to 2pm · $48.96 per child on Eventbrite. Lunch packs extra
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Paint-a-pot and shell creations for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Wed 13 Jan 2027, 12pm to 2pm · See booking page
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Pizza making and French knitting for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Tue 12 Jan 2027, 12pm to 2pm · See booking page
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Pom-pom animals and wind chimes for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Thu 14 Jan 2027, 12pm to 2pm · See booking page
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Tote bag painting and magnet making for kids, Henley Beach (drop off)
Henley Beach · Fri 15 Jan 2027, 11am to 1pm · See booking page; optional lunch pack
☕ 240m to coffee
🎨 Make Your Own Christmas Decorations, Ingle Farm Library
Ingle Farm · Thu 17 Dec, 10am to 11am · Free, bookings essential (one ticket per child)
Free☕ 240m to coffee
🎁 Handmade Christmas Market at FABRIK, Lobethal
Lobethal · Sat 19 Dec, 11am to 10pm · Free
Free☕ 270m to coffee
✨ Lights of Lobethal Christmas Lights Festival
Lobethal · Nightly from about Sat 12 Dec to Wed 23 Dec (pageant night), lights on after dark, best after 8:30pm. 2026 dates still to be confirmed by the organisers · Free to walk or drive through
Free☕ 270m to coffee
🎄 Lobethal Christmas Pageant on 23 December
Lobethal · Wed 23 Dec, pageant starts 7pm on Main Street, Lobethal · Free
Free☕ 270m to coffee
🎪 Splash! Free giant water slides and mud play, Lockleys
Lockleys · Sat 9 Jan 2027, 10am to 2pm · Free
Free☕ 380m to coffee
🎨 Kids sensory experience: slime and foam painting, ages 8 to 16, Mawson Lakes
Mawson Lakes · Thu 21 Jan 2027, 1pm to 3pm · See booking page
☕ 1.4km to coffee
🎨 Merry Makers: nature ornament workshop for kids, Mawson Lakes Library
Mawson Lakes · Wed 16 Dec, 10am to 11am · Free, book online
Free☕ 140m to coffee
🎨 Merry Makers: sequin Christmas baubles, Mawson Lakes Library
Mawson Lakes · Mon 14 Dec, 10am to 11am · Free, book online
Free☕ 140m to coffee
🎨 Sensory slime workshop for ages 6 to 12, Mawson Lakes (Wed 6 Jan)
Mawson Lakes · Wed 6 Jan 2027, 10am to 11:30am · See booking page
☕ 1.4km to coffee
⭐ Touch a Truck: diggers, police car and emergency vehicles, Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park · Tue 15 Dec from 9:30am (quiet hour 9:30 to 10:30am, no sirens or horns) · Free
Free☕ 820m to coffee
🕯️ Civic Park Carols, Modbury
Modbury · Sun 13 Dec, about 5pm to 10pm. Program and headliners not yet announced · Free
Free☕ 540m to coffee
🎨 Claymation workshop for ages 7 to 13, Tea Tree Gully Library
Modbury · Wed 13 Jan 2027, 1pm to 3pm · See booking page (bookings essential)
☕ 540m to coffee
🕯️ Quiet Civic Park Carols: sensory space in Civic Library, Modbury
Modbury · Sun 13 Dec, 5pm to 9:45pm. Book by Thu 10 Dec · Free, book one ticket per person
Free☕ 540m to coffee
🎉 Boxing Day picnic hamper at Monarto Safari Park
Monarto South · Sat 26 Dec, park hours 9:30am to 5pm · Hamper $240 for 4, $60 per extra person; park entry separate (adult $57, child $32, under 4 free)
⭐ Christmas Day picnic hamper at Monarto Safari Park
Monarto South · Fri 25 Dec 2026, park open 9:30am to 5pm (last Zu-loop bus 3pm) · Hamper for four $240, extra people $60 each. Park entry separate (adult $57, child $32, family from $145, under 4s free)
🎁 Mount Pleasant Christmas Twilight Market
Mount Pleasant · Wed 23 Dec, 5pm to 9pm · Free entry, gold coin donation at the gate appreciated
Free
🕯️ Mount Torrens Carols at the Reserve
Mount Torrens · Sun 13 Dec, 5:30pm to 8:45pm · Not stated
🎪 Australia Day Family Fair and fireworks, Noarlunga Centre
Noarlunga Centre · Tue 26 Jan 2027, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, fireworks about 9:25pm · Free
