Budget-friendly ideas for families and friends in Adelaide
LOOKING for inexpensive or free ideas to get out and have fun in Adelaide? We’ve got you covered.
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LOOKING for inexpensive or free ideas to get out and have fun in Adelaide? We’ve got you covered.
Feel free to tell us in the comments below about any we’ve overlooked!
WEST & BEACHES
River Torrens Linear Park Trail: Walk or ride along the riverside trail from the city to the sea. Stop for lunch at Apex Park or Breakout Creek Wetlands along the way.
A day at the beach: Henley Square, Glenelg, West Beach, Semaphore . . . the list goes on! South Australia has so many beautiful beach-side spots for families, with grassed areas and easy beach access if you fancy a dip on a hot summer day. Semaphore also boasts a water park and carousel.
Since Henley Square’s $8.4 million makeover, the spot has been a haven for families.
The Square itself boasts a water fountain for children to splash around on the beach edge.
CHECK OUT OUR BEST BEACHES GUIDE HERE
Or why not throw a packed lunch in your beach bag and head down to the Esplanade at Glenelg for the afternoon. You can while away the afternoon relaxing with a book or building sandcastles with the kids and then watching the sun go down over the horizon.
Visit the Tennyson Dunes
Or take a stroll along the historic Semaphore jetty and enjoy the beautiful white beach.
Geocaching: Anyone with a smartphone can download a geocaching App — start with the free Geocaching Intro App to see how you like it — which will give you clues to nearby caches.
Marion Coastal Walking Trail: Take a trek running through rugged cliffs, hidden coves and unique rocky coastline in this 7km section of Coast Park from Marino to Hallett Cove, ending at Headland Reserve.
Fisherman’s Wharf Markets and Hart’s Mill Playground: Head to the Port on a sunny Sunday or Public Holiday where you will find a bustling marketplace for the parents to explore while the kids play at the revamped Hart’s Mill Playground. Enjoy the atmosphere of this historic precinct along with some traditional fish and chips for lunch.
Marion Village walk
Download a brochure on Marion Council’s self-guided heritage walk in the area around Finniss St. The 2km walk takes about one hour. Highlights include St Ann’s Chapel, the Marion Inn and Hersey Farmhouse.
Adelaide City Bikes
Head to the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club, where you can hire a bike, helmet and lock for free. Cycle up to the River Torrens Linear Park or along the coastline, taking in the views. Corner Seaview and West Beach roads, West Beach. These bikes are in about 20 locations around the City and North Adelaide and 7 spots in the suburbs. Click here for more info
Brighton Sunday Market
Roll up to the market, held at Brighton Secondary on the second and fourth week of every month. Funds raised are used to support Brighton Secondary School student activities, including the Special Interest Music program. The next one is due to be held on January 14.
brightonsundaymarket.org, 305 Brighton Rd, North Brighton
Adelaide Airport trails
If you’re in the mood to get some fresh air, there’s a good network of walking and cycling trails around the airport. You can watch the planes come in, check out the birdlife in wetlands at Netley and have fun on the nearby flying fox at Baroda Ave Reserve.
Baroda Ave, Netley
Fishing off Henley and Grange jetties
Take some bait, tackle and a rod and throw a line off one of these two western suburbs jetties that are good for fishing.
Go for a bike ride along the Coast Park
The North Haven to Sellicks Beach path runs right along Adelaide’s stunning coastline.
Jump onto the trail and discover the beauties of Largs Bay, Semaphore, Grange, Henley and West Beach. Spend the day exploring and stop for a bite to eat or a swim.
There are plans to extend Coast Parkthe entire 70km of coastline from North Haven to Sellicks Beach by 2020.
Kilkenny Gorilla Art
Take a tour of this suburb’s painted Stobie poles. Community group Kilkenny Gorilla Art have turned 129 poles – one in three in the suburb – into works of art.
Dolphin spotting
Go dolphin-spotting on the Port River. Port Adelaide is the only city in the world that is home to a pod of wild dolphins. There are more than 30 dolphins in the river that can frequently be seen from Dock One or McLaren Wharf in the heart of the Port. Or go for a short drive on the Port Expressway and take a trip to Garden Island – while you’re there have a picnic on the reserve.
If you’re looking to get closer to the friendly mammals, take a canoe or kayak trip down the river – make sure to check out the ship’s graveyard while you’re there.
Outer Harbour
Make sure your camera is handy when at Outer Harbor’s Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal. Some of the world’s most impressive cruise liners have stopped here this year, including the third-largest, Ovation of the Seas.
Snake Pit track
Put your fitness to the test at the notorious Snake Pit track in Taperoo.
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EAST
Dunstan Adventure Playground: Give the large slide at this playground a crack. It is not for the faint hearted.
Winchester St, St Peters
Unley Museum
Learn about Unley’s past at its museum, which features interactive displays. Closed Friday and Saturday.
80 Edmund Ave, Unley. 8372 5117
Pepper Street Arts Centre
Go along to monthly art exhibitions, talks and demonstrations to tap in to your inner artist.
558 Magill Rd, Magill, burnside.sa.gov.au
Children’s Storybook Trail, Carrick Hill: The Children’s Storybook Trail at Carrick Hill takes families on a journey through 12 different tales to allow children to explore and discover the outside world. Director Richard Heathcote says the trail uses classic stories to inspire children’s imaginations. “The whole trail is interactive and they can climb, touch, feel or jump,” Mr Heathcote says. “It’s about a chance to explore in a safe environment in the bush in Adelaide’s most dramatic historic hillside and families can enjoy it all for free. You can even bring the family dog on a lead to join in on the day.” Highlights on the walk include Frog on a Log based on the book The Water Hole, by Graeme Base, and includes nine 50cm-tall frog statues. There’s a Hobbit house, fairy house and scenes from The Jungle Book and Charlotte’s Web.
46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield
Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit trail: The Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit trail is hard yakka, but great fun for trekkers with a sense of adventure. It is common to see babies and toddlers strapped to their parent’s back as well as walkers or all ages and fitness levels who enjoy the views at the top, which span as far west as Glenelg and north as Parafield Airport. Regular users of the summit track always come across families soaking up nature and taking on the challenge.
Starts at the end of Waterfall Gully Rd, Waterfall Gully
Cycling along River Torrens Linear Park: Tear the kids away from their screens, dust off their bicycles and head to Linear Park. The river-side trail is a perfect way for active families to enjoy a fun day out. It winds from the hills at Athelstone, skirting along the CBD and, if you’re game and the kids are not out of puff, you can head all the way to West Beach.
Just remember to leave enough power in the legs to get you home!
The Flavours of Campbelltown Food Trail: Taste offerings from more than 20 food producers with a free, self-guided tour.
campbelltown.sa.gov.au
Haigh’s Chocolate Tour: The Visitor Centre is located on the edge of Adelaide’s parklands just a short drive south of the city centre at 154 Greenhill Road, Parkside, South Australia.
Tours operate Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm, Saturday between 10.00am and 1.30pm. All attendees are offered a complimentary tea or coffee to accompany decadent chocolate samples. Tours are free.
haighschocolates.com.au/tours
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CITY
SA Museum: Giant squids are the reason I don’t swim in the ocean. They’re also the reason most kids lose their little minds at the SA Museum; there’s an 11 metre long model of one here. Based on the largest squid ever recorded (it’s OK, it was off NZ waters), it’s displayed in an old lift shaft and goes over FOUR floors. Honestly, the museum is so awesome, full of creepy animals and weird information and bones. So many bones.
The biodiversity gallery on level two is all touch screens and film clips and interactive things and it’s FREE. FREE I TELL YOU. There are a million things to see and all the time, that squid just hangs in the elevator shaft. Watching you. Probably waiting for the next time you are in the ocean and letting its other squid friends know.
Elder Park: They should rename it postcard park because almost every image of Adelaide includes this place. With the rotunda, paddleboats and Popeye, what’s not to love? You can’t beat it for access – the train station is right there – and its water views make for very nice duck watching.
Paddleboats are $20 for 20 minutes (up to 2 people per boat) however there is also room for 2 kiddies to come along at just an extra $5 per boat (pricing current as at October 2017). The nearby cafe makes a very nice latte and there are plenty of grassy hills to roll down.
With steps, ramps and a fountain, we salute you, Mr Elder. Your park is very fine.
Adelaide Zoo: Yes, a family ticket is $85 (2 Adults and 2-3 children) but that’s what you’d pay for an AFL game and those lions and tigers aren’t even real. This full day out is well worth saving up for. There’s so much to see and do, you can relax on the lawns, watch the hippos have a snack, listen to one of the many keeper talks throughout the day or just wander among it and look. Yes, there’s pandas, and orang-utans to admire from afar, but there are also funny little chooks to pet and goats to feed and there’s baby meerkats!
Keep it affordable by taking your own lunch, and take some change for a Golden North Ice Cream.
Art Gallery: Whoever is in charge of this children’s program is all over it like Pro Hart on a white carpet. The first Sunday of every month from 11am to 3pm is START – a great intro to art for children (Aged 3-12) and families, including activities, tours, live performance and entertainment. Then there are the Sunday storytelling sessions in the Gallery shop, with books read aloud. And The Studio is a free activity space for families and art lovers of all ages where you can make hands-on arty things, any day of the week. All in one of our most beautiful buildings. All free.
River Torrens Linear Trail
Get active along the river, by foot or bike. Running from Paradise all the way to Henley Beach, the trail cuts a scenic path through the city – there’s ducks to feed, playgrounds to explore, trees to sit under, and it’s safe for adults and kids alike.
Plant 4 Bowden markets
The markets – held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays – have yummy produce, music (either acoustic or DJs on Friday night) a kids’ zone and loads more. Grab a sunny spot and some dinner from one of the local food stalls.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Whether you’re keen for a walk, an ice cream by the lake, or to sit by the beautiful Palm House with a book, the botanic garden is primo relaxation fodder, no matter the time of year. Exit the northern gates across Plane Tree Drive to let the kids climb the roots of the Moreton Bay figs.
Splash in the water feature at Victoria Square
One of the most popular spots in the city on a hot summer day, the water feature at Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga is a magnet for kids wanting to run and splash and play. Lots of grass to sit on – bring a picnic.
Marshmallow Park: Aside from having one of the cutest names around, Marshmallow Park boasts some pretty awesome equipment such as a climbing wall and the challenging blue stepping pads. It’s located between South Tce and Hutt Rd.
Adelaide Parklands Kids Day Out itineraries: Choose your own adventure with these six itineraries available for download at adelaideparklands.com.au/things-to-do/kids-day-out. These guides help families navigate the parklands through different themes, such as the Playground Hop or Majestic Garden Escape.
Victoria Square: It’s like someone at council said “let’s just make this into a giant backyard”. Some days there is totem tennis spiked into the grass, some days there are four-square outlines on the pavers for you to work your way from dunce to king. From chess, to movies, to a giant box filled with sporting equipment for anyone to use, it’s the best backyard ever. There’s heaps of paving for scooters to scoot, heaps of grass to kick a ball, seating to watch it all happen, and then, once you get peckish, yum cha is just a stone’s throw away on Gouger. All that’s missing is the Hills Hoist.
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NORTH
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park: The 2.88 sq km nature reserve has everything to satisfy an inquisitive mind, including hiking trails, colonial history sites, and some incredible views. The Golden Way, Golden Grove
National Military Vehicle Museum: Showcasing some of the oldest militaria, including cars, trucks, tanks, a hovercraft, uniforms, models, radio equipment and artillery. The museum is open Sundays from 10am-4pm. Entry is $10 per adult and $5 for children aged 5-14.
10 Sturton Rd, Edinburgh
Mobara Park: Learn about another culture through plants and landscapes. There is also a kick and catch area, beach volleyball, tennis courts, and plenty areas for picnics.
Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Waterworld Aquatic Centre: Waterworld is the perfect place to escape the summer heat with multiple pools, a curly slide and water racing slippery dips. It’s $8.50 for adults, $7 for kids and under 2s get in free.
Visit teatreegully.sa.gov.au/waterworld. Golden Grove Rd, Ridgehaven
Penfield Park Railway: All aboard the train express! Take the whole family along to the miniature railway and enjoy a ride on the train as it leaves the station and makes its way along a 1.9km track. The park also boasts the largest garden railway layout in Adelaide.
It’s open on the last Sunday of every month from 12-4.30pm and, for unlimited rides, it costs $8 a person or $30 for a family.
Woomera Avenue, Edinburgh.
Wizbang Family Fun Centre: Wizbang offers family fun for people aged five to 99, so take your grandparents along and have a go at glow in the dark mini golf. You heard right! It’s carnival themed and glows in the dark. If you’re feeling a little more active, have a go at jungle laser skirmish. The centre also has some great deals to do both activities, so plan an afternoon and head down. Mini golf costs $7 and laser skirmish costs $8.
