Best for Kids in Adelaide

Leave suburbia behind you and take the scenic journey into Torrens Gorge. The Gorge Wildlife Park is home to various species of native and exotic animals, and over 160 bird species. Set amongst an eucalyptus forest, the sprawling park has large walk-through enclosures for some of the friendlier residents and offers daily opportunities to cuddle a koala under the guidance of an experienced handler. Enjoy a picnic in the cooler climate of the hills, a small kiosk provides snacks and there are pleasant picnic areas with free gas barbecues.

Operating within the heritage-listed Cleland Conservation Park, this wildlife habitat is filled with creatures that call the surrounding eucalyptus forests home. Guests are welcome to wander freely with waterfowl, hand feed hungry kangaroos, and cuddle cozy koalas. Visitors can also book guided night walks to enjoy the best of the park's nocturnal marsupials. Cleland Wildlife Park has a bistro on-site that caters conferences, weddings, functions, and private events. Otherwise, bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of the site's free gas barbecues as you enjoy unforgettable nature and wildlife.

Belair National Park offers an appealing mix of native wildlife and colonial heritage. While brightly colored parrots and koalas are common, the center piece of the park comprises the elegant sandstone buildings and gardens of Old Government House. Walkers can enjoy a stroll around Playford Lake or join a network of marked trails that wind along scenic hilltops and straddle creek beds. For families the park is peppered with barbecue areas, sports ovals and 54 ramshackle tennis courts: all part of the charm! Please note there may be a fee for parking or vehicle entry.

The Haigh's Chocolates (Visitor Centre) is your one-stop destination if you wish to enter the world of one of the most delectable chocolates in the country. Established by Alfred Haigh, the chocolate brand is one of the country's oldest and is prepared from high quality cocoa by expert professionals. At the Visitor Centre, one can avail a tour of the premises and understand the processes that leads to the manufacturing of the chocolate.

Explore the fascinating history of flight with this unique South Australian Aviation collection-featuring 10 aircraft, 20 engines, six rockets and 20 display cabinets of rare artifacts. Operated by volunteers, the museum displays precious memorabilia and traces the history of early South Australian aviators, along with the Australian Women's Pilots Association. Of particular interest are rockets fired from the Woomera rocket range from 1950-1980, and the regular engine runs, where a variety of stationery aircraft engines are fired up for the public to observe.

In the rolling green hills behind Hahndorf, the friendly farm animals at Hahndorf Farm Barn are eager to meet you. Featuring alpacas, sheep, goats, deer, birds, cattle, chickens, bees and snakes, this farm offers great family fun. Children can bottle-feed young goats and lambs and see chickens hatching; an unforgettable experience. Sheep shearing and cow milking displays take place daily.

Perfect for a day out, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a wonderful place for both a recreational and educational outing. The place is used by many organizations to host local events and private functions too. Inside the gardens are water sculptures, secluded garden spaces and plant conservatories. A great spot for family outings, learn about exotic species of plants and flowers.

Seating in excess of 12,000 people, Adelaide Entertainment Centre is a huge complex that presents the biggest international shows in Adelaide. The venue has been utilized for creations as diverse as the ballet, "Swan Lake", and motocross bike racing! Old rockers on world tours, such as Kiss, Bob Dylan and Roxy Music tend to stop off here as part of their itinerary. There is a good range of nearby restaurants for pre-show dining.

Offering numerous tours, including "behind the scenes" peaks of its highly-regarded natural history collections, the South Australian Museum is sure to delight and amaze. Serious students and wide-eyed novices alike will marvel at more than four million artifacts displayed in exhibits highlighting everything from Ancient Egyptian to Early Pacific cultures. Perhaps most impressive is the museum's collection of Aboriginal artifacts and archival material, the largest in the world. After learning about the rich histories and cultures that the museum chronicles, visitors can enjoy the on-site coffee shop and museum gift shop.

Started in 1983, Monarto Zoological Park is at an hours drive for central Adelaide. Offering a memorable wildlife experience, the zoo features a cafe, a gift shop, a walking track extending to 10 kilometers and a picnic area. It also includes a functions center with a capacity of 220 people, so the zoo boasts of adventure along with entertainment. Providing different tour packages, it promises thrill and enjoyment to its visitors.

Established in 1881, this historic and attractive Victorian building on leafy North Terrace holds one of the most extensive art collections in Australia. With an impressive collection of nearly 45,000 artworks, this revered art gallery is believed to comprise of the second-largest state art collection in the country. The museum's massive collection includes rare and valuable works that range from paintings and sculptures, to textiles and jewelry. While international artworks abound, the gallery is most well known for its notable Aboriginal art collections, the oldest of which date back to the 1800s. It also comprises of Australian artworks that revolve around pastoral themes, such as the kind manifested in Tom Robert's A break away!, or John Russell's A clearing in the forest. Both special and permanent exhibitions are held here.

Located in St Kilda, Saint Kilda Adventure Playground is a beautiful outdoor destination for both children and grown-ups. Allow your children to enjoy themselves on the swings and slides in the play area. There is ample space for outdoor games as well. The BBQ pits are ideal for parties. There is plenty of parking as well.