Mum tested experiences updated for 2026 holidays.
Finding the best school holiday activities in Adelaide takes time – especially when parents already have a never-ending list of things to organise. As parents ourselves, we understand that constantly coming up with affordable, age-appropriate school holiday ideas can feel like another job. That’s why we’ve brought the options together in one practical guide, so you can spend less time searching and simply choose the activities that suit your children, budget and available time.
Adelaide is particularly good at helping families explore South Australia’s natural environment, culture and history. For the September school holidays, families can choose from beautiful gardens, iconic museums, outdoor adventures, creative workshops and special programs presented by established Adelaide attractions and activity providers. We gather the relevant event information, consider which ages each activity is likely to suit and link to organisers wherever possible so parents can check the latest details before booking.
Of course, school holiday fun doesn’t have to mean leaving the house every day – or spending a fortune. We’ve also included stay-at-home activities for quieter days, unpredictable weather or those moments when getting everyone out the door simply feels too difficult.
Event details, availability and opening times can change, so always check directly with the organiser and take a look at the latest Adelaide weather forecast before setting out.
Our complete guide to the September school holidays in Adelaide includes a carefully selected mix of indoor, outdoor, free and paid activities for children of different ages—making it much easier to plan a spring school holiday your family will genuinely enjoy.
If you are looking for school holiday programs in Adelaide where you can leave your kids to be looked after while you work or take care of other responsibilities, then we have that covered too. If you are looking for school holiday ideas for teenagers in Adelaide, we can help!
State schools finish on Friday 25 September 2026 and return to class on Monday 12 October 2026.
Spring school holidays in South Australia are Saturday 26 September – Sunday 11 October.
Fun things to do in Adelaide school holidays
We have broken our list of Adelaide school holiday activities into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do in Adelaide school holidays
- 10 BIG days out in Adelaide these Spring school holidays
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities this September
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 5 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Adelaide these school holidays
- Fun activities in Adelaide at night for kids
- Adelaide kids holiday ideas
As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements and timings.
10 BIG days out in Adelaide these Spring school holidays
These activities are sure to leave an impression these September school holidays and will have them bragging to their friends when they get back to school.
Rock Climbing and Abseiling Adventure
Experience an unforgettable rock climbing and abseiling adventure in Adelaide’s beautiful Morialta Conservation Park. Test your strength on impressive natural cliffs, explore dramatic rock faces and gorges, and enjoy spectacular views across the city and St Vincent Gulf, all under the guidance of highly qualified instructors.
Find your tickets to this rock climbing adventure here.
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second oldest zoo and has more than 1800 animals. A must see are the giant pandas, Australia’s only breeding pandas! You can also see lions, tigers, orangutans and much much more.
Click here to find out more about Adelaide Zoo.
Tree Climb Adelaide
Get outside and go climbing at this aerial playground. Conveniently located in the CBD the kids course has varying levels of difficulty meaning you can find something for everyone. There is even an adults course for the big kids!
Monarto Safari Park
Located just outside of Adelaide, the Monarto Safari Park has a huge range of exotic animals located in an open plan environment. Set off on an African safari and see incredible creatures from the comfort and safety of a safari vehicle. This is definitely a unique experience not to be missed.
Read more about this park here.
Seal Island
Get up close to nature and visit Seal Island, also known as Seal Rock. From the comfort of your boat you can see sea lions and fur seals lounging in the sun.
Adelaide Oval
The Adelaide Oval is home to cricket, music and AFL and is must see for sporting fans. Kids can imagine running onto the ground at full capacity and go behind the scenes to see where their favourite sporting fans get ready.
Read more about this iconic stadium here.
If you fancy something more daring, you can do the roof tour!
Mega Adventure Park
This park is one for the thrill seekers. Climb, swing or skywalk your way through this adventure playground. Climb the mega structure and navigate the obstacles or swing through the air 18m above the ground.
