What to Do in Adelaide for Kids

Adelaide is a great Australian holiday destination for a relaxing getaway due to its lovely, historic architecture, laid-back atmosphere and mild climate; however, those families looking for what to do in Adelaide with kids may be facing a tougher challenge in order to keep the young ones entertained throughout the duration of the trip, regardless if they are a visitor or a local. While images of Adelaide that might be conjured up include popular regions like the Barossa Valley, Hahndorf, and McLaren Vale, these wine-tasting hotspots are likely going to be of little interest to families who have the tykes in tow - fortunately, there is more to Adelaide than what it may seem at first glance. So put aside your thoughts of Adelaide as simply a "City of Churches" offering only wineries and other natural or historical attractions that are suitable just for adults - here are some of our top recommendations for activities the kids will get a kick out of while you're spending some time in South Australia's capital:

Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park (also known as Cleland Conservation Park) in Adelaide is one of the premier animal-based attractions not only in SA but in all of Australia. This much-acclaimed facility that has a solid 5/5 star rating on reputable travel review sites such as Tripadvisor, the park has plenty of activities to take in for both older and younger children, such as feeding the kangaroos, Bettongs, emus and many other animals. With the enclosures staying away from the "typical zoo" feel and being substantially large, they will allow you to see and feed the animals in their natural habitats without having too many other crowds of people around all vying for the creature's attentions. Of course, the amount of enjoyment your children get out of such a place will depend on their innate level of curiosity and interest in animals and nature.

Overseas visitors will no doubt enjoy the highlight of being able to cuddle a koala - an exceedingly popular demand that most similar high-quality wildlife parks also try to fulfil - and while the cost of admission to the park itself may be slightly higher than the average park admission, it is well worth it. One factor to be mindful of, however, is that there is a height restriction for holding the koalas for safety reasons (they can be quite heavy!), so younger kids may end up missing out on the chance if they have their hopes up. A spread out facility with plentiful grassland, trees and large areas for the animals to roam about, Cleland Wildlife Park makes for a great family day out in Adelaide.

Family Kayaking Tour of the Dolphin Sanctuary

There are some great parts of Adelaide sitting and waiting to be experienced that will also give you and the kids a bit of exercise while doing so - a great change of pace than simply sitting in the car and accumulating calories while eating junk food. Adelaide's Dolphin Sanctuary is one such place - a region full of natural marvels and teeming with cute and active wildlife, including, of course, the Port River Dolphins that inhabit the area. The kayaking "Family Tour" is designed specifically with families with young children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old in mind, and is conducted at a slower pace to ensure the maximum level of safety and enjoyment for those of all ages and skill levels. Over the course of about two hours, you and the kids will be lead by a friendly guide over the beautiful waters with a great chance of seeing dolphins, as well as being able to have a listen to the interesting storytelling the guide will provide throughout.

The kayaks themselves are all two and three-person variations, meaning that the kids can paddle in the same vessel as Mum or Dad to help soothe any nerves they might have. The tours depart in the mornings to ensure that the waters are smoothest and the conditions the calmest for an added level of comfort. Additionally, the family tour is priced in a way to encourage the whole family to get out, have fun and share an experience of being active all TOGETHER.

Adelaide Zoo

One of the few, rare locations in Australia where you'll be able to a Panda in the flesh (or is that fur?), Adelaide Zoo's Pandas are the only ones that are currently in captivity in the Southern Hemisphere, making the Zoo unique in that regard. While the facility is of a "small to medium size" when compared to other similar-themed locations around the country, the focus is more on the quality of the animal's accommodation with a modern, open style that makes seeing a great variety of wildlife within a reasonable amount of time a very achievable experience. An added bonus is that the zoo is located on almost completely-flat ground with well-laid-out, open paths that can make wandering the insides of the zoo easy on the kids' young little legs. With such animal rarities in Australia as the Red Panda, Giant Panda and Gibbons, there is a clear focus on Southeast Asia, and the exhibits dedicated to this theme are of an exceptionally high standard. Offering a close-up and interactive experience, Adelaide Zoo is another great family day out that is not to be missed.

Kangaroo Island

Simply put, Kangaroo Island is one of the most highly-regarded natural wildlife havens in Australia, and is home to a bevy of creatures dwelling in their native environments that can provide a sense of freedom that traditional zoos - no matter how well-presented - simply can't. Almost the entirety of the island is blanketed in wildlife of some description, with both popular native indigenous Australian species such as koalas, echidnas, wallabies and kangaroos found spread over its surface, as well as other exotic animals such as iguanas, sea lions and the iconic penguins that can be found at both King's Cote and Penshaw beaches providing an exceedingly cute spectacle that the kids will love. Throughout the many tracks that are spread over the island, there are also numerous walkways and very few steps that provide ample opportunities to pause for a rest. The ferry that runs regularly will take you both to and from the island with a minimum of fuss and maximum of efficiency.

For more information on tours, attractions and other things to do in Adelaide, be sure to check out our Adelaide region section!