Autumn is pretty much the perfect season. It’s still warm enough to be out & about & sometimes still warm enough to visit all of the pools & water play spots we talked about in our Summer In Adelaide post! But as the leaves change colour, it does start to cool down which makes it the perfect time for some family adventures! Have a look at the list below & start planning your Autumn in Adelaide days out!
Visit Mt Lofty Botanic Garden
Instagram feeds are full of Mt Lofty in Autumn, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s an ocean of colour. Red, Yellow, Green, Brown, Purple. You’d be hard up trying to find a better spot for Autumn selfies than Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens!
Go Apple Picking
Head to @Lenswood Pick Your Own up in the Hills for a day out apple picking with the family – not only can you PYO delicious crunchy apples, you can also visit their onsite cafe for coffee and treats, play giant games, let the kids sit in the tractors for some make believe fun, play apple row mini golf and MORE!
Open 9am till 2pm on Wednesday, Thurs and Friday
Saturdays and Sundays and Public Holidays 9am till 4pm
Spend the day in Stirling
It’s just so pretty! Stirling definitely deserves a stop during a day out in the Adelaide Hills.
And it’s also where you’ll find what we think is the best Autumn view playground in Adelaide…Stirling Steamroller Park. It’s fenced, it has a train you can climb on, it’s great for little ones and older kids and there’s multiple coffee options within walking distance. Winner winner Autumn dinner.
Autumn Markets in Prospect
As autumn paints Prospect in hues of gold and crimson, the upcoming pop-up markets promise a cosy haven for locals and visitors alike.
Amidst the crisp air, the scent of freshly baked goods mingles with the aroma of locally roasted coffee, creating an irresistible atmosphere of warmth and community. With artisans showcasing their handcrafted wares and live music providing a soulful soundtrack, these markets invite families and furry friends to partake in the joys of the season, promising a weekend filled with cherished memories and delightful discoveries.
May 4 & 5
Adelaide International Kite Flying Festival
Save the date! The 2025 Adelaide International Kite Festival will be on 19-21 April. Families can witness the vibrant spectacle of kites of all shapes and sizes dancing in the sky over the Easter long weekend.
Organised by the Adelaide Kite Flyers Association and K Marie Events, this beloved event, established in 1997, saw record attendance, sparking anticipation for what 2025 will bring. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 19, to Monday, April 21, as Semaphore Beach Foreshore prepares to host another enchanting celebration of kite-flying creativity and fun.
Go for a Bike Ride
Autumn is a great time to hit the tracks and take the family on a bike ride. Use our Bike track, trails and path guide to find a spot near you or pack up the car and head out on a real adventure somewhere you’ve never been. Don’t forget the helmets!
Ghost Mushrooms
Forestry SA opens Ghost Mushroom Lane in Mt Gambier to visitors during May and June every year, and you’ll need to purchase an access pass to visit. We’ve also seen them in Nangawooka Flora Reserve near Victor Harbor or Para Wirra Conservation Park if a drive to Mt Gambier is a bit far.
Image credit: James Sexton
Monarto Safari Park
Monarto is best when it’s not too hot & not too cold (just like Goldilock’s & her porridge!). Which makes Autumn the perfect time to head out of town & see some animals up close, learn about their conservation efforts or book a close encounter such as giraffe feeding or the Lions 360 experience. They just opened their new Visitor Centre which is well worth a visit!
Read all about Monarto here
Find a Skate Park
If your child got a new skateboard, bike or scooter for Christmas & it’s been too hot over summer to use it, NOW IS THE TIME! We are spoilt for choice with skate parks in Adelaide & many of them are next to great playgrounds so it’s a lovely Autumn day out for the whole family.
Click here to find one near you
PYO Strawberries at Beerenberg
In the German-style town of Hahndorf in the heart of the Adelaide Hills (just 30 minutes outside of Adelaide) you’ll find Beerenberg Farm. Strawberry picking is open to the public from late November to around the end of April each year. It’s the perfect activity with your kids that involves being outdoors in nature, exercise and eating and Autumn weather conditions are perfect for picking.
Be sure to pop into the brand spanking new Family Visitor Centre and Farm Cafe offering a cafe, ice cream parlour, marketplace and plenty of space to sit down and rest the legs.
Stay at Narnu Farm
All South Aussie parents remember Narnu Farm from their primary school camps! But did you know you can book to stay there with your own family?
They have a range of cottages and a Bunkhouse to choose from – the kids will be able to pat and feed heaps of farm animals, play on the playgrounds and explore farm life!
Go to a Family- Friendly Winery
Autumn is a great time to spend at a winery – vintage is usually wrapping up, the vines turn all kinds of beautiful colours, plus the weather cooling off is a great excuse for us adults to have a glass of wine while the kids play! We are lucky to have so many kid friendly wineries & cellar doors across SA. We love Lazy Ballerina & The Vine Shed to name a few!
Adelaide Motor Sport Festival
The Adelaide Motorsport Festival, held annually in Victoria Park in March is a dynamic celebration of South Australia’s motorsport legacy.
Featuring historic racing vehicles, thrilling Super Sprint competitions, family-friendly activities, and a glimpse into the future with the RAA E-Motion Zone, the festival offers an exhilarating experience for attendees of all ages. With VIP hospitality options available, it’s an ideal weekend getaway for motorsport enthusiasts and families alike.
Bridgewater Playground
Our 2nd choice for the prettiest Autumn playground would be Bridgewater. The trees have turned a beautiful shade of yellow and the playground itself is always a winner with our kids.
It has a flying fox! Do I need to say more
Bridgewater Inn
And after you’ve had a play at the playground, there’s no better spot in Autumn than the beer garden at the Bridgewater Inn. Set right alongside Cox Creek and adjacent to the Heysen Trail, the historic Bridgewater Inn is in prime position for making the most of nature’s beauty. An ideal location for lunch with the family or as the starting or end point of a walk through the area, kids can say hello to the resident ducks, explore the surrounds and even drag mum and/or dad to find the elusive ‘Fairy Garden’
Go to the Adelaide Fringe
Mad March mean Adelaide Fringe time! There are so many kids shows to choose from or quirky venues to visit. Stay in the city or head regional – the choice is yours!
Find our Kids Fringe Picks here
Do a night tour with The Backyard Universe
The Backyard Universe run nighttime tours called the Southern Fleurieu Twilight Experience in an exclusive site in a Conservation Park on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s definitely something different for your family to enjoy – see wildlife come out at night and enjoy star gazing led by their astronomer.
Autumn is the perfect “not too hot but also (hopefully) not belting with rain” time to do this tour!
Autumn Craft
Get creative! Don’t forget to bring home a little bag of Autumn leaves from wherever you visit so you can get stuck into one of our Autumn craft ideas.
Medieval & Rare Trades Festival
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Medieval & Rare Trades Festival, returning to Federation Park in Gumeracha on May 4th and 5th.
Prepare to be captivated by living history displays, rare trade demonstrations, and an array of stalls offering everything from handcrafted wares to delectable treats.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Veizla Viking Feast and explore the eclectic mix of medieval stalls, ensuring a weekend of adventures and memories amidst the picturesque Adelaide Hills.
Book those AFL Tickets!
Whether your family are fans of the Crows, Power or another team, Autumn is the season when the AFL season really kicks off! So many home games have some great family friendly activities to get involved in, so book your tickets and head along to a game!
Get amongst NATURE
Whether you want a nature playground, a bushwalk, a beach to explore or some bike trails, you’ll find them all in our Nature Play category.
How many can you get through before the last Autumn leaf falls?
Meadows Easter Fair
Meadows eagerly anticipates the return of its beloved Easter Fair, a cherished tradition that draws visitors from far and wide.
From April 18 to April 21, the town will once again burst to life with the bustling energy of over 150 stallholders, musicians, and entertainment offerings. Amidst the crisp autumn air, attendees can wander through the charming halls and car park, exploring the diverse array of stalls that offer treasures both indoors and out. With free off-street parking and ample facilities, including plenty of toilets in the park and hall, the fair promises a hassle-free experience for the whole family.
From delectable treats to unique crafts, there’s something to delight every visitor as they immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Go Whale Watching
From late May right up until October Southern Right whales return to the shores around Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor area.
Only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the southern Fleurieu Peninsula is a whale watcher’s paradise so get some warm clothes, some binoculars and head down for a day’s whale watching with the family.
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