Putting together a list of our favourite family spots in McLaren Vale was always going to be a difficult job. There are just so many things to see and do, places to visit, food to eat (and a wine or two to taste) It took us two weeks to put this feature together and I think we’re about 10kg heavier in the process.
McLaren Vale is only a 45 minute drive from the city, it’s an easy place to spend a day or even a weekend. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, great food and fab wine.
So what makes a venue pass the KiA Kid Friendly test? We’re talking about big beautiful lawned areas for a picnic or BBQ, great kids menus, play areas, sand pits, friendly staff, high chairs, change tables and even animals!
So take a look at our suggestions for a family friendly day in McLaren Vale and please tag us in any of your photos, we’d love to see where you end up. A BIG thank you goes to local, Becky Hirst for helping us put this list together.
Kids in Adelaide acknowledges the Kaurna people, the Traditional Owners of Country throughout McLaren Vale and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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 and it can be fun for everyone, we promise! Here at Kids in Adelaide, we are dedicated to showcasing family-friendly wineries that are small enough to give us...
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Pizza? Check! Wine? Check! Space for the kids to run and play? Check! Stunning gardens straight out of a fairytale? Check! Mums and Dads, Lazy Ballerina is your ultimate lunch spot nestled between the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Adelaide Hills. As soon as you walk up the path to enter Lazy Ballerina, you will know you have found somewhere special. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous and it is well worth visiting a few times a year to see how...
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There is a lot to get through with this one, but it is totally worth it. For those with slightly older kids, this crew put on some of the most memorable experiences you can well…..experience…..in South Australia. We will cover all their options later, but firstly we have to spend some time talking about our trip down to the incredible Onkaparinga Gorge down on the fringes of McLaren Vale, where some really treasured memories were...
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A garden centre might seem like a weird place to take the kids, but this is no ordinary garden centre. This is a JUNGLE! For a gold coin donation, you can meander through the 35 year old palm forest, go on a jungle animal hunt and visit the Fairy Garden. Grab a clipboard and pen from the shop and GO! You’ll need to look up and down and all around, and remember the animals might have moved since your last visit! This fantastic adventure is fun...
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If you’re looking for a bit of adventure for your older kids (aged 12+) then Southern Adventure Hub is a great option! Approximately 45 minutes drive south of Adelaide, near the McLaren Vale region it’s located in a lovely bush setting, with plenty of shade and places to enjoy a picnic. The main features of this adventure space are the 9 metre 2 sided rock climbing wall and continuous high ropes course, and when we say high ropes,...
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I cannot believe we haven’t been to Serafino for lunch before, but now we have been once we will definitely be back! Serafino is a wonderful place for a celebratory lunch – the day we visited there were a couple of big birthdays and I can see why it’s the restaurant of choice for such occasions. They have married fine-dining, with brilliant wines, and the kind of grounds that every child dreams of. Oh and did I mention they...
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The front sign says it all WELCOME and that is exactly how this winery makes families feel when you walk through the door. A fab spot for a lazy afternoon. What we love about this winery is the simplicity. The little things are often the things we want and remember the most. Lloyd Brothers loves families and this was evident when we visited. They have a gorgeous little kids corner located inside. Whilst small it has a little table and chairs,...
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You can EASILY spend a whole weekend discovering all the hidden (and not so hidden) family friendly treasures McLaren Vale has to offer. So why not make a weekend of it and book a night or two at BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park With the sea and the vines so close this is great spot to make the most of both worlds. Nice combination for all the family. Beach speaks for itself which is walking distance and there are so many family friendly...
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The Fleurieu Arthouse is a real gem with so much on offer including an inspiring gallery/retail space that will get the budding artist inspired to create and you to make a few purchases. Then there are the workshop areas which enable you to see artists creating and an open space where school holiday programs are held.This place has so many little treasures: the kids art classes, trees to climb, the children’s play area and old school phone box...
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This winery goes by two names. The wines are called Fork in the Road wines and the venue as such is called Old Oval Estate and it’s the sweetest family run winery. Old Oval Estate has a lovely home away from home feel and before my visit I had someone tell me it’s their favourite place to take the kids and I can see why. The location and space lend itself to being a great place to head for a platter and catch up with friends and/or family. So...
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A great spot to start your day/weekend/stay in McLaren Vale the Visitor Centre has all the information you need on where to visit, eat and of course sample some wine. It also has a fabulous playground in a beautiful big open grassy space overlooking the vineyards. There’s a cafe onsite where you can grab a something to eat, a coffee or a wine and watch the kids play Find it at 796 Main Rd, McLaren Vale [wpgmza id=”138″...
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