Made by one of the world’s leading neoprene manufacturers, these UPF 50+ wetsuits come in sizes 1 to 12, with long and short sleeve options. Each one arrives in its own neoprene bag, so no more soggy beach bags.

We have one Days in the Sand wetsuit to give away to one lucky Kiddo reader.

Prize details

1 x Days in the Sand kids’ wetsuit of your choice (RRP $99.95)

How to enter

Enter your details below for your chance to win.

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post WIN a Days in the Sand kids’ wetsuit appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

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

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post Halloween at Adelaide Central Market with free face painting and treats appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

The project has received $1.75 million in state government funding, on top of private investment already committed to the $5.5 to $6 million development. Major works are expected to start in early 2027 and take about 12 months, depending on the weather, with the park set to open in early 2028.

No boat? No problem

The park is built around a cable wakeboarding system: an overhead cable that pulls riders around the lake. That means you can wakeboard, water-ski or kneeboard without needing a boat, a driver or a mate with a tinnie. And without a boat, watersports become much cheaper, which is a big part of the appeal.

Beginners are welcome too. Lessons and dedicated beginner sessions are planned to help first-timers get up on the board and build their confidence. That’s good news for anyone whose wakeboarding experience so far is watching other people do it on holiday.

Splash zone for little ones

For families who’d rather bounce than board, there’s a supervised inflatable aqua park: a floating obstacle course designed for kids and grown-ups of all abilities. Expect slips, slides, climbs and plenty of spectacular falls into the water.

Water activities will be open to visitors aged 5 and up. For the land-lovers in the group, there’ll also be a café, a retail shop, change rooms and seating for spectators.

What will it cost?

Final prices haven’t been confirmed, but they’re expected to be in line with other cable and aqua parks around Australia, with activities starting from around $25.

Murray Bridge is a little over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, making it an easy day trip. It’s also the kind of summer outing that ends with exhausted kids asleep in the back seat before you’ve reached the freeway.

The details

• What: Bridge Watersport Park
• When: Opening early 2028
• Where: Siesta Drive, Murray Bridge
• Ages: Water activities for ages 5 and up
• Cost: From around $25 (to be confirmed)

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post Wake up, Murray Bridge, SA’s first cable wakeboarding park is on its way appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

Sophie Smith, mum to a four-year-old and a two-year-old, launched Days in the Sand after a conversation with her cousin about how kids’ wetsuits are almost always black or dark colours.

“She was saying that she didn’t want to put her kids in something so dark, because it didn’t suit their fun, bright personalities, and more importantly, black wetsuits equal poor visibility in the water,” Sophie said.

What started as a side hustle in 2021 has grown into Australia’s first wetsuit brand dedicated to bright, high-visibility colours. The range features fluoro orange, green, yellow and pink designs, with the brightest colours positioned on the shoulders so they’re visible when kids are waist-deep.

“Not all fluoros look the same in the water, so we choose the highest contrasting colour underwater,” Sophie explained.

Why bright swimwear matters

Geelong Aquatic Centre swim instructor Jordyn says wearing bright colours in the water makes an enormous difference to children’s safety.

“In an emergency, every second counts. Being able to spot a child in the water by just their bather colour could make a lifesaving difference,” she said.

“I think a lot of parents are unaware of how much of a difference bright bathers make. It may not seem like it, but choosing a bright neon colour rather than a cute pattern can make such a big difference for the child’s safety.”

The latest National Drowning Report 2026 shows 313 drowning deaths occurred in Australia over the past 12 months, a 10% increase on the 10-year average. Drowning increased in South Australia by 29% compared to the 10-year average, with 48% of all drowning deaths occurring in coastal locations.

Real stories from parents

Sophie says she’s received countless reviews from parents who credit the wetsuits for helping keep their children safe.

“We actually got a message from a Mum who said her daughter got swept out to sea in a rip. It happened so quickly, and she was so thankful that her daughter was wearing our wetsuit so she could spot her straight away and save her,” Sophie said.

“While I’ll never claim that our wetsuits are guaranteed to save lives, we do know that they play a role in keeping kids safe and easing anxiety for parents.”

The details

Days in the Sand wetsuits come in both long sleeve and short sleeve options, in children’s sizes 1-12. They’re made by one of the world’s leading neoprene manufacturers (responsible for 85% of the world’s premier wetsuits), rated UPF 50+, and come with their own neoprene bags to save your beach bag from getting soggy.

“Being able to see my children in an instant, on the sand or in the water, gives me so much more confidence,” Sophie said. “I kept hearing this feedback again and again from customers.”

For more information, visit daysinthesand.com.au

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post These bright fluoro wetsuits are designed to help you spot your kids in the water appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

We’ve rounded up the suburbs where houses are already confirmed for 2026, plus family Halloween events if you’d rather go somewhere organised.

How to find trick-or-treat houses near you

Before the costumes go on, here are the two places to check:

• Halloween Houses map: An interactive map of Adelaide homes doing displays, trick-or-treating or both. Listings marked “Confirmed for 2026” are your safest bet.
• Adelaide Trick or Treat Facebook page: Locals post which streets are going big this year, and new ones pop up right up to the day.

The golden rule: only knock where there’s a “Trick or treaters welcome” sign or decorations out the front.

The northern suburbs

Sedgemoor Road, Craigmore
Interactive decorations and Bluey and Bingo inflatables, which are perfect for little ones. Trick-or-treating runs from 3.30pm to 9.30pm, or until the lollies run out.

15 Rosemont Place, Salisbury Heights
Pose for a selfie with the resident skeleton. Non-lolly treats are available on request, which is handy for kids with allergies. Open from 4pm.

25 Birchdale Circuit, Hillbank
Lights, moving decorations, spooky clowns and dolls. Best for older kids who like a fright. The display is up from 5 October to 7 November.

42C Midway Road, Elizabeth East
A small window display and garden ornaments. It’s a gentle stop for toddlers, open from 3pm on Halloween.

The eastern suburbs

South Street, Hectorville
Expect a graveyard, skeletons and a giant moving Grim Reaper, with the occasional live creepy piano music from a teenage pianist. It’s one for older kids who like a proper scare. Open 3pm to 9pm on Halloween.

The western suburbs

45 Blackler Street, Semaphore
This house has been decorating for 24 years, and the owners keep it cute rather than scary. It’s ideal for toddlers and anyone easily spooked. The display is up from 18 October to 4 November, 3pm to 9.30pm.

7 Trimmer Parade, Findon
A spooky display that’s back for its second year, open 6pm to 9pm on Halloween.

41 King Street, Mile End
Treats on the night with a few fun decorations. Trick-or-treating runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

The southern suburbs

8 Homestead Drive, Aberfoyle Park
An American expat brings proper US-style Halloween to SA. Their new house for 2026 has an 18-foot spider web, a 5-foot spider, ghosts, skeletons, a graveyard, a fog machine and strobe lights. The display is up from 9 October, and trick-or-treating starts at 4pm on Halloween and runs until the lollies are gone.

6 Scenic Drive, Maslin Beach
A Stranger Things display and walkthrough, back after two years off. The display is open from 22 to 31 October, 4pm to 8pm.

3 Sarah Close, Reynella
Skeletons and moving decorations, with treats on Halloween. The decorations are up from 1 October to 7 November, 3pm to 11pm.

Further afield

35 Bethesda Road, Lewiston (Adelaide Plains)
Caution tape around the fences and giant webs in the trees. It’s worth the drive if you’re out that way. Open until 9pm on Halloween.

Family Halloween events

For a more organised Halloween, or as a warm-up before trick-or-treating, try one of these.

Boo at the Zoo, Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo opens after hours for a Halloween night. Kids can dress up, bring a trick-or-treat bag and follow a spooky trail. There are treats from local vendors, Halloween-themed animal presentations and performances on the Central Lawns.

When: Friday 30 October, 4pm to 8pm
Where: Adelaide Zoo, Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide
Cost: Children $24, adults $39

Trick or Treat Hunt, Unley Shopping Centre

A free daytime option that suits younger kids. There’s face painting and a Trick or Treat Hunt through participating shops. The first 100 children aged four and over get a treat bag and map. No bookings needed, just head to the Halloween station outside Woolworths.

When: Saturday 31 October, 11am to 2pm
Where: Unley Shopping Centre, 204 Unley Road, Unley
Cost: Free

Trick or Treat Halloween Fete, Clarence Park

The City of Unley’s fete promises “no scary frights”, so it’s perfect for little ones. There are Halloween games, face painting, a disco, dinosaurs and dragons, and treats like fairy floss and ice cream. Tickets are limited, so bookings are essential.

When: Saturday 31 October, 2pm to 5pm
Where: Clarence Park Community Centre, Black Forest
Cost: $10 per child, supervising adults free

Spooky Trail, Beaumont House

The historic gardens become a trail of zombies, pirates, witches and a haunted graveyard, finishing with a monster sausage sizzle. It ends just as it gets dark, so it’s an easy one to fit in before trick-or-treating.

When: Saturday 31 October, 4pm to 6.30pm
Where: Beaumont House, 631 Glynburn Road, Beaumont
Cost: Children $5, adults free with children

Trick-or-treating tips for Adelaide families

• Go early with little ones. Most houses start from 3.30 to 4pm. Before dark is calmer for younger kids.
• Bring a torch or glow sticks for after sunset, and keep costumes visible to cars.
• Stick together. Under-18s should always be with a parent or carer.
• Check before you go. Halloween Houses listings can change, so check the map on the day.
• Handing out treats? Put up a sign or decorations so trick-or-treaters know you’re in. You can also add your house to the map.

With Halloween on a Saturday, you can fit a lot in. Do the Unley hunt in the morning, the fete or Beaumont House in the afternoon, then trick-or-treat at dusk.

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post Where to go trick-or-treating in Adelaide this Halloween appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

Researchers from Flinders University interviewed 15 Australian women diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and found many felt their concerns were dismissed, misunderstood or attributed to more common post-birth experiences such as exhaustion, sleep deprivation, anxiety or the “baby blues”.

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe mental illness associated with childbirth and can develop suddenly in the days or weeks after birth. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, mania, depression, paranoia and severe sleep disturbance, requiring urgent treatment. An estimated 300 to 600 Australian women experience the condition each year.

Women are asking for help

Lead author and Flinders University PhD candidate Donna McMahon says one of the study’s most important findings was that women were not concealing their symptoms.

“One of the strongest messages from this study is that these women are asking for help, and many know something is profoundly wrong, even when they cannot find the words to explain it,” says Ms McMahon from Flinders University’s College of Human Sciences and Culture.

“They were not avoiding care. They were actively seeking it.”

Many participants described feeling unheard, with hallucinations, manic behaviour and severe sleep disturbance sometimes overlooked or not fully investigated. Women in the study often recognised that something was seriously wrong and actively sought help, yet many experienced lengthy delays before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Early recognition is critical

Ms McMahon, whose doctoral research focuses on improving the detection and identification of postpartum psychosis, says the findings highlight opportunities for earlier recognition across maternity, primary care and emergency settings.

“While postpartum psychosis is treatable and many women make a full recovery, early recognition is critical, as delays in diagnosis can have serious consequences for mothers and their families,” she says.

“When women tell us something is not right, particularly in the days and weeks after birth, we need to listen carefully and investigate thoroughly. Their own insight may be one of the earliest warning signs.”

The emotional toll of delayed diagnosis

The study also highlights the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis. Women described losing confidence in their own judgement, feeling disconnected from the healthcare system and, in some cases, becoming reluctant to seek further help after their concerns were dismissed.

Ms McMahon says the consequences of delayed recognition can extend beyond the mother.

“When postpartum psychosis is not recognised quickly, the impacts can affect the entire family and their communities. It can increase distress for mothers, place enormous strain on partners and loved ones, disrupt the important early bonding period between mother and baby, and in severe cases, contribute to an increased risk of suicide and infanticide.”

“Our research shows there is a critical period where women are reaching out for help but are too often not being heard. Healthcare providers need to be actively listening and responding to mothers at that time,” says Ms McMahon.

“By recognising and validating those experiences, we have an opportunity to improve outcomes for mothers, babies and families.”

Where to find support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis during pregnancy or after the birth of a baby, support is available:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 or panda.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
• In an emergency, call 000 or present to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The paper, ‘It’s all in your head: A qualitative examination of the help-seeking experiences of women suffering postpartum psychosis’, was published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post New research finds mothers with postpartum psychosis contact services seven times before diagnosis appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

For the rest of us, it’s a timely nudge to check what’s under the kitchen sink. Here’s how to childproof your cleaning cupboard, and what to do if the worst happens.

