South Australia’s History Festival is back for the month of May, and it’s not just for grown-ups. Get ready to dive into the past with a range of exciting kid’s activities that blend education with fun. From interactive exhibits to hands-on workshops, there’s something for every young historian eager to explore the rich tapestry of South Australia’s history.
Our favourite family friendly events at South Australia’s History Festival 2024:
Birdwood Farm Day
Birdwood Primary School Farm Day — enjoyment for the whole family! Farm Day has attracted thousands of families since the 1970s to experience a taste of Hills and country living with animal exhibitions, farm demonstrations of milking, sheep shearing, and sheep dog mustering. Held at the National Motor Museum, tickets include entry to the museum.
Sunday 19th of May, 10am – 4pm
National Motor Museum, Birdwood
Come and Try Your Grandparent’s School Yard Games
Have you heard of knuckle bones, cat’s cradle, or elastics? Come along with the kids or grandkids and watch them experience the games grandparents used to play. No electronic devices required. Bring a picnic or purchase food from the food vendors on site. In the afternoon there will be old fashioned running races. It should be fun for all ages.
Sunday 19th of May, 11am – 3pm
Yankalilla Show Grounds, Yankalilla
Loxton Historical Village
Immerse yourself in the history of rural South Australia with more than 45 displays, each telling the story of the struggle, heartache, and ingenuity of our pioneer settlers. View the extensive machinery and vehicle displays, sit at original old desks in our school and try your hand at writing in cursive, climb aboard our steam engine, or try your hand at knuckle-bones, marbles, hop-scotch, and horse-shoe-toss. An annual bus trip to explore historical sites in an outlying district will be undertaken in May as well; this year we will visit Alawoona. Disability and pet friendly.
Every Tuesday – Sunday in May, 10am – 4pm
Loxton Historical Village, Loxton
Barossa History Fair
Ever wondered what treasures are tucked away in the Barossa Museum or wanted to try your hand at Kegel (traditional nine-pin bowling)? Join us in the beautiful township of Tanunda as doors open for the 2024 Barossa History Fair. With a jam-packed program, heritage enthusiasts of all ages will have plenty to explore and enjoy.
Sunday 5th of May, 10am – 4pm
Tanunda, Barossa Valley
RailFest 2024
RailFest 2024 will be held at Mt Barker Railway Station. Participate in steam locomotive-hauled shuttle train services between Mt Barker and Bugle Ranges, plus tours of our Mt Barker workshop facilities that are not usually open to public. View the restoration and maintenance work undertaken on the SteamRanger heritage locomotives and rolling stock.
Sunday 26th of May, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Mount Barker Railway Station, Mount Barker
Visit Barossa Goldfields and Historic Bowden Cottage
Discover the power of gold at the Barossa Goldfields Historic Society’s Bowden Cottage! The cottage and museum will be open every Tue throughout May. Join us on Sun 19 May for the full experience where you can take a guided walk around historic ruins and mines or even try your hand at gold panning.
Every Tuesday in May & Sunday 19th of May, 10am – 2pm
Bowden’s Cottage, Barossa Goldfields
Old Crock’s Run 1934-2024
Come along to this free event at Wigley Reserve to celebrate the 90th anniversary of this historic run. The vehicles on display will include some of the inaugural rally entrants along with classic and modern vehicles. With interviews, displays, children’s activities, food and drink stalls, there will be something for all ages to see and do.
Sunday 5th of May, 9:30am – 3pm
Wigley Reserve, Glenelg North
For more information:
