Spring has sprung, and that means one thing for Adelaide families who love fresh produce and good food: the Adelaide Central Market’s school holiday program is back. Running from Saturday 26 September to Friday 9 October, this year’s lineup is bursting with hands-on cooking classes, creative workshops and the much-loved Market Trail.
Whether your little ones are budding chefs, curious artists or simply love wandering through the colourful stalls, there’s plenty to keep them busy these holidays.
Ticketed activities
Market Trail
The beloved Market Trail returns, inviting young foodies to explore the Market through seasonal spring produce. Grab a bag and trail map, then set off on a self-guided adventure to ten pit stops around the Market. Sessions run at 9am and 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 29 September to 9 October. Tickets are $20 per child, and bookings are essential. Walk-in tickets are no longer offered to minimise disappointment on the day, but pre-booked allocations have been increased to accommodate more families.
Little Market Chefs
At Adelaide Central Market, cooking seasonally from the ground up is celebrated. In these hands-on classes, your little ones will create a simple, delicious dish using ingredients sourced directly from Market traders, then feast on what they’ve made together. Sessions run at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 29 September to 8 October. Tickets are $25 per child, and bookings are essential.
Free activities
Exhibition: Pattern and Colour of the Market
From Friday 18 September to Saturday 17 October, explore Market-inspired artworks created by young artists aged 2-17 years, presented by Little Picassos. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the Market, with pieces displayed all around.
Face painting
Stop by the Eastern Roadway on Saturday mornings (26 September, 3 October and 10 October) from 9.30am to 12pm for free face painting. No bookings required.
Fruity Craft
Celebrate spring fruit with Little Picassos on Friday 2 October at Gouger Dining. From 9.30am to 1pm, kids can enjoy a fruit-themed arts and crafts activity and leave with a bright new piece of artwork for home. No bookings required.
Cook with OzHarvest
On Wednesday 7 October from 11am to 11.45am, join Chef Genevieve Harris and OzHarvest in the Community Kitchen for a free kids cooking demonstration. Little ones will learn to cook a simple dish while discovering how to reduce food waste at home.
OzHarvest Lemon-Aid Stand
Also on Wednesday 7 October, swing by Gouger Dining between 10am and 2pm to try OzHarvest’s delicious “lemonaid” made with rescued lemons that would otherwise go to waste. It’s tasty, fizzy and socially conscious.
Family Storytime
On Thursday 8 October from 10am to 11am, the team from City of Adelaide Libraries will host a special spring-themed storytime session at the Eastern Roadway, followed by a fun craft activity. Perfect for little ones.
Seasonal Still Life Painting
On Friday 9 October from 9.30am to 12pm, Little Picassos will lead a session at Gouger Dining where your little artiste can draw or paint their own postcard modelled on fruit and vegetables from the Market stalls.
Roving Live Music
On Saturday 10 October from 10am to 12pm, keep an eye out for The Sopranos as they bring the sounds of Italy to the Market.
Plan your visit
With a mix of ticketed and free activities spread across the holidays, it’s easy to plan a morning (or several) at the Market. Book your spots for the Market Trail and Little Market Chefs early, as they tend to fill up fast. For the free drop-in sessions, simply show up and enjoy.
Head to the Adelaide Central Market website for full details and bookings.
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter