If you’re looking for things to do in Adelaide with kids, Steve and Natalie from Curious Campers have some great ideas.
In this guest posts they give us some great tips for a family adventure in the Adelaide Hills, just a short drive from the city.
Adelaide with Kids – The Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills are only 20 minutes from the centre of Adelaide. But once you drive up the freeway, go through the Heysen Tunnels and take the Crafers exit, it’s as if you have arrived in another world. The temperature can be several degrees cooler so have a jumper handy if you’re visiting in cooler months.
‘The Hills’ as the locals refer to them, are chock full of family-friendly activities and beautiful locations. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in the region – there is something for everyone!
Booking.comMount Lofty summit
If you are driving into the hills from the city, one of the first things you get to is Mount Lofty Summit. The look out provides spectacular views across Adelaide and the gulf. The kids won’t be able to resist trying to run up the base of Flinders Column, a 15 metre tall obelisk located at the look out.
If you’re a photographer, you’ll want to be here at dusk. The west facing outlook gives you wonderful sunset views. There are several resident kangaroos in the area so look out for them as you drive towards the carpark.
Cost: Free
More info – Mount Lofty Summit website
Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens
Not far from the Mount Lofty Summit is the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. There are two carparks – upper and lower. The lower carpark is the one to aim for if you want to avoid a steep walk back to your car after exploring the grounds.
This is a perfect place for picnics, and one of the most scenic family things to do in Adelaide . Kids will love rolling down the long grassy slopes, and in autumn they can play in knee-deep piles of amber leaves. Ducks and swans swim around the picturesque lake.
There are some great walking trails around the gardens. Depending on when you are there, Magnolia and Rhododendron gully are spectacular. If you are into nature play you won’t find a better place in the hills to explore!
Cost: $3 parking fee for the day. There’s no charge on Sundays and public holidays.
More Info – Mount Lofty Botanic Garden website
Woodhouse Activity Centre
Owned and operated by Scouts SA, Woodhouse has some of the best Adelaide kids’ activities – an adventure playground (Challenge hill), mazes, tube slides and disc golf. You can visit for the day or camp there (tent sites). Kids of all ages will love this place. The Challenge Hill obstacle course is always a favourite. Bring a lunch as there are plenty of lovely picnic spots. Woodhouse is located just a short drive from Mount Lofty and one of the best family activities Adelaide has to offer.
Cost: – Day pass for the activities – Adult (16 years+) – $18, Child (5-15 years) $12, Under 5: Free, Family (2/2 or 1/3) – $50. No fee to drop in for lunch
More info – Woodhouse Activity Centre website
Family Fun at Beerenburg Farm (November to April)
Who doesn’t like strawberry picking? Located near the historic German township of Hahndorf (a whole day of sightseeing from Adelaide with kids in itself), Beerenburg Farm is Strawberry picking heaven and one of the best Adelaide attractions for families. Your only problem will be trying to resist eating them as you go. We might have some local bias, but they have the biggest, reddest strawberries we have ever seen! While the kids finish digesting what doesn’t make it into the berry basket, adults can have a look around the farm shop at their extensive range of the sauces, relishes and marinades.
Cost for picking: $4 per person (12 years and under free). You will be given a wristband and picking containers. Strawberries are $10.95 per kg.
More info – Beerenberg website
If you love fruit picking and are heading to NSW, don’t miss a visit to experience cherry picking in Young.
Melbas Chocolate Factory
Yum! This might be one of those places the kids love but the grown-ups aren’t so keen on, but it’s worth embracing your inner sweet tooth for this place. Melbas have a great range of treats that you can see being made on the premises. If you look carefully, you’ll find complimentary samples dotted around the shelves. If it all gets too much for the parents, there is a gin distillery right next door…
Cost: free entry. Obviously, not free chocolate!
More info – Melbas Chocolate Factory website
Big Rocking Horse
If you’re visiting Adelaide with kids then don’t miss this one! We love big things in Australia and the Big Rocking Horse in Lobethal is a must-see for your big thing list. Children get a certificate for climbing all the way to the top. There is a traditional wooden toy factory to look through with a wide range of toys – none of which need charging or passwords to operate.There is so much to see and do here, the kids will love it.
Cost: Gold coins donation
More info – The Toy Factory website
Booking.comWe hope we’ve given you some ideas of things to do in Adelaide with kids. There are also plenty of lovely little towns dotted throughout the hills – many with playgrounds and parks. Driving between them is generally straight forward. There are a few sections of windy roads but take your time, take in the views and enjoy this beautiful part of South Australia.
About the Authors
We are Natalie and Steve. We’re based in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. We travel Australia, exploring its beautiful landscape and getting up close to the wildlife.
We’re storytellers. There is a story in every travel adventure whether it’s discovering a secluded bay, swimming with manta rays, or just trying to light the campground BBQ. The experience – good or bad, the sights, sounds and smell – all create a lasting memory, a story waiting to be told. For more Curious Campers Stories follow along at www.curiouscampers.com.au
Have you visited Adelaide or South Australia? We’d love to hear about your favourite spots in the comments below.
Have you thought about starting your own family travel blog? Take the next step here.
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