Pull the shorts out of the cupboard, stock up on suncream & put the umbrellas away – SPRING IS HERE!! (Ok, maybe don’t put the umbrellas away just yet, cause you know, Adelaide. ) But the days are definitely getting longer & warmer so it’s time to come out of hibernation. If your kids have spent the winter months watching waaaaaay too much YouTube, I have some great spots for you to visit in Spring. Not just anywhere, but places that are extra special in springtime….think flowers blooming, baby animals….read on!
Did you say pic-a-nic?
That’s right Yogi Bear, we did! Cause picnics and Spring just go together don’t they? Grab your picnic rug, pack some snacks and find a favourite park, playground or national park to explore – once the kids have burnt some energy, open up the picnic and enjoy the serenity (and hopefully not too many ants).
We even wrote a whole list of our favourite picnic places to visit in Spring.
Click here for our list of picnic spots for every weekend in Spring
Prospect Spring Fair
The Prospect Spring Fair 2024 is a great family day out in spring.
With the Dachshund Mini Dash, rides, live music, and flyball dog races, there’s plenty to enjoy. Kids will love the petting zoo and face painting, while parents can browse the market and food stalls.
It’s a FREE event at Broadview Oval, making it a perfect way to spend a spring Saturday together in October.
Springlake, Mount Barker
With sights like these, Springlake is definitely one of the top spots we’ll be taking the kids during Spring. And it even has “Spring” in the name, which must mean we are all contractually obliged to visit between September & November, right? But seriously, look at the flowers. And ducks!
Springlake Nature Playground is right next door too, along with BLVD Cafe, so it ticks all my boxes.
Carrickalinga Esplanade Walking Trail
I mean does anything get any more spring than these photos taken at Carrickalinga Walking Trail. The path is a 5km return trip with beautiful views of the ocean and colourful flowers in spring. Pram friendly too, if you don’t mind a few bumps along the way. Enter via the carpark on Gold Coast Drive then follow the trail around.
Adelaide’s Best Icecreams
Adelaide has had some big entrants to the ice cream scene in the last twelve months, honestly, and we felt it was our duty to collate (and personally check out) the best spots to enjoy a delicious scoop, be it ice cream, gelati, gelato, frozen yoghurt or even an acai treat with the kids! Whether you’re into classic scoops and flavours like vanilla, chocolate or mint chocolate chip, or like something a bit fancy like peach and white chocolate (yes we recently found that) we’ve done the hard work for you and found the best spots to visit.
Wisteria Tunnel, Adelaide Botanic Gardens
There are very few places you can get so close to wisteria as stunning as this, except of course in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Pack a picnic, wander around the gardens (more ducks!) & breathe in the scent of this beautiful springtime bloom. The Botanic Gardens aren’t just beautiful in Spring, they are also a wealth of information & education for kids on horticulture. Of course, it makes for some perfect Instagram shots too!
Make sure you also stop for lunch or a coffee at Evergreen Deli in the Gardens too!
(Note – the Adelaide Botanic Gardens have advised that the wisteria has had a big prune in 2024, so they aren’t sure exactly how much it will bloom compared to previous years, but we think it will be stunning anyway!)
Kid Friendly Wineries
We are lucky to have so many great wine regions here in South Australia and so many of the cellar doors are family friendly! Grab a glass of wine and a meal or local produce platter and relax in the sun while the kids play.
We’re talking giant games, tasting plates for the kids, playgrounds and even a chance to feed and pat some native animals like at Woodstock Winery in McLaren Vale!
Click here for our list of the best family friendly wineries in SA.
Visit Monarto Safari Park
Another spot that is perfect when it’s ‘not too hot, not too cold’ is Monarto Safari Park.
Enjoy all of the animals via the buses that take you through each exhibit or via the viewing platforms. You’ll see giraffes, tigers, lions, chimps and more – if you are lucky some of the baby animals might also be out on exhibit!
The Visitor Centre also has a great cafe, gift shops and playground to start or finish your visit.
Head to Woodhouse Adventure Park
Not too hot, not too cold – that’s the ideal weather to head to the Hills & spend the day at Woodhouse Adventure Park.
The kids will love having a go at Challenge Hill – if it can be climbed on, crawled under, jumped from or balanced on, you’ll find it there! On the weekends their famous tube slides are also open – wheeeee!
If you are looking for a family getaway, they also offer camping!
Visit the Spring Babies at Hahndorf Farm Barn
We all know that Spring means cute baby animals, so look no further than the Hahndorf Farm Barn for your fix of fluff & cuddles. We’re talking chicks, bunnies, ducklings, lambs, guinea pigs & more. Squeee! They also run pony rides, a milking show & feeding activities as well as having the playground, sandpit & BBQ onsite.
The Farm Barn can be really hot in the middle of Summer, so be sure to check it out during Spring while the weather is just right!
Canola Crops, Regional SA
Move over Coldplay, this is the only Yellow we’ll be needing this Spring. If you are travelling around regional SA during the school holidays (especially the South-East, around Callington or Yorke Peninsula) be sure to point out these stunning crops to the kids. A great conversation starter about agriculture! Please make sure you don’t go crawling or walking through the crops however….that’s a big no no unless you have permission.
Image: Dear Little Mango (IG)
Carrick Hill, Springfield
Another spot with ‘Spring’ the name (well, the suburb), so that means you HAVE to go! Honestly though, if you haven’t been here yet, you do HAVE to go! The sprawling gardens has stunning views of the city with plants, trees and flowers of every shape, size & colour. What we love best though is the Storybook Trail which features sculptures, statues & buildings from some of the most loved books. You could easily spend a whole day here exploring the house, gardens & trail. And did we mention there is a café onsite?
TreeClimb Adelaide & Kuitpo
Spring is the perfect time for a treetop adventure! Head to either TreeClimb Adelaide or TreeClimb Kuitpo to take on either the Kids Course or Grand Course (depending on heights) or at Kuitpo you can also have a play in the Nets Adventure!
Both locations have an onsite cafe – it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun and get active (or just watch other people getting active!).
Take the kids fishing
Here are some great spots within an hour or so of Adelaide that are easily accessibly to take the kids fishing (no boat required), and a few tips thrown in to ensure your success.
Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
For something a bit different, book a kayaking tour with Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours.
You’ll explore mangroves, shipwrecks and hopefully see some dolphins frolicking nearby.
Head away to an SA Region
South Australia is home to some gorgeous tourism regions and Spring is the perfect time to go exploring.
Book a getaway for the October Long Weekend or during the October School Holidays. Will you head to Yorke Peninsula? The Riverland? Or maybe explore the stunning Fleurieu. Wherever you choose, we have some great ideas of where to stay and what to do while you are there.
Yeah the girls! AFLW is ON!
The AFLW season starts in Spring – head along to a game and cheer on your favourite team!
Whether you love the Crows, the Power or an interstate team, AFLW games are always a great day out with plenty of fun activities for the kids to take part in.
Have we missed any of your favourite Spring spots in Adelaide? Let us know in the comments below.
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