The Adelaide season kicks off with one of the most anticipated films of the year. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping screens on opening night (26 November), with more sessions on 28 November, 3 December and 9 December.

What’s screening

The program has something for everyone, from new releases to festive classics and family flicks.

New releases and blockbusters:

• The Social Reckoning (29 November)
• Klara and the Sun (1 December)
• Wicker (2 December)
• Verity (5 December), the psychological thriller starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett
• Sense and Sensibility (4 December), featuring Daisy Edgar-Jones and a screenplay by Australian author Diana Reid
• Practical Magic 2 (8 December)
• Wild Horse 9 (10 December)
• A Talent for Murder preview screening starring Helen Mirren (6 December)

Christmas Favourites (11–23 December):

• The Holiday (11 December)
• Home Alone (12 December)
• Love Actually (13, 17 and 23 December)
• The Polar Express (15 December)
• Ebenezer (16 December), a ghost story set in Dickens’ London with Johnny Depp as Scrooge
• Elf (19 December)
• Home Alone 2 (20 December)
• Arthur Christmas (21 December)

For families: Disney’s Hexed screens on Boxing Day, and there’s a preview of Cat in the Hat on 30 December.

How it works

Gates open 90 minutes before each film, so you have plenty of time to find your spot, unpack your picnic and soak up the golden hour atmosphere. There’s a kitchen and bar on site where you can order food and drinks via QR code. The kitchen closes 15 minutes before the pre-show starts. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic and refreshments.

Dogs are welcome at Moonlight Cinema Adelaide, so the whole family can come along.

Tickets and seating

Choose from General Admission (BYO picnic rug and find your spot on the grass), Connoisseur Lounge (guaranteed bean bed in a dedicated area with a great view, plus a Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream), or GWM Gold Grass (premium bean bed in a prime viewing spot with express entry and food delivery to your seat).

Cinebuzz members can access special discount pricing, and the membership program is free to join.

Tickets for sessions until 30 December are on sale now at moonlight.com.au.

The details

What: Moonlight Cinema 2026/27 summer season
When: 26 November 2026 to 14 February 2027. Gates open 90 minutes before each film.
Where: Botanic Park Adelaide
Tickets: moonlight.com.au

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Pick up a trail sheet when you arrive, then set off through the building following clues that lead you to fascinating spaces, curious objects and surprising stories hiding in plain sight. It’s the kind of activity that gets kids looking up, around and into corners they might otherwise walk straight past.

What to expect on the trail

The Discovery Trail takes you from the grand Mortlock Chamber, with its stunning multi-level galleries and heritage architecture, to unexpected nooks throughout the library. Along the way, you’ll spot details and stories that reveal the building’s history and collections in a whole new light.

It’s designed for children and adults to explore together, so expect plenty of “look at that” moments and conversations sparked by what you find. There’s no time limit and no booking required, so you can take it at your own pace, whether that’s a quick whip around or a leisurely morning of discovery.

The practical details

The Discovery Trail is available during regular State Library opening hours:

• Monday to Tuesday: 9am to 6pm
• Wednesday: 9am to 7pm
• Thursday: 9am to 6pm
• Friday: 9am to 8pm
• Saturday: 10am to 5pm
• Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

The library is closed on public holidays. The trail is completely free and no bookings are required. Simply pick up your trail sheet when you arrive and you’re ready to begin.

Getting there

The State Library sits on North Terrace in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, making it easy to reach by public transport. The tram stop labelled “State Library, Art Gallery, Museum” is right outside, and there are bus stops nearby near the War Memorial on North Terrace. If you’re coming by train, Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace is the closest stop. You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

If you’re driving, Wilson’s Adelaide Central car park at 225 North Terrace (next to David Jones) is the nearest option. There’s also paid street parking along Kintore Avenue and Victoria Drive.

Accessibility and pram access

The library has good accessibility throughout. Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance. For the Institute Building, you can use the external ramp on the Kintore Avenue entrance or the internal ramp between the Institute Building and the Spence Wing, opposite the Treasures Wall.

On-street accessible parking is available close to the library. You can find more information and maps of accessible parking options through the City of Adelaide website.

While you’re there

If you’re planning to make a morning or afternoon of it, the Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. It’s a handy spot for a coffee or snack before or after your trail adventure.

The Discovery Trail is one of those rare finds: a genuinely engaging activity for kids that’s completely free, located in a beautiful heritage building, and flexible enough to fit around nap times, energy levels and whatever else your day throws at you. It’s also a lovely way to introduce children to the library itself, showing them that libraries hold far more than just books on shelves.

Ready to begin? Head to the State Library of South Australia and pick up your Discovery Trail sheet at the entrance.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Eric Carle’s timeless tale of a very hungry little caterpillar has been delighting children for generations, and now your littlest ones can experience the magic in a whole new way. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show transforms the iconic story into a masterful theatrical experience featuring more than 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show himself.

An Australian cast brings the colourful world of Eric Carle to life on stage, making this a wonderful first theatre experience for tiny audience members. The show is designed for children aged 18 months and up, along with their grown-ups.

When: 19 – 22 December 2026
Where: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Ages: 18 months+

The Very Cranky Bear

If your kids love Nick Bland’s grumpy bear, they’re in for a treat. The Very Cranky Bear has been adapted into a roaringly funny musical by Tim McGarry, with original music by Gabbi Bolt. The story follows a grumpy bear, four unlikely friends and one brilliant sheep in a heartwarming adventure about empathy, friendship and the magic of truly listening to others.

This is the kind of show the whole family will enjoy, with catchy tunes and plenty of laughs for kids and adults alike.

When: 28 – 30 December 2026
Where: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Ages: 3years+

Get your tickets

Both shows are running at Dunstan Playhouse during the December school holidays. With limited sessions for each production, it’s worth booking early to secure your seats.

www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

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Free Halloween face painting

Kids can arrive as themselves and leave as their favourite ghoul. Free Halloween face painting is set up at the Gouger Street (south-east) entrance from 7am to 12pm on Saturday 31 October. It’s ideal for anyone heading to a Halloween party or trick-or-treating later, and it saves you wrestling with the face paint at home.

No bookings are needed, but it’s worth getting there early before the queue builds.

Roving entertainers and free lollies

Between 10am and 12pm, keep an eye out for spooky characters wandering the market aisles. They’ll be handing out free sweet treats from The Old Lolly Shop, so it’s like trick-or-treating without the tricks (and without the walking). It’s free, with no bookings required.

Halloween cupcake decorating

Little bakers can join Little Picassos in the Community Kitchen to decorate their own Halloween cupcake from Dough, using edible monster eyes, spider lollies, colourful icing and other frightfully fun toppings. It’s suitable for children of all ages.

Sessions run for 10 minutes and cost $5 per person. Bookings are essential, so lock in a spot before the day.

Something for the grown-ups

The day before Halloween, on Friday 30 October from 12pm to 8pm, Stall 36 is offering free 20-minute tarot readings. No bookings required. It’s a fun lunchtime detour for curious parents, or a reason to add a Friday night market trip to the spooky weekend.

Make a morning of it

Pair a face paint and a cupcake with a wander through the stalls for Halloween party supplies, a pumpkin for carving or a coffee to fuel the afternoon ahead. The face painting starts at 7am, so early risers can be done and dusted before the crowds arrive.

With most of the fun free and everything wrapped up by midday, there’s plenty of time left for trick-or-treating once the sun goes down.

Halloween at the Market
When: Friday 30 October (tarot) and Saturday 31 October (kids’ activities)
Where: Adelaide Central Market, Gouger Street, Adelaide
Cost: Mostly free. Cupcake decorating is $5 per person, bookings essential.
More info: adelaidecentralmarket.com.au

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Here’s where to point the car this December.

Lights of Lobethal, Adelaide Hills

This is the big one. Lights of Lobethal has been running for more than 60 years and is billed as the largest community-run lights display in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 700 homes and businesses light up across the town, with markets, live music and food stalls alongside them.

Don’t miss Bill and Peg’s display on Christmas Lane. It’s covered in tens of thousands of lights and has become a must-see in its own right. The festival usually runs for about two weeks in mid-December, finishing just before Christmas.

KIDDO tip: Weeknights are much quieter than weekends. Arrive before dark, grab dinner from a food stall, and walk the streets once the lights come on.

Dernancourt Delights, Dernancourt

On the corner of Karingal Road and Yaralinda Street, Dernancourt Delights is a full-house display with lasers, smoke and sound. There’s even a driveway dancefloor for the kids. It also has a “museum” of rare Christmas objects collected over a decade. Donations go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so bring some coins.

Warradale’s Star Wars Christmas, Warradale

More than 100,000 LED lights, music and a Star Wars theme make this one a hit with little Jedi. The Warradale Christmas Lights Display on Gardiner Avenue usually runs from late November into early January, so it’s a great option if you miss the December rush.

Tyrone Avenue, Campbelltown

This one is for kids who can’t keep their hands to themselves. Press the buttons and the house bursts into a computerised dance show, with gingerbread people, lollipops and animated ornaments. Some buttons change the lights. Others set off water jets, so stand back.

Days Road, Croydon Park

This display has 50,000 LED lights, moving elements and a sing-along soundtrack. There are also hidden elves for the kids to find, which keeps little ones busy while the grown-ups admire the work. Donations support the 2nd Prospect Sea Scout Group.

Nari Drive, Sheidow Park

A huge blow-up Santa, inflatables, projections and a big driveway to explore make this a southern suburbs favourite. Donations go to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Elura Court, around the corner, is worth adding to the same trip.

Bowaka Street, Park Holme

This display has music, giant inflatables, lasers and projections, and a resident Santa sleigh the kids can climb into. Santa himself has been known to drop by on some nights.

Ninth Avenue, St Peters

If you’d rather walk than drive, Ninth Avenue is one of Adelaide’s best Christmas light streets. Houses along the leafy avenue light up from early December. Parking a few streets away and strolling the footpath is half the fun.

Redden Court, Rostrevor

Redden Court has several big displays in one cul-de-sac. It gets busy at peak times, so park a street or two away and walk in.

Riverbank Christmas Lights, Hindmarsh

Formerly known as the Brewery Lights, this display on Adam Street, off Port Road, has been running for more than 60 years. Families spread out along the banks of the River Torrens to take it in, which makes it a lovely spot for a picnic dinner on a warm night.

The Christmas tree in Victoria Square, Adelaide CBD

The giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square (Tarntanyangga) is an Adelaide tradition, and it’s an easy add-on to a city trip, a Pageant day or a visit to the Rundle Mall Christmas windows.

Christmas lights near Adelaide

Heading out of town? The Loxton Lights Festival in the Riverland turns the town into a glowing trail through December. Lights on Ridge in Murray Bridge is another family favourite, with Father Christmas visiting on selected nights.

Tips for seeing Christmas lights in Adelaide with kids

• Go late, or be patient. The sun doesn’t set until about 8.20pm in December, and most displays are at their best after 8.30pm. A late afternoon nap is your friend.
• Pyjamas are encouraged. Put the kids in PJs before you leave, and transfer straight to bed when you get home.
• Check before you go. Most home displays are run by volunteers who post their dates and times on Facebook. Plans can change, especially if it’s windy or wet.
• Park and walk. Popular streets get congested. Parking a block away is easier for you and kinder to the neighbours.
• Bring gold coins. Many displays raise money for charity.
• Be respectful. These are people’s homes. Stay on the footpath unless you’re invited in, and keep the noise down late at night.

Know a great display we’ve missed?

Tell us. Send your favourite Christmas lights in Adelaide to KIDDO and we’ll add them to the list. Then grab the gingerbread, buckle up the kids and go chasing the lights.

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The Veronicas and Peking Duk will headline the 2027 festival at Civic Park in Modbury on Saturday 27 February, joined by Xavier Rudd, Ruel, Thirsty Merc, J-MILLA, YUNG MILLA, Pash, Jeane and Zara Chantelle.

From multi-platinum icons to rock favourites to emerging Adelaide four-piece boy band PASH, the lineup has been deliberately curated to span ages and genres.

A festival for the north-east

The 2026 debut marked the first time a large-scale music festival has been staged in Adelaide’s north-east, and it clearly hit the mark. While Adelaide’s major cultural events have traditionally centred around the CBD and parklands, A Day In The Gully proved there’s strong appetite for premium live music beyond the city’s usual event corridors.

“We are so grateful for the community’s response to our debut, and we are excited to be bringing more live music to the Adelaide audiences in 2027, with a lineup that deliberately spans across ages and genres,” said Danielle Jones, CEO of festival organisers SRO Events. “It’s a day out for everyone.”

Local residents get first dibs

City of Tea Tree Gully Council is continuing its partnership with SRO Events, which means locals get an exclusive presale with tickets at a $55 discount.

City of Tea Tree Gully Mayor Marijka Ryan said it’s wonderful to have a world-class event like this in their own backyard.

“I can’t wait to see Civic Park come alive again with another amazing day of live music. Residents turned out in droves for last year’s highly successful inaugural event and we’re pleased they will again have access to discounted early-release tickets.”

Key dates

• Thursday 22 October, 8am: Presale for City of Tea Tree Gully residents, $80 tickets (+ booking fee)
• Monday 26 October, 8am: First release general admission goes on sale
• Saturday 27 February 2027: Festival day at Civic Park, Modbury

For more information and tickets, head to adayinthegully.com.au

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Most Santa photo sessions open for bookings in early to mid-November, so it pays to get in quick. Popular spots can book out fast, especially for weekend sessions and any pet-friendly time slots.

Shopping centre Santa photos

Adelaide’s major shopping centres roll out their Santa sets each year, and they’re often the most convenient option for families. Here’s where to find the big guy:

Westfield centres

Westfield Tea Tree Plaza and Westfield Marion both offer Santa photo experiences each year. These are typically paid sessions with professional photographers, and you can pre-book online to skip the queue. Keep an eye on the Westfield website from early November for booking details.

Burnside Village

Burnside Village usually sets up a beautifully styled Santa experience. It’s a popular choice for families in the eastern suburbs, so booking ahead is recommended once sessions open.

Myer Centre Adelaide

Right in the heart of the CBD, the Myer Centre offers Santa photos that are easy to combine with a city shopping trip. Check their website or social media for this year’s opening dates and booking information.

David Jones

David Jones on Rundle Mall has a long tradition of Santa visits. Their Magic Cave sessions tend to have a classic, elegant feel. Bookings usually open in November.

Local shopping centres

Don’t overlook your local shopping centre. Many suburban centres across Adelaide run their own Santa photo sessions, often at a lower price point than the big names. Check with your nearest centre for details, as these can be a great option for younger children who might feel overwhelmed by bigger crowds.

Free Santa experiences

If you’d prefer to keep things budget-friendly, keep an eye out for free Santa appearances at community events, local markets and council Christmas celebrations. These often pop up throughout December and can be a lovely, low-key way for kids to meet Santa without the pressure of a formal photo session. Check your local council’s events calendar as December approaches.

Pet-friendly Santa photos

Want to include the furry family member? Some venues offer dedicated pet-friendly sessions where your dog, cat or other pet can join in the festive fun. These sessions are usually held at specific times, often early in the morning or after regular hours, to keep things calm for both animals and other visitors.

Check with individual shopping centres about their pet photo policies. Westfield centres have previously offered pet nights, and some local centres also welcome pets during designated sessions. These book out quickly, so jump online as soon as bookings open if this is on your Christmas list.

Tips for a smooth Santa photo experience

• Book early. Popular time slots, especially weekends and pet sessions, fill up fast once bookings open in November.
• Go at a quiet time. Weekday mornings are often less chaotic than weekends, which can make all the difference with little ones.
• Bring a backup outfit. Because spills happen, especially when excitement levels are high.
• Prepare your child. If they’re nervous about sitting with Santa, chat about what to expect beforehand. Some venues offer a gentle approach for anxious kids.
• Check the inclusions. Some packages include digital images, prints or both. Compare what’s included before you book.

However you choose to capture the magic this year, the most important thing is enjoying the moment with your family. And if the photo involves tears, a blurry dog or a sibling mid-argument? Well, those often end up being the ones you treasure most.

*Hero image from Westfield

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We’ve rounded up the best beaches for families with toddlers and young kids, where gentle waters meet practical amenities and you might actually get to sit down for five minutes.

Glenelg North Beach

Just north of the Glenelg jetty, this stretch of sand is a family favourite for good reason. The water is typically calmer than the main beach, making it ideal for toddlers who want to splash about without being knocked over by waves. There’s a grassy reserve behind the beach with shady trees for picnics, plus public toilets nearby.

The Glenelg foreshore is a short stroll away, which means access to cafés, fish and chips, and ice cream when the hunger hits. The tram stop is also close by if you want to make it an adventure from the city.

Henley Beach

Henley Beach has a relaxed village feel that families love. The beach itself is wide and sandy, with water that’s generally gentle enough for little paddlers. The Henley Square precinct sits right behind the beach, offering cafés, restaurants, public toilets and a playground. You can park the pram in the shade, grab a coffee and still keep an eye on the sandcastle construction happening at the water’s edge.

The jetty is great for a wander, and there’s a grassed area perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket when the sand gets too hot for tiny feet.

West Beach

West Beach is a quieter option that still has everything you need. The water is shallow and calm, making it a safe spot for toddlers to wade. There’s a playground at the northern end near the surf club, toilets, and grassy areas with shade. The West Beach Parks precinct nearby includes a café, mini golf and pedal boats if you want to extend the outing.

It tends to be less crowded than Glenelg or Henley, which can be a bonus when you’re wrangling small children and half a car’s worth of beach gear.

Brighton Beach

Brighton has a beautiful wide beach and a lovely jetty for exploring. The esplanade behind the beach has cafés, fish and chip shops, and ice creameries. There’s a playground at the northern end and public toilets along the foreshore.

The water here is usually calm, and the sand is soft and perfect for digging. It’s a popular spot but spacious enough that you can usually find a patch of your own.

Semaphore Beach

Semaphore is a classic Adelaide beach day destination with a nostalgic seaside feel. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for young kids. Semaphore Road runs right down to the beach, lined with cafés, bakeries and shops. There’s a waterslide park in summer, a historic carousel, and the famous fish and chips to round out the experience.

The foreshore has toilets, shaded grassy areas and a playground. It’s the kind of beach where you can easily spend a whole day without anyone melting down (fingers crossed).

Port Willunga Beach

If you’re happy to venture a little further south, Port Willunga is a stunner. The beach is framed by dramatic cliffs and the old jetty ruins poking out of the water make for a picturesque backdrop. The water is usually calm, though it’s worth noting this beach has a steeper drop-off than some of the metro options, so it’s better suited to older toddlers and young kids who are confident in the shallows.

There are toilets and a café at the Star of Greece, perched on the cliff with views that make the coffee taste even better. Port Willunga is a bit more of a drive from Adelaide, but the scenery makes it worth the trip for a special beach day.

Tips for beach days with little ones

• Arrive early for the best parking and calmest water.
• Pack a beach tent or umbrella for shade, even if there are trees nearby.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water, because sand play is hungry work.
• Rashies and hats are non-negotiable for sun protection.
• A bucket of warm water in the car makes sandy feet less of a drama on the drive home.

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The display came about through a collaboration between Adelaide-based Ni-Vanuatu performer Edgell Junior Edgell and Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara man Elisha Umuhuri. Both men are collaborating with Adelaide children’s performing arts company Patch Theatre, who approached the Museum about using the slit drum from the Pacific Cultures collection to develop a soundtrack for an upcoming production premiering in 2027.

Visitors can watch a video of Edgell Junior and Elisha creating their musical collaboration in the studio, and hear them share their thoughts on the cultural importance of music.

Originally from the island of Pentecost in central Vanuatu, Edgell Junior is featured playing the slit drum and traditional dance rattles made from the fruit of Pangium edule, a tropical tree found throughout Vanuatu. Elisha Umuhuri is a member of the award-winning APY Lands hip-hop trio DEM MOB.

What the display means to the community

Edgell Junior Edgell shared his thoughts on the significance of the exhibition: “Music is such an important part of Ni-Vanuatu culture. We don’t just sing or play it, we live it. There are so many different types of instruments played across all of our islands, including percussion, wind and water instruments, and they are used for many different purposes or ceremonies.”

He explained how the instruments carry deep cultural meaning: “In most people’s eyes, they would see a Ni-Vanuatu playing a tamtam, but in the eyes of someone from Ambrym (where this tamtam belongs) they would know straight away that I’m not one of their own and that I’m from Pentecost.”

“Each island and language group has its own voice, and our instruments give us a way of celebrating and communicating with each other. For example, the tamtam (slit drum) from my island Pentecost does not have face, like the one in the South Australian Museum exhibit.”

Part of a larger conservation program

This pop-up display is part of the conservation and cultural care program for the Museum’s Pacific Cultures collection. Several items, including musical balls and bamboo flutes, are being displayed publicly for the first time thanks to this ongoing work.

South Australian Museum Director Dr Samantha Hamilton said the Pacific Cultures collection care program is being delivered in partnership with the Pacific Islands Council of South Australia (PICSA) and Pasifika community leaders.

