Looking for the perfect winter weekend escape with the kids? Adelaide’s CBD has everything you need for a fun-filled family adventure without leaving the city. Check into a hotel for a night or two and step straight into the heart of the action.
Winter is the perfect time to find a cosy cafe, check out the museum and of course, discover the magic of Illuminate Adelaide. Watch the kids’ faces light up as the city comes alive after dark with stunning light installations, immersive art, and interactive experiences dotted throughout the streets and laneways. And then after all that, stroll back to your room and snuggle into a comfy bed for a movie night.
Whether it’s day or night, rain or shine, the Adelaide CBD is full of family fun this winter. Here’s our suggestions of how to spend a fun couple of nights “on holidays’” with the kids right here in the Adelaide CBD.
Stay in the heart of the city at Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Pack your bags and check in to Crowne Plaza Adelaide, right in the middle of all the city fun! Snuggle into comfy rooms with floor-to-ceiling views, splash around in the heated outdoor pool (yep, even in winter!), and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast before heading out on your city adventures.
You’ll be just a short walk from family-friendly favourites like Rundle Mall, the Adelaide Zoo, and Illuminate Adelaide. After a big day out, head up to Koomo for dinner with a view or treat yourselves to a sky-high kids’ high tea at Luna10.
With friendly service, spacious rooms, and everything you need right at your fingertips, Crowne Plaza Adelaide makes your winter weekend away with the kids easy, cosy, and full of fun.
High Tea in the Clouds at Crowne Plaza Adelaide
And while you’re there, make your stay at Crowne Plaza Adelaide even more memorable by booking in for their high tea experience.
Head up, up, up to level 10 of Adelaide’s tallest building for a super special high tea at Koomo and Luna10! With awesome views over the city and a tower of tasty treats, it’s the perfect way to feel fancy while having fun.
You’ll get to try TEN different yummy goodies – think sweet surprises, savoury bites, and treats made from fresh South Aussie ingredients. Parents can enjoy a glass of bubbles or a fancy tea from Brackendale Tea Co. while kids sip on juice and pick their favourites from the high tea stand.
Illuminate Adelaide
The hottest (and brightest) event in Adelaide this winter is of course Illuminate Adelaide.
This city-wide celebration of light, art, music, and technology transforms Adelaide into a glowing wonderland every July – and it’s a must-do for families! From giant interactive light installations and colourful projections on buildings, to immersive experiences and night-time adventures, there’s something to wow kids (and grown-ups) of all ages.
Rug up, grab a hot choc, and wander through the city streets as they come alive after dark. With many free outdoor experiences and ticketed events that are perfect for curious minds, Illuminate Adelaide is the ultimate winter night out with the kids.
Let the lights lead the way!
See the city through new eyes (and tastebuds) with a walking tour
Looking for something new to do as a family this winter? Join the vibrant Paint and Palate Street Art Tour with Flamboyance Tours and see the CBD through fresh eyes (and tastebuds)!
We had a blast exploring with Katina, discovering stunning street art by Adelaide’s own Jimmy C and other talented local artists. But the fun doesn’t stop there, your family will love sampling delicious local treats and sweet surprises along the way!
Katina was great with the kids, really taking time to explain the meaning behind the art in a way they would understand.
Great for kids over 5 years (make sure they’re in comfy walking shoes though), this 2-hour tour runs Monday to Saturday at 2pm.
𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞!
Book now for a colorful and tasty two hours:
www.flamboyancetours.com.au
Escape Hunt
Solve clues, crack codes and race the clock as a team, this is an hour of screen-free fun that everyone will love.
Perfect for older kids, teens, and parents who love a challenge!
If you’re looking for something different to do these July school holidays, Escape Hunt Adelaide might be it.
Indoor, exciting and a little bit addictive, it’s the perfect way to spend a wintery afternoon together.
Find them at Level 3/133 Rundle Mall
Head upstairs at Rundle Place
Located on level one, Rundle Place you’ll find three of Funlab’s iconic venues.
Strike Bowling – not your average tenpin bowling alley. From bowling to laser tag and karaoke to escape rooms, they’ve got the fun covered for everyone. Throw in a fully-equipped cocktail bar, gourmet kitchen offerings and parade of party packages into the equation and it’s your one-stop shop for the ultimate entertainment experience.
Hijinx Hotel – an immersive interactive game experience. With 15 quick play challenge rooms, this where you come to play, not stay.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq – It’s dazzling, it’s delightful, it’s a spectacle for (all) the ages! Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is a real prize for your eyes – a kaleidoscopic circus of cocktails, arcade and ticket games that give old fun a new life!
Grab a Cheap Eat at Rundle Mall Plaza
When is the last time you bought lunch for $10? We love Rundle Mall Plaza located in the heart of Rundle Mall (right near H+M at 50 Rundle Mall Adelaide) and for the second time this year, they are bringing back their epic ‘Cheap Eats Campaign’ just in time for the winter school holidays and running right through until 31st August 2025.
All 6 x of the brilliant eateries will have a $10 meal deal (guys, we have tried them all, with actual real kids in tow – so good!)
Warm up with a Honey Hot Chocolate
If a cosy cafe is where you want to be, Peter Rabbit Cafe on Hindley is our CBD suggestion.
Nestled in Adelaide’s vibrant west end precinct, Peter Rabbit Cafe on Hindley Street (yes we know, unexpected right?) is an quaint little oasis offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re in search of a whimsical setting paired with a delicious menu, look no further. For a wintery treat why not try a honey hot chocolate.
Chill Out at Himeji Japanese Gardens
If you need some quiet time during your whirlwind city mini break we know the perfect spot. The Japanese Himeji Gardens on South Terrace are FREE and a great place to wander. Enter the gardens during daylight hours and you’ll instantly feel more peaceful. There is a lovely water feature that is home to large goldfish, ducks and turtles, there is also a waterfall under the trees too.
Please respect the tranquillity of the Japanese Himeji Gardens. While we think all kids should be able to experience this wonderful place please understand that other garden visitors are probably here for the peace and calming qualities too. This isn’t a park for ball games and loud family gatherings – take the family across the road to the newly renovated Marshmallow Park or South Terrace Glover Playground which are perfect for that!
Run Amok at a City Playground
If the peace and quiet of the Himeji Gardens ain’t your style, how about exploring one of the CBD’s epic playgrounds. These fun-filled playgrounds are perfect for letting the kids run wild and burn off some energy between adventures. From nature play zones to towering slides and splash pads (for the brave winter explorers!), you’ll find them all on our website
Treeclimb
The ultimate for family fun! Located in the South Parklands, the younger members of the family can conquer Treeclimb’s Kids Course, while the older kids and adults take on the Grand Course.
Enjoy the challenges through the treetops with the whole family as you cheer each other on. There is a cafe onsite or you can BYO food and drinks and setup on one of their picnic tables or with a rug under the trees. Treeclimb is super fun – every course ends with a zipline, wheeeee!
Adelaide Oval Tour
Adelaide Oval is so steeped in South Australian history, but do your kids know that? If not, time to educate them!
The whole family will love an Adelaide Oval Tour, led by one of their fantastic Tour Guides. Hear about the sporting and entertainment history of the Adelaide Oval, while taking part in interactive activities such as the chance to sit behind the commentator desk, be the coach and of course operate the famous Adelaide Oval scoreboard.
Find LEGO Treasure at South Australia Museum
Until 27 July, search for eight hidden LEGO displays throughout the Museum and stand to win a prize valued at $160! To participate, simply collect a clue sheet from the Info Desk, hunt down all 8 LEGO scenes and scan the QR code to enter.
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