South Australia’s Best Adventure Parks For Kids

South Australia’s breathtaking coastline, wildlife-teeming national parks and famed wine regions are lavished with praise. But did you know SA punches above its weight in adventure parks and centres for kids too?

SA zoo

South Australia’s breathtaking coastline, wildlife-teeming national parks and famed wine regions are lavished with praise. But did you know SA punches above its weight in adventure parks and centres for kids too?

Whether you’re after wild water action, safari-style excitement or classic playgrounds with modern twists, these 10 adventure hubs have you covered.

Waterpark at Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney, Barmera

If days spent kayaking, swimming and houseboating still don’t cut it, you’ll be pleased to know Discovery Parks have built a 500 square metre waterpark in the Riverland (opening December 2017). Featuring three slides, giant tipping bucket, water cannons and spray zones, the waterpark’s themed to reflect the Murray’s beauty and the region’s citrus growers. Even better – it’ll be illuminated after-hours, so don’t stress about getting the kids to sleep. The popular Monash Adventure Park is only 10 minutes away too.

Mega Adventure Park, West Beach

Driving past the towering Mega Adventure Park, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a gargantuan electricity station. But on closer inspection you’ll discover an incredible system of platforms, cables and steps, allowing harnessed visitors to tackle up to 70 fun aerial challenges, including a gut-churning 20-metre freefall simulator. If low-key’s more your style, you can climb 83 steps to the viewing platform, offering scenic 360-degree vistas of the coast, city and burbs.

Morialta Conservation Park adventure playground (Mukanthi)

You won’t find yellow plastic slides and generic swings here. This sprawling 200-metre nature play wonderland features five themed areas to explore, with each incorporating gorgeous natural materials such as salvaged native timber and climbing boulders, and Aboriginal art. If the massive structures look daunting, well, they’re supposed to. The playground was designed for children to challenge themselves and take risks, so don’t be alarmed when they go tearing up Eagle’s Perch or getting lost in the maze-like Great Snake!

The Beachouse, Glenelg

Occupying the former site of SA’s most lovable eyesore (R.I.P. Magic Mountain), The Beachouse packs many of the same epic activities, only without the tacky brown exterior. Kids can choose from a suite of childhood staples, including waterslides, dodgem cars, bumper boats, mini golf, arcade games, a play castle and a carousel, all a stone’s throw from one of the state’s most iconic beaches and shopping strips. Jump on a nearby Temptation Sailing tour to meet dolphins in the gulf.

St Kilda Adventure Playground

A rite of passage for SA school students on excursions, St Kilda’s Adventure Playground got a facelift in 2016, which made its huge signature slides and other features even more exhilarating. Kids can explore an impressive castle, wooden fort, marooned pirate ship by the water’s edge, flying fox, super-sized swings and a yellow submarine. Pair your visit with an amble along the St Kilda Mangrove Trail, where you’ll learn about the region’s abundant marine life along two kilometres of picturesque boardwalk.

Jubilee Park Adventure Playground, Port Noarlunga

You can’t miss this place when driving along the Mid Coast – the giant giraffe overlooking traffic is a dead giveaway. Featuring an expansive and charming wooden fort and ship area, and a more recently constructed section with nature play elements, Jubilee Park’s also a primo picnic spot, with tables, shelters, BBQs, toilets and big grassy areas to boot. Make a day of it with the idyllic Onkaparinga River Recreation Park next door, which begs to be kayaked, cycled or bushwalked.

SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Oaklands Park

SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre’s a must-do for waterslide junkies. It features two thrilling slides, which are among Australia’s fastest. There’s the Space Bowl, a 75-metre twisting journey that culminates in you shooting around a dizzying bowl, and the Aqua Tube, which sends intrepid riders down a dark hurtling tunnel, flashing with rainbow light. The Splash Park, featuring mellower slides and a giant bucket drenching anyone in its path, is suitable for under-10s.

Semaphore Waterslide Complex

Semaphore Waterslide Complex offers a range of fun family activities, and it’s blessed with plenty of neighbouring attractions such as the Semaphore Carousel, jetty and skate park (and bountiful coffee spots). The 70-metre slide is tops, but there’s also a Ferris wheel, mini golf, jumping castle and sideshows, so there’s something for even the fussiest of kids. Port Adelaide’s award-winning Hart’s Mill Playground is just five minutes away.

Monarto Zoo

One for the thrill-seekers and animal lovers, Monarto’s one of the world’s largest open-range zoos and more than 50 exotic and native species call it home. A range of interactive experiences let you get up-close-and-personal with beautiful creatures such as meerkats, giraffes, Tasmanian devils, rhinos and cheetahs, but none are more hair-raising than the new Lions 360 experience, which puts you within “clawing range” of one of Australia’s largest lion prides. Um… you first.

Bonython Park/Tulya Wardli, Adelaide

Looking for an easily-accessible green haven in the city where the kids can wear themselves out while you caffeinate? Bonython Park has you covered. Boasting scenic views of the Torrens, the classy playground features a 25-metre flying fox, wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, giant mouse wheel, water play, a dinosaur bone-filled sandpit and more. Get there via the Linear Park bike track or nearby tram stop, and grab a cuppa joe at the Kiosk.

Splash Town – Copper Coast, Moonta

SA’s rugged Yorke Peninsula is awash with natural attractions, wildlife and charismatic seaside towns, but in 2014 a new waterpark upped the region’s kiddie credentials even further. Splash Town’s slides, tipping bucket and water features are the perfect spots to seek respite from SA’s harsh summer sun, and best of all – it’s free. Stop by the Moonta Mines Sweet Shop or The Coffee Barn & Gelateria to really make it a day to remember for the kids.

Originally published as South Australia’s Best Adventure Parks For Kids