Surviving Adelaide Fringe with Kids – A Parent’s Guide

Kids are unpredictable. So are Fringe shows. That’s why planning is your new best friend. Here’s how to tackle a day at Adelaide Fringe with kids like a pro.

🚗 Sort Your Transport or Parking
Weekends get hectic, and opening night? Even wilder. Pre-book a car park (seriously, best invention since sliced bread), or take public transport, an Uber, or even a bike – bonus points if it’s a hipster one (because Fringe).

Book East end parking here: https://bookabay.wilsonparking.com.au/

🎭 Know Where Your Show Is
Rookie mistake: assuming everything happens in The Garden of Unearthly Delights. Fringe is everywhere – from the city to the suburbs and hills. Double-check your venue or risk a last-minute sprint.

Grab the Venue Map Here: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/venues-map

⏳ Leave Wiggle Room Between Shows
Kids hate being rushed almost as much as your partner hates Married at First Sight. Give yourself at least 30 minutes between shows for toilet breaks, snack stops, and getting distracted by street performers. Plus, seating is usually first in, best dressed – so aim to arrive 10 minutes early.

🎭 Bonus Tip: Many performers stick around for photos after the show. Don’t be that parent who drags their kid away before they can meet their new idol.

The Parent Stuff: What to Pack and Prep For

1. Picnic Rugs = Your Secret Weapon: They’re perfect for impromptu seating, and older kids can easily spot your spot in the crowd.
2. Snacks and Water Bottles: Yes, there are tons of food vendors (fingers crossed the mojito van is back this year!), but I usually blow most of the budget on tickets, so we bring healthy(ish) snacks and grab one treat. You can easily find places to fill up water bottles too.
3. Prams Are Your Friend: No matter how old your kid is, bring a pram. You might need to park it outside shows (not the kid, the pram!), so don’t leave valuables in it.
4. A spray bottle: Fringe starts in summer, which generally means, it’s gonna’ be HOT!! Chuck a spray bottle with water in your tote bag and let the kids cool off!
5. Avoid Losing Your Kids: For the little ones, pop your phone number on them and take a pic at the start of the day. That way, you’ll have a recent photo if they wander off. For extra safety, you can grab SAPOL wristbands at any ticket booth to pop on your kids with your phone number.

Know the Show Content and Appropriateness
Just because a show is during the day or sounds like a kids’ show, doesn’t mean it is. One of my kids’ lasting memories? The time they chanted swear words and saw a unicorn at a rave hump a rabbit. Yikes. It’s an arts festival, so expect loose boundaries! Always check if the content is right for your little ones.

Final Helpful Tips

Check Our Top Picks for Kids: We’ve done the legwork! Browse our Top Fringe Picks for Kids.
Early Shows for Little Kids: Engage your little ones with early shows like Monski Mouse in the Garden of Unearthly Delights. Quick, catchy, and engaging – perfect for their attention span.And then, take them home for a nap!
Grab a Fringe Guide: Pick one up at any Bank SA or check it online. It’s packed with info that’s more than just a show guide!

Resources to make your Fringe easier

• Fringe Website: A treasure chest of info, from self-collection points for tickets to accessible shows and free events. Check out www.adelaidefringe.com.au for all the details!