Feel free to tell us in the comments below about any we’ve overlooked!

WEST & BEACHES

Semaphore Summer Carnival: December 15 — January 28 (closed Christmas Day).

Amusement rides, games and activities will be available. On December 16 there will be Carols by the Sea. On most Fridays from late afternoon there are also the Sunset Markets. Head down on New Year’s Eve for a fireworks displays at 9.30pm and midnight, and Australia Day, at 9.30pm. Semaphore Foreshore, Esplanade, Semaphore, from 11am, weather permitting. Cost: rides from $6. Details: showamusements.com.au

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 beachside 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, carousel and beautiful historic jetty.

Since Henley Square’s $8.4 million makeover, the spot has been a haven for families, with

water fountain for children to splash around on the beach edge.

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.

There’s the Tennyson Dunes.

25 THINGS ADELAIDE KIDS SHOULD DO BEFORE THEY’RE 12

SA Maritime Museum: The SA Maritime Museum preserves and celebrates the human history of our oceans and rivers with three floors of exhibitions, including a pirates ship the kids will love. Adults $15, Kids $6 or a family pass is $34.50.

126 Lipson St, Port Adelaide, 10am — 5pm

National Railway Museum: Australia’s largest railway museum with over 100 exhibits on display. Adults $12, kids, $6 and family passes are $32.

76 Lipson St, Port Adelaide, 10am — 4.30pm

Alberton Oval: Home of the SANFL Port Adelaide Magpies and AFL’s Port Power. The historic clubrooms welcome members and non-members alike and there’s a great reasonably priced menu in the restaurant. Great spot to watch footy or training — and maybe meets some of your favourite football stars!

Brougham Place, Alberton

Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard: These abandoned wrecks along the Ships’ Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail among the mangroves represent the final destination of vessels that had outlived their usefulness — casualties of technological change, the Great Depression and two world wars. Why not hire a kayak or go on a guided kayak tour with Adventure Kayaking SA to explore the ships, wildlife, mangrove forests and maybe spot a dolphin.

Torrens Island Market: Turn your weekly shop into a family adventure and this beautiful market. Great variety of cheap fresh food and seafood by the water.

31 Moorhouse Rd, Port Adelaide

SA Aviation Museum: Displays aircraft, aircraft engines and rockets of relevance to South Australia, and the history of aviation and the aerospace industry in Australia.

66 Lipson St, Port Adelaide

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.

Adelaide Free 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 (Jan 13, Jan 27 and Feb. 10 and 24).

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.

Jetty fishing: Take some bait, tackle and a rod and throw a line off Henley, Grange, Semaphore, Glenelg or Brighton jetties.

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: Ride or walk the streets of Kilkenny to Woodville Park to see the artwork of professional and emerging artists on stobie polls and walls.

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 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins who tail walk. 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. Or for a small fee, hop on a dolphin cruise and get up close to these amazing animals.

The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is 118sq km, established in 2005, stretches from Port Gawler in the north, to North Haven in the south in the Gulf St Vincent and takes in the Port River, Barker inlet, Torrens and Garden islands and inlets on the Le Fevre Peninsula.

Snake Pit track: Put your fitness to the test at the notorious Snake Pit track between Largs Bay and Taperoo. This 4.8km run is tough going and a great way to test your fitness.

EAST

Norwood on Tour Street Party

January 14

Help build the excitement on The Parade, in lead up to the Santos Tour Down Under — Stage 2 start, by attending this event marked by wine makers, restaurants and bars onto the street to compliment the line-up of music genius on the main stage. Entertainment for the whole family. Details: tourdownunder.com.au

Dunstan Adventure Playground: Give the large slide at this playground a crack. It is not for the faint hearted.

Winchester St, St Peters

ADELAIDE’S BEST PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Unley Museum: Learn about Unley’s past at its museum, which features interactive displays. Closed Friday and Saturday.

80 Edmund Ave, Unley. Details: 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. Kids can climb, touch, feel and jump and it’s dog-friendly! 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.

Starts at the end of Waterfall Gully Rd, Waterfall Gully

25 THINGS ADELAIDE KIDS SHOULD DO BEFORE THEY’RE 12

Cycling along River Torrens Linear Park: The riverside 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.

Details: 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.

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.

Details: haighschocolates.com.au/tours

CITY

SA Museum: Ever seen a giant squid? It’s one of the reasons 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. The biodiversity gallery on level two is all touch screens and film clips and interactive things and it’s FREE. Details: samuseum.sa.gov.au

Moonlight Cinema: Runs in Adelaide from December 8 to February 17 but tickets are on sale now — adults $17, Kids and seniors $12.50 and family passes from $50. Details: moonlight.com.au

Elder Park: 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. The nearby cafe makes a very nice latte and there are plenty of grassy hills to roll down. Or hop on the Popeye. Family passes are $42 for 2 adults and 2 children for a round trip that takes you from Elder Park to the Adelaide Zoo and back. Details: thepopeye.com.au

SA’S BEST BEACHES

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. 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. Yes, there’s pandas, funny little chooks to pet and goats to feed and there’s baby meerkats! Keep costs down by taking your own lunch. Details: zoossa.com.au

Art Gallery: 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. Details: artgallery.sa.gov.au

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.

The excellent Linear Park Trail winds along the River Torrens. Details: walkingsa.org.au

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 breakfast, lunch or dinner from one of the local food stalls. Details: plant4bowden.com.au

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. Details: botanicgardens.sa.gov.au

Splash in the water fountain 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. 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. Details: adelaideparklands.com.au

Marshmallow Park: 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.

Adelaide Free Bikes: These bikes are in about 20 locations around the City and North Adelaide and 7 spots in the suburbs. Click here for more info

NORTH

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park: The 2.88 sqkm nature reserve has everything to satisfy an inquisitive mind, including hiking trails, colonial history sites, and some incredible views.

The Golden Way, Golden Grove.

Santa Storytime: children aged three to five can join in for Campbelltown’s last story time of the year. The free event from 10am to 11.30am on December 10 will take children on a festive journey as they listen to a Christmas themed story.

Campbelltown Library, 171 Montacute Road, Newton

Moonlight Markets in Thorndon Park: This free family event under the stars, takes place on the first Sunday of December, February and March from 6pm to 10pm. With more than 100 craft and fashion stalls, food vendors, music and entertainment there is something for everyone, even a playground for the children. Thorndon Park, Hamilton Terrace, Paradise. Details: campbelltown.sa.gov.au

Magill Sunrise Market: For local early birds, the Magill Sunrise Market is the perfect chance to see all the art, craft and produce the area has to offer. The market is held on the second Sunday of each month from 8am to 12pm and is the perfect place to spend those summer Sunday mornings.

Campbelltown Library Car Park, 171 Montacute Road, Newton. Details: facebook.com/magill-sunrise-markets

ADELAIDE’S BEST PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

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. Details: military-vehicle-museum.org.au

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.

Golden Grove Rd, Ridgehaven. Visit: teatreegully.sa.gov.au/waterworld

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.

25 THINGS ADELAIDE KIDS SHOULD DO BEFORE THEY’RE 12

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. Details: playfordalive.com.au

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.

Details: parks.sa.gov.au

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

Windy Point Lookout: Get panoramic views, sweeping from St Vincent’s Gulf to the Adelaide Hills, at the Belair Rd lookout.

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.

Details: onkaparingacity.com

Head to the beach: 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.

SA’S BEST BEACHES

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.

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

ADELAIDE’S BEST PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

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 …