Adelaide Attractions for Children

(Adelaide, South Australia - SA, Australia)

Families spending time in Adelaide will find a host of attractions to choose between, with children favouring the beaches of Aldinga, Brighton, Henley, Maslin and Seacliff, as well as the plentiful zoos and wildlife parks. Located within the central neighbourhood of Hackney and operating on a non-profit basis, the Adelaide Zoological Gardens enjoy visitor numbers of around one million each year, with a steep increase in recent years following the opening of the Giant Panda exhibit in 2009.

On a similar theme is the Cleland Wildlife Park, the Monarto Zoological Park and the Urimbirra Wildlife Experience, each of which comes with its own set of unique attractions. Those looking for children's playgrounds should consider visiting Bonython Park, McElligots Reserve or the River Torrens Linear Park. You may also like to look out for the free monthly newspaper 'Adelaide's Child', which details all of the current activities for families visiting this city, together with a useful list of babysitting and child-minding agencies.

Adelaide Zoological Gardens

Address: Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8267 3255
Conveniently within easy walking distance of the city centre and located next to the Botanic Park, the city's impressive Zoological Gardens were founded in 1883 and are one of the oldest zoos in the country, with around 2,000 animals from all over the world. Resident animals include tigers, lions, rhinos, bears, elephants, monkeys, kangaroos, wallabies, lizards and free-flying parrots, being accompanied by landscaped gardens, feeding demonstrations, keeper talks, seating and picnic areas, a café, a gift shop and a children's zoo area, where visitors are able to get up close with some friendly creatures.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children four years old and under are free

Cleland Wildlife Park

Address: Cleland Conservation Park, Summit Road, Mount Lofty Summit Road, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5152, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8339 2444
The exciting Cleland Wildlife Park has long been a big hit with children of all ages, since first opening its doors to the public in 1945. There are numerous friendly native Australian animals living here, such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus and koalas, many of which will let you stroke and feed them as you walk through their spacious enclosures. The park lies to the south-east of Adelaide, next to the suburb of Crafers, and also features seating areas, a café and a gift shop, selling a wide-range of cuddly creatures. Be sure to leave enough time to check out the nearby Waterfall Gully.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children three years old and under are free

Monarto Zoological Park / Monarto Zoo

Address: Princes Highway, Monarto South, South Australia (SA), 5254, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8534 4100
Founded in 1983, Monarto Zoological Park lies just over an hour to the south-west, where it is run by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia and makes for a popular family excursion. Children will enjoy visiting this vast safari park, which features many animals from around the world, such as lions, zebras, ostriches, emus, deer, oryx, antelope, eland, wild African painted dogs, friendly barbary sheep and Australia's biggest herd of giraffe. You can drive through the habitats of many of the resident creatures, such as the cheetahs and rhinos, whilst admiring the impressive revegetation project.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

St. Kilda Mangroves Aquatic Reserve

Address: Mangrove Street, St. Kilda, South Australia (SA), 5110, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8280 8172
St. Kilda Mangroves Aquatic Reserve stands on the northerly outskirts of the city and is home to a large and varied amount of colourful birds. Attractions of particular interest include a long boardwalk, a visitors' centre, guided tours and a playground area suitable for toddlers. Of note, the ever-popular St. Kilda Adventure Playground is within walking distance.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, children and families

Urimbirra Wildlife Experience

Address: Adelaide Road, Victor Harbor, South Australia (SA), 5211, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8554 6554
Located just over an hours' drive to the south of Adelaide and close to Victor Harbor, the Urimbirra Wildlife Experience resides within Urimbirra Fauna Park and next to the Nangawooka Flora Reserve, where it is filled with native animals and is always popular with families. Highlights include crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, feeding demonstrations, talks, picnic facilities and a wildlife-themed gift shop. The neighbouring McCracken Country Club may also be of interest.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and students, children four years old and under are free

Playford Lake

Address: Belair National Park, Belair, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5052, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8278 8279
Located on the south-eastern side of the city and within the spreading Belair National Park, Playford Lake is a relaxing spot with scenic views. Attractions include feeding the numerous friendly ducks, open areas of grass ideal for sports and good picnic facilities, while there is also a golf course close by.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to dusk
Admission: free