Running from 26 September to 12 October, the festival’s family program is packed with hands-on experiences designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Whether you’re in the Adelaide Hills, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, or exploring the Flinders Ranges, there’s something for every young adventurer.

At its core, Nature Festival is all about encouraging families to get outside and explore. In partnership with Nature Play SA, this year’s program reimagines the school holidays with activities like mud pie making, tree climbing, beachcombing, and star-gazing — proving that the best adventures don’t need a price tag.

Bush play in the Barossa

In the Barossa Bushgardens, kids of all ages can enjoy a day of wild and wonderful free play. With bug hunts, birdwatching, log climbing, story corners, fairy potions, and the enchanting Nylon Zoo, this event is a true celebration of nature play and imagination — where getting muddy is all part of the fun!

Adelaide Hills adventures

Woodhouse Adventure Park plays host to the Wetland Wonders Scavenger Hunt and Nature Walk. Kids can grab a magnifying glass and set off in search of bugs, critters, and hidden treasures, while parents enjoy the peaceful beauty of native wetlands.

Nearby, in Bridgewater, the immersive Letters to Our Creek activity invites children to write messages to Cox Creek, imagining the stories flowing through its waters. It’s a beautiful blend of creative writing, environmental connection, and place-based storytelling.

Coastal discoveries on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Down at Thompson Beach, budding marine biologists can join Secrets of the Shoreline, a guided session with real scientists uncovering the wonders of sand crabs, seaweed forests, and tidal pools. This hands-on coastal exploration helps children understand how even the tiniest sea creatures contribute to healthy ecosystems.

Digging into Opal Country – Andamooka

In the outback town of Andamooka, kids can experience the glowing magic of Opal Evolution: Stones that Flow with Light. This interactive geology workshop explores how opals are formed, why they shimmer, and what they reveal about the shifting landscapes beneath our feet. It’s part science, part storytelling — and a whole lot of sparkle.

Mini makers and crafty creators in Mount Barker

The Kitchen Farm Mini Crafters workshop in Mount Barker invites little hands to get messy with natural materials. Kids will use leaves, twigs, and other textures from nature to create their own take-home treasures. Designed for younger children, it’s all about sensory play, imagination, and nature-inspired creativity.

Twilight adventures in Goolwa

As the sun sets, the adventure continues at As Day Flows into Night – Twilight Microbat Discovery in Goolwa. Guided by expert ecologists, families will use bat detectors to listen to the high-frequency calls of microbats, watching as they swoop through the twilight sky. It’s a magical introduction to the nocturnal wildlife that comes alive after dark.

Regional highlights

Nature Festival 2025 takes families far and wide across regional SA:

• Yorke Peninsula: Explore the rugged beauty of Innes National Park with island-like coastal landscapes.

• Flinders Ranges & Outback: Take in sky-high stargazing sessions, perfect for reminding kids of their place in the universe.

• Riverland: Enjoy wetland walks and riverbank adventures through one of SA’s most vibrant ecosystems.

• Kangaroo Island: Discover where bush meets sea, with immersive experiences in coastal ecology and wildlife discovery.

Nature Festival 2025 runs from 26 September to 12 October 2025. Explore the full family program at naturefestival.org.au