South Australia’s biggest celebration of nature is back, and it’s bringing more than 350 reasons to swap screens for sunshine, muddy shoes and a few unforgettable adventures with your crew.
Nature Festival 2026 runs from 25 September to 11 October, landing perfectly in the spring school holidays. This year’s theme is Seed, a nod to all those small beginnings that grow into something bigger. Planting a sunflower in the backyard. Discovering a favourite walking trail together. Sharing stories across generations. You know, the good stuff.
Now in its seventh year, the festival stretches from the outback to the coast, city parks to regional towns, with free and family-friendly experiences designed to get kids exploring, creating and connecting with the natural world.
School holiday highlights
With so many events on offer, you could fill every day of the holidays without repeating an adventure. Here are a few standouts to put on your radar.
The Seedling Exchange, North Terrace
One of the festival’s hero attractions, The Seedling Exchange invites kids to plant a seed, water it and become part of a growing community garden throughout the festival. It’s hands-on, it’s free, and watching little ones take ownership of their plant is pretty special.
The Amazing Nature Race, Port Lincoln
If your family loves a bit of friendly competition, this one turns the outdoors into a giant adventure. Solve nature-inspired challenges, uncover hidden treasures and work together as a team. Think Amazing Race, but with more fresh air and fewer airport meltdowns.
Spring into 140 Years at State Flora, Belair National Park
State Flora is celebrating a pretty remarkable milestone, and they’re throwing a party to match. Head to Belair National Park for free family activities, rare historical displays and a native plant giveaway for early birds. Worth setting an alarm for.
Regional adventures
Further afield, families can wander through blossoming orchards in Lenswood, visit Kangaroo Island’s Rare Plant Garden to discover species found nowhere else on Earth, or experience community celebrations in Andamooka. Road trip, anyone?
Nature meets culture
Nature Festival has always celebrated the connection between people and place, and 2026 continues that tradition with First Nations storytelling, cultural experiences, art, music and food woven throughout the program.
Families can learn about cultural burning with Kaurna Kardla, explore oyster reef restoration through an art and science installation at the Art Gallery of South Australia, and enjoy storytelling sessions that encourage kids to think differently about the world around them.
Growing together
Nature Festival is powered by more than 200 community groups and organisations across South Australia. This year, 25 regional community projects have received micro-grants to bring creative nature experiences to life in their own backyards.
As Nature Festival Chair Vicki-Jo Russell AM puts it, this year’s program is about helping families plant beautiful seeds in their lives and their relationship with the natural world.
Whether you’re planting your first seedling, chasing wild adventures with the kids, or simply enjoying a picnic under spring blossoms, Nature Festival 2026 promises plenty of opportunities to grow something special together.
The details
Nature Festival 2026
25 September to 11 October 2026
Events across South Australia
The full program is available at naturefestival.org.au.
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter