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School holiday activities in Adelaide for 2021

Budget-friendly things to do that will entertain the little ones throughout the school holiday break.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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There's an endless amount of fun to be had at home and around Adelaide over the school holidays. So we've searched high and low for the best things to do whether you're out and about, at home or on an exciting day trip outside of Adelaide.

Outdoor activities in Adelaide for the school holidays

Pay a visit to Adelaide's top family-friendly attractions

Adelaide Zoo, Mega Adventure Obstacle Park and South Australian Museum are a few examples of great family-friendly tourist attractions that are open during the school holidays.

Digital Adventure Game at the South Australian Museum
Digital Adventure Game at the South Australian Museum

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Have a haunted experience

Do your kids love a good ghost story? Test their wits at some of Adelaide's most haunted and eerie spots, such as Adelaide Gaol. Just don't tell them that it could also be a little educational.

Get up close and personal with the wildlife

Within driving distance from Adelaide CBD is Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Open Range Zoo and Cleland Wildlife Park, all of which offer close encounters with animals big and small.

Take a trip to the park

Adelaide is surrounded by green spaces, quite literally. So book the family, and a few mates if they like, in for a cycle, skateboard or scooter ride around the greenest spots. You could even take your two wheels over to Mount Lofty for a bigger day out.

Climb the Adelaide Oval roof

Climbing the Adelaide Oval roof is a must-do, and the school holidays provide the perfect opportunity to do it. The 360-degree views of Adelaide and beyond during the climb create an exhilarating experience that will likely be the highlight of the holidays for your kids.

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a flight simulator experience

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be in control of a plane? Jump into the pilot's seat and choose from thousands of airports for your flight simulator adventure.

At-home activities in Adelaide for the school holidays

Join a virtual workshop

Spending a day indoors? Keep restless kids entertained by joining an online workshop where they can learn a new skill. Choose from private lessons and group workshops, many of which are pre-recorded so you can watch them whenever it works best for you.

Online Private Roblox Game Lesson for Kids
Online Private Roblox Game Lesson for Kids

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Get crafty at home

Set the table up with all manner of arts and crafts materials and let the kids' imaginations flourish. To give them some direction, there are plenty of online workshops you can join as well.

Grab the popcorn and have a movie marathon

Stuck at home and in search of something to keep the kids busy? How about a movie marathon? Netflix, Disney+ and BINGE all have a massive range of kid-friendly titles that you can put on at any time.

Have a family games night

Clear the kitchen table or even the lounge room floor and pick out one of their (or your) favourite board games, jigsaw puzzles or card games. This one's great for a cosy night in or to wind down before bedtime.

Cook up a storm in the kitchen

From kneading dough for pizza to mixing and licking cupcake batter, turn the kids into mini chefs for a meal or two with a kid-friendly cookbook or a pre-mixed batter. Get them involved by letting them pick out what they'd like to make.

Break out the gaming console

When the kids are at home this can be a saviour. Treat them to that new game they've been asking for all term long or pick out a family-friendly one that they can play with their siblings or with you.

Go camping under the stars

You don't have to go far to have a camping adventure. In fact, you can pitch a tent right in your own backyard. Tight on space? Teepees, small tents and DIY forts are ideal for indoor areas. Add some snacks, books, torches and pillows and you're all set.

Road trips you can take from Adelaide

There's so much of South Australia to see, and the school holidays are the perfect time to explore. For more inspiration, see our guide for epic South Australia road trips.

Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf

Distance from Adelaide: 45 minutes by car or bus.

Adelaide's closest wine region is also a haven for little ones who love to explore. Wander the townships and meet the locals, have lunch surrounded by vineyards or pop by Hahndorf on the way home to introduce the kids to German culture.

Abseiling In The Adelaide Hills - Half Day
Abseiling In The Adelaide Hills - Half Day

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Kangaroo Island

Distance from Adelaide: 1.5 hours by car and 45 minutes by ferry.

That famous speck in the ocean off the coast of South Australia needs no introduction. Get the kids away from the screen and surround them with natural beauty. Choose from hiking, cycling, kayaking, quad biking or more outdoor adventures on the island.

Double Kayak Hire Along Harriet River - For 2
Double Kayak Hire Along Harriet River - For 2

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Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery Day Tour from Adelaide
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery Day Tour from Adelaide

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The Murray River

Distance from Adelaide: 1.5 hours by car to Murray Mouth Lookout.

The Murray River is Australia's longest river and it tails off into the ocean in South Australia at Murray River Mouth. Fill the kids with a sense of wonder by sailing this iconic waterway. Or, for the more adventurous, go rafting down the Mitta Mitta in Alpine National Park.

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Free activities for the school holidays in Adelaide

  • Glenelg Beach: Weather permitting, head to the beach for a splash and embark on a shell safari.
  • The Jam Factory: Take the kids to see the artists at The Jam Factory and catch one of the glass-blowing artists in action.
  • Morialta Conservation Park: Just a short 10km from the CBD, spend a day witnessing crashing waterfalls, wandering numerous walking trails and encountering the native wildlife.
  • Adelaide Botanical Gardens: Free guided tours take place at Adelaide's three botanical gardens throughout the holidays. This is a good option for older children and wannabe explorers.
  • South Australian Museum: Programs and activities for kids are on year-round at the South Australian Museum. Over the school holidays, kids can participate in events and workshops while you roam the museum.

Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays

Summer school holiday programs in Adelaide

Junior Engineers. Various dates throughout January. These workshops allow your kids to dive into the world of coding, game development and app development with face-to-face or online workshops.

South Coast Adventure Camp. 5 - 7 January. The ultimate summer camp that will keep your kids busy with water adventures and camp activities.

ICA Sportzworx Stepney School Holiday Clinic. 15 December - 25 January. Keep your kids busy and active during the school holidays with an indoor sports clinic. You can choose to send your kids for one day or multiple days throughout December and January.

Frequently asked questions about Adelaide school holidays

What should I keep in mind with COVID-19 when going out during the school holidays?

When planning your family's school holiday activities, remember to maintain good hygiene and social distancing. If you're planning to visit an attraction in an enclosed space, it's best to book in advance so you don't miss out.

Are all attractions in Adelaide open?

Favourites including Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park and South Australian Museum are open during the school holidays.

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