Illuminate Adelaide 2024 is set to dazzle families with a spectacular line-up of events from 4th until 21st of July 2024, promising to engage and entertain children of all ages. From interactive light installations to immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top kid-friendly highlights you won’t want to miss this year.
City Lights
Illuminate Adelaide’s City Lights transforms Adelaide’s city centre into a vibrant open-air gallery. This event is a must-see for families looking to experience the city in a whole new light. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll encounter a series of large-scale light displays and digital artworks that bring buildings and public spaces to life with colour and creativity.
What makes City Lights particularly appealing for kids are the interactive installations scattered throughout the city. These installations invite children to engage directly with the art, whether it’s through touch, movement, or sound. It’s a wonderful way to make a city walk exciting and educational. Plus, it’s free, making it a great option for a budget-friendly family outing.
Various Locations
Fire Gardens
Step into a world where fire meets art in Fire Gardens. Created by the renowned French artistic collective Compagnie Carabosse, this mesmerising installation turns the Adelaide Botanic Garden into a dreamscape of flickering flames and captivating fire sculptures. As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll be surrounded by the warm glow of firelight and ethereal soundscapes that accompany the installation.
Fire Gardens offers a unique and immersive experience that is sure to leave both children and adults in awe. The intricate fire sculptures and blazing pathways create a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The sensory experience of crackling flames and the subtle background music enhance the enchantment. This event not only mesmerises visually but also engages other senses, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
EDEN
EDEN invites visitors to explore an interactive garden of light and sound, designed to engage the senses and spark the imagination. This innovative installation uses cutting-edge technology to create a lush, ever-changing landscape that responds to the movements and sounds of its visitors. Perfect for families, EDEN is a place where children can roam freely and discover the wonders of nature through a digital lens.
With a digital garden at your fingertips across one hundred and fifty square-metres of LED screens, discover how just one person planting a small seed in the ground can lead to the growth of a vast, lush surrounding. Let curiosity and movement guide you as the wonder of nature takes centre stage and cutting-edge digital technologies allow you to create plants and flowers that transform the landscape around you. It’s an ideal activity that combines indoor fun with creative discovery, making it a favourite among families.
The Light Room at ILA
Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights
For a journey back in time, visit Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights at the Adelaide Zoo. This event features life-sized, glowing dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, offering an exciting mix of education and entertainment. As you wander through the zoo after dark, you’ll encounter these illuminated giants, each one more impressive than the last.
Prehistoric Nights is a fantastic way to ignite a child’s curiosity about the natural world. The combination of real zoo animals and glowing prehistoric replicas creates a dynamic learning environment where kids can ask questions and discover new things. Interactive displays and informative signage help to make the experience educational, while the sheer spectacle of the glowing creatures keeps it fun and engaging.
Adelaide Zoo
Superluminal
Hosted by the South Australian Museum and produced by Patch Theatre, Superluminal is an interactive installation designed specifically for children aged 4 to 8. This engaging event combines art, science, and play, inviting young visitors to explore five interactive spaces filled with light and sound. Guided by performers, children will discover nature’s extraordinary creatures and systems, create their own mythical beings, and immerse themselves in a world of wonder.
Superluminal is a theatrical presentation that blends bold visual design, collaborative storytelling, and interactive play. Inspired by the South Australian Museum’s collections of extraordinary objects, the installation encourages children to discover how time shapes nature’s beauty and complexity. This event fosters a sense of magical connection and belonging in the world, making it an unforgettable outing for families. The hands-on experience encourages curiosity and creativity, ensuring that children are not just passive observers but active participants in the magical world of Superluminal
South Australian Museum
Base Camp
For those looking to relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere, Base Camp at Lot Fourteen is the perfect spot. This central hub features a variety of food and drink options, live music, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great place to unwind after exploring the city’s light installations or to start your evening with some delicious local cuisine.
Base Camp is designed to be a welcoming space where families can gather and enjoy the festival together. The variety of activities on offer means there’s something to keep everyone entertained, from toddlers to teens. Creative workshops, interactive installations, and live performances tailored to younger audiences ensure that kids have plenty to do while parents can relax and soak up the festive atmosphere. With its vibrant, community-focused environment, Base Camp is the ideal place to experience the social side of Illuminate Adelaide.
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