Ahh McLaren Vale – you are breathtaking! Surrounded by rolling hills dotted with vineyards (lots and lots of vineyards) it’s no wonder wine tasting tops the list on most McLaren Vale itineraries. But with kids in tow, is it possible? It’s not just possible, pick the right one (like Woodstock here, top of our list) and it can be so much fun for everyone in the family. Woodstock is a beautiful family owned estate in McLaren Vale and it...
Read More
Shelly’s Kiosk is a light, bright and vibrant beachside ‘must-visit’ for Adelaide families seeking a quality bite to eat with a side of beach adventure. With a very deliberate focus on feeding kids well (hello Toddler Tapas Menu), the beautifully restored venue has held on to glimpses of ‘Noonies’ from days gone by. You can now enjoy the hospitality here seven days a week from 7am right through to an evening meal...
Read More
Shop online at uglyswan.com.au (use code “kia” for 20% off at checkout) Ugly Swan have nailed the game changer of all hair brushes and genuinely, I am happy to tell you that the Kids in Adelaide team LOVE these seemingly magical kids detangling hair brushes. Fun fact, we are yet to meet any one who has tried them, who doesn’t like them. It’s kind of one of those ‘if you know, YOU KNOW’ stories. We came across...
Read More
Trilby’s Chocolates has quietly (and deliciously) opened its doors at Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, taking up residence in the old Woodstock cellar door, and honestly, it’s exactly what this region has been missing. Founded by master chocolate maker Max Collett, this is a standalone chocolate destination that just happens to sit in one of the most beautiful pockets of the Fleurieu. It’s an easy, family-friendly stop to tack on after...
Read More
If you’re an Adelaide parent who still loves great food and a cracking cocktail but sometimes feels a little out of touch with what’s new on the restaurant and dining scene (hello, playground research era), Adelaide Dining Magazine is your secret weapon. Published by talented local Director/Owner Shantal Hart and her Adelaide-based team, this beautifully curated magazine has become the go-to guide for South Australia’s food and beverage...
Read More
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...
Read More
The Breakwater Beach Club at North Haven Surf Life Saving Club is a standout spot for families looking for an easy, relaxed bite tite to eat by the sea. With heaps of parking and a laid-back coastal feel, it’s perfect for everything from breakfast dates to casual dinners. Opening hours are super family-friendly too: Wednesday 9am till late, Thursday 9am till late (hello 5pm quiz night!), Friday and Saturday 8am till late, and Sunday 8am till...
Read More
Let’s talk about Adelaide’s best pizza. We really have lifted the pizza benchmark over the past decade and kids *generally* love a slice of the good stuff don’t they? It’s quick, filling and often one of the more affordable take away options. Let’s not forget cold left over pizza makes a brilliant school lunch box treat and you know the easiest way to feed friends, teenagers or energetic kids at a birthday...
Read More
AFL Max Adelaide: The Ultimate Destination for Active Fun Just Got Even Better! AFL Max, Australia’s first indoor AFL skills and entertainment centre, has just unveiled a massive venue upgrade, making it bigger, better, and packed with even more fun! Located in Adelaide, AFL Max has long been a favourite destination for kids, families, and AFL fans looking to test their skills and enjoy high-energy play. Now, with new attractions and enhanced...
Read More
Family celebrations, a meal out or a lazy Sunday drive to the hills needn’t bore your kids and have them whinging at you. Grunthal Brew is the perfect venue that has it all, and the kids are not going to want to leave. So text the friends you don’t see often enough, book the birthday lunch for your self and get up to Grunthal. Missing the yellow cow from the main street of Hahndorf? You’ll find it here, with the cute little...
Read More
BOUNCE now has two venues in Adelaide. Yep, you can BOUNCE the day away at Marleston and Greenacres! BOUNCE is a massive indoor adventure park that provides an adrenaline rush for all ages. Imagine more than 50 interconnected trampolines with the Big Bag, Slam Dunk and Dodgeball courts rolled in. It’s also home to the famous BOUNCE X-Park obstacle course so you can get your ninja on! Taste the rush of extreme sports and freestyle gymnastics...
Read More
Honestly, what family doesn’t need help with their digital wellbeing? Enter Inchargebox! We have had our eyes on this product for a while and in the lead up to the summer holidays, we jumped at the opportunity to give a couple of different sized Inchargebox’s a go. What is it exactly? Well it’s a great quality, powered coated, lockable, steel tech storage box. It’s stylish and it obviously has has capability to charge up...
Read More
Ever wanted to bite the head off of a T-Rex? Or maybe sip on a delicious chocolate milkshake while under the watchful gaze of a suspended bottle nose dolphin skeleton? Maybe you’ve never thought about it, but our point is, eating out with kids around Adelaide doesn’t have to be expensive, or boring. We love the South Australian Museum, hello FREE, airconditioned, indoor activity. Heading to the Museum Café is a highlight for our...
Read More
We’re going to skip past the introductions and go straight to the shakes. These aren’t just any shakes. They’re absolute monsters, nearly as tall as my last-born child. Instagram-worthy, show-stopping, and indulgent to the max, these signature shakes are a must-order. The Strawberry Eton Mess combines a creamy strawberry shake with white chocolate meringue and fresh strawberries, while the Strawberry Lamington pairs a vanilla shake with a...
Read More
Looking for a top family-friendly restaurant in the Adelaide Hills? How about one with a secret garden and where kids eat free on Thursday evenings as a nice little bonus! Oh, and make it Spanish!! Comida in Hahndorf is a standout choice that caters to both kids and adults with its inviting atmosphere and diverse menus. The real gold can be found out the back if you are dining as a family. The garden is beautiful year round, and how stress free...
Read More
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly place to eat in Adelaide that feels like a treat but is easy and relaxed, choose dessert! St. Louis is always a winner. It’s one of those places families keep coming back to because it’s great quality and always consistent. The kids will be excited, parents are happy, and no one feels like they’re in the wrong place with little people in tow. Whether it’s an after-school stop, a weekend outing or a...
Read More
Mick O’Shea’s has had a serious glow-up, and it’s officially stepped into its “ultimate family hangout” era. The refreshed beer garden, brand-new outdoor bar and expanded pavilion have given the place a breezy, holiday-afternoon vibe while still keeping all the cosy charm of a classic Irish pub. Inside, you’ll still find the warm hospitality and hearty pub meals you know and love, but outside is where the magic happens. Think loads of space for...
Read More
**Want 15% off stays at this park, or a select handful of other Discovery Parks in South Australia? Look and book via THIS LINK and use code KIDSINADL25 at checkout. Valid for stays now to Nov 2026, t&c apply** If seemingly endless holiday park facilities and entertainment for the kids are top of your holiday park list, then Discovery Parks – Renmark Riverfront is hands down South Australia’s best ever option for families....
Read More
**Want 15% off stays at this park, or a select handful of other Discovery Parks in South Australia? Look and book via THIS LINK and use code KIDSINADL25 at check out. Valid for stays now to Nov 2026, t&c apply** Discovery Parks – Hahndorf is surely one of the best family-friendly getaways in the Adelaide Hills, offering endless things to do for kids and parents and the perfect base for a relaxed countryside escape. Sitting...
Read More
If you’re searching for a family-friendly winery in McLaren Vale with incredible views, space for kids to roam, and a memorable food and wine offering, Dandelion Vineyards’ Wonder Room is an absolute standout. Officially opened in late 2023, this stunning newish cellar door blends relaxed luxury with award-winning wines and genuine family-friendly hospitality, making it one of the region’s most impressive spots to visit with kids. We made our...
Read More
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious family dining experience in Adelaide, Mandarin Duck at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza needs to be on your radar. Conveniently located in the central dining hub (right near Hoyts), this fresh and modern Chinese restaurant has quickly become a go-to for families who love great food, comfy seating, and a stress-free meal out with the kids. Why We Love It for Families The location alone is a win, whether you’re...
Read More
The KIIS 1023 Giant Wheel is BACK at Glenelg and sporting some seriously cool stickers on the seats! (Spoiler alert: They are OURS!) Skyline Attractions is thrilled to be coming back to Glenelg for the sixth year running. From Friday 24th October 2025 to 10th May 2026 you can take a ride 35 metres in the air (which is 17.9 Tim’s tall!) on the Giant Wheel overlooking Moseley Square. We LOVE it so much every year that we have jumped...
Read More
Our stay at The Grape Escape was everything a family holiday in McLaren Vale should be, relaxed, picturesque, and perfectly designed for families. Managed by the ever-impressive Sanbis Retreats, this home is made for one or two families looking to spend a few days or a week exploring both McLaren Vale and the wider Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s positioned smack bang on the Shiraz Trail, meaning there’s no traffic, just a peaceful bike path and rows...
Read More
Beach Road Wines is one of those rare places where grown-ups and kids can both completely relax. Set high above McLaren Vale, the views spill out across the vines, and there’s no rush to leave. We settled under the big shady tree, sharing wood-fired pizzas (and mention worthy potatoes and salad) while the breeze carried the scent of the vineyards. The kids darted between bites and playtime, climbing in and out of the charming little “boat”...
Read More
If you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure the whole family will love (like LOVE), we can’t recommend SA eBikes enough. We recently spent a day riding through McLaren Vale on the Shiraz Trail and beyond, and it was easily one of the best things we did these school holidays. We started at Oxenberry Farm, however the Fleurieu Visitor Centre is usually the main pick-up hub for SA eBikes, and we set off along the Shiraz Trail, a beautiful,...
Read More
We found the best cafe in McLaren Vale! If you’re looking for a café that feels as welcoming to little ones as it is to grownups, Manna McLaren Vale is an absolute gem, found right on the main street of McLaren Vale. It’s super easy to access, and even easier to love, whether you’re strolling through town or driving for a day trip in the region. This is the only cafe you’ll need. We visited for breakfast, what a way to start the day and...
Read More
