Adelaide and Surrounds

Adelaide and Surrounds Family

From zoo sessions and museum discovery spaces to outdoor adventures and local playgroups, families across Adelaide and the surrounding suburbs have plenty of ways to learn, play and spend time together. When health, disability, relationship or practical support is needed, there are also services with clear pathways for children, young people, parents and carers.

🌿 Family adventures and outdoor play

Woodhouse Adventure Park

Head to Piccadilly in the Adelaide Hills—about 25 minutes from Adelaide—for a family day visit, camping trip or stay in chalet or group accommodation. Operated by Scouts SA, Woodhouse offers family activities generally suited to ages 5–85, along with school-holiday adventures for children aged 5–12 and children’s birthday parties. Children under five are admitted free. Pack enclosed shoes for adventure activities; pets are not permitted, although assistance dogs are welcome.

Nature Play SA — family activity resources

Plan a low-cost outdoor day with free online ideas and downloadable nature resources for metropolitan Adelaide and wider South Australia. Families can explore guides covering bushwalks, bike rides, playgrounds and national parks, with practical safety prompts to consider before leaving home. These resources are particularly handy when you want flexible activities that can be adapted to your children’s ages, interests and energy levels.

🦁 Early learning, books and discovery

A to Zoo Early Learning Program

Children aged 2–5 can join an eight-week, play-based program at Adelaide Zoo in the CBD. Weekday sessions run during school terms and combine craft, stories, music and movement with a guided zoo visit. Bookings are required, so check the current program details before planning your term. An Access Program is available to extend opportunities for children to participate.

Little Library

Visit the State Library of South Australia on North Terrace for a free children’s space designed for ages 0–11. Young visitors can browse and borrow children’s books, share stories, join in with songs and explore through play. Families can follow the State Library’s program updates for activities held in Little Library and during school holidays.

South Australian Museum family programs

The South Australian Museum offers several ways for younger children and their adults to explore together. Crocodile Club is a free early-years activity for children under five and their families, while Museum in a Box provides play spaces for the same age group. In the Discovery Centre, families can have hands-on encounters with Museum objects. It opens Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and children must remain supervised.

Unley Toy Libraries

Borrow toys chosen for different stages of childhood from the council-operated toy libraries at Unley Library and Goodwood Library. Staff can help parents and carers select options appropriate to a child’s development, making the service useful for trying fresh play experiences without purchasing every item. Party-hire options are also offered. Check current opening times and membership arrangements before visiting.

Playgroup SA — Find a Playgroup

Search for a registered playgroup in Adelaide or elsewhere in South Australia by entering a suburb or postcode or choosing a preferred session day. Playgroups give families with young children an opportunity to play and connect in a local setting. Playgroup SA also provides information and resources for groups, including additional-needs support.

💛 Child development, disability and carer support

Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS)

Parents and carers can arrange free health and development checks for South Australian children from birth to five years. No referral is required: families can book directly with CaFHS on 1300 733 606. A mobile clinic also visits selected metropolitan areas, providing another access option for some Adelaide families.

Novita

Children and teenagers with disability can access allied health therapy, early intervention and assistive technology through Novita, which also supports adults. Metropolitan hubs are located at Hindmarsh, Salisbury, Christies Beach, Elizabeth, Modbury North and Warradale. Depending on the support being provided, services may also be delivered at home, school or an early-learning service.

Carers SA — Young Carers

Young carers aged 5–25 can access free support across metropolitan Adelaide, regional areas and statewide. Options include one-to-one coaching, up to six counselling sessions, peer groups, social activities and Young Carer Breaks. For general advice about young-carer support and available activities, contact Carers SA on 08 8291 5600.

🧭 Youth and family relationship support

headspace Adelaide

Young people aged 12–25 can seek free, confidential help in the Adelaide CBD for mental health, alcohol and other drug concerns, or work and study needs. Young people may be referred by themselves, a family member, friend or professional. The Sonder-operated centre provides general mental health support and an Early Psychosis program, with eligibility assessed separately for that specialist service.

Relationships Australia SA — Family Relationship Centres

Centres in Adelaide City, Elizabeth, Marion and Port Adelaide support couples, families, separated parents and other significant people in children’s lives, with outreach also available across South Australia. Services include confidential family dispute resolution concerning parenting, property or finances, as well as child consultation during separation, information and referrals. Appointments may be offered face to face, by telephone or through telehealth. Fee waivers are available for concession card holders and people experiencing hardship.

📦 Essential items for families

Treasure Boxes — Family Support Program

Families with children under 18 who need essential baby, child or teenage items can approach this direct-access program. Current Health Care Card holders may request selected packs for a small service fee, with collection from Edwardstown or Davoren Park and delivery available within metropolitan Adelaide. Larger items require a support-worker referral, and some goods may have limited availability.

✅ A few checks before you go

• Confirm age requirements: programs range from under-five activities to support specifically for young people aged up to 25.
• Check bookings and availability: term programs, holiday activities, specialist appointments and practical goods may require advance arrangements.
• Ask about accessibility: contact the provider if your child needs physical access, communication support, sensory adjustments or another participation aid.
• Review costs and membership: confirm current fees, concessions, borrowing memberships and any eligibility documents before attending.
• Plan for supervision: check whether an adult must stay and what clothing or equipment children need for safe participation.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Adelaide and Surrounds, you are warmly invited to add your details or update an existing listing so local families can find current, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on adelaide.southaustralia.guide.