Looking for something creative, curious and a little bit different these school holidays? The State Library of South Australia has you covered with a lineup of workshops, hands-on activities and self-guided adventures perfect for kids and families.
Whether your little ones are into art, stories, nature or just love following clues, there’s something here to spark their imagination. And with activities ranging from free to $15, it’s a great way to fill a morning or afternoon without breaking the budget.
Workshops for creative kids
The Sugarcane Kids workshop with Charlie Archbold
Monday 28 September, 10am to 11am
Jervois Room, North Tce side of the Mortlock Chamber
$5 per person
Get hands-on with The Sugarcane Kids in this fun workshop exploring the story behind sugarcane through making and doing. A great one for curious kids who love to learn by creating.
Create your own 3D Tunnel Book with Georgina Chadderton
Thursday 1 October, 10am to 12pm
Jervois Room, Mortlock Wing
$10 per person
Take a story off the page and into three dimensions. Artist Georgina Chadderton will guide kids through cutting, folding and layering paper to create their very own tunnel book that comes alive.
Start Art Book Club with Helen Lawry
Sunday 4 October, 12pm to 1pm
Meet at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Ages 8 to 13
This one kicks off at the Art Gallery of South Australia, where kids will explore artworks connected to the featured story, Saskia Spark-Lee: Fundraiser Fail. Then it’s over to the State Library for writing and art-making activities inspired by what they’ve discovered.
Little Library joins the Nature Festival
The Little Library is getting in on the Nature Festival action with a season of seed-filled fun designed especially for little people and their grown-ups.
Create your own pop-up garden with Studio Ruby Chew
Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October, 11.30am to 12.30pm
Little Library, Spence Wing
$15 per person
Turn imagination into a garden. Kids will get crafty with nature-inspired ideas and create their very own pop-up garden to take home.
Magical Seeds with Studio Ruby Chew
Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October, 1pm to 2pm
Little Library, Spence Wing
$15 per person
What if a tiny seed could grow into something magical? In this creative workshop, kids will explore seeds, stories and making as they create their own magical world.
Free activities for families
Discovery Trail
Turn your visit to the State Library into an adventure with the Discovery Trail, a free, self-guided activity for kids and families. Pick up the trail at the Welcome Desk in the glass foyer and follow the clues to discover fascinating spaces, curious objects and surprising stories hiding in plain sight.
Pull Pop Push: Revealing the magic of pop-up books
While you’re there, don’t miss this exhibition celebrating the wonderful world of pop-up books.
Seedling Exchange with the City of Adelaide Library
The City of Adelaide Library is inviting little ones to be part of the Seedling Exchange, a living art installation growing throughout Nature Festival. Plant a native seed, give it a drink, and watch your little seedling become part of Adelaide’s future. The City of Adelaide will nurture the seedlings and plant them across the city.
More at the City of Adelaide Library
Located in the Spence Wing, the City of Adelaide Library has even more on offer these school holidays:
- Family story time
- Lego club
- Digital embroidery
- Youth drop-in
- Embroiders assemble
- Special bilingual storytime
Bookings are essential for most workshops, so jump online and secure your spot before they fill up. Head to the State Library website for full details and to book.
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