Waterworld Aquatic Centre
This fun filled waterpark caters for all family members. Toddlers will love the splash pool with slides and sprinklers, and parents will love that it is only 15cm deep and shaded! For the bigger kids, send them down the 77m (yes you read that correctly!) SupaJet or watch them race on the racing slides.
Find all you need to know here.
Cirkidz
Have the kids always wanted to run away to the circus? Now you can let them! Join a Cirkidz program these school holidays and they can learn how to flip, fly, balance plates or tumble. This fun and energetic activity is a must for these school holidays.
Hahndorf’s Farm Barn
These holidays let the kids experience the magic of spending time with animals at Hahndorf’s Farm Barn. This interactive experience allows kids to milk a cow, hold baby animals and hold baby chicks and rabbits. Learn how a real farm works and watch a farm show throughout the day.
Woodhouse Activity Centre
Check out the range of activities happening at Woodhouse Activity Centre all year round, including their school holiday programs. Specialising in ‘adventure therapy’ kids can challenge themselves on the obstacle course, find their way out of a maze, go orienteering and much much more.
Click here to find out about what’s happening.
If you are looking for even more things to do around Adelaide, we love this list of 100 Adelaide experiences. Check it out for even more ideas!
10 fun cheap school holiday activities this September
While not everything in life is free, these activities won’t break the bank. These low cost activities are great options the upcoming school holiday in Adelaide.
West Beach Mini Golf
Who doesn’t love beating their family at a game of mini golf! This nautical themed park will give you close encounters with a crocodile, shark, pirate and whale while navigating this course. Families tip: For those that don’t want to play, there is an undercover area where you can sit to watch the rest of the family fight it out.
Take a look at the website here.
South Australian Aviation Museum
This is for the kids that want to take to the air one day. Sit in the pilot’s seat with a cockpit tour of some classic aircraft like an F-111, jet or transport vehicle. With special events happening all year, be sure to find out what is on these holidays.
Find out what’s happening this school holidays here.
Bounce Inc.
Bounce, climb, skate or play the day away! This action packed activity centre has something for kids of all ages and abilities. Grab a group of friends and have a blast at this giant arial playground.
South Australian Maritime Museum
Situated in Port Adelaide this maritime museum allows kids to explore what life was like on the high seas. Climb aboard a sailboat or sea what a bedroom on a boat really looks like.
Read more about the museum here.
Funtopia
At Funtopia you can enjoy indoor rock climbing or an adventure playground. With different zones for different ages (including a toddler world) it is a perfect family destination. A fun-believable day out!
National Railway Museum
This is a museum for all the train enthusiasts out there or for those who just love a train ride. In additional to the range of trains on display, you can enjoy a train ride along the coast, included in your ticket price. Make sure to check out the events that happen all year round as well.
Insiders tip: Check out their website to download kids activities beforehand to get them excited.
10 fun free school holiday activities
As the old saying goes, the best things in life are free, so why not do them in Adelaide! These activities will have the school holidays flying by and you won’t have to spend a dime.
Adelaide Central Market
The Adelaide Central Market is a feast for the senses and at over 150 years old and holds the best of what Adelaide has to offer. Wander through this expansive market that showcases fresh and local produce.
Families tip: Be sure to check out their free Market Minis program for kids.
If you are a foodie, just hop on board with one of their tours (not free!)
South Australian Museum
This natural history museum is a place for families to learn and have fun. Families can visit the discovery centre to get all their questions answered and kids will love the collection of fossils on display. It has an ever changing calendar of events so be sure to add it to your list these holidays.
Wilfred Taylor Reserve
This expansive space will keep all members of the family (including the pets!) busy for the day. Bring along a picnic and soak up the atmosphere while the kids enjoy the nature based playground and the dogs enjoy the dog obstacle course. Families tip: On the second and fourth Sunday of the month there are train rides for a minimal charge.
