Held during school holidays, the festival offers dozens of free and low-cost events designed to connect kids and families with the wonders of the natural world.
Whether your little ones love animals, arts and crafts, or getting their hands dirty, there’s something for every age and interest. Here’s 10 fun, outdoor activities at this year’s Nature Festival…
1. Nature Day in North Adelaide (Hosted by City of Adelaide)
Calling all curious kids and young adventurers! Children aged 1 to 12 are invited to a free day of fun in the beautiful parklands and nature play space. Get ready for a hands-on, outdoor experience packed with exciting activities for every kind of explorer.
From scavenger hunts and cubby building to mixing nature potions and making seed bombs, there’s plenty to spark imagination. Budding artists can help paint a community nature mural, while curious minds explore the biodiversity trail. Little diggers will love getting creative in the sandpit, and there’s time to relax with stories at the pop-up library.
Don’t forget to plant your own wildflowers to take home! Parents can grab a coffee from the van while the kids play, or enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafés on Melbourne Street.
It’s a perfect day out in nature — full of play, creativity and discovery!
2. Flying Start and Nature Play SA Picnic in the Park (FREE)
Grab your picnic blanket, round up the family, and get ready for a magical day of outdoor fun!
The Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) and Nature Play SA are teaming up to bring you “A Flying Start for Kids in the Park” — a special nature-themed day out made just for children aged 0–5 and their families.
Wander through shady tree-lined paths, discover hidden treasures of the bush, and enjoy a big day of nature play at the beloved Wombat Waterhole playground.
Little ones will love mixing up magical nature potions; tinkering with loose parts and natural materials; listening to stories and singing songs under the trees; and digging, pouring and experimenting with textures, herbs, leaves, petals and more!
These hands-on experiences are specially designed to spark curiosity, creativity and imagination, using simple items like pots, pans, leaves, sticks and flowers. It’s the perfect way for kids to engage their senses while learning and exploring in the fresh air.
2. Mr Badger tells the story of the Wind in the Willows
Get ready for a magical storytelling adventure as Mr. Badger brings the much-loved classic, The Wind in the Willows, to life in a heartwarming, old-fashioned performance.
Perfect for children aged 5 and up, this delightful show celebrates the joys of friendship, nature, and the charming tales of Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger.
Bring a rug, get cosy, and join us under the trees for a performance that will capture imaginations young and old. The show runs for approximately 40 minutes, followed by a fun and friendly Q&A session with Mr. Badger himself!
Bookings are essential – don’t miss out on this enchanting journey into the wild wood.
3. Dig a Dino Adventure
Get ready to roar with excitement at Dig a Dino – a prehistoric adventure perfect for curious kids!
Little palaeontologists will love diving into the giant dino ball pit, hunting for hidden pieces to build a massive dinosaur puzzle. Then it’s off to the rock excavation station, where they’ll carefully chip away to uncover their very own mini dinosaur fossil to take home!
It’s a fun-filled day of digging, discovery and dino-sized excitement.
4. Ngarrindjeri Storytelling in Kondoli
Gather your family for a special First Nations storytelling experience in the great outdoors!
Set in Arthur Neighbour Reserve (right near Goolwa Library), children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to hear the beautiful Ngarrindjeri Dreaming story of Kondoli, the whale.
Told by Kyla McHughes, a proud Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri woman, in partnership with the Alexandrina Library team, this is a powerful and engaging way to learn about nature through First Nations perspectives.
The story of Kondoli was created by SpinFX, and this free event offers a meaningful and memorable experience for families to enjoy together.
There’s a playground and toilets nearby, so you can make a day of it!
Please note: Caregiver supervision is required at all times.
No bookings needed – just bring a rug, sit back, and enjoy the magic of storytelling under the sky!
5. Build a Bandicoot Bungalow
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and help some furry little friends! At this fun, hands-on activity, kids can build cosy Bandicoot Bungalows – special shelters designed for endangered bandicoots living near the Finniss River.
As you hammer, stack and build, you’ll learn all about these shy marsupials, why they’re important to the environment, and how we can protect their habitat.
It’s the perfect mix of building, learning, and nature-loving fun – plus, you’ll be making a real difference for local wildlife!
Let’s give these bandicoots a safe place to call home!
To find events near you, visit naturefestival.org.au
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