Free☕ 1.3km to coffee
⭐ Tour Down Under Family Ride on The Parade, Norwood
Norwood · Sun 24 Jan 2027, ride 11am for 50 minutes (registration 9:40 to 10:40am) · Family pass (1 adult + 1 child) $15, extra child $10
☕ 160m to coffee
🎭 Movie Magic: The Magic Faraway Tree Christmas screening, Marion
Oaklands Park · Tue 15 Dec, 10am to 12pm · Free, book online
Free☕ 400m to coffee
🕯️ Carols on the Square, Old Noarlunga
Old Noarlunga · Mon 21 Dec, 6pm to 8:30pm · Free
Free☕ 270m to coffee
🕯️ Campbelltown Christmas Carols and Movie at Thorndon Park
Paradise · Sat 12 Dec, 6pm to 10pm. Kids' activities 6pm, carols 7:15pm, The Grinch (PG) at sundown · Free
Free☕ 690m to coffee
⭐ Santa Storytelling and Christmas craft, Park Holme Library
Park Holme · Wed 16 Dec, 10am to 1pm · Free, bookings essential
Free☕ 1.1km to coffee
✨ Lobethal Lights bus tours from Adelaide (Buses R Us)
Pooraka · Mon 14, Wed 16, Fri 18, Sat 19, Mon 21, Tue 22 Dec. Departs Pooraka 5:30pm, Franklin St 6:05pm, Adelaide Railway Station 6:15pm · Adults $55, concession $50, family $180. Bookings open 16 Nov
☕ 1.7km to coffee
🕯️ Port Elliot Carols in the Park
Port Elliot · Tue 15 Dec, from 5pm · Free to attend, food stalls
Free
🕯️ Carols and Christmas Market at St Helens Park, Prospect
Prospect · Sat 19 Dec, 5pm to 9pm · Free
Free☕ 430m to coffee
🎨 Terrarium building for families: cork jar, Prospect
Prospect · Fri 8 Jan 2027, 10am to 11:30am · See booking page
☕ 340m to coffee
🎨 Terrarium building for families: fishbowl, Prospect
Prospect · Sun 10 Jan 2027, 1:30pm to 3pm · See booking page
☕ 340m to coffee
🎅 Breakfast with Santa at Parabanks Shopping Centre
Salisbury · Sat 12 Dec, 10am to 11am · $15 per person plus ticketing fees
☕ 210m to coffee
🎨 Christmas wreath workshop for all ages, Semaphore Park
Semaphore Park · Fri 18 Dec 2026, 10:30am to 12pm · $30 per person making a wreath, parents watching free
☕ 630m to coffee
🕯️ St Clair Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Market
St Clair · Sat 19 Dec, market from 5pm, carols from 7:30pm · Free
Free☕ 470m to coffee
🕯️ Carols on the Lawn, Stirling
Stirling · Sat 12 Dec, 5pm to 8:30pm · Free
Free☕ 50m to coffee
🎭 Sleeping Beauty: summer family pantomime, Stirling
Stirling · Tue 12 Jan 7pm, Wed 13 1pm, Thu 14 1pm, Fri 15 7pm, Sat 16 6pm, Sun 17 Jan 2027 1pm · Ticketed through TryBooking, see booking page
☕ 150m to coffee
🎁 Stirling Laneways Christmas Market
Stirling · Sun 20 Dec, 9am to 3pm · Free entry
Free☕ 50m to coffee
⭐ Christmas Feast in the Park, Strathalbyn
Strathalbyn · Sun 20 Dec, 3pm to 5pm · Gold coin per person
☕ 350m to coffee
🎪 Return to Kings: West Torrens Summer Festival family night
Torrensville · Sat 12 Dec, 5pm to 10:30pm, movie at 8:45pm · Free
Free☕ 810m to coffee
🎄 Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant and Carols
Victor Harbor · Sat 12 Dec. Parade 5:30pm sharp on Bridge Tce, Father Christmas about 6:15pm, then carols at Warland Reserve · Free
Free
🎨 Create @ The Corner: gingerbread house night, Warradale
Warradale · Sat 12 Dec 2026, 6:30pm to 9pm (doors 6:15pm). Bookings close Fri 4 Dec · $40 per gingerbread house plus booking fee ($43.66 on Eventbrite). Pre-assembled +$5, extra lollies $12
☕ 990m to coffee
🎅 Free Santa Photos at the Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market
Wayville · Sun 13 Dec, 8:30am to 12:30pm (market hours) · Free (market entry free)
Free☕ 180m to coffee
🧩 SAPOL Road Safety Centre holiday program, ages 5 to 8 (Mon 4 Jan)
West Beach · Mon 4 Jan 2027, 10am to 12pm (more sessions through January, see booking page) · Free, booking required
Free☕ 510m to coffee
🧩 SAPOL Road Safety Centre holiday program, ages 9 to 12 (Fri 8 Jan)
West Beach · Fri 8 Jan 2027, 10am to 12pm (more sessions through January, see booking page) · Free, booking required
Free☕ 510m to coffee