Find out more about the park here.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Beautiful gardens and architecture greet you as you wander through these gardens. Spend some time in the visitor centre learning about the plants or take a guided (or self-guided walk) and catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that calls these gardens home. Families tip: Catch the free tram to the gardens to add to the excitement.
Click here to read about the botanical gardens.
SA Police Road Safety Centre
What better way to teach kids to ride a bike and learn about road safety than to visit the Road Safety Centre. The SA Police have done a great job setting up a mock roadway which includes traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing. Bring your bike and helmet and spend a few hours riding around.
Glenelg Foreshore Playground
This epic playground is beside the beach, has awesome equipment AND a waterplay area. Kids will love climbing, splashing and sliding and when they are tired of that, they can run on the beach. Families tip: Bring a change of clothes for after the wet and sandy play, then grab dinner at a café nearby.
Check out Glenelg Playground for more information.
Morialta Conservation Park
This stunning park is home to waterfalls, walking tracks and one of Adelaide’s biggest playgrounds. Take the day to explore this beautiful part of the world by foot or bike and the kids will be sure to come home with stories to tell.
St Kilda Adventure Playground
This epic playground is one to take the kids to when you need to tire them out. With a castle built into a hill (complete with a drawbridge), slides, flying fox and plenty of open space to run around in it is easy to spend a bit of time here.
Read up on the playground here.
Playford Town Skate Park
If you prefer to have fun on wheels, then head to Playford Town and check out the skate park. There is plenty of room for kids to skate (half pipe anyone?) or bike around and show off their skills. Located in the same area is an adventure playground and waterplay area for those not so keen on skating.
Warrapinga Wetlands
Warrapinga wetlands is a greenspace that has a series of ponds designed to encourage wildlife to the area. It is the perfect spot to watch birdlife or bring a picnic. The wetlands are also home to Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, which interprets Kaurna culture and heritage.
Families tip: Bring the bikes so you can ride around the bike tracks.
Find out about the wetlands here.
5 things to do at home these school holidays
When you just can’t leave the house, these stay at home activities will be crowd pleasers with the kids. Sometimes the best memories are made in your own home.
Go on a treasure hunt
Make a list of things you can easily find in your backyard and send the kids out to find them. Make it even more interesting by getting them to draw some things as well.
Build a cubby house with sheets
Building a cubby never gets old. Grab some sheets, towels and their favourite toys and make a cubby under the kitchen table.
Put on a show
Give the kids a theme and ask them to put on a show. Let them raid your wardrobe for costumes. You might be amazed with what they perform.
Plant a veggie garden
Getting kids outside is always a great idea. Grab some seeds from your local nursery or hardware store and start a veggie patch. It is a great way for kids to interact with nature and see where food comes from.
Make your own jigsaw puzzle
Ask you kids to do a drawing and then cut it into shapes. Watch them enjoy trying to put it all back together again. Tip: Glue the picture onto cardboard first to give it a solid backing before cutting it out.
Theatres with kids shows on in Adelaide these school holidays
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
If you are looking for a top venue for entertainment these school holidays, you can’t go past the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. With family entertainment programs these holidays, make sure you take some time out to see a show.
Marion Cultural Centre
The Marion Cultural Centre has kids covered when it comes to entertainment these holidays. The lineup includes music, comedy, and magic so you will find a show that everyone loves. Spots fill up fast so make sure to get in quick.
Patch Theatre
Patch Theatre specialises in theatre specifically for kids and families. With shows to inspire and ignite little imaginations, Patch will leave the kids wanting more.
Read about the Patch show’s for these holidays.
Fun activities in Adelaide at night for kids
We have a whole article dedicated to things to do in Adelaide at night have have listed 30 of our favourite things you can do with kids over the school holidays at night, so do check that out too!
Adelaide kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in South Australia, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Adelaide days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Adelaide holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!
I love the idea of doing something fun during the school holidays in Adelaide! There are so many things to do here, and I’m sure everyone would have a great time.