Why little kids and cleaning products don’t mix

Children aged one to three are the most at risk of accidental poisoning. They’re mobile and curious, and they explore the world with their mouths. They’re also surprisingly good at opening things. Bright bottles look like drinks, and colourful laundry and dishwasher capsules look a lot like lollies.

Most accidental poisonings happen at home. A lot of them happen while the product is being used: the bottle is on the bench, a parent turns to answer the door, and two seconds is all it takes.

How to childproof your cleaning cupboard

Go up, then lock it. Store cleaning products at least 1.5 metres off the ground, in a cupboard with a child-resistant lock or latch. The cupboard under the kitchen sink is the classic danger zone, so move things higher if you can.

Don’t rely on child-resistant lids. They slow kids down, but they aren’t childproof. A determined toddler with time on their hands will often get there.

Keep products in their original containers. Never decant cleaning products into drink bottles, cups or jars. Apart from the obvious risk, the original label has the ingredient information poisons specialists will ask for.

Put it away straight after use. It’s easy to leave the spray bottle on the bench while you finish wiping down. Make putting it away part of the job.

Take care with dishwasher and laundry capsules. Keep them in a locked cupboard, and only add detergent to the dishwasher just before you run it. Don’t leave it sitting in an open dispenser.

Don’t forget other people’s houses. Grandparents, friends and holiday rentals may not be set up for small children. Do a quick scan of low cupboards, bathrooms and laundries when you arrive.

Look beyond the laundry. Medicines, essential oils (eucalyptus oil is a common culprit in Australia), dishwashing tablets, garden products and button batteries all need to be stored safely too.

What to do if your child swallows a cleaning product

Stay as calm as you can, and act quickly.

• Take the product away and remove anything left in their mouth.
• Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. The line is free, available 24/7 across Australia, and staffed by specialists who will tell you exactly what to do. Have the container with you so you can read out the ingredients.
• Don’t try to make your child vomit. With corrosive products like bleach, vomiting can cause more damage on the way back up.
• If the product is on their skin or in their eyes, rinse with plenty of running water while you call for advice.

Call 000 immediately if your child is unconscious, having trouble breathing, having a seizure or is very drowsy.

Kiddo tip: Save 13 11 26 in your phone now, and in your partner’s, your babysitter’s and the grandparents’ phones too. It’s the number you’ll be glad you never had to search for.

Do low-tox cleaning products help?

Many parents are switching to gentler, plant-based cleaning products, and there are good reasons to. They’re often kinder to sensitive skin and better for waterways.

Bobby and Kim are among them. After his childhood bleach scare, Bobby didn’t want harsh chemicals in the house when Kim was pregnant with the first of their three daughters. Drawing on his background in mechanical and chemical engineering, he started experimenting with soapnut berries, a natural cleanser used for thousands of years, in a giant soup pot in their Shanghai kitchen.

It took two years of trial and error to get the formulas right. In 2012, the couple launched Soapnut Republic and began selling across Asia and Scandinavia. After moving home to Cape Paterson, Victoria, at the start of the pandemic, they launched the range in Australia this year.

The Australian-made range includes hand soap, dish soap, laundry liquid and multipurpose spray, all made in Melbourne from Bobby’s original formulas. Each product contains soapnut berry extract, plant-based ingredients and pure essential oils. The brand says the products are biodegradable, gentle on sensitive skin and naturally low-sudsing, which means less water is needed for rinsing.

“I’m a mum of three children. I needed products to actually work,” Kim says. “Our products have not only been tested in a lab, but they have been tested for years in our family home.”

Every parent knows how fast it happens. You turn around for a moment and suddenly there’s silence, which is never a good sign. A locked cupboard and a number saved in your phone take five minutes to sort out, so do it today.

For more child safety advice, visit Kidsafe SA at kidsafesa.com.au

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post How to childproof your cleaning cupboard and what to do if the worst happens appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

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.

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post The best Christmas lights in Adelaide for 2026 appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

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

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post The Veronicas lead a family day out at A Day in the Gully appeared first on KIDDO Mag.

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

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The post Where to see Santa in Adelaide this Christmas appeared first on KIDDO Mag.