“Pacific Cultures in Motion is the first in a series of community-informed activations that will showcase objects from the Museum’s internationally significant Pacific Cultures Collection, highlighting the living cultural traditions, creativity and stories of Pasifika communities,” Dr Hamilton said.

“Since commencing in July this year, the conservation program is providing culturally appropriate care of ancestral objects and strengthening community connections to the collection.”

The details

What: Pacific Cultures in Motion: Revitalising the Collection

Where: North Foyer, South Australian Museum

When: 15 October until early 2027

Cost: Free

Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm

More info: whatson.samuseum.sa.gov.au

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The best conversations about sport don’t often happen at sport.

They happen in the car. When the seatbelt’s on and nobody’s making eye contact and the adrenaline is still wearing off. That ten-minute window between the field and the front door is where the real stuff lands.

Not the score. Not the stats. The stuff underneath.

Here are five conversations worth having this summer, not all at once, and not as a checklist. Just when the moment fits.

1. “What was the best bit today?”

Not “how did you go?” because that puts them straight into results mode. “What was the best bit?” opens the door to something you didn’t expect. It might be the goal. It might be the halftime oranges. It might be that their mate finally came back after being away for three weeks.

You find out what they’re actually there for. And that’s worth knowing, especially in week six when they want to quit.

2. “How’d everyone else go today?”

This one’s sneaky. It moves the spotlight off them and onto the team, but it opens up something bigger than sport.

When a kid starts noticing how their teammates are going, they’re building empathy without even realising it. And when they follow that up by encouraging someone at the next training session, they’re learning what it means to be a good teammate, not because the coach told them to, but because they saw it mattered.

3. “Anything tough out there today?”

This one takes trust. Most kids will say “nah” the first few times. That’s fine. You’re not digging for a deep and meaningful, you’re just making it normal to talk about the hard bits.

Because sport is full of hard bits. Getting subbed off. Missing the shot everyone saw. Being the slowest in the squad. Kids notice all of it, even when they pretend they don’t.

You don’t need to fix it. You just need to let them say it out loud.

4. “Did anything funny happen today?”

This one sounds light, but it tells you a lot. It tells you who they’re connecting with. Whether they’re having fun. Whether the social side of sport, which, let’s be honest, is half the reason they’re there, is working.

Sometimes the answer is a teammate doing something silly at training. Sometimes it’s something the coach said. Sometimes it’s something that only makes sense if you were there, and they’ll try to explain it and crack up halfway through.

That’s the stuff you want. Not a performance review, just a kid who had a good time and wants to tell you about it.

5. “I liked watching you play today.”

That’s it. No feedback. No coaching from the sideline. No “but next time try to…”

Just: I was there, and I liked watching you.

For a kid, that lands harder than you think. Because what they hear underneath it is: you don’t have to be great for me to enjoy this. And that’s the thing that keeps them coming back, not the trophy, not the team photo, not the end-of-season certificate.

Just knowing that someone they love was watching, and it was enough.

Make the most of those ten minutes

The car ride home is ten minutes. You don’t need all five. You might only get one. But the conversation you have in that window, when they’re tired and open and not performing for anyone, is where sport becomes something bigger.

A major Australian-led review published earlier this year by researchers at the University of Newcastle synthesised 189 studies spanning more than three decades and found that organised sport can be a powerful setting for building mental health and social skills in young people, but that the benefits depend on supportive relationships and well-structured environments.

That’s where The Resilience League’s Game Plan: Family Toolkit comes in. The Summer Edition features 14 original short stories following three young characters, Tali at the pool, Alex on the basketball court and Jordan on the cricket pitch, as they navigate the real pressures of junior sport.

Each story is paired with a mental skill, conversation starters to help families talk about it together, and a hands-on family activity designed to bring the skill to life at home. The toolkit is designed to run one story a week alongside the summer season and requires no preparation or expertise from parents. Each story takes around 5 minutes to read.

“I thought about my own kids and I thought, how could I actually get them to listen to what I wanted to tell them about this stuff,” says founder Lydia Mollard, who has a background in psychology and education. “That’s when I realised that stories were the way to do it. These stories give kids the language and the space to work through those moments. The story does the work, it’s not a lesson, and that’s deliberate.”

Game Plan: Family Toolkit Summer Edition is available now as an instant digital download:

resilienceleague.com.au

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