🎄 Everything on for Christmas around Adelaide: pageants, carols, Santa photos and lights.

Water play, for the hot days

Splash pads, pumps and creeks. Free, and the most reliable way to make a hot day work.

🛝 Bonython Park Playspace
Adelaide · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQWater play☕ 0m to coffee
🛝 Heron Way Reserve Playground
Hallett Cove · Open all day · Free
FreeParkingBBQWater play☕ 350m to coffee
🛝 Civic Park Modbury Playground
Modbury · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQWater play☕ 160m to coffee
🛝 Keith Stephenson Park
Mount Barker · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsFencedShadeParkingCoffee nearby☕ 590m to coffee
🪵 Nature Play Log Climbing Frame
Mount Torrens · Open daily · Free
FreeToiletsFencedShadeParkingPicnic area
🛝 Playford Alive Town Park
Munno Para · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQWater play
🛝 Thorndon Park Playground
Paradise · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQWater play☕ 1.4km to coffee
🛝 Roy Marten Reserve
Taperoo · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsParkingBBQWater play☕ 1.0km to coffee

Playgrounds with real shade

An unshaded playground is unusable from mid morning in summer. These have shade sails or mature trees over the equipment.

🛝 Bonython Park Playspace
Adelaide · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQWater play☕ 0m to coffee
🛝 Clarrie Eatts Reserve
Aldinga Beach · Open all day · Free
FreeShadeParkingBBQ
🛝 Local Park Swings and Play Area
Balhannah · Open daily during daylight hours · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingCoffee nearbyBBQ☕ 250m to coffee
🛝 Al Vincent Reserve Playground
Bridgewater · Open daily · Free
FreeFencedShade
🛝 Local Playground with Yellow Slide
Bridgewater · Open daily · Free
FreeFencedShadeParkingSwingsSlides
🎠 Playground in the Hills
Bridgewater · Open daily · Free
FreeToiletsShade
🛝 Bushland Playground with Slide and Swings
Burnside · Open daily during daylight hours · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingPicnic areaTennis court☕ 540m to coffee
🛝 Local Neighbourhood Playground
Crafers · Open daily during daylight hours · Free
FreeFencedShadeParkingPicnic areaSwings☕ 880m to coffee
🛝 Playground in Leafy Park
Ferryden Park · Open daily during daylight hours · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQPicnic area☕ 1.8km to coffee
🛝 Wigley Reserve Playspace
Glenelg · Open all day · Free
FreeShadeParking☕ 30m to coffee
🛝 Alec Johnston Park
Hahndorf · Open daily · Free
FreeToiletsShadeCoffee nearbyBBQSwings☕ 120m to coffee
🛝 Hazelwood Park Playground
Hazelwood Park · Open all day · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingBBQ☕ 580m to coffee

Indoors, for when it is simply too hot

Air conditioning and somewhere to burn energy. Play centres are spread across the suburbs, and the free museums and libraries are the cheapest cool room in town.

🌿 Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide · Open daily. Apr to Sep 7:15am weekdays, 9am weekends, until 5:30pm. Oct to Mar until 6:30pm · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingCoffee nearbyPicnic area☕ 120m to coffee
📚 Little Library at the State Library of SA
Adelaide · Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 12pm to 5pm. For kids aged 0 to 11 · Free
Free☕ 20m to coffee
🦕 South Australian Museum
Adelaide · Open 10am to 5pm daily, from noon on Anzac Day. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday · Free general entry, some exhibitions ticketed
FreeShadeCoffee nearbyPram access☕ 110m to coffee
🤸 Flip Out Elizabeth
Elizabeth South · Mon to Thu and Sun 9am to 6pm, Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 8pm · Check website for prices
Coffee nearbyPlay area☕ 1.8km to coffee
🤸 BOUNCE Greenacres
Greenacres · Mon to Thu 9am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 9am to 6pm · $18 to $25 for 60 min, miniBOUNCE from $13.50, book online
Coffee nearbyPlay areaPram access☕ 540m to coffee
🐊 Croc's Playcentre Kilburn
Kilburn · Indoor play centre, check hours · Check website for entry
Coffee nearbyPlay areaHigh chairsPram access☕ 700m to coffee
🎠 Tada Kids Cafe
Kilburn · Play cafe for little ones · Check website for entry
Coffee nearbyPlay areaHigh chairs☕ 850m to coffee
🤸 BOUNCE Marleston
Marleston · Mon to Thu 9am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 9am to 6pm · $18 to $35, miniBOUNCE from $13.50, book online
Coffee nearbyPlay areaPram access☕ 710m to coffee
🐠 Sea Stars Play Cafe
Mawson Lakes · Indoor play cafe, sessions · Session entry, book online
Coffee nearbyPlay areaHigh chairsPram access☕ 490m to coffee
🚀 Little Rockets Play Cafe
Munno Para · Mon to Fri 9am to 4:30pm all day play; weekends and holidays 3 hour sessions, 9am to 4:30pm · Weekdays in term $10; weekends and holidays $12 (ages 1 to 3) or $15 (4 to 12); under 1 and adults free
Coffee nearbyPlay areaHigh chairsKids menuPram access
🎪 Wacky Warehouse Play Cafe
Newton · Indoor play cafe, check hours · Check website for entry
Coffee nearbyPlay area☕ 110m to coffee
🎪 Funtopia Adelaide
Sefton Park · Indoor adventure playground, check hours · Check website for entry prices
Coffee nearbyPlay areaHigh chairsPram access☕ 130m to coffee

Big days out

When you need one proper outing to break the week up. Book ahead for the ticketed ones.

🌿 Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide · Open daily. Apr to Sep 7:15am weekdays, 9am weekends, until 5:30pm. Oct to Mar until 6:30pm · Free
FreeToiletsShadeParkingCoffee nearbyPicnic area☕ 120m to coffee
🦁 Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide · Open 9:30am to 5pm every day of the year · $49.50 adult, $27 child, under 4s free
ToiletsShadeCoffee nearbyPram access☕ 120m to coffee
📚 Little Library at the State Library of SA
Adelaide · Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 12pm to 5pm. For kids aged 0 to 11 · Free
Free☕ 20m to coffee
🦕 South Australian Museum
Adelaide · Open 10am to 5pm daily, from noon on Anzac Day. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday · Free general entry, some exhibitions ticketed
FreeShadeCoffee nearbyPram access☕ 110m to coffee
🌳 TreeClimb Adelaide
Adelaide · Weekends, school and public holidays from 10am. Weekday sessions during school term, check the website · Ticketed, book on the website
ShadeParking☕ 130m to coffee
🌲 Christmas Tree Farm Chandlers Hill: pick your own tree
Chandlers Hill · From Tue 24 Nov to 23 Dec, Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat and Sun 9am to 6pm · Tree prices on the farm website. Santa visit free, photo packages from $30
🦘 Cleland Wildlife Park
Crafers · Open daily, check the website for current hours · Ticketed, see the website for current entry fees
ShadeParkingCoffee nearbyPram access☕ 1.1km to coffee
🌲 Santa Trees: cut your own Christmas tree, Forreston
Forreston · Daily 23 Nov to 23 Dec 2026, 9am to 6pm · Trees from $110 (5ft) to $420 (11ft). Cash or EFTPOS, no Amex
⭐ Glenelg Wheel: giant Ferris wheel on Moseley Square
Glenelg · Daily 10am to 9:30pm until 9 May 2027 (closed Christmas Day, weather permitting) · Adults $16, kids 2 to 11 $10, under 2 free, family (2+2) $50; 10% off online
☕ 30m to coffee
🌲 Tanamera Christmas Tree Farm: pick your own, McLaren Flat
McLaren Flat · From Sat 14 Nov 2026 (Pageant Day), Thursday to Sunday 9am to 5pm · Trees from $100 to $220
🦒 Monarto Safari Park
Monarto · Open 9:30am to 5pm every day. Last Zu-loop bus leaves the Visitor Centre at 3pm · $57 adult, $32 child. Book a date specific ticket in advance
ParkingCoffee nearby

More ways to choose

💸 Free things to do🧱 Fenced playgrounds🔥 Playgrounds with a BBQ🧸 Toddler friendly🎡 Everything on this week

Common questions

When are the Adelaide school holidays?
The summer school holidays run Sat 12 December to Tue 26 January 2027. The autumn school holidays run Sat 10 April to Sun 25 April 2027. The winter school holidays run Sat 3 July to Sun 18 July 2027. The spring school holidays run Sat 25 September to Sun 10 October 2027. These are South Australia government school dates. Catholic and independent schools set their own, and government schools add their own pupil free days, so check with your school.
What is there to do in the Adelaide school holidays that is free?
A great deal. Every council playground is free, as are the water play areas, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, and general entry to the South Australian Museum.
What can you do with kids in Adelaide when it is too hot?
Water play in the morning, indoors in the afternoon. The free museums are air conditioned, and indoor play centres are spread across the suburbs. Unshaded playgrounds are best avoided between about 11am and 4pm in summer.