The term three school holidays run from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October. Grab your diary and start planning some fun for the kids.
Various locations | 26 September - 11 October
Get active with Growing for Gold, a free program giving young people aged 3 to 16 the chance to try a range of sports and recreation activities. From athletics to programs in regional communities, children can learn new skills, build confidence, discover local clubs and find activities they might want to try beyond the school holidays.
Big market adventures for little foodies
Adelaide Central Markets | 26 September - 9 October
Head to the Adelaide Central Market for a program of free and ticketed activities for little foodies. Children can follow the Market Trail , cook up a dish using ingredients from market traders with Little Market Chefs or get creative with arts and crafts. There's also free face painting, family story time, kids' cooking demonstrations, live music and more happening throughout the holidays. Keep an eye out for the full program and book ahead for ticketed activities.
October school holidays at the South Australia Museum
South Australian Museum | 26 September - 11 October
See nature in a new light at the South Australian Museum. Children can follow an Aussie wildlife discovery trail, make origami animals and meet some of the Museum's residents, with a range of free activities on offer.
There are also ticketed workshops for budding creators, including photography, pinhole cameras and painting and planting. Families can also explore the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition, featuring 100 images celebrating Australia's wildlife, landscapes and natural world.
Monarto Safari Park | 26 September - 11 October
See Monarto Safari Park from a different perspective with Art in the Park, a free self-guided adventure for young people aged 4–14. Pick up an activity booklet and explore the park to discover 12 artworks inspired by wildlife and the natural world, from sculptures and murals to other creative works. Along the way, children can take on art-inspired challenges and put their observation skills to the test in the Monarto Great Race. Complete the questions in the booklet for the chance to win a $100 Zoos SA retail voucher.
Adelaide Zoo | 26 September - 11 October
Discover the colourful side of the animal world with Zoo Colours, a free self-guided activity for kids aged 4–14. Pick up a booklet and explore the zoo to find colourful clues, learn fun facts about the animals and collect letters to crack a secret code. Zoo Colours is free with zoo entry, and the whole family can join in. There's more to explore along the way, including a Zoo Colour Hunt, a Chalk Colour Zone and art activities to take home.
Various locations | 25 September - 11 October
Step outside and explore South Australia this spring with Nature Festival. The program is packed with opportunities to connect with nature, from wildlife and nature play to gardens, outdoor adventures, art and hands-on activities. Whether you're discovering local wildlife, getting creative with natural materials, exploring a national park or learning how things grow, there's plenty for the whole family to get involved in.
School holidays in the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide Botanic Garden | From 25 September
Explore the Adelaide Botanic Garden, with plenty to see and do among the gardens and glasshouses. Families can discover the world of wildlife photography at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, featuring 100 photographs capturing animals, landscapes and the natural world from around the globe.
Younger visitors can take part in the free Leaf Litter Critters activity, using leaves, seeds and other natural materials to create their own wildlife-inspired critter. The hands-on activity runs daily inside the Bicentennial Conservatory and is free for children aged 12 and under.
Wilfred Taylor Reserve, Morphett Vale | 9 October
Get up close to the vehicles that help keep our communities running at Trucks on Tour. Kids can climb into the driver's seat, explore a range of trucks and vehicles and see them in action, with SAPOL, emergency services and SA Power Networks joining the fun with demonstrations and activities.
The free event will feature plenty of horns, lights and action, plus a dedicated sensory hour from 1pm to 2pm. A sensory area and quiet activity zone will also be available throughout the event.
Golden Fields Reserve, Golden Reserve | 30 September
Get ready to get a little muddy at the Muddy Hands Festival these school holidays. From mud pits and mud kitchens to nature potions, seed bombs and cubby hideouts, there's plenty of hands-on fun for curious children to get stuck into.
Families can also enjoy entertainment, educational stalls, lawn games and nature-inspired activities, with food vendors, coffee and lunch available throughout the day. The free event also includes a sensory regulation area for anyone who needs a quieter space to take a break.
For more events, make sure to check out your council website for what's on in your neighbourhood.
