UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 2026 FOR ADELAIDE SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Spring has arrived in Adelaide, and with it comes two glorious weeks of school holidays. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, rainy-day backup plans or something creative to keep little hands busy, we’ve pulled together our favourite things to do with kids across the city and beyond.
From free fun to bucket-list outings, there’s plenty to explore this season. Here’s what’s on in Adelaide for spring school holidays 2026.
Outdoor adventures for kids these school holidays with Wilderness Escape
Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures has been getting kids outside for more than 35 years, and their September/October holiday program is packed with options. Budding climbers can tackle real rock faces at Onkaparinga or Morialta, while the Mountain Bike Treasure Hunt combines trail riding with clue-solving. There’s also kayaking, campfire fun, high ropes and creative sessions for kids aged 5–17.
Adventure spots are limited, so get in early!
Book with friends and save! Register four or more children together and receive a group discount.
Book now: https://wildernessescape.com.au/school-holiday-programs/
Phone: 08 8165 2022
Follow: @wildernessescapeoutdooradventures
Re:PLAY at the Adelaide Festival Centre
Turn a pile of scraps into something worth keeping. Re:PLAY brings drop-in art workshops to Artspace at Adelaide Festival Centre these school holidays, led by prominent South Australian artists and built entirely around recycled and repurposed materials. Kids and families can get hands-on with creative reuse, transforming everyday castoffs into art you’ll actually want to display. Workshops run 30 September to 3 October, with tickets available online or at Dunstan Playhouse.
NumberWorks’nWords School Holiday Program
NumberWorks’nWords offers personalised maths and English tutoring for students from Year 1 through to Year 12, with centres across Adelaide including Norwood, Unley and Golden Grove. Each program is tailored to your child’s pace and learning style, building confidence alongside skills. Whether they need a boost or want to get ahead, it’s support that grows with them.
Ready to give your child a head start? Getting in touch is easy.
– Unley: Call 8271 2121 or email unley@numberworks.com
– Norwood: Call 8333 2121 or email norwood@numberworks.com
Spots tend to fill up, so it’s worth reaching out sooner rather than later. The team can chat through your child’s specific needs and help you decide whether half-day or full-day sessions would be the best fit.
Adelaide University Sport
Adelaide University Sport offers a jam-packed school holiday program for kids aged 5-12, with activities ranging from swimming and gymnastics to rock climbing and team sports. Each day brings a new mix of fun, helping kids burn energy, build skills and make friends. Sessions run at The University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus, with full-day and half-day options available.
Scholastic Children’s Book Super Sales
If your kids devour books faster than you can keep up, this one’s for you. Scholastic’s warehouse sale returns to Norwood these school holidays with thousands of children’s books at serious discounts, including $2 titles, 50% off RRP and the ever-popular fill-a-box deal for $49. Little ones aged 3+ can try the lucky dip, score a free gift with purchase, and keep an eye out for guest appearances from beloved characters. Stock gets replenished throughout the day, so there’s plenty to browse whether you arrive at opening or pop in after lunch.
Carrick Hillʼs Story Book Trail
Carrick Hill’s Story Book Trail is a self-guided half-kilometre wander through the estate’s picturesque grounds, with themed areas inspired by classics like *Wind in the Willows*, *The Hobbit*, *The Jungle Book* and *The Secret Garden*. Grab a Children’s Activity Pack for a trail guide, map, quiz, nature play handouts and a chocolate frog or bubbles. Free parking, stroller-friendly, no bookings required.
Hahndorf Farm Barn
Just up the freeway in beautiful Hahndorf, this farmyard-meets-wildlife-park lets kids hold, touch and feed animals at their own pace. With plenty to explore, you can easily spend hours here as a family. A perfect school holiday outing, and little ones might just pick up a thing or two about farm life along the way.
South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum has been making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible and fun for more than 150 years. Families can explore together and get hands-on in the Discovery Centre, where kids can check out fossils, frogs and watch the Museum bees head out of their hive to collect honey in the CBD. Open seven days on North Terrace, with holiday programs running throughout the break.
Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia is a brilliant free outing for families, with over 45,000 works spanning contemporary and historical art. Start at the Gallery, held on the first Sunday of each month from 11am to 3pm, is a free family day featuring art activities, tours and live performances themed around current exhibitions. No bookings needed. The on-site cafe and gift store are worth a visit too.
AFL Max
AFL Max is the nation’s first immersive footy skills and entertainment centre, bringing together cutting-edge technology and traditional skills development for players and fans of all ages. Sharpen your kicking, passing and tackling, work up a sweat, or experience the thrill of a live game in the virtual reality zone. All under one gigantic 5,500m² roof at Adelaide Airport.
Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park is just 20 minutes from the city, but it feels like another world. Kids can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, bettongs and Tasmanian devils, many roaming freely in their natural habitat. Pack a picnic, or check out their school holiday programs for guided family experiences. A classic Adelaide day out.
The Big Rocking Horse & Toy Factory
Just 40 minutes from Adelaide, the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha is a classic Hills day out. Kids can watch wooden toys being made in the working Toy Factory, feed animals in the on-site Wildlife Park, and climb Australia’s beloved Big Rocking Horse (certificate included). Pack a picnic or grab a bite on-site.
Captain Jolley’s Paddleboats
Pedal-powered fun on the River Torrens since 1962, Captain Jolley’s Paddleboats are a classic Adelaide experience for good reason. Kids love being in charge of their own little vessel while you take in Elder Park and the city skyline from the water. Pick a sunny day, pack some snacks, and let them burn off energy the old-fashioned way.
Kuitpo Forest walks
Kuitpo Forest offers a peaceful escape with trails suited to different ages and abilities, whether you’re walking, riding or just exploring. Little ones might spot wildlife along the way, and the bushland scenery is worth the drive south. Check the website for trail info before you head out.
Belair National Park
Belair National Park holds the distinction of being South Australia’s first national park, and it’s easy to see why it remains a favourite. Wander the trails on foot, by bike or even on horseback, spot native plants and wildlife, and discover beautiful Aboriginal tree carvings. With picnic spots, tennis courts and cricket pitches scattered through the bushland, you can easily fill a whole day here.
Marshmallow playground
The Marshmallow playground on Glen Osmond Road has had a major facelift and is now bigger and better than ever. You’ll find swings, climbing equipment, slides and an interactive nature and water play area that kids absolutely love. The fully fenced perimeter means little ones can’t wander off, while parents can relax near the BBQ areas or watch older kids kick a footy on the grassy spaces.
Jungle in Willunga
Tucked away on Main Road in Willunga, this beloved nursery has been Adelaide’s go-to tropical plant paradise for over 25 years. While you browse the greenery, kids can explore the jungle walk, spotting exotic creatures along the way (gold coin donation). Stock up on plants, tire out the little ones. Everyone wins.
Wittunga Botanic Gardens
Tucked away in Blackwood, Wittunga Botanic Garden is a hidden gem perfect for a family wander. The tranquil trails wind through Australian and South African plants, with plenty of space for little legs to explore. Pack a picnic, let the kids spot birds and insects, and enjoy some quiet green time without the crowds of the city gardens.
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