108 Tolley St, St Agnes
Aquadome: Take advantage of the spring weather and head down to the local swimming pool. For those who are daring try the giant indoor waterslide. Parents, if you want to try something a little bit more low key there’s a sauna and spa room. Children will be kept entertained for hours at the beach entry pool. Prices start from $5.30 for a child and $6.70 for an adult.
1 Crockerton Rd, Elizabeth
Mountain biking at Cobbler Creek Recreation Park: Cobbler Creek is home to a series of mountain bike trails that suit everyone from beginners to more serious riders intent on tackling the terrain.
Details: mtbtails.com/cobbler-creek-trails
Little Para Walking Trail: Whether you are jumping on the bike or taking the dog for a walk, the Little Para Walking Trail is the ideal location to relax on weekends.
Check out walking.sa.org.au for maps
Walk around Sir Douglas Mawson Lake
It’s about 2km around Sir Douglas Mawson Lake – a good distance for a stroll, brisk walk, jog or run.
Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Unity Park
Pooraka’s Unity Park on South Tce boasts a BMX trail as well as a small fitness loop with basic equipment for a quick workout.
South Tce, Pooraka
Cool off at Playford Alive Town Park
Looking for a place to cool off during the heat of summer? Look no further than the splash play area at Playford Alive Town Park. With two playgrounds, a skate park and barbecue facilities all in the one spot, the splash play area is an ideal place to spend time with family and friends.
playfordalive.com.au/explore-playford-alive/playford-alive-town-park
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SOUTH
Onkaparinga River National Park
Slip on your hiking boots and pack a picnic lunch – this national park offers endless walking trails with breathtaking views to explore. From the heritage-listed huts that were built in the 1880s on the Echidna Trail to the new Punchbowl Lookout with views of the Onkaparinga Gorge, this park is packed with attractions to make visiting a must. For a different perspective, kayak along the Onkaparinga River from Old Noarlunga to Port Noarlunga. There are barbecues and shelters along the way to stop for lunch. The park is open 24 hours a day and is closed only during extreme fire danger periods.
Wittunga Botanic Garden
Take a free guided walk and find out how plants in the park were named. The tours are on every Tuesday at 10.30am.
Shepherds Hill Rd, Blackwood
Lynton-Belair Urban Trail
Enjoy the summer sun and ride a bike along the Lynton-Belair Urban Trail.
Between High St, Belair, and Beagle Tce, Lynton
Kuoni Creative Hub
Look at the work of local artists at one of the many exhibitions the creative hub hosts each year.
212 Main Rd, Blackwood
Windy Point Lookout
Get panoramic views, sweeping from St Vincent’s Gulf to the Adelaide Hills, at the Belair Rd lookout.
Belair Rd
Coast to Vines trail
This 35km trail follows an old railway corridor, from Marino Rocks to Willunga. There are shelters and seats to rest along the way, to take in the picturesque scenery. The stretch of the trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga is known as the Shiraz Trail, and is a 14km return trip, taking in wineries and vineyards.
Southern beaches
The south is well known for its white sandy beaches with bright blue waters. Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga are among the most popular coastal spots, and both offer great seaside dining options. Port Noarlunga Reef is one of the best places in SA to go snorkelling and diving, and is perfect for all abilities. Port Willunga is also a popular site for snorkellers and divers because of the shipwrecks, including the 1888 Star of Greece, which can be seen on the beach at low-tide.
CHECK OUR OUR BEST BEACHES LIST HERE
Thalassa Park - Storybook Walk
This is a hidden gem in the heart of the south. The Aberfoyle Park reserve has a range of sculptures that represent a different children’s story. From well-known tales like Possum Magic and The Magic Pudding to lesser known stories like Bottersnikes and Gumbles, there is an artwork bound to get every child thinking. Follow the short walk through the Windebanks Rd park to learn all about the books and the artists behind sculptures.
Cinema in the Park
Windebanks Rd, Aberfoyle Park
The Maxwell Maze: The Maxwell Maze, planted in 1990, is a conifer pine tree maze on the Maxwell Wines vineyard property, which if you’re clever takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The maze is still growing and the owners’ ask that visitors check with cellar door staff on the current condition of the maze before entering.
Maxwell Wines, corner of Olivers and Chalk Hill roads, McLaren Vale
LOOKING FOR A PARK OR PLAYGROUND INSTEAD? HERE’S OUR LIST OF ADELAIDE’S BEST
What did we miss? Share with us your ideas for a great free or budget-friendly day out in the comments below and we’ll add it to the list . . .
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