Adelaide Animal Experiences | Adelaide for Kids – The Ultimate Family Guide

Wilbur’s Wildlife – Native Animal Encounter Birthday Parties

Wilbur’s Wildlife is the up-close native animal experience that comes to you. They will bring a range of friendly native animals for a hands-on experience where your child and their friends can pat and hold the animals. Their animal ambassadors include snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, insects, and possums, among others. The birthday child becomes a junior ranger, helping introduce their friends to the animals and getting the most opportunities...

Monarto Safari Resort

Monarto Safari Resort with kids: a wild family getaway We’re lucky to have some pretty incredible places to explore in South Australia, but Monarto Safari Resort might just be one of the most unique family stays we’ve had. Where else can you wake up, make a coffee, step onto your balcony and watch a tower of giraffes enjoying their morning feed? (Yes, that’s what a group of giraffes is called… you’re welcome.) No, you’re...

Donkey Discovery – Adelaide Hills

If you’re searching for a family-friendly animal experience in South Australia, Donkey Discovery in Hahndorf is an absolute standout for kids and adults alike. I swear, these are the happiest Donkey in the world. We visited as a multi-generational family, kids, parents, Grandma and Grandpa, and it was one of the best hands on animal experiences we’ve ever done. Sessions run in small, intimate groups, creating a calm, unhurried environment to...

Hamdorf Guinea Pig Cafe, Hahndorf

If you’re after a café adventure with a difference, The Hamdorf Guinea Pig Café in Hahndorf is an absolute must for families. It’s the perfect combination of kids, coffee and cuddly animals in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. Downstairs, kids can meet the guinea pigs who live in the most incredible miniature replica of Hahndorf village lovingly built by the owner himself. It is calm, cute and interactive making it an easy win for animal-loving...

Redwing Farm, Moonta, Yorke Peninsula

Waking up to a giant black-and-white cow waiting at the fence while you sip your morning cuppa might not be everyone’s idea of a dream holiday…. but for us, it was pretty perfect. Redwing Farm, owned and run by Nicola and Damien Adams, is a 460-acre working property just outside Moonta on the stunning Yorke Peninsula. If you’re after a getaway that’s wholesome, hands-on, and full of fresh air and animal encounters, this place is...

Cuddle a Cow – The Farm, Clarendon

Looking for something udderly adorable to do with the kids (or without, we’re not judging)? Just 40 minutes from Adelaide, nestled in the rolling hills of Clarendon, you’ll find one of the most wholesome and unforgettable experiences going around – Cuddle a Cow at The Farm, Clarendon. We recently popped in for a visit, and this is as real as it gets. Proper country vibes with dirt underfoot, fresh air, and yep… a bit of cow poo too! But...

Classic Carriage Drives – Unicorn Tea Party

Every little girl dreams of a magical birthday surrounded by unicorns (ok, maybe not every little girl, but mine certainly did), fairy tales, and a world of wonder. At Classic Carriage Drives in the stunning Adelaide Hills, that dream became a reality. Libby has created the most whimsical experience on her Montacute property, where rustic charm, boho beauty, and a sprinkle of unicorn magic come together to make a celebration that feels straight...

A New Must-Try Experience for Families in Adelaide – Catch N Cook Adventure!

Looking for a unique and hands-on experience to enjoy with the kids? The Discover Adelaide with Catch N Cook package, offered by Crowne Plaza Adelaide in partnership with Catch N Cook World Tour, is a fantastic way to combine adventure, education, delicious food and a luxurious nights accommodation. We recently had the opportunity to try it out firsthand and had a claw-some time! Our Catch N Cook Experience The experience includes one night...

Humbug Scrub Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Adelaide, Humbug Scrub Wildlife Sanctuary stands as the state’s oldest private wildlife refuge, having been established in 1905. Staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers, the sanctuary is committed to preserving native flora and fauna within its expansive natural bush setting. Visitors to the sanctuary can engage in interactive experiences such as feeding kangaroos and emus. The grounds...

Monarto Safari Park

Are you ready to explore the wild?Discover the largest safari experience outside of Africa. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native animals, you can fit every major Australian zoo within Monarto Safari Park and still have land left over!. Walk the wildBreathe in the fresh air, stretch your legs and explore the open plains of Monarto Safari Park. With 12kms of walking trails between the new Visitor...

Adelaide Zoo

Find it at: Adelaide Zoo (Frome Rd, Adelaide) Meet Adelaide Zoo’s New Panda Duo: Xing Qiu & Yi Lan Xing Qiu (shing chee-yull) and Yi Lan (ee-lun) are settling into their new home at Adelaide Zoo’s Bamboo Forest, since arriving on 21 January 2025! Xing Qiu, a three-year-old male, is a handsome guy with a chill yet playful vibe. His name means “Star Autumn,” a nod to the twinkling sky on the night he was born. Yi Lan, also three,...

The Hahndorf Farm Barn

Find it at: Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf Adelaide’s Hahndorf Farm Barn is a unique blend of a children’s farmyard and wildlife park. You can hold, touch and feed most of the animals in complete safety and at your own comfort level. Find out how animals are born, grow and live on a farm. A visit to Adelaide’s Hahndorf Farm Barn is not just about family fun activities or keeping the kids entertained –...

Glen Forest Tourist Park & Vineyard

If you’ve ever explored the Eyre Peninsula, you’ll know it’s famous for its stunning coastlines, fresh seafood, and wide-open spaces. But when it comes to family-friendly attractions, options can feel a little… sparse. That’s where Glen Forest Tourist Park & Vineyard steps in to save the day. This place ticks all the boxes for a memorable day out. Animals to cuddle, activities to keep everyone entertained, and even a cheeky wine...

Classic Carriage Drives

Step back in time on a trip down memory lane with this relaxed, unique family experience. After a leisurely drive to Montacute in the Adelaide Hills, our carriage awaited us by a charming old stone building on Institute Road, creating a picturesque scene that set the tone for the entire journey. We were warmly greeted by the owner, Libby, her canine sidekick, Eddie, and the most beautifully natured horse, Stella – a delightful trio...

Goolwa Barrage, Fleurieu Peninsula

If you are spending a day or a weekend with your family in Goolwa, Port Elliot, Victor Harbor or anywhere on the Fleurieu Peninsula, a visit to the Goolwa Barrage is a must! Not only does it play an important part in the water flow and management of the Coorong, Murray River and Lower Lakes there is also some stunning birdlife to see and the main attraction – seals playing in the water and lazing in the sun on the barrage structures....

Narnu Farm – Hindmarsh Island

Located on Hindmarsh Island, just across the bridge from Goolwa on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, Narnu Farm has been a favourite destination for generations of South Australian families. Many South Aussies would have visited Narnu on school camp ‘back in the day’ or have taken their own kids for a farm stay family holiday. Narnu Farm offers a magical farm stay experience with twice daily animal feeding sessions where guests can...

Animal Experiences at Adelaide Zoo

Hand feed Giant Pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, get up close to meerkats as they run across your lap in search of treats, help feed the Little Penguins or experience a day in the life of a Zoo Keeper… plus so much more! Get within a whisker of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring animals with a behind the scenes Animal Experience at Adelaide Zoo. With a wide range of experiences available for all ages and budgets, there’s something for everyone....

A to Zoo at Adelaide Zoo

Nurture your little one’s curiosity for animals and the natural world! Designed for little adventurers 2-5, see Adelaide Zoo’s animals brought to life over a series of eight play-based, creative learning sessions.Learn about a new species each week at our large open-plan space devoted to craft with a cosy nook for storytelling, music and movement, plus an adventure through the zoo to meet the animal up close. A much-loved program among members...

Gorge Wildlife Park, Cudlee Creek

The Gorge Wildlife Park is not your average wildlife park but a place where people and animals get together. Situated in the picturesque Adelaide Hills and only a 40-minute drive from Adelaide, the park offers an up-close and personal experience to an extensive range of Australian and exotic animals, birds and reptiles. We have visited many times now with kids of all ages. recently visited with the kids aged 8 and 4 and the whole family loved...

HJ & Brian Cook Native Animal Reserve, Minlaton

Right across the road from the Minlaton Caravan Park and the Minlaton Playground is the HJ & Brian Cook Native Animal Reserve. You can’t go inside, but take the kids for a walk around the perimeter to have a look at the emus, wallabies and birdlife. There are a few shady seats around the outside for you to sit and watch the animals. The emus were as curious about us as we were about them and followed us the whole way around! When we...

Sassy’s Cat Cafe

Adelaide cat lovers, kids who love animals and families looking for a beautiful unique experience, welcome to Sassy’s Cat Cafe and Adoption Centre in Felixstow on Payneham Road. Last week we popped out for cake and coffee to meet Sharon and her adorable fluffy friends, some permanent residents and some rescues waiting for forever homes. You can visit this super family friendly venue with or with out the intention of adopting, and simply...

World Giraffe Day – 21 June

Do you have an animal lover in your house? Or specifically a giraffe lover? Well, listen up because the 21st of June is WORLD GIRAFFE DAY & we have some fun ways to celebrate across Adelaide. Check out these ideas below – stick your neck out & get planning! Visit Jungle In Willunga Take a drive down south & stop in at the fantastic plant nursery that is Jungle In Willunga. The kids can hunt in the jungle for all of the...

Animal Experiences at Monarto Safari Park

Hand feed a ginormous giraffe, help put the lions to bed or even tickle a rhino behind the ears…there are so many amazing animal experiences available for everyone at Monarto Safari Park. With a wide range of experiences available for all ages and budgets, including the Lions 360 Experience there’s something for everyone, especially the kids! Book your tickets, purchase a gift voucher or discover more Monarto Safari Park Animal Experiences at:...

Animal Experiences on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is synonymous with Australian animals. I mean, it literally has KANGAROO in the name! But even if you’ve grown up in Australia & are used to seeing our animals, there is still something super exciting about spotting a kangaroo or koala or seeing some cool birds that you don’t get to see everyday. You can’t go to Kangaroo Island without having at least one or two animals encounters & we all know that...

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island

Fun fact: Australian sea lions are unique to South Australia & Western Australia. Sad fact: They are endangered, with a total population of about 12,000. Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island is the third largest colony & a place you can see them without any enclosures in their natural habitat. It’s also the only place in the world where you can see them at close range & walk on the beach where they eat, rest & play. It is part of a...

Alpacas Chaparral

Where: 20027 Spencer Highway, Minlaton Alpacas are not scary. There we said it. If you imagine a large, long necked, fluffy dog that you just want to cuddle, you are on the right track. So with that in mind, you must make the quick stop off at Alpacas Chaparral when you are on the Yorke Peninsula with kids to say g’day to Shorty and Dee and have a free look around. With over 120 Alpacas on site, it is actually really cool to give them a...

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is an Australian conservation icon, nestled in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. The land, a dairy at the time, was originally purchased in 1969 by environmentalist John Wamsley. Dr Wamsley converted the paddocks into five native habitats, including rainforest and wetlands. He protected these habitats with a 2 metre high, feral-proof fence. Warrawong is now a safe haven for all manner of rare and endangered native...

Variety Children’s Zoo at Adelaide Zoo

The Variety Children’s Zoo is an amazing play space for kids filled with interactive areas that allow them to get closer than ever to some of the zoo’s most popular residents. Located right next to the Nature’s Playground and Wisteria Café you can grab a coffee while the kids learn, explore and meet some new animal friends. Complete with areas for children of all abilities to play and explore you can get up close and personal with goats,...

Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park is home to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. You’ll find kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, wombats, dingoes, many species of birds and reptiles and more. There are very few animal enclosures at Cleland. Most animals live in natural habitat and you can get up close for great photos. The animals are fully adapted to the park setting and accustomed to people, meaning you can pat and feed them. It’s more...