Adelaide is one of Australia’s best cities for families on a budget. With sprawling parklands, free museums and nature spaces designed for curious little hands, you can fill an entire weekend without spending a cent. Here’s our roundup of the best free things to do with kids in Adelaide.
South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum on North Terrace offers free general admission and it’s a treasure trove for kids of all ages. The ground floor features an impressive collection of megafauna fossils, including a diprotodon that never fails to impress. Upstairs, the Pacific Cultures gallery and biodiversity displays keep older kids engaged, while the hands-on Discovery Centre is perfect for little ones. Allow at least a couple of hours, and pack snacks to enjoy in the nearby Botanic Gardens afterwards.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Just next door, the Art Gallery of South Australia is another free North Terrace gem. The Start space is designed specifically for children, with rotating interactive installations that invite creative play. The gallery runs free family programs during school holidays too, so keep an eye on their website for upcoming workshops and tours.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is a must-visit in any season. Entry is free, and kids love exploring the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, running along the winding paths and discovering hidden corners. The First Creek Wetland area has a lovely boardwalk, and the lawns near the restaurant are perfect for a picnic. The adjoining Botanic Park has even more space for running, kicking a ball or flying a kite.
Nature play at Adelaide’s best playgrounds
Adelaide’s playgrounds are genuinely world-class, and most of the best ones are free. The nature play space at Bonython Park features climbing structures, water pumps and sand pits that keep kids busy for hours. Victoria Park and its adjacent playground offer flying foxes and climbing frames with views to the hills. In the suburbs, Hendrie Street Reserve in Park Holme and Klemzig Reserve both deliver excellent free play.
Glenelg and the beach
A trip to Glenelg costs nothing once you’re there. Splash in the shallows, build sandcastles, spot dolphins from the jetty, or let the kids burn off energy at the beachside playground. The tram ride from the city is a treat in itself, though you’ll need to tap on with a Metrocard.
Adelaide Oval and Riverbank
The grassy riverbank precinct between Adelaide Oval and the Festival Theatre is ideal for families. Kids can run, climb and roll down the lawns while you soak up the view. The footbridge to the oval is great for train-spotting, and you can often catch free outdoor events and activations along the riverbank, especially during Fringe season.
Library programs
Don’t overlook your local library. Adelaide’s public libraries run free story time, craft sessions and school holiday programs for children of all ages. The State Library on North Terrace hosts regular family events too, and the building itself is worth a wander for its beautiful heritage spaces.
Walking trails and nature reserves
The Adelaide Hills are just a short drive away and offer plenty of free bushwalks suitable for families. Cleland Wildlife Park has paid entry, but the surrounding conservation park trails are free to explore. Closer to the city, Morialta Conservation Park has sealed paths to the first falls and is manageable for most ages with sturdy shoes.
Adelaide is one of Australia’s best cities for families on a budget.
Whether you’re filling a school holiday, planning a spontaneous Saturday or just trying to get everyone out of the house, Adelaide has more free family-friendly options than you could fit in a year. Save your spending for an ice cream at